Malaysia By Rail:
Journeys Along the Peninsula
M
alaysia’s 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
Continue heading north to the Perak
royal capital of Kuala Kangsar, dominated
by the Sultan’s residence named Istana
Iskandariah. The former Sultan’s
residence is a delightful and modest
yellow, black, and white house on stilts
built from woven bamboo. The gold-
domed Masjid Ubudiah is a much grander
affair – possibly the most photographed
mosque in Malaysia, and it’s easy to
see why.malaysia’s fab 5
BY DAVID BOWDEN