Traveling by train is a unique experience. If you wish to travel by train like a local, choose tourist class. The new premium tourist seats might be air-conditioned and equipped with power outlets, but as with plane tickets, prices rise as tickets sell out. Nevertheless, the prices remain reasonable.
In Vietnam, the railway line stretching from north to south almost the entire length of the country connects the capital, Hanoi, in the north with the city of Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) in the south. The Argo Willys train cuts through the heart of Java island, passing through all these destinations to explore the authentic side of Java. Mile after mile, the train passes through densely populated cities and charming villages separated by mountain passes, rice paddies, and dense forests. The train also offers a chance to taste some of the local Indonesian delicacies for which the island is famous.
If you are traveling on the Argo Willys train for its full 10-hour route, your journey will begin in the morning from Bandung Station or Surabaya Gubeng Station. It is advisable to arrive at the station early to exchange large bills if you are not using an Indonesian e-wallet, buy some snacks from the small shop at the station, and get your boarding pass from the kiosk. Once you board the train, make sure your camera is ready, as the stunning landscapes begin shortly after the train departs.
In most cases, you can get first-class tickets at the last minute, but panoramic train tickets should be booked in advance during weekends and public holidays. Tickets for both types of seating become available on some websites about six weeks in advance, or you can purchase them in major cities upon arriving in Indonesia.
The Argo Willys train allows you to enjoy beautiful scenery and also witness the significant progress the country has made over the past decades. Trains are typically known for their cleanliness, safety, efficiency, and punctuality. Additionally, it provides an opportunity to experience authentic Indonesian cuisine and learn about the local culture. The dining car serves fried chicken and sliced beef, but the Indonesian fried rice, "Nasi Goreng Pararangan," remains a constant favorite.
Communicating in English is relatively easy in Indonesia, but learning a few phrases in the local language can be very helpful. The bustling cities of Southeast Asia, their breathtaking landscapes, and cultural sites are a must-visit for adventure enthusiasts.
Trains that start or end their journey in Kuala Lumpur or Gua Musang only have second-class seats, though they are ideal for daytime travel and a budget-friendly option. The Jungle Train passes through dense forests, along river valleys, and over misty hills, witnessing life in traditional villages along the way.
Thanks to modern, air-conditioned trains serving this route, the journey is a mix of adventure and comfort. Some passengers choose to break the journey into segments, stopping at intermediate stations to explore less-visited regions of Malaysia. To see much of this beauty without leaving your seat, the best way is to travel by train.
In Indonesia, a unique experience is taking the luxurious Argo Willys train across Java island. Java is the world's most populous island, home to 150 million people in an area the size of the US state of North Carolina. Despite the island's bustling activity, it is rich in natural and cultural wonders that attract adventurous travelers. It is steeped in history and beauty, from the Javanese heritage of Yogyakarta Sultanate and the beautiful architecture of Bandung to affordable luxury in Surabaya.
The line was reopened in 1976 after the war. While the journey can be done in one go, most travelers break this 36-hour adventure into shorter trips. Many prefer the short route between Hue and Da Nang (or vice versa), especially the scenic part that passes through the Hai Van Pass, one of the most enchanting areas in Southeast Asia. The train's route winds along a narrow strip of land between the clear blue waters of the South China Sea and tree-covered mountains, passing through a series of tunnels along the way, revealing stunning vistas each time.
Several trains make this journey during the day, but try to choose a train that passes through this section during daylight hours rather than an overnight train, so you can better enjoy the beautiful scenery the train passes through.
Although Malaysia is working hard to develop its railway network, particularly the electrified West Coast Line, the East Coast Line still offers plenty of adventure and excitement on its route. It is also known as the "Jungle Train." As the name suggests, this route passes through the picturesque east of the Malay Peninsula, crossing daily through tropical rainforests on its way from Johor Bahru in the south to Tumpat in the far northeast near the Thai border.
It offers a chance for a historic train journey through stunning landscapes stretching 526 km across Malaysia's tropical rainforests, limestone highlands, and farms from Gemas to Tumpat. The journey provides a leisurely experience to explore rural life and natural areas and is considered one of the greatest train journeys in Southeast Asia. On overnight trains from Johor Bahru and Tumpat (and vice versa), sleeper cars with comfortable beds are available, allowing you to sleep through half the journey and enjoy the scenery for the other half.
