If you’re heading west across Java, the train from Malang to Yogyakarta is one of the most rewarding journeys you can take. Instead of dealing with airports or long, uncomfortable bus rides, you get a smooth, scenic trip through the heart of the island. This route links two of Java’s most interesting cities: the cooler,…
Bandung and Yogyakarta are two of Indonesia’s most visited and interesting cities. While a few of the seven daily trains run overnight, many travellers opt for the premium Argo Wilis daytime service, allowing them to enjoy the panoramic scenery and arrive in Yogyakarta refreshed and ready to explore. Route map and details Trains from Bandung…
The route from Jakarta to Bandung is served by Southeast Asia’s first high-speed train, but there is still the option of the original, slower service between the two cities. While the glamour of the high-speed train can be hard to resist, its stations are located some distance from the city centres, and getting to them…
As the first high-speed train in Indonesia, Southeast Asia, and the Southern Hemisphere, the fantastically named Whoosh is a trailblazing addition to the region’s railway network. The new line has dramatically reduced travel times between Bandung and Jakarta, with journeys now taking just 50 minutes. While the high-speed train may seem like the obvious choice,…
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…