There’s nothing quite like travelling on a train. Most of us associate trains with our daily work commute in and out of the city. And while that has its place, the overnight railway trains, more commonly known as sleeper trains, are increasingly becoming the preferred mode of transportation.
The sleeper train has a certain old-school charm –– at its most, a display of style, opulence, and elegance, and at its simplest, it is a fun, thrilling, and memorable adventure. Veterans of Malaysia’s rail travel are no strangers to the Jungle Railway, also known as the Jungle Train. However, the reopening of the E&O Express train has left us breathless.
We discuss both experiences and what they offer so you can choose the experience you want. Whether you find yourself backpacking around Southeast Asia or checking off a bucket list travel agenda, these trains are bound to surprise even the most seasoned traveller.
The Jungle Railway
Spanning 526 kilometres, the Jungle Railway runs between Gemas (Negeri Sembilan) and Tumpat (Kelantan) on the Butterworth-Kuala Lumpur-Singapore trunk line. It first opened in 1910, passing through rivers, limestone formations, local villages, and the Malaysian rainforest. The sleeper train offers a one-of-a-kind, no-frills experience that gives passengers an opportunity to peer into the authentic everyday life of the Malaysian people travelling across the country.
Download the KTMB Mobile app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store to book your journey.
Eastern & Oriental Express
This isn’t platform 9 ¾, but it may very well be the most magical train ride you’ll ever take in this part of the world. Belmond’s Eastern & Oriental Express is a 5-star luxury train journey through Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok. Old-school grandeur and splendour take centre stage in this sleeper train that gives precedence to the journey as well as the destination.
Travelling through verdant jungles, national parks, and some of Malaysia’s best travel destinations, a luxurious experience of this sort comes at a hefty cost. No expense is spared within the carriages’ posh interiors and its private cabins. While this is not the average train ride you would opt for to simply get from one destination to the next, the E&O Express is a worthy bucket list contender.
Would you choose simplicity or indulgence?
Here are a few reasons why sleeper trains are a great way to travel in Malaysia
1. You’re more likely to travel comfortably & have more personal space
Comfort, space, and privacy are a luxury on public transportation; not a privilege unless you’re on a sleeper train. You’re likely to have a better travel and sleeping experience than you might have on a basic economy flight, a bus, or in a car.
Varying choices are available with advanced bookings – from business class seats, a berth and bed, and shared or private cabins. Sleeper trains often include a restaurant or cafe on board where you can dine, work, read, and move freely on the train – a necessity, especially on long journeys.
2. The views are unique to this mode of transportation
A window seat on an airplane gives you incredible views of the clouds and the ground below. On a ferry, you’ll get wonderful glimpses of islands and the vast blue sea. And the backseat of a car on a road trip presents views of paddy fields, farms, plantations, and the hills.
Similarly, railway travel boasts its own scenic views. There’s nothing quite like the unobstructed panoramic views you get from a train. They are alluring and can leave you smitten even from the confines of a basic train coach.
3. Slow travel may ease children & anxious travellers
Airports are a cause of anxiety for many travellers. From making certain that you and your company arrive ahead of time to locating the departure gate, going through customs and immigration, and keeping the little ones entertained for hours, it can all get a little overwhelming.
What sets sleeper trains apart from most modes of transport is the amount of leisure time you get on them. There’s plenty of downtime to rest, read, watch a film, or enjoy the ride from the train’s observation deck. Not needing to be confined to your seat the whole journey also makes it a little easier for families travelling with young children.
4. You get to have a pre-holiday holiday
On some trips, the holiday begins once you’ve checked into the hotel, but on a sleeper train, your holiday begins with the journey. While there are many kinds of overnight train experiences to choose from, some offering more respite than others, each has the potential to be leisurely and memorable.
5. Flexible costs and varied experiences
Travelling on a sleeper train can be significantly cheaper than flying, depending on the train, class, and ticket you purchase. Though extremely lavish tickets are available for those desiring to splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime experience, you can also book affordable, comfortable berths and still get to your destination. Having the option to tailor your travel according to your needs makes this a great option for long-distance travel.
6. It is one of the more eco-conscious ways to travel
We’ve all heard how much fuel consumption and greenhouse emissions are released from air travel. Trains are far more eco-friendly, and while that may not be the sole reason you choose to travel on a sleeper train, it is good to have the option.
Another bonus to this fact is that you can book a fancy train trip and feel a little less guilty about the price tag as opposed to booking a first or business-class seat on a plane.
7. It is far more enjoyable than a bus or flight
The social experience on a train varies from that of most other transport modes. The etiquette on public transport can sometimes make you feel a little rigid and cause you to keep to yourself. Sleeper trains have a culture of their own that may vary from place to place, but you’re more likely to have pleasant conversations with your fellow passengers.
Malaysians are generally quite friendly and easygoing, which makes your journey lovely. If that isn’t enough, a good dose of the Malaysian sun peeking through the moving train windows should perk you up.
