Has anyone taken this trip? Any stories?

Thought I might do this to see the country along the way...stop over in KL for a few days and then head to Singapore.

Moondragon

I've done this trip several times, both ways. The first was in 1977. It was Ramadan. Big mistake. The second class carriage between Butterworth and KL was absolutely jammed. I had a reserved seat, but there was a guy on the armrest and two in the aisle, more on the roof and in in the vestibules. There was no way to get to the toilet or the dining car. At one point we got to a station. I could see a bar inside but it was on the other side of the train. I jumped out of the window, crawled under the train, ran for the bar and bought four cold bottles of Guiness. Best beers I've had. No comment from any of my fellow, presumably Muslim passengers.

I decided not to endure Ramadan crowds from KL to Singapore so I sprung for a first class sleeper. (It was about US$27.) The carriage was a classic. All mahogany and brass. My room had a beautiful wash basin concealed behind a rounded sliding door. There was a vase on the wall with fresh flowers and a place to put your shoes at night for polishing. There were clean hot showers at both ends of the car.

I've not been in a carriage that nice since then. I guess the Orient Express has them, but they surely must be out of regular service.

Is that what you meant by stories?

There is only one train that currently runs from Hat Yai to Kuala Lumpur, a Malaysian overnight train called the Langkawi Ekspres. The Thai International Express still makes the journey all the way to Butterworth but you would need to pick up the Langkawi Ekspres between Butterworth and KL.

Eastern & Oriental Express

Try not to take the “Steam” version, it is much slower.

Happy travelling

Thanks for the replies....

Yeah I'm just trying to see if the trip is worth it....I'll be traveling in July/August so I think I'll miss Ramadan

How about KL and Singapore accomodations? Any thoughts? Like to spend about $20 US per night and I'd like to avoid the hostel-scene if possible

moon

How about KL and Singapore accomodations?  Any thoughts?  Like to spend about $20 US per night and I'd like to avoid the hostel-scene if possible

moon

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We stayed at Pondok Lodge - http://www.pondoklodge.com/ - its in a good location right in Bukit Bintang. Also stayed in the Kameleon Travellers Lodge near the bus station downtown, not too bad - (near China Town), 35, Jalan Pudu Lama

Kuala Lumpur Tel - 603 20707770 Email - [email protected] Beware of places like the Travellers Backpackers Inn, Wheelers Guesthouse - all hostels downtown, terrible dumps!

if you want to spend $20 a night, then avoid Singers

How about KL and Singapore accomodations?  Any thoughts?  Like to spend about $20 US per night and I'd like to avoid the hostel-scene if possible

Rock bottom for a hotel room in Singapore is probably S$50 - S$60. You may want to stay right across the border in Johor Bahru. Costs are cheaper all the way around in JB and it's easy to day-trip across the Causeway to Singapore.