How to get from SINGAPORE to KUALA LUMPUR by Train 

You realize that there doesn't need to be a high-speed train from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore, what they need is just... a direct train. With that alone, the route would be shortened to three hours, which is a more than reasonable time.

That drink is Teh Tarik, practically is just aerated black tea with milk. There use to be trains that runs directly from Kuala Lumpur Old Station to Singapore Tanjong Pagar with a duration of over 7 hours and there was even a overnight sleeper train. Gemas is the junction between the lines which runs to the East Coast and the West Coast.

A lot of that "jungle scenery" is actually rubber or palm plantations.

Last time we used to have direct overnight train operated from central of Singapore to KL, 10.30pm departs from Tanjong Pagar and reach KL at 5am in the morning, you can choose first class cabin bed, second class bed or third class seat, it was wonderful experience.

I travelled from Singapore to KL ( direct service) 50 years ago ( Sept. 1973) on a diesel locomotive. Left Singapore around 2pm and was supposed to reach KL by 7 pm. Broke down on the way and eventually reached KL around 1am! Unforgettable journey.

There used to be sleeper trains. Took the train from Singapore tanjong Pagar at night. Slept in their bunk beds sleeper carriages, woke up fresh by the time I reach KL in the morning.

I did this trip in reverse but I started in Bangkok. I took the overnight train to Pedang Besar where you do border formalities and switch to a KTM train to Butterworth. Once there I then took the ferry to Penang to spend the night at the Eastern & Oriental. The next day I reversed and went back across the ferry to Butterworth then went via KTM ETS to KL and from there took the overnight sleeper train to JB then the little shuttle train across to Woodlands. That was back in 2015 for my trip to the Singapore Grand Prix.

I had gone to KL countless times and the train journey had never failed to amazed me. We used to take the train from Singapore Tanjung Pagar station and Woodlands Station all the way to KL until it stopped and shifted the present arrangement in JB Sentral. Whtever the arrangements the beauty of travelling by train has always been a fascinating one for us. We enjoyed every moment travelling by train to KL. It brings back the good old days of being away from home.

Nice trip report! It would have been awesome if Malaysia and Singapore had built their high speed rail line as originally planned.

I did this trip as my first solo trip out of Singapore in 2017 and this brings back nostalgia

I love your videos and live vicariously through them thank you

Always wanted to do this! Thank you for the detailed and informative video!

A very interesting video, thank you.

I appreciate the coverage and style of these travel videos with captions instead of narration. Great editing, well done!

Another good video. Thanks for pointing out all the wheelchair accessibility.

Another great video as always. I’m always looking forward to seeing your next video. Keep up the great work. Be safe out there.

I did the Singapore to Hatyai using the locomotive & ETS, then Hatyai to Bangkok using the Thaksinarath sleeper train before the pandemic struck.

I remember taking an overnight sleeper tran from KL to Hat Yai in Thailand. I then took another overnight train to Bangkok. I booked a first class sleeping compartment. I was the only one in the whole carriage. Great memories.

Another excellent video - thank you.

About 20 years ago my wife and I took a tra from Singapore to KL. The train terminal in Singapore was the most magnificent art deco structure said to be on official Malaysian land, in Singapore, we went first class on wooden seats for the 8 hour journey. The toilet was a hole in the floor straight onto the tracks. We only got off once to go through customs after we went across the Malacca Straights. Fantastic journey.

Interesting journey. Singapore is beautiful. Nice scenery. Thanks Max.😀💚👌

Great trip report! Thank you!!

Most of the 'Jungle scenery' was palm oil plantations. I recently travelled from KLto George Town, there's some nice forest views on that train journey.

Commenting as Malaysian, I hope that our govt will bring back HSR project that links Malaysia and SG and it will be way faster to travel between countries.. it is so dissapointing after countless of times this project has been cancelled as from my perspectives it is a loss to Malaysia for not building it way earlier

Took the ETS from KL Sentral to Butterworth Penang. I love it when the train passes Bukit Merah lake garden, it gives the Spirited Away vibes.

Fascinating video! Would love to do this trip someday.

Miss trip by train. Thanks for sharing this video

Wow, very clear guidance. Even me as singaporean, not sure how to travel, the whole journey via public transport. Thanks so much

I've been to Singapore back in June 2018 and I gotta say, I had an amazing time. Singapore is blessed with a prime location on important shipping route and has a wonderful skyline. Their metro is far better than those in North America. Hope to visit again someday.

Excellent video, nice train ride! Thumbs Up Greetings from Dublin Andrew

Thank you 😊 .. I really absolutely loved your video

I used to do a similar trip from my family home in kluang to Kuala Lumpur. Stay overnight at Bourne School, Kuala Lumpur and take the train the following morning on to Tapah Road Station where we would then get a bus to Slim School, Cameron Highlands. The trains were old and rickety but were a fantastic experience for a 12 year old surround by Ghurka and Malaysian soldiers and eating Nasi Goreng from an open galley on the train. The finiest Nasi Goreng I ever tasted. This whole arrangement of getting from Singapore to KL seem very complicated and convoluted when just used to get the same train over the causeway into SIngapore. I am shocked at the development of JB and northern Singapore but it has been almost 60 years and I shouldn't be surprised by it I guess. Wonderful memories,

I used to take the KTM train last time when I was a baby till primary school (to around the year 2012). Me and my parents would always travel to Johor Bahru to take the train from there (previously, KTM train used to be at the old station before they change the location to the current one near the City Mall area). It was a one way long trip from JB to Kulau Lampur (before a new rule applies that you need to alight at Gemas to change your train) that took about 8 hours. Also take the train back all the way to Singapore from KL too that also took about the same timing hour (I remember there is always a train departing delay, for example, train suppose to arrive at KL station at 2pm and delay till 2.30pm). I like taking the train because it was all about adventure, but it does sure have uncomfortable moments like the cigarrete smells in the train carriage and it can be dangerous if the train is in the middle of the flood (met a flood once back then). Other things I remember that are related to KTM train is the blue stripes chair that are attached, and behind the chair has a small table for you to put your food on (you just need to turn the knob to open that small table), the KTM train blue ticket,the toilets, the fixed table at every front (and back row?) of the train carriage, the whistle when the train is about to arrive and the red and green flags waving (at night, they use the torchlight). I remember once when I take the train, the train stops at a station (maybe the train driver is going for some breaks for some mins before continuing the journey) and me and my father step out of the train to take in some fresh air before returning back to the train prior the train departing

Excellent video. I'm planning to make this trip, flying from Sweden to Singapore . Thanks for posting 👍

Nice video! Been following your travels on Twitter...quite the journey you'de taking... Stay safe...

I remember visiting KL from Singapore travelling the old KTM Butterworth Express back in the 1980s. Simpler and better times.

Another great video to celebrate your 50,000 subscribers - thank you "Nonstop Asiatrip"!

Fantastic. I've never thought of exploring Malaysia, but now I think I might have to. This is so educational and inspiring. 2024 I think might be the go

Thanks for sharing this enjoyable trip with us. I would love to do this some day!

Very helpful vidéo , thanks !

Trains from Malaysia used to go even deeper into Singapore, down from Woodlands Train Checkpoint to Tanjong Pagar with Bukit Timah station in between. But this all ceased in 2011. What happened? Well under the Railway Act 1918, the land that made up the railway was given to the Federated Malay States government from the Straits Settlements for a period of 999 years. So basically, even after Singapore was kicked out of Malaysia in 1965, this land would still be owned by the Malaysian government. Singapore wanted the land returned to them. Singapore moved their immigration/customs from Tanjong Pagar to Woodlands in 1998, but Malaysia insisted on keeping theirs at Tanjong Pagar. In other words, people were granted entry into Malaysia before clearing Singaporean immigration, which made no sense. To circumvent the problem, Malaysian officers didn't stamp the passports, but by doing this...Singaporeans were arrested in Malaysia because they weren't stamped, thus bringing to light the issue of Malaysia keeping their customs/immigration at Tanjong Pagar. Malaysia and Singapore finally agreed to scrap the Railway Act at a leaders' retreat in 2010 (they first did so in 1990, but there was a deadlock), where Malaysia was allowed to remain at Woodlands Train Checkpoint while the rest of the line would be truncated and become a rail trail (called the Rail Corridor). Bukit Timah station remains conserved, while Tanjong Pagar station is preserved.

I did SG - KL by train when it was all a direct route by diesel loco (no change at Johor). Was great and hope that comes back when electrification is completed!

Wow I live in Singapore and I didn't even know about some aspects of the checkpoint train service. Thanks!

hello bro this brought back memories when i use to take trains to KL back in the 90s.. Layang Layang ..Gemas OMG ...thanks bro wish your channel grows all the best .........

Welcome to Malaysia sir!.. I would says i love it when i first saw you were about to step on Southeast Asia train routes..Thank you so much for showing us around and hope you enjoy your train trips wherever you are..stay safe and do enjoy Malaysia to the fullest..

Nice video of modern meter gauge train sets in use today. On my travel in 1980 the train was a diesel locomotive hauled KTM night sleeper-train to Singapore leaving at 22:00 Hrs. Document check was done aboard the train at Johor Bahru on the following morning, and the train arrived around 08:00 Hrs at Tanjong Pagar, Singapore. The locomotive used was similar to the YDM-4 locos used in India. It was a comfortable and memorable journey.

Thank you for recording this journey!😊

Great video. Would love to see you make a trip vlog from Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok by train

I remember doing this exact journey in reverse in 2018. It’s long, but enjoyable. Had a long layover in Gemas too. Ended up in a KFC cos there was nothing else there. Nice video - brought back some great memories. Malaysia is a fantastic country!

I did this trip many years ago and then took a train into Thailand, but it was a much older train system. This seems so much nicer.

Very nice and helpful video, we now know another way to travel between Malaysia and Singapore where I got to stay for 3 months in the 80's.

I like your channel..very informative 😁

I wish Canada would have those platform doors. I wanted to see the hotel where you stayed. Amazing trip.. I would lover to go on that trip.

the Gemas station is definitely much much improved from the days when I first visited more than 30 years ago. Back then it was very basic and rustic.

Years ago I walked from Woodlands MRT to JB across the causeway. Quite a memorable trip. Thank you for showing this.

infomative video.Glad to see this video travel by train. Welcome to Malaysia.

Love your videos! Satisfying my wanderlust as well as provides me info for train travel! Thank you for that! ❤ If I may, the tickets for the border shuttle between Singapore and Malaysia is available for booking online and it is highly recommended if your trip is on Friday, Saturday and/or Sunday as tickets for the weekends sell out fast.

I loved Singapore when I was there 😊, their trains puts many to shame with how efficient they are

Nice trip report and detail information

Four trains and a bus! Imagine if Paris - Brussels was like this. Somebody should knock the heads of Malaysia and Singapore together to get a through service on one train. It's like everything has been done to make the journey as inconvenient as possible. And the ridiculous 2h wait for connecting train at Gemas. In Japan there would be a "relay" service and cross platform transfer to the connecting train, which would depart a couple of minutes after you arrive in Gemas.

The train you've ridden on the ETS is the KTM Class 93/1 which is used for Silver and Gold services. However, a newer variant of the train, Class 93/2 is used for Platinum services. It features a more modern interior and a "Business Class" carriage.

Next time if you’re in Malaysia again feel free to try the Rakyat Timuran Express aka the Jungle Train from Johor Bahru to Tumpat, Kelantan. It is Malaysia’s only locomotive hauled sleeper train service which takes around 17 hours 30 minutes from JB to Tumpat.

I'm glad you enjoyed the trip and saw the works of a high-speed rail.

Many thanks* for featuring the trip it had been years since I last took those trains.

Hi, a subscriber from Malaysia. Always catching up for your euro trips. Good to know you visited my country :) Hope you enjoyed your stay and come again :) ( The name of the drink is sorted, so now I need to tell you the Nasi Lemak you bought for RM15, you may buy elsewhere from RM5 price range. Buying food at terminals can be costly)

Come to Indonesia, you can try the trains that has many beautiful sceneries like mountains, jungle, and also beach. (Funfact: It's only approx 1:15-1:30 hours flight from Singapore to Jakarta) I recommend you to take Argo Bromo Anggrek train (from Jakarta to Surabaya vv, make sure you take the morning trip because it has 2 trips daily at morning and night), you can see beach sceneries in Central Java. And also Argo Wilis train (from Surabaya to Bandung vv, it's a daytime trip) and Argo Parahyangan train (from Jakarta to Bandung vv, with various schedule from morning until evening) You can also reach the tourist destinations from Jakarta to Yogyakarta by train (Make sure take the daytime trip because the sceneries are also great) and also Bali (Caveat: You must change and overnight in Surabaya or Yogyakarta if you want continuously take the daytime trip trains. Also the train only takes you to Ketapang (That's the nearest port to takes a ferry into Bali) and after reaching Bali (at Gilimanuk port) you must take public buses to Denpasar (The largest city in Bali, the planes from any destinations usually lands in here) since there are no trains in Bali)

Gefällt mir sehr gut,warte gerne bis alles fertig ist! Bin 1979 mit dem Bus von Singapore nach Mallaca gefahren in 7 Stunden, das war noch ein Abenteuer:))

Thanks for sharing. Very informative. 👍

As soon as you stepped outside of Woodlands station and onto the bus, I could 'feel' the humidity hit me. I'm Australian and spent a lot of time in KL and Singapore. You never get used to that humidity if you didn't grow up with it. Great video!

Those high speed trains are amazing. Also Singapore is beautiful. Great video as always. 😊

Woww.. Nice vlog..

wow good video.. I do live in Singapore and yet never travel all the way to KL by Train. Great video to watch for the details. Thanks

The best thing about ur video now is that u r exploring other countries too rather than just traveling in Europe in same cities again and again. But I have always loved ur videos. Love from India 🇮🇳❤️❤️❤️

The Thais put a stop to the Chinese railway passing through from Laos. The Chinese wanted to build it using their own materials and labour. The Thai government wasn't happy with that idea..

Nice video!

Very informative. Thank you

A lot of people are upset about the cancellation of the KL-Singapore HSR, which I also find to be tragic, 'cause we're building a tiny little 1-km or so MRT bridge to JB instead >:( However, I also know of the KTM ETS being extended down from Gemas to JB Sentral station. If they can extend it down to Woodlands, and maybe even start an SG-KL express service, we could have trips from SG to KL at around 3-3.5 hours. Not as fast as the HSR would have been, but still faster than driving (especially when crossing the 1km causeway can take a 3-4 hours sometimes...) We can only hope now. Great video too!

Great video as always 👍. You should consider traveling on the Eastman and Orient Express that runs from Thailand to Singapore via Malaysia.

Fantastic!..Thanks 🍻 👍🏼

I have travelled by train from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur to Singapore back in early 90’s.

Interesting journey coverage! It seems that the direct over night train from Singapore to KL central has been withdrawn. Hasn't it? I have travelled on ETS from KL central to Butterworth and then to Penang island. The ETS runs upto 140kmph on that stretch as I have learnt. As you have mentioned on your video, Malaysia's ETS is the world's fastest higher speed train on the narrow gauge railway.

On the days before public holidays the normal road immigration centres get extremely busy so taking that train is a Great option. The Singapore Woodlands station doesn't seem to have a metro station which makes that journey more difficult. Malaysian railway services has made the 2 border crossings (also Thailand) much more difficult. The 2 hour wait in Gemas was poor too, the diesel locomotives used to go KL to JB direct. Most of the "jungle views" were palm oil plantations , but attractive all the same. My train journeys there were all overnight ones in sleeper trains JB to KL and Butterworth to Bangkok but they've all stopped .

Hong Kong MTR system also has platform screen doors on most stations.

Thank you for sharing it ... I am planning to go in July 2023 ! Your video can be my guidance ! Thank you

856 is most preferred than 903 as it is more direct

I remember taking a sleeper train from JB to KL in 2014, the train is called Senandung Sutera, but now the service is suspended. Currently, Malaysia's ETS is the best in the region. But if you love views, come visit Indonesia and ride the train in the island of Java. Our train service has been improving a lot these past few years. Trains in Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia are also hard to resist.

Thank you for sharing❤

You have hit the nail on its head....

The loco trains are the best experience in my opinion. They bring back a lot of memories. In those days they used to show movies on video tapes during the journey. Glad to see they still have the dining coaches. But I need to know one thing: if you can’t buy a combined ticket, how will you know you’re guaranteed a seat? Especially if tickets can only be bought on the day of travel (not sure if that applies only to the SG-JB route). I’ll be screwed if I end up in Gemas only to find out there are no seats available on the ETS. And how do you find out the timings of the trains too?

I have just tried the Jungle Train from Kluang to Kota bharu....next time, I would like to take the train from Kulai to Hatyai. To travel Msia via train, make me have different view of seeing Malaysia. Enjoy it very much.

Really informative, thanks, I think I’ll get the bus though from Singapore golden mile to KL Times Square . Seems easier to do in one day. Appreciated.

I'm Singaporean and I love this video 👍

Yeah it’s not exactly a train trip from Singapore but from JB, is it? Although there were plans to make (reestablish) the train connection they have been buried for the foreseeable future as far as I know. Btw I believe the drink in the train you were referring to was ‘teh tarik’ (milk tea, usually very sweet). Also, I would suggest cutting the subtitles to shorter sections and keep them on a bit longer and it could a bit less stressful to skim them trough.

You should also try the Eastern & Oriental Express train from Singapore to Bangkok.. Very posh and luxurious(and pricey too)

Nice trip, loving to try that someday, if ever i go to Singapore.

Bom dia lindo trem de nova York interessante

We opted to travel by bus instead, it was alot smoother and you can find out how in our video 😊

When are they going to have the ETS trains direct from KL 🇲🇾 to Singapore 🇸🇬? No more transfers!

gOOD VIDEO i LIKES YOUR POSTING ON THAT!!

Glad to see an Asian journey in your channel. Hope you had fun in Asia.