Cover The dining experience offered by The Eastern and Oriental Express train is unmatched for railway luxury (Photo: The Eastern & Oriental)
The dining experience offered by The Eastern and Oriental Express train is unmatched for railway luxury (Photo: The Eastern & Oriental)
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Uncover Malaysia’s most breathtaking landscapes by train—a slower, richer way to travel through rainforests and historical villages
For travellers seeking to slow down and take a break from the airport bustle, these authentic rail experiences across Malaysia offer some of Southeast Asia’s most scenic and culturally rich journeys.
From luxurious overnight adventures, to the nostalgic charm of heritage trains, these routes offer more than just transportation, they’re immersive journeys through landscapes, history and local traditions. Whether you’re after lush rainforests, rural villages, golden-hour beach stops, or cultural encounters aboard heritage trains, Malaysia’s railways invite you to slow down and see the country from a new perspective, one track at a time.
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The Eastern & Oriental Express
Above Private cabins are available from state to presidential standards (Photo: Belmond)
Private cabins are available from state to presidential standards (Photo: Belmond)
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The Belmond sleeper train offers a luxurious travel experience through the heart of Southeast Asia, complete with private cabins, world-class dining, spa treatments, live entertainment, and elegant evenings in the piano bar. With multiple scenic routes available, guests can journey through some of the region’s most breathtaking landscapes in refined comfort.
One of the its signature experiences, The Essence of Malaysia, operates from November to February and spans three unforgettable nights. The journey begins in the vibrant city of Singapore, gliding through lush jungles to Kuala Lumpur, across the idyllic islands of Langkawi, and into the culturally rich regions of Penang and Johor.
This is just one of Belmond’s premium offerings. Other notable journeys include Wild Malaysia, Festive Malaysia, and the longest itinerary—the six-night Tiger Express. This extended adventure ventures deep into the ancient rainforests of Taman Negara, where guests gain insight into vital conservation efforts aimed at protecting the endangered Malayan tiger.
KTMB ETS (KL Sentral to Butterworth, Penang)
Above Birds-eye view of the ETS gliding through the lush landscapes (Image: Instagram @bryden_production)
Birds-eye view of the ETS gliding through the lush landscapes (Image: Instagram @bryden_production)
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Looking for a more budget-friendly option or simply planning a quick escape without the commitment of an overnight journey? The Electric Train Service (ETS) offers a time-efficient and comfortable alternative for short getaways. Taking approximately four hours, this modern and reliable service winds through Malaysia’s lush tropical landscapes, offering panoramic views of dense greenery, rural towns, and rolling hills. Despite its affordability, this service doesn’t compromise on comfort, passengers enjoy air-conditioned coaches, onboard refreshments, and reserved seating, making it a convenient and scenic way to experience the beauty of the Malaysian countryside in just an afternoon.
And as a bonus while you're in Penang, don’t miss the chance to ride the iconic Penang Hill funicular tram, the steepest of its kind in the world. This thrilling ascent offers breathtaking, panoramic views of the island’s lush landscapes, colonial architecture, and distant coastline.
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KTMB MySawasdee from KL to Hat Yai, Thailand
Above The MySawasdee train surrounded by nature from start to finish (Image: thesmartlocal.my)
Above Expect views of rainforests, paddies and local villages (Image: phil.uk.net)
The MySawasdee train surrounded by nature from start to finish (Image: thesmartlocal.my)
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Dreaming of an international escape? Set off on a scenic overnight journey from Kuala Lumpur to Hat Yai aboard the MySawasdee sleeper train, a direct cross-border service that combines comfort, ease, and charm.
Departing from KL Sentral in the evening, the train carries you through the night toward southern Thailand, before arriving at Hatyai Junction the next morning. As dawn breaks, awaken to the golden glow of sunrise illuminating the lush, tropical landscapes beyond your window, a serene welcome to a new destination. With its private sleeper cabins, smooth immigration process at Padang Besar and relaxed pace, the MySawasdee train offers a restful, hassle-free alternative to air travel, perfect for those seeking a more soulful way to cross borders.
The North Borneo Heritage Train
Above The first train in north Borneo (Image: WikiCommons)
Above The historic steam-diesel train still revisiting its routes (Image: Railwayadventures.travel)
The first train in north Borneo (Image: WikiCommons)
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The North Borneo Heritage Train offers a delightful and scenic journey from Tanjung Aru Railway Station in Kota Kinabalu to Benoni in Papar, Sabah. This nostalgic tour aboard a historic steam-diesel train takes you through the lush countryside of Sabah, immersing you in its rich heritage and natural beauty.
The experience lasts approximately five hours, with departures available on Wednesdays for the Day Tour or Sundays for the captivating Sunset Tour. The Day Tour includes stops at vibrant tamu (local markets) to sample delicious local delicacies in Papar. On the Sunset Tour, guests are treated to stunning views at Benoni Beach during golden hour, an ideal setting for unforgettable photographs.
Onboard, passengers can engage in cultural activities such as traditional batik painting, along with enjoying traditional refreshments alongside local delicacies and a meal. With its perfect blend of heritage, culture, and scenic beauty, the North Borneo Heritage Train offers a unique and unforgettable way to explore the heart of Sabah.
Ekspres Rakyat Timuran (The Jungle Railway)
Above The jungle railway surrounded by what inspired its name, the vast South East Asian jungles (Image: BisikHujan/X)
The jungle railway surrounded by what inspired its name, the vast South East Asian jungles (Image: BisikHujan/X)
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The Ekspres Rakyat Timuran is widely regarded as one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic and historic rail journeys,a 16-hour adventure that spans 526 kilometers through the heart of Peninsular Malaysia. Traversing the states of Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, and Kelantan, this legendary route offers a rare glimpse into the country’s untamed interior, far removed from the urban sprawl of Malaysia’s major cities.
Originating in the quiet town of Gemas in the south and culminating in Tumpat, near the Thai border, the journey winds through lush rainforests, traditional kampungs (villages), misty highlands, and dramatic limestone outcrops.
The railway itself is steeped in history, with construction dating back to the British colonial era between 1910 and 1931. Riding the Ekspres Rakyat Timuran is not just a means of travel, it’s a passage through living history, culture, and the raw beauty of Malaysia’s rural landscapes. For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience filled with character, charm, and nostalgia, this is a journey like no other.
Bonus: KLIA Express
As an added bonus, the KLIA Express is not only an exceptionally efficient airport transfer option, but also an underrated scenic experience. Often overlooked as a rail experience, the journey offers a unique glimpse into Malaysia’s diverse landscapes, whisking passengers from the lush greenery of the jungle, past the vast stretches of Sepang, and straight into the vibrant heart of Kuala Lumpur.
So next time you're planning a trip, skip the rush and take the tracks, you might just find the journey is the destination.
