On Malaysian rails: from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore
In summary
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Sports
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Duration12 days
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LevelBeginner
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DestinationAsia / Malaysia
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions153.45 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
This legendary journey from the Malaysian peninsula to Singapore reveals a perfect balance between raw nature, centuries-old heritage and avant-garde metropolises.
From the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur , the route ascends towards Ipoh and its sacred temples, before boarding the famous Jungle Railway . This legendary train plunges you into the heart of Taman Negara , an ancient rainforest where a unique encounter with the indigenous Orang Asli communities awaits. After this woodland interlude, the journey continues to the coast for a special interlude on the white sands and crystal-clear waters of the Perhentian Islands .
The journey continues south with the exploration of Melaka , an old trading post with alleyways steeped in history, before concluding beautifully amidst the futuristic architecture of Singapore 's garden city.
Accompanied by a French-speaking guide , this small group tour prioritizes authentic travel and cultural immersion to capture the essence of Southeast Asia.
The highlights
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The adventure aboard the legendary Jungle Railway
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Special encounters at the heart of traditions with the Orang Asli tribe
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Wild exploration of the Taman Negara jungle
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
This trip is designed for travelers in good physical condition who wish to combine cultural discoveries with outdoor activities. The program includes several easy walks, notably in the Taman Negara rainforest. Days may be punctuated by travel by train, boat, and on foot, in a hot and humid climate. No prior experience is required, but good walking shoes, a certain level of stamina, and a taste for adventure are recommended to fully enjoy this immersion in the heart of Malaysia.
Management
French
English
Upon your arrival in Kuala Lumpur on the second day (welcome meeting at 6pm at the hotel), you will be taken care of by our local team.
For this trip, you will be accompanied by a local English-speaking Malaysian guide, a passionate expert on the region, supported by a French-speaking translator. This dual presence ensures smooth logistics, easy communication in French, and authentic immersion experiences close to the local communities.
Program
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Flight to Kuala Lumpur (Custom flight not included, please contact us)
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Flight to Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. We can, of course, arrange your flight and airport pick-up if you wish; please contact us.Day 1 -
Arrival in Kuala Lumpur
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Selamat datang! Welcome to Malaysia! Check into your hotel and meet your guide at 6 PM for the introductory meeting. If you arrive early in the day, dive right in: try the spicy street food of Petaling Street in Chinatown, admire the iconic Petronas Towers rising from the urban jungle, or marvel at the colonial architecture of Dataran Merdeka.Day 2 -
Heading to Ipoh: urban art and a giant Buddhist temple
- Transportation TER / Metro / Tram - 03h - 150km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, board the high-speed train from Kuala Lumpur's historic station. Watch the landscapes of palm trees and rice paddies unfold as you travel to Ipoh, a former mining town that has become the country's creative hub. Discover the Perak Cave Temple, an impressive sanctuary nestled in the heart of a limestone hill, home to a 40-meter-tall golden Buddha. After settling into your hotel, enjoy a guided walking tour of the old town, exploring its lively alleyways, historic buildings, and unique street art murals. Dinner and return on foot amidst the vibrant nightlife.Day 3 -
The legendary Jungle Railway and heading north
- Transportation TER / Metro / Tram - 10h - 400km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Transfer to Gua Musang for one of the trip's highlights: boarding the legendary Jungle Railway! At this station, seemingly frozen in 1938, we begin the most spectacular section of the line. For several hours, the train winds its way along the base of imposing karst cliffs, past virgin rainforest and authentic traditional stilt villages. Upon arrival at Tanah Merah, a private transfer takes us to the coast at Kuala Besut.Day 4 -
Island life in the Perhentian Islands: lagoons & turtles
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A change of scenery! Board a speedboat and head to the crystal-clear waters of the Perhentian Islands for a day of complete relaxation. Mask and snorkel on, jump in to swim among the coral gardens, greet the clownfish, and try to spot the magnificent green turtles at Turtle Point. In the late afternoon, return by boat to the mainland.Day 5 -
Immersion in one of the oldest jungles in the world
- Transportation Minibus - 06h - 200km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Departure by private vehicle to the legendary Taman Negara National Park. Settle into your chalets in the heart of the jungle for two nights of total immersion. The rest of the day is free: take the opportunity to relax or dine in one of the unique floating restaurants on the river. For the more adventurous, opt for a guided night safari in search of wildlife (reptiles, insects, phosphorescent mushrooms)!Day 6 -
Canoeing, waterfalls & meeting with the Orang Asli tribe
- Transportation Minibus - 02h - 100km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A scenic cruise on the Sungai Tahan River through an ancient rainforest, followed by a hike through lush vegetation to a secluded natural waterfall. The afternoon is dedicated to a special encounter with the Batek and Semokberi tribes of the Orang Asli, the indigenous inhabitants of these ancestral lands. Discover their communal way of life, their blowgun hunting techniques, and their traditional skills. The rest of the day is free to enjoy nature.Day 7 -
Crossing the peninsula and evening in Melaka
- Transportation Bus - 08h - 300km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
We leave the jungle by bus to Jerantut station to catch the Jungle Railway to Gemas, before continuing by bus to Melaka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check into your hotel around 5 pm and enjoy your first orientation walk with your guide through this city where Malay, Portuguese, Dutch, and British heritage intersect. The evening is free to sample the delights of Nyonya cuisine at the lively Jonker Street market!Day 8 -
Trishaw, street art and the charm of Melaka
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
This morning, explore the historic streets of Melaka in a unique way: aboard a trishaw (local rickshaw)! Discover the Peranakan district and the famous Harmony Street, where mosques, Chinese temples, and traditional houses stand side by side. After a typical lunch included, the afternoon is yours to enjoy: stroll along the canals, relax in a trendy waterfront café, or rent a bicycle to explore the red buildings of Dutch Square.Day 9 -
Heading to futuristic Singapore
- Transportation Bus - 06h - 200km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Border in sight! We board an express bus to cross the strait and reach Singapore. Check-in at the hotel in the early afternoon and free time to explore the "Garden City" (Little India, Chinatown...). In the evening, the group gathers for a grand farewell dinner at Lau Pa Sat, a historic covered market and UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the menu: satay skewers, wonton noodles, and cold beers amidst the city lights!Day 10 -
The end of our adventure
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Departure after breakfast. If you wish to extend your trip, we would be happy to discuss the various options with you; just speak to your country expert travel advisor! If you wish to return home, we can arrange your international return flight.Day 11 -
Arrival in France
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Arrived in France during the day.Day 12
Note
Accommodation
We have selected comfortable and ideally located accommodations for you, allowing you to fully enjoy each stage and get around easily during your free time.
Access
Your guide will be waiting for you at 6pm at the hotel reception in Kuala Lumpur.
Go to the starting point
International flights :
We have chosen to leave you… the choice!
Indeed, many airlines fly to Malaysia from several departure points to Kuala Lumpur. Depending on your preferences, budget, and where you live, you have numerous options: it's therefore easier to let you choose the flight that suits you best.
You can therefore decide to arrive on day 2 or a few days before, or extend your stay after the tour to discover more of Malaysia or Singapore.
Don't hesitate to contact us for your search and booking! We can offer customized solutions (choice of airline, departure airport) with complete price transparency. Furthermore, if you book your flights with us, your airport/hotel transfers upon arrival and departure are included for added peace of mind.
Travel within the country:
- The Jungle Railway : We take this historic railway line which winds through the deep jungle, alongside imposing karst cliffs and picturesque stilt villages aboard an authentic train.
- High-speed train (ETS): To reach the historic city of Ipoh from Kuala Lumpur quickly and comfortably.
Private vehicles: To ensure smooth transfers to the Perak Cave temple, the Taman Negara jungle or the port of Kuala Besut.
Speedboat: For the round trip to the crystal-clear waters of Singapore.
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation with breakfast in a hotel in a double or twin room
- Supervision by an English-speaking guide and a French-speaking translator
- Meals: 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
- All ground transfers between the stages mentioned
- The activities described in the program
- Entrance fees to the sites described in the program
The price does not include
- International flights to Kuala Lumpur and from Singapore
- Airport transfers (unless you book your flights with us)
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses
- Drinks
- The free meals mentioned in the program
- Tips for local teams (see "Tips" section)
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- Telescopic walking poles (optional)
- Earplugs
- Books, card games… to keep busy at the end of the day
- Toiletries (preferably biodegradable products)
- Quick-drying towel
- Gourd
- Sunglasses, high protection rating
- Sunscreen
- Tropical mosquito repellent products
- Waterproof plastic bags and pouches in case of rain
Clothing to bring
Pack clothing suitable for hot and humid climates: clothes that cover up, are lightweight and comfortable to wear, even when wet!
Note: When walking in the rainforest, the most suitable outfit is a combination of "shorts + tights + knee-high socks".
