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Malaysia’s Jungle Railway Adventure

Malaysia’s Jungle Railway Adventure

From $ 3,145 AUD

Description

Climb aboard one of South East Asia’s most iconic rail journeys on this 10-day adventure from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore. Rolling past tropical forests, rural villages and limestone cliffs, you’ll experience the beauty and cultural heritage of the less travelled reaches of Malaysia. Kick off in vibrant Kuala Lumpur, then head to Ipoh to stand beneath a giant Buddha statue in Perak Cave Temple and uncover the stories of Old Town. Swap the trees for coral reefs on a snorkelling trip to the Perhentian Islands, then get back on track to Taman Negara to learn jungle survival skills with Orang Asli tribes. After uncovering Melaka’s rich history by trishaw, wrap it all up with satay and char kway teow in Singapore’s hawker halls.

Trip Name
Malaysia's Jungle Railway Adventure
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
10
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Embrace a slower pace of travel on Malaysia's 100-year-old Jungle Railway. Chug through dense jungle, along river valleys and past misty hills – all while watching life unfold in traditional villages along the way.
  • Hike through rainforests in Taman Negara and meet the Orang Asli, one of Peninsular Malaysia’s last Indigenous groups. Discover their ancient forest survival skills, from traditional hunting techniques to the secrets of living in harmony with the jungle.
  • Visit two UNESCO cities. Uncover the history and creativity of Ipoh’s Old Town as you explore murals, old-style buildings and narrow alleys lined with antique shops, then dive into Melaka’s spice trading past as you zip through its heritage streets on a trishaw.
  • Day trip to the tropical Perhentian Islands for a snorkelling adventure. Swim in crystalline waters, explore colour-popping reefs and snorkel among curious clownfish, parrotfish, rays and maybe even turtles.
  • Eat your way around Lau Pa Sat, one of Singapore’s oldest and most celebrated hawker markets, set against a skyline of shiny high rises.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Kuala Lumpur
Selamat datang! Welcome to Malaysia. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm at your hotel to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. There’s plenty to do and see in Malaysia’s multicultural capital if you arrive early – you could check out the markets and street food along Petaling Street, admire the views at the iconic Petronas Towers or take in the various styles of architecture at Dataran Merdeka. This evening, maybe head out for an optional dinner with your group and get to know each other.
Day 2 - Ipoh
After breakfast, head to Kuala Lumpur's historical Railway Station to board a high-speed train to the UNESCO-listed Ipoh – the capital of the Perak state. Don't forget to look out the window for views of palm plantations and rice fields as you whizz through the countryside! When you arrive in Ipoh, take a private transfer to Perak Cave Temple – a tranquil Buddhist temple on a limestone hill. Wander through cool caverns where paintings of Chinese legends adorn the walls and stand beneath a 40-m-tall golden Buddha statue. Then, return to the city to check into your hotel and explore Old Town with your leader. Ipoh was a major hub during the tin rush in the 1800s and is now a haven for creatives with a thriving music scene, well-preserved heritage buildings and mural-filled laneways.
Day 3 - Tanah Merah
Take a private vehicle to Gua Musang station to board a train to Tanah Merah. With hand-painted wooden signs and a low-key vibe, Gua Musang station remains much the same as when it was built in 1938. This is the first segment of the Jungle Railway – and arguably one of the most scenic – so you're in for a treat! You’ll rumble past towering karst cliffs that loom over the tracks, virgin forests in all the shades of green and traditional Kampung stilt villages. When you arrive, the evening is free to relax. Maybe check out Pasar Besar Tanah Merah market or sample some local dishes – roti canai and nasi kerabu are always a hit.
Day 4 - Tanah Merah
Get your vitamin-sea fix on a speedboat ride to the Perhentian Islands for a snorkelling adventure. Spend the next few hours cruising to reefs – including Turtle Point and Coral Garden – where you’ll get eye level with clownfish, parrotfish, rays and turtles (if you’re lucky). Hop back on the speedboat to Tanah Merah and settle back into your hotel by the late afternoon. All that sea air is bound to rouse your appetite, so maybe head out for dinner with your group and toast to a day well spent on the water.
Day 5 - Taman Negara
It’s time to get back on board the Jungle Railway! It’s any early start today (around 4 or 5 am) to catch the train to Kuala Lipis, but it’s a great chance to watch mornings unfold in the countryside. After a lunch stop, hop on a bus to Taman Negara National Park and check into your jungle chalet for the next two nights. The rest of the evening is yours to unwind. If you’re keen to stretch your legs after a long day of travel, why not join an optional night jungle walk to spot some of the park’s nocturnal creatures. For dinner, stay local at the hotel or check out one of the floating restaurants just across the water.
Day 6 - Taman Negara
Get your blood pumping after breakfast on an easy to moderate hike to Bukit Teresek – a 334 m-tall hill overlooking the national park with panoramas that stretch as far as Mount Tahan (2187 m) on a clear day. The hill is accessible via jungle trails interconnected with a canopy walk. After the hike, visit the Batek and Semokberi tribes of the Orang Asli – among the few remaining Indigenous groups in Malaysia – on their ancestral lands. Despite modern influences, the Batek and Semokberi maintain traditions and are deeply connected to Taman Negara’s ecosystem. Learn about communal living in the village, ancient hunting skills using a bamboo blowpipe, and how they gather food and make tools. You have free time for the rest of the day.
Day 7 - Melaka
This morning, take a bus to Jerantut station to board a Jungle Railway train to Gemas. From here, hop on a bus to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Melaka and check into your hotel at around 5 pm. Then, join your leader for an orientation walk to find your bearings. With influences from the Malay Sultanate, Portuguese, Dutch and British, Melaka is a multicultural hub of architectural styles, languages and traditions. The rest of the evening is free to explore at your own pace. Maybe grab a bite on Jonker Street and taste delicious Nyonya cuisine – a fusion of Chinese, Malay and Indonesian flavours that hails from Melaka. If you need recommendations, just ask your knowledgeable local leader!
Day 8 - Melaka
Today, dive deeper into the layers of Melaka’s history on a trishaw ride through the winding streets of its heritage area. Admire the unique Peranakan architecture, learn about the city’s spice trade history and see multiple places of worship on the aptly named Harmony Street. Visit a mosque, Chinese Buddhist temples and a traditional Muslim house-museum along the way. During free time this afternoon, you could check out the red buildings in Dutch Square or grab a drink in one of the riverside bars. If you're feeling active, maybe jump on an Eco Bike tour or take a boat ride along the Melaka River.
Day 9 - Singapore
It’s time to say goodbye to Malaysia! Take an express bus across the border to Singapore and check into your hotel in the early afternoon. Enjoy some free time in The Garden City – perhaps exploring the colourful shopfronts of Little India and Chinatown – before regrouping for a farewell dinner at Lau Pa Sat. One of Singapore’s oldest hawker markets and listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, it’s the perfect place to feast on local favourites like satay, wonton noodles and carrot cake. After, explore the city lit up at night and maybe raise a toast to an unforgettable trip!
Day 10 - Singapore
With no activities planned, your Jungle Railway Adventure comes to an end after breakfast. You’re free to leave any time after check-out. If you’d like to extend your stay in Singapore, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
18-04-202627-04-2026AUD $ 3,145-
02-05-202611-05-2026AUD $ 3,145-
23-05-202601-06-2026AUD $ 3,145-
13-06-202622-06-2026AUD $ 3,515-
04-07-202613-07-2026AUD $ 3,650-
18-07-202627-07-2026AUD $ 3,650-
01-08-202610-08-2026AUD $ 3,515-
15-08-202624-08-2026AUD $ 3,515-
29-08-202607-09-2026AUD $ 3,515-
19-09-202628-09-2026AUD $ 3,515-
17-10-202626-10-2026AUD $ 3,145-

Accommodation

Hotel (9 nights)

Transport

Train,Private Vehicle,Metro,Boat,Trishaw,Public Bus

Map