Malang to Bandung

Roughly 770km from Malang to Bandung, taking between 12 and a half and 13 hours on the Malabar, the only direct train between the two cities. It leaves Malang twice a day, once very early in the morning and once in the late afternoon or evening.

The route. Westbound, the Malabar loops through Kediri before joining the southern main line and running through Solo Balapan, Yogyakarta and Kebumen, then climbs into the Priangan highlands past Tasikmalaya and Garut for the final approach to Bandung. With more than 25 stops, it is also a handy one-seat link from Malang to Solo or Yogyakarta.

Which departure? The early-morning train arrives in Bandung in the evening, and its last few hours climb through the best scenery on the whole journey in daylight. The evening train is the practical choice: you sleep through Central Java and wake up in the hills for an early-morning arrival in Bandung, saving a night's accommodation.

Classes. Eksekutif and premium ekonomi, both laid out 2-2. There is no longer a business class on this train.

Alternatives. If thirteen hours in one seat is too much, split the journey in Yogyakarta: Malang to Yogyakarta on the Malioboro Ekspres, then Yogyakarta to Bandung on one of several daily trains. Check current times in Access by KAI, as Malabar departures have moved between timetables.