Malaysia's Jungle Railway Adventure - 10 Days

Selamat datang! Welcome to Malaysia. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm at your hotel, where you'll 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.

After breakfast, head to Kuala Lumpur's historic Railway Station to board a high-speed train to Ipoh – the capital of the Perak state, recognised as a UNESCO Creative City of Music. 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-ft-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.

Take a private vehicle to Gua Musang station to board your first train on the Jungle Railway, headed 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. Watch local life unfold as you see locals getting on and off the train, plus learn about the history of the railway and the environmental challenges faced by the surrounding landscapes as they’ve been reshaped by human activity. When you arrive, board a transfer to Kuala Besut, your base for visiting the Perhentian Islands tomorrow.

Get your vitamin-sea fix today 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 maybe even turtles if you’re lucky. Return to Kuala Besut in the 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.

Leave the sea behind and head into the jungle today, boarding a private vehicle to Taman Negara. Arrive in the mid afternoon and check into the jungle resort where you'll stay 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.

Take a river cruise along the Tahan River, then go on a short trek through the jungle to reach Lata Berkoh Cascades. Make sure you bring your swimsuit if you’re keen to take a refreshing dip in the waterfall’s pool. 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.

Take a bus to Jerantut station this morning to board a Jungle Railway train to Gemas. From here, hop on a bus to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Melaka. Arrive in the early evening and check into your hotel. You'll 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 for you 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.

Today, dive deeper into the layers of Melaka’s history on a trishaw ride through the winding streets of the heritage area. Take in 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 temple and a traditional Muslim house-museum along the way. For your 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.

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’ – maybe exploring the colourful shopfronts of Little India and Chinatown – before regrouping for a farewell dinner at Lau Pa Sat. As one of Singapore’s oldest hawker markets and listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, this is 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 glass to an unforgettable trip.

With no further activities planned, your 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.