The current five-minute Shuttle Tebrau train service connecting Singapore and Malaysia is set to be discontinued by mid-2027. This diesel-powered shuttle currently operates between Singapore’s Woodlands train checkpoint and Malaysia’s Johor Bahru Sentral transport hub. It will be replaced by a new rail connection integrated with Singapore’s subway network, located nearby.
Train travel between Singapore and Malaysia once served as a popular mode of regional transport before the rise of low-cost airlines in the early 2000s. Political and infrastructure developments over the years have also affected rail services across the border. Despite these changes, the rail journey offers travelers an opportunity to experience Malaysia’s varied landscapes and cultural hubs at a leisurely pace.
In March, a seven-day rail journey was undertaken from Singapore to Bangkok, covering six train legs and multiple stops through Malaysia. The route included visits to Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and transitions into Thailand via rail.
After crossing into Malaysia via the Shuttle Tebrau, the trip continued on the Electric Train Service (ETS) from Johor Bahru Sentral to Kuala Lumpur. Launched just months earlier, this intercity rail line reduced travel time between the two cities from seven hours to approximately four and a half hours. The ETS features business class seating with reclining chairs and spacious interiors, though it does not match the speeds of high-speed rail services in East Asia.
Kuala Lumpur was noted for its culinary offerings, including street food at the century-old Jalan Alor Food Street and the popular Village Park Restaurant in Petaling Jaya, where the national dish nasi lemak was sampled. The city also hosts the Batu Caves, a limestone temple complex that draws Hindu pilgrims and tourists alike. The site features a monumental golden statue of the deity Murugan and a 272-step staircase leading to the Sri Subramaniar Swamy temple.
The journey next proceeded to Penang, accessible via a three-and-a-half-hour train ride to Butterworth and a short ferry crossing to George Town, the island’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Penang is recognized as Malaysia’s culinary capital, with street food specialties such as char koay teow available at Michelin-rated establishments. The city also features interactive street art by Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic, whose murals depict daily Malaysian life and attract tourists worldwide.
A visit to Penang Hill included a ride on a century-old funicular railway and a walk along the Habitat, a nature trail established in the early 19th century on the edge of a rainforest reserve, providing a mix of natural scenery and wildlife observation.
The final leg of the journey involved crossing into southern Thailand at Padang Besar and onward to Hat Yai by rail. From Hat Yai, an overnight sleeper train transported passengers to Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, Southeast Asia’s largest railway station. Ticket prices for the journey ranged from approximately 1,000 to 1,800 baht, offering second-class seating and private first-class cabins with sleeping berths.
The sleeper train, while air-conditioned, was described as a basic service with relatively small compartments and privacy curtained bunks. Nonetheless, the overnight journey provided a rest from the tropical heat as the train advanced northward. Upon arrival in Bangkok, local cuisine featured prominently with visits to establishments serving Lao-inspired dishes as well as Michelin-recommended restaurants. The Song Wat district was highlighted as a vibrant area known for its cafes, street art, and traditional food.
This extensive rail route underscores the diverse travel experiences available by train in Southeast Asia, combining cultural exploration, regional connectivity, and culinary discovery. With infrastructure upgrades and new rail links upcoming, the traditional journeys between Singapore and its northern neighbors are poised for significant transformation in the coming years.