Malabar Train
Malabar Train is a mixed class train, which consists of Executive, Business, and Economy Class presented by PT Kereta Api Indonesia (persero) to serve the Bandung-Malang route. This express train connects these two cities through Hall Bandung Station and Malang Kota Baru Station main corridor. A trip to the Flower City and the Apple City will pass by Kediri. The occupancy of Malabar Train is pretty high with 60 to 80% on working days and 100% on the weekend.
Malabar Train operates under Bandung Operation Area II. Operating since 2010, Malabar travels 779 kilometers with its new locomotive from CC206 class. With average speeds at 60 to 100 kilometers per hour, the train spends at least 16 to 17 hours on a one-way trip.
Malabar Train only covers one round-trip route each day. From Hall Bandung Station, it departs at 03:45 pm, traveling for 15 hours and 20 minutes trip to Malang. From Malang Station, the train leaves at 04:00 pm, taking 15 hours and 48 minutes to the last stop.
During the journey, Malabar Train stops at some stations. They are Kiaracondong Sation in Bandung and Kediri Station. Besides those main stops, the train will also halt at Cipendeuy Station, Tasikmalaya Station, Banjar Station, Kroya Station, Gombong Station, Yogyakarta Station, Balapan Station, Paron Station, Madiun Station, Nganjuk Station, Kertosono Station, Tulungagung Station, Blitar Station, Wlingi Station, and Kepanjen Station.
Malabar Train offers different ticket fares, depending on the class. The ticket for an Executive Class is available at IDR 365.000 to IDR 465.000. In Business Class, PT Kereta Api Indonesia (persero) sets the price from IDR 270.000 to IDR 345.000 per person. While for Economy Class, the price is available from IDR 185.000 to IDR 250.000 per person.
The facility provided in each car may be different depending on the class type. However, all class have something in common—they have a couple of main facilities, such as air conditioner, comfortable seats, restroom, electrical outlets, and meal service.
Interesting Information about Malabar Train
The Origin of the Name
There are two stories behind the name of Malabar Train. Firstly, the train adopts a name of a mountain—Mount Malabar, which stands 2.343 meters above sea level in South Bandung Region. Secondly and the compelling one, some people believe it is the acronym of its two route ends, Malang and Bandung Raya; thus Malabar.
History of the Train
Malabar Train was officially launched at the end of April in 2010. The train made its first trip simultaneously from both Hall Bandung Station and Malang Station. At that time, Malabar was the best option for citizens who want to travel the long distance between Bandung and Malang. And the service is even more satisfying since the train also provides a complete, various, and flexible service.
The Train Series
Malabar Train is one of PT Kereta Api Indonesia (persero) trains that includes all class type in the series. This train runs with one Locomotive CC206, three cars for Executive Class with 50 seats in each car, two cars for Business Class with 80 seats each, three cars for Economy Class with 106 seats each, one buffet car and generator, and two luggage cars. With this capacity, Malabar Train can carry 628 passengers.