Great Asian Railway Journeys - Season 1 - Eps 14: Ambarawa to Surabaya
Steered by his 1913 Bradshaw’s guidebook on a 2,500-mile rail tour of south east Asia, Michael Portillo is in Indonesia, today one of the biggest coffee producers in the world. In the mountainous interior of Java, Michael discovers how coffee was first brought to the island for cultivation and learns about production today. In the city of Semarang, headquarters of the Dutch East Indies Railway Company, Michael visits the Great Mosque, whose sheer scale is a reminder that there are more Muslims in Indonesia than in any other country. Journey’s end is at the port of Surabaya, second largest city in Java, a port bursting with local traditions, produce and culture. Michael learns the story behind its proud moniker, “City of Heroes”.
About Great Asian Railway Journeys

Title: Great Asian Railway Journeys
First Air Date: 2020-01-27
Last Air Date: 2020-02-29
Status: Ended
Rating: 7.5/10 (from 2 votes)
Language: EN
Seasons: 1
Total Episodes: 20
Network: BBC Two
Genres: Documentary
Production Companies: Fremantle Media Television Production
Synopsis
Michael Portillo is in Southeast Asia, armed with his 1913 Bradshaw's Handbook. It will lead him on a spectacular 2,500-mile railway adventure across six countries. He explores towering megacities and magnificent mosques.
Cast

Michael Portillo
Self - Presenter