The biggest locomotive museum in Indonesia where located in Ambarawa, fifty kilometers south of Semarang - Central Java. Ambarawa is the home of Java’s antique locomotives, in various types and ages. A fun cog railway ride is available from Ambarawa to a village nearby, Bedono. This small city is in the junction of national road between Yogyakarta to Semarang and accessible from several small cities like Salatiga, Magelang and Bandungan.

The museum management always keeps the locomotives in good condition. As the adding, there are a number of antique telephones and other instruments which were used for railway communication. Furthermore, the surrounding nature of Ambarawa is really enjoyable.

Taking a ride of Ambarawa antique train is the most favorite activity. The capacity of the old vehicle is around ninety people. Through the trip, people can learn that the area was once an important point during the war of Indonesia's independence, particularly in transporting the national army.

Here are the valuable collections in Ambarawa Railway Museum that supported by the local government, the Governor of Central Java which comprises:

• Mountain Rail for Tourism
• Old telephones
• Old Morse telegraph equipments
• Old tables, chairs and cupboards
• Old bells and signal equipments
• 21 locomotives.

Knowing the historical Ambarawa train museum, people understand the role of railway as a land transportation mode and its service to the people and the country from time to time. The establishment of the Railway Museum is expected to open younger generation’s mind to understand the role of railway as one of the reliable transport mode.

How to get there

Ambarawa Railway Museum is located in Ambarawa, Semarang District, precisely walked connecting Ambarawa by Magelang/Yogyakarta. Get to Semarang by train from many cities in Java Island or flights (for flight info click here) where landed on domestic airport of Ahmad Yani. From there, take public bus to Ambarawa or rent car.

For more information about this Museum, please contact:

Kantor Daerah Operasi IV PT Kereta Api Indonesia

(Indonesian Railway Company, Region IV Office)
Jalan Thamrin no. 3, Semarang. Phone 024 - 354 5382
Museum Kereta Api Ambarawa (Ambarawa Railway Museum)
Jalan Setasiun no. 1, Ambarawa. Phone 0298 – 91035

photo credits: dephub.go.id