Great Asian Railway Journeys

S01E13 Yogyakarta to Ambarawa

Michael Portillo continues his rail adventure through Southeast Asia, this time exploring the southern archipelago of Indonesia. He journeys through Java's Central province, heading towards Surabaya. Starting in the royal city of Yogyakarta, Michael tours the Sultan’s palace and is captivated by the traditional art of wayang, or shadow puppetry. Drawn to the vibrant textiles in the local markets, he delves into the batik-making process, a UNESCO-recognized craft, and considers purchasing a playful sarong. Traveling north to Ambarawa, he hops aboard a picturesque heritage railway built by the Dutch, featuring carriages from the era of his Bradshaw’s guidebook, now a beloved attraction for Javanese visitors.