KA Pangandaran Becomes Holiday Choice, Railway Tourism Trend Grows Popular

Tourism Travel to southern West Java is now gaining momentum via railway.  Not only traffic-Free, this journey offers layered visual experiences from the very start.

Devoid of honking horns and highway congestion, the trip begins at a calmer rhythm. Sitting quietly, letting the landscape shift outside the window. 

The Pangandaran Train on the Gambir-Banjar round-trip route is not merely transportation, but a practical solution for those wanting a vacation without draining their energy before even reaching the destination.

This phenomenon is reflected in the latest data from PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero). During the January - March 2026 period, Pangandaran Train users reached 97,306 people, a 21.23 percent increase compared to the same period the previous year (80,265 people).

From an experiential perspective, the journey offered is not just geographical transit. 

KAI Vice President Corporate Communication Anne Purba emphasized that the train route presents scenic landscapes, dominated by mountains, green valleys, and water elements like rivers and waterfalls along the route from Purwakarta to Banjar.

"For those still unsure where to vacation next week, the Pangandaran Train could be the answer. This journey to Banjar is highly exotic, a perfect prelude before actually arriving and exploring the string of beautiful beaches in Pangandaran," said Anne.

After arriving in Banjar, connectivity to Pangandaran opens access to various premier destinations. 

The area offers a spectrum of tourism, from beach recreation at Pangandaran Beach, Surfing activities at Batu Karas Beach, to adventures navigating river currents at Green Canyon Pangandaran.

Besides Adventure Tourism, family recreation options are also available through Aquarium Indonesia Pangandaran, offering an educational approach to introducing marine biodiversity to visitors of all ages.

To end the day, the Madasari Beach area offers culinary experiences based on fresh seafood, where tourists can enjoy dishes like grilled lobster while watching the sunset panorama on the horizon.

"The advantage of taking the train is that tourists arrive at the location with their bodies still feeling fresh. Energy isn't depleted on the road due to traffic jams, so activities like enjoying seafood cuisine or adventuring on Pangandaran's beaches can be done more optimally," added Anne.

Economically, the increase in tourist flow directly impacts the local sector, including MSME players, accommodation occupancy rates, and tour guide services, which have grown alongside consistent visitation.

As the operator, PT Kereta Api Indonesia continues to strengthen its role in supporting connectivity and tourism development through services prioritizing punctuality and Travel comfort.

"KAI is happy to be part of the community's Holiday Plans. We continue to collaborate with many parties so that train travel remains the primary choice – exciting, comfortable, and certainly providing benefits for the advancement of Indonesian Tourism," concluded Anne.