Malang and Yogyakarta are two Indonesian cities firmly on the tourist trail, welcoming tens of thousands of visitors each year. Both cities are well-worth visiting in their own right, but most people are here to see one or more of the star attractions: whether that’s the volcanic beauty of Mount Bromo and Mount Merapi, or…
Bandung and Yogyakarta are two of Indonesia’s most visited and interesting cities. While some of the seven daily trains run overnight, most travellers opt for the Argo Wilis or Malabar daytime services, allowing them to enjoy the panoramic scenery and arrive in Yogyakarta refreshed and ready to explore. Route map and details Trains from Bandung…
Holding the title of the first high-speed train in Indonesia, Southeast Asia, and the Southern Hemisphere, the fantastically named Whoosh is undoubtedly a trailblazing addition to the region’s railway network. If your only experience of Indonesia’s railways so far has been its atmospheric but ageing rolling stock, stepping onboard the glistening high-speed carriages will feel…
Southeast Asia’s first high-speed train line operates between Jakarta and Bandung, vastly reducing the journey time between the two cities. Reaching speeds of up to 350km/h, the Whoosh trains offer a glimpse into the future, although they’re not immune from teething problems that have affected passenger numbers, notably the distance from respective city centres and…
Only a few kilometres from the Thai border and in one of the least visited regions of Malaysia, Tumpat sits at the end of the line in more ways than one. Some intrepid travellers find themselves in town after crossing over from Thailand, others use it as a base to explore nearby Kota Bharu and…
Travelling along what is affectionately known as the Jungle Line, the overnight journey from JB Sentral to Tumpat is one of the most memorable train trips in Southeast Asia. As the only sleeper service remaining in Malaysia, this is your chance to spend a night on the rails and explore one of the least visited…
Discover 10 practical items to take on your Southeast Asia train journey; from travel locks and power banks to sleep essentials and snacks for long journeys. Train travel in Southeast Asia is affordable, scenic and often surprisingly comfortable; from intercity services in Malaysia and Thailand to the high-speed route in Indonesia. Journeys can also be…
Myanmar’s historic railway network is extensive, but due to civil unrest and a suspension of tourist visas, travel to the country, including by train, is not recommended. Myanmar (Burma), boasts an extensive and historically rich rail network that spans much of the country. The system, which dates back to the British colonial era, was built…