Malaysia’s new ETS train operating northwards on double-tracking from Kuala Lumpur and to the border with Thailand at Padang Besar opens up many possibilities for travel.
Travelling at speeds of up to 150km/ hour in air-conditioned comfort now enables fast travel to many places. Once at your destination, various other forms of transportation from trishaws and buses to taxis and ferries will get you to the sights that appeal to you. From south to north, here are five to consider on your next rail journey along the Malaysian Peninsula.
IPOH
Rolling limestone hills with subterranean caves are a feature of the landscape of northern Malaysia and they really become evident around Ipoh. Downtown Ipoh is best explored by foot and such a walking tour starts right where the train stops in the ornate Ipoh Railway Station. Seek out a map and head off to explore the Royal Ipoh Club, the padang, the High Court building, Concubine Lane (which becomes a bustling market at the weekend), St Michael’s School and, streets with many old buildings awaiting the loving touch of heritage restorers.
KUALA KANGSAR
This story is from the Oct/Nov/Dec 2017 edition of Senses of Malaysia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Oct/Nov/Dec 2017 edition of Senses of Malaysia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
5 Ride The Rails: Sights Of The Peninsula
Malaysia’s new ETS train operating northwards on double-tracking from Kuala Lumpur and to the border with Thailand at Padang Besar opens up many possibilities for travel.
Peranakan Penang
Penang is malaysia’s island melting pot, a rich and varied palette of cultural colours spanning the recent centuries. As Petra O’Neill discovers first-hand, to her great delight, the influence of the Peranakans in Penang simply cannot be overstated.
Malaysia's Orphaned Orang Utans
The Orang Utan Is an Endangered Species, but as David Bowden Discovers, Two Sanctuaries in East Malaysia Are Doing All They Can to Ensure They Don’t Become Extinct.
East Malaysian Adventures
The world’s third-largest island of Borneo has always been seen as a destination for wild adventures.
Mystical Mulu & Miri
East Malaysia Is a Natural Paradise That Is Closer Than Many Think. David Bowden Explores Sarawak’s Gunung Mulu National Park and Nearby Coastal Miri.
Island Gems In East Malaysia
The quickest way to get you out of the rat race and right back on your feet is a short island getaway.
Music Without Borders
Frequent Festival-goer David Bowden Recaps His Experiences From the Eclectic the Rainforest World Music Festival in Sarawak as It Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary This Year.
Capturing the Beauty of Malaysia
Malaysia’s Natural Beauty Is Oftentimes So Beguiling That It Inspires Photographer Ezy Azhar Time and Time Again to Strive to Capture the Best Photos of It. Sharuna Segaren Chats With Him on What Makes a Good Photo.
Advocating Through Theatre
Malaysian director Kee Thuan Chye has the ability to connect the past to the present in his perceptive plays. Sharuna Segaren chats with him in the midst of preparing for his latest play, Swordfish + Concubine.
Ipoh Springs To Life
More than a town of white coffee and great noodles, Ipoh is increasingly flexing its modern muscle as a legitimate tourist destination. Travel photojournalist David Bowden visits the Perak capital city once again and finds the tourism evolution in full swing.
