How To Take The Jungle Railway In Malaysia?

Taking Malaysia’s Jungle Railway is a nostalgic and scenic adventure that offers a unique glimpse into the heart of the country, far from the bustling cities. Officially known as the East Coast Railway Line and operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTM), this historic diesel-powered train traverses a 520-kilometer route through the rural interior of Peninsular Malaysia. The journey takes you through dense tropical rainforests, past tranquil riverbanks and villages, and alongside the striking limestone formations near Gua Musang.

The full line runs from JB Sentral in the south to Tumpat, near the Thai border in the north, taking about 16 hours. However, most travelers join the train at Gemas, which shortens the trip to a more manageable 11 hours.

Booking your trip is simple and can be done online through the official KTM website or the seamless KTM mobile app, where you can select your route, date, and seats before paying.

Onboard the train, the experience is relaxed and unhurried. It is not a high-speed service, which allows you to soak in the passing scenery. For daytime travel, you can book comfortable seats in an air-conditioned carriage. For overnight portions of the journey, sleeper berths are available, complete with clean sheets, a pillow, and a privacy curtain for a comfortable rest. The train is also equipped with restrooms and a 24-hour cafeteria car serving affordable local dishes and snacks. As this historic line is slated for future modernization with faster electric trains, taking the classic diesel railway offers a heritage experience that captures a timeless slice of Malaysian life.