A Closer Look into the Jungle Train in Malaysia
Fancy a train ride that will treat you to beautiful natural landscapes? Then you’ve come to the right place!
The Jungle Train in Malaysia is one of the few remaining locomotives that are powered by diesel. It runs on the East Coast Line, and it’s the most scenic train ride you can take if you’re coming from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore to the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia.
Join us here as we take a closer look at the train’s routes, schedules, rates and everything in between. We’ve also included some insider tips that could prove useful on your trip so be sure to stick by until the end!
Quick History
The Jungle Train was built back during British Colonial Rule as a way to transport tin.
The first completed part of the railway was the stretch connecting Gemas and Bahau, which opened in 1910. After that, the stretch between Tumpat and Tanah Merah was completed and opened in 1914 and they only met more than 10 years after in 1931.
Today, the train is the last of its kind and is now enjoyed by vacationers who are looking for a scenic train ride in the jungles of Malaysia. It’s also used by cross-country travellers who are going to the Singapore-Malaysia border and Malaysia-Thailand border.
Best Time to Go
The best time to ride the Jungle Train is during daylight hours. This way, you’ll get to bask in the beautiful nature-centric views in their full glory during your trip!
Where to Board
Assuming that you’re coming from Kuala Lumpur, you can board the Jungle Train by first riding the ETS Train toward Gemas, which is eastbound. From there you can board a train that goes through the Jungle Railway, which is officially known as the East Coast Railway Line (ECRL).
How to Get Tickets
You can easily get tickets at the train station but be sure to check KTM’s website regularly, as the rates and timetable change constantly. For instance, one of the things that can affect the ticket price is the day of the travel itself.
However, you’re usually looking to spend around RM50 for the full journey. Meanwhile, if you’re planning on riding the sleeper train, you can expect to pay around RM70.
Notable Sceneries
Titiwangsa Forest
One of the most prevalent sceneries you’ll be treated to during your ride in the Jungle Train is the lush greenery of Titiwangsa Forest. This long stretch of trees is a nice breath of fresh air for those looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Aside from these trees, you’ll also see some paddy plantations here and there as well as stunning sights of riverbanks–make sure to bring your camera!
Gua Musang
Gua Musang station is one of the stops of the Jungle Train and it’s also the best-looking one for sure! This is thanks to the majestic limestone formations located nearby, which look straight out of fantasy books–pretty amazing!
Guillemard Bridge
The Gullemard Bridge is one of the most historical landmarks that you’ll get to see during your laid-back jungle adventure.
It’s located in Kampung Kuala Kemubu, Kelantan and it’s second oldest single-track railway bridge in Malaysia. This is also why you’ll sometimes find tourists, more specifically cyclists visiting this landmark and taking photos of it.
Taman Negara National Park
You can also find a glimpse of Taman Negara National Park from the jungle railway, more specifically when coming from Jerantut. It’s worth stopping by if you want to add more adventure to your journey–plus it’s the oldest national park in the country!
Check out our guide to Taman Negara National Park here to know more about this magnificent place.
Apps to Download before Boarding Jungle Train
Travel Malaysia: A pocket travel guide to Malaysia
Maps.me: Offline map of the world
XE Currency App: Real-time currency exchange rate app
Grab: Ride-hailing app of Southeast Asia
Google Translate: word translation with offline capabilities
CatchThatBus: Bus ticket booking app