Malaysia's Jungle Railway Adventure

Trip Code: TMSJ

Why we love it

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.

Is this trip right for me?

This trip involves some long travel days, early starts and using a mix of trains and buses to get around. Trains are comfortable and often decked out with air-conditioning and toilets.

Important information

1. A single supplement is bookable for this trip, subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent if you are interested.
2. Your full passport details will be required no later than 45 days prior to your departure in order for us to book train tickets. Extra expanse may incur if this is provided late or details are incorrect.

What to bring/pack

MAIN LUGGAGE
What you need to bring will vary according to when you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible and make sure that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage, and walk with it for short distances (maximum of 30 minutes) including up and down stairs and in busy train stations. Our travellers usually find the smaller their luggage is, the more they enjoy the trip not having to worry about carrying heavy bags! Aim to keep your main luggage under 15kg. Smaller bags are also better for fitting in storage areas of public transport. Small, wheeled suitcases that can also easily be picked up and carried are suitable, or if you prefer, a back pack is also a good option.

It's important that your bags can be locked, as on local transport it may be necessary that your luggage gets stowed separately (and unattended).

DAY PACK
A day pack for carrying essentials when exploring destinations. On overnight trains packing this with the essentials you need to access during the trip will also be very useful.

ESSENTIALS:
- Lightweight clothing: A mixture of covering lightweight clothing and some warm layers (depending on the season) are recommended. It is best to check the weather and seasonal information before travelling. Dress standards are conservative in Malaysia and parts of Thailand, especially outside major cities. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot climate. For visits to religious sites you will also need to wear clothing that covers shoulders and pants/skirts that go past the knee. Laundry facilities may not be available in all destinations, so make sure you have a few cycles of clothes.
- Wind and waterproof jacket
- Comfortable shoes for walking and hiking: Closed-in shoes that are comfortable to walk for an entire day are recommended to protect your feet on city and countryside walks as well as longer treks. For longer hikes comfortable and supportive shoes with good grip are best.
- Sandals/flip flops: Sandals with straps or shoes which are not likely to fall off are preferable for any water based activities. Easy to remove shoes are also good in the heat and for visits to religious sites.
- Sun protection: hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Toiletries

RECOMMENDED:
- Personal medical kit. A larger kit will be on hand with your leader, but we recommend you carry items such as mild pain killers, electrolytes and adhesive bandages.
- Insect repellent
- Water bottle. We recommend a 1.5litre capacity. While drinking tap water is not recommended some hotels will have filtered drinking water available.
- Camera with spare batteries/power bank. You will have access to power to recharge your electrical items most days, however a spare battery or power bank are recommended.
- Electrical adapter plug
- reusable shopping bag for buying supplies
- torch/flashlight
- travel wipes, hand sanitiser
- small towel
- ear plugs & eye mask
- collapsible walking stick for trekking
- A good book, a journal and music player for overnight train rides and longer drives.

MORE!
If you need some further tips for packing, you can always check out our ultimate packing list., https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list, PROHIBITED ITEMS IN SINGAPORE
According to Singapore law, many items are prohibited from being brought into the country, or need to be declared. Prohibited items include (but are not limited to) tobacco products, any substance containing nicotine (including electronic cigarettes) and chewing gum. Please refer to the Singapore Government website for further information https://www.customs.gov.sg/individuals/going-through-customs/arrival/prohibited-and-controlled-goods

Physical rating

3

A good level of fitness will help you make the most of the trip. There are no strenuous physical activities on this trip but light hike and snorkeling are included. You will also need to be able to handle your own luggage at train stations, including walking a few flights of stairs and taking your luggage on and off trains and public transport. There are a few long travel days on this trip. You can check the trip itinerary for more details.

Joining your group

AnCasa Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA

AnCasa Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown is an elegant and modern contemporary hotel located in Kuala Lumpur where can explore the sights and sounds of vibrant Kuala Lumpur city within the vibrant city centre. The hotel is also a stone's throw away to popular attractions such as Pasar Seni (Central Market), iconic River of Life and Merdeka 118, slated to become the world’s second tallest building. It is a walking distance to public transportation, art galleries, lifestyle cafes, flourishing business hubs and more.

Check in time at the hotel is after 3pm

Alternate Joining Point


Joining instructions

Intrepid offer a pre-arranged transfer service option. Enquire with your agent and advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your trip departure. If you have purchased an arrival transfer you will be met after exiting customs. Our representative will be holding a sign with your name on it.

At Kuala Lumpur International Airport, if you have any problems and cannot locate our transfer representative on arrival (the driver is only able to wait for 1 hour past your scheduled arrival time) please go to the Airport Information counter (located on the same floor at arrivals halls) and ask them to call our transfer operator at +60179655159 or +60179245159. If your flight is delayed or you have been put on a different flight number, please call our local operator in advance to let them know.

If you are travelling to the hotel by yourself,

For taxi services, proceed to the Transportation Hub on Level 1 of the Gateway @ KLIA2 mall, located next to the main terminal building. The hub operates 24/7.

Go to the taxi service counter and inform the staff of your destination.
The approximate fare is between RM95 – RM120 (subject to change), and a coupon will be issued after payment.
Exit through Door 4, join the queue, and wait for your taxi. It takes about 45mins to your hotel.
Please note: If you arrive between 11:30 PM and 6:00 AM, a 50% surcharge will apply.

Ride-hailing services (Grab/MyCar): You can also use ride-hailing apps like Grab and MyCar. To meet your Grab driver at KLIA2:
Go to the International Arrival Gate.
Walk to The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf cafe.
Take the elevator located behind the cafe to Level 1.
Exit through Door 4 to meet your driver.
Other transportation options at KLIA2 includes KLIA Ekspres Train which runs every 30 minutes from KLIA2 to KL Sentral and Aerobus which runs hourly from KLIA2 to KL Sentral.

Finishing your trip

Ibis Hotel Bencoolen, 170 Bencoolen Street 189657, SINGAPORE, Singapore, SINGAPORE, Phone: +65 6593 2888

ibis Singapore on Bencoolen is located in the heart of Singapore's cultural, business and shopping district. Bugis, Haji Lane, Little India, Chinatown and Orchard Road are all within walking distance from hotel or easily accessible by public transport. The 3-star hotel is linked to Changi Airport by Bugis MRT which situated just 8-minute walk away from the hotel. Head down to Orchard Road, Bugis or Marina Bay Sands for some shoppings or explore the nearby National Gallery and hawker centres.

Alternate Finish Point


Meals & dietary information

Breakfasts included: 9

Lunches included: 

Dinners included: 1

While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule, our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure.

Climate & seasonal information

In Malaysia, a country with a large Muslim population, the month of Ramadan is referred to as the ‘fasting month’, which culminates with the biggest Muslim holiday in Malaysia: Eid al Fitr or ‘Idul Fitri’. This ninth month on the Islamic Hijri calendar is considered the holiest month by Muslims, commemorating the first revelation of the Quranic verses to the Prophet Muhammad. Ramadan is a festival of sacrifice where the devout refrain from eating or drinking during daylight hours. In bigger cities like Kuala Lumpur and Georgetown where there are many residents of Chinese origin as well as in popular tourist destinations there will be little disruption to services or being able to find places to eat. In other areas with a bigger Muslim population, businesses and services may have limited operation hours, alcohol may not be permitted during daylight hours and restaurants closed. Please note that drivers and leaders of Muslim faith are likely to be fasting over Ramadan. While you should expect some delays and inconveniences during this period, the month is a fantastic opportunity to travel in a Muslim country and witness this unique period, particularly the nightly celebrations when the sun sets and the fast is broken.

Dates for Ramadan & Eid Al-Fitr are: 19 March - 20 Mar 2026, 21 March - 23 March 2026
Dates for Ramadan & Eid Al-Fitr are: 17 Feb - 18 Mar 2027, 9 - 11 March 2027

LUNAR NEW YEAR:
Also known as Spring Festival or Chinese New Year, is the biggest and most important annual festival for Chinese and the Chinese communities world wide. During the first days of Chinese New Year many businesses close, as Chinese business owners are visiting their relatives in their home towns or home countries.Traveling during this time can be hectic as many people are on the move. Public transport and flights can be packed in the days leading up to the festivities, with traffic jams and delays common. Plenty of patience is required if you are in Malaysia during this time, but the festive atmosphere and local traditions make it an interesting time to be in the country. Public holidays in Malaysia for Lunar New Year are: 17 - 18 February 2026 & 6 - 7 February 2027

OTHER HOLIDAYS:
Other major national public holidays in Malaysia are:
Agong's (Malaysian King) Birthday: 6 June 2026, 5 June 2027
Awal Muharram (Islamic New Year): 6 July 2026, 25 July 2027
Vesak (Buddha's birthday): 4 May 2026, 24 May 2027
Malaysia Day: 16 September 2026 & 2027
Deepavali (Diwali): 8-9 November 2026, 28 October 2027
 

In case of emergency

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.

In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below:

For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us

Available for phone call or WhatsApp call on +60 138 815 813

Accommodations

Transportation