Whoosh to Bandung: A Sweet Escape Around a Milestone Ride

TheIndonesia.co - This year, our wedding anniversary came with a little twist. Instead of taking a long journey to visit wild animals like we usually do, we decided to spend it in Bandung—and we got there in style. We hopped on Whoosh, Indonesia’s high-speed train officially named Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC). Coincidentally (or fatefully), Whoosh had just passed a major milestone: over 10 million passengers carried.

According to a press release by PT KCIC reported by Antara News Agency on June 25th, 2025, the train had transported 10,014,707 passengers across 29,786 trips from its launch on October 17, 2023, through to that date. That’s a pretty big number for a relatively new service.

"This achievement reflects the public’s strong enthusiasm for the Whoosh high-speed train," said Eva Chairunisa, General Manager of Corporate Secretary at KCIC. She also called the milestone “a new chapter in Indonesia’s railway history.”

A Symbol of Progress

The 10-million passenger mark isn’t just a statistic—it’s a sign of how modern and efficient transportation is being embraced in Indonesia.

KCIC attributes this success to ongoing service improvements and strong cooperation with local transportation providers to make it easier for people to reach the stations. And it’s not just about speed—Whoosh is making a positive impact in other areas too.

The train service is helping reduce the financial burden caused by traffic accidents, saving an estimated Rp2.91 billion annually. It’s also an eco-friendly choice. Research by the University of Indonesia found that the Whoosh train emits only 6.9 grams of CO per passenger-kilometer, compared to 12.7 grams from private vehicles.

Even more impressive: Whoosh is now fully operated by Indonesian workers. The knowledge and tech transfer from Chinese experts has gone smoothly, showing how far local expertise has come in less than two years.

A Love Ride to Bandung

So back to us. We wanted something simple, sweet, and memorable for our anniversary—no stress, no long travel hours, and no traffic jams. Whoosh checked all the boxes. This journey became our third time taking a high-speed train in Indonesia, and the experience felt fresh and futuristic.

From Halim Station in East Jakarta, we reached Bandung in just about 45 minutes. Just enough time to get comfy, chat a little, and enjoy the countryside zooming by. It felt like something new—something different from all our previous travels.

If You’re Not Taking Whoosh...

That’s okay too. There are other ways to reach Bandung, and each comes with its own charm.

Regular Train (KA Argo Parahyangan or others)

Taking a regular train from Gambir or Pasar Senen in Jakarta to Bandung takes around 3 hours. It’s slower, yes, but that’s also the appeal. The journey passes through rice fields, hills, small villages, and scenic mountain ranges. It’s perfect if you like the idea of slow travel—watching the world outside your window shift from concrete to green.

By Car

Driving to Bandung can be fun if you don’t mind the traffic, especially on weekends. The route via the Cipularang toll road is well-maintained and quite scenic in parts, especially when you're approaching the higher elevations near Bandung.

What’s Waiting in Bandung

Once we arrived, we were greeted by the cool mountain air. Bandung is always refreshing, no matter how many times you’ve visited. This time, we wanted to walk more, explore the city by foot and feel that blend of colonial nostalgia and modern-day youth culture.

Here are a few must-visit spots that made our short trip memorable:

Jalan Braga

This street is full of old-world charm. It’s like stepping into the past, with art deco buildings lining the sidewalks, quaint cafés, murals, and vintage lamp posts. During the colonial era, Braga was the fashionable part of town. Today, it’s a favourite for Gen Z creatives, photographers, and tourists who just want to vibe with Bandung’s artistic soul.

We grabbed coffee and sat by the window, people-watching while a street musician played a familiar tune in the background. It was simple, but so lovely.

Jalan Asia Afrika and Gedung Merdeka

Just a short walk from Braga, this area is packed with history. Gedung Merdeka, the iconic venue for the 1955 Asia-Africa Conference, stands proud here. The whole area has a sense of gravitas to it—quiet yet strong.

Strolling along the wide sidewalks, we saw black-and-white photos displayed on walls, telling stories of Bandung’s past. It felt like walking through a living museum.

The King’s & Yogya Mall

If you grew up in Indonesia during the '90s or early 2000s, you probably know The King’s. It’s one of those malls that feels like a time capsule. Slightly retro, slightly worn, but still full of life. It’s a little chaotic and very nostalgic.

Across town, Yogya Department Store still holds its ground with affordable fashion, household goods, and plenty of local snacks. We picked up some oleh-oleh (souvenirs) and laughed at the memory of shopping here in our teens.

Food Trip Essentials

You can’t go to Bandung and not eat your heart out. Here’s what we enjoyed:

• Martabak manis with extra butter and cheese from a street cart near Cihampelas.
• Siomay Bandung with peanut sauce so good, we asked for extra twice.
• A hearty plate of nasi timbel wrapped in banana leaf, eaten on a wooden bench under the trees.
• And yes, a mandatory stop at Braga’s hipster cafés, where we had fun sipping overpriced coffee because … the vibes.

Getting Around the City

Getting around Bandung is easy, especially from the train stations. You can:

• Call a GoJek or Grab (motorbikes or cars)
• Hop on the cute double-decker Bandros tourist bus
• Walk—especially in the city center, where everything is just a few blocks apart

Quick Guide: Fast vs. Scenic Route

How You Travel                Duration                                  Vibe

Whoosh (HSR)                 ~45–50 mins                        Fast, comfy, modern
Regular Train                   ~3 hours                              Scenic, chill, nostalgic
By Car                                3–4+ hours                        Road trip, can be crowded

Final Notes: It’s Not Just About the Destination

Our short trip to Bandung reminded us of something important: how we get somewhere matters just as much as where we end up. Taking Whoosh was more than just convenience—it felt symbolic, like a reflection of how far we’ve come as a couple and how much Indonesia has moved forward in terms of modern travel.

Sure, it was only 45 minutes on a train. But that 45 minutes made space for laughter, quiet thoughts, shared snacks, and soft hands held across the aisle.

We came for a change of scenery. We found memories.

Thinking about taking your own trip with Whoosh? Go for it. Whether it's a weekend getaway, a solo soul-searching ride, or something sweet like an anniversary, the journey itself might surprise you!