A few weeks ago I was eating breakfast at Gather Ground Cafe, Soi 2. Someone looking exactly like you came in with a lovely lady. I was sitting next to you, but, didn’t want to disturb you. Love your videos and keep them coming! ❤
Many thanks for your positive feedback, Patrick. For anyone interested in going to KL without jumping on a plane, it's an interesting option! Next up, KL to Singapore!
sir, what is the overall opinion/view regarding train services in Malaysia in terms of tickets, seats, food, stations@platforms where passengers get off & pick up etc.? can it match the facilities of trains in foreign countries? I hope your opinion can improve the quality of train services in this country. Thank you sir
Very good video as usual. I will be referring to this again before my journey to Malaysia next year. I might try to get to Langkawi for a few days though.
Many thanks for the positive feedback, Mark. Coincidentally, after my trip to Hat Yai, one of my friends was recommending me to get a ferry from Satun province over to Langkawi. So maybe I'll make it there, too!
BC you’ve done it again my Mann what a great vlog .£1 to go to Malaysia that’s just insane 😊. Really nice trains and great views will be honest I would pay extra and go 1st class . I’m getting soft in my old age 🥴. Have a great time in KL so much to see and do. Can’t wait for the next vlog. Singapore by train sounds amazing. All the best my Mann
Many thanks, Jimmy. I did try to book the Business Class seat, but they seem to sell out days or weeks in advance. If it's available, it is probably the best option! It's a real eye opener to get on a modern train like that after arriving on the old Thai trains. Although you can't beat the windows down, fan cooled experience for short journeys!
Bring on the Kuala Lumpur vlogs, wander around Hat Yai would have been interesting. Plus yes Georgetown and Singapore train journeys plus wanders wouldn't go a miss either. I mean it's only editing 😉 loving your work as always.
Thanks, Paul. I guess it's better that you are asking for more content rather than less! Well, there is a tour of KL coming next. Not really a wander, more of a guided tour in a minivan! But, hopefully, it's better than nothing. I'm sure the editing can be done in a few minutes! Hmm! 😃
Cool video BC mate , as always very informative with all the information needed for your viewers to consider this journey. We did find Malaysia a fair bit more expensive than Thailand. Looking forward to your exploration on the next video. Laughed at the out take too mate. Enjoy , regards SG 👍🏼🍻🇦🇺
Thanks for your continued support, SG! I think in terms of expense it depends what part of the country and what you mainly buy. One thing I can say is that KL as a capital city seemed cheaper to me than Bangkok for accommodation and basic food. But KL also has some posh, upmarket buildings and restaurants, too! Great place for a weekend, IMHO! 👍 Cheers, mate!
Great video, as usual! Kuala Lumpur is a very interesting city. Did you stay long enough to visit, and go to the Batu caves, for example? And did you have the time to enjoy a good Ramly burger?
Thanks, Alain. Yes, I did see the Batu caves... maybe they'll be in the next video! Unfortunately, I didn't get the chance to sample a Ramly burger. Is that the one that's wrapped in an egg or omelette? I think you might be able to get them in Bangkok also. So next up, a quick tour of KL, and then onwards and, er, downwards to Singapore! Hope all is well with you.
Thanks. The timing of the connections is frustrating. I think if you took the train that comes down from Bangkok, you'd probably just about make it. But then what if it was late as it sometimes is? Interestingly, on my shuttle train, most people were heading to Penang, not KL. And they "only" had to wait about 2 hours for their connection!
Cheers, Wayne. Nice modern trains. I was shocked after getting off the Thai train! But the old trains have more personality. In fact, some of the carriages in Thailand came from the UK originally, many years ago!
@@balloonchaser Yes I know what you mean. I get the train everyday to work and we have quite new trains now. Its all tables rather than seats and a full train going to work means more standing. A bit different when you are travelling but not practical for work Anyways enjoy your trips and i will be watching the next one 👍
I should be bored of trains, really. 20 odd years of commuting into Charing Cross should have been enough. And moving down the line to get a chance of a seat in the morning rush hour! Strangely, I don't miss that daily commute! Trains for leisure are much more enjoyable 👍
That would be excellent news if it happens. Thanks. The next change I'm aware of is reinstating the direct train from Bangkok to Butterworth which should start in the next month or so. I'm doing the trip from KL to Singapore, but at the moment, the higher speed trains only go as far as Gemas, and you have to change trains before continuing to JB Sentral. Any improvement on that would be very welcome!
@@balloonchaserit's still work in progress as the Electrified double track project is still underway and the new trainsets are not here yet. Maybe by next year, you can take the train all the way to Johor Bahru. Then take the shuttle train across the water to Singapore. In future also there will be MRT service between JB and Singapore called RTS (also currently under construction)
@fahiruzrazali Many thanks for the very useful update. It all sounds exciting stuff to me! After a very brief stay in KL the next part of this trip is to JB Sentral via Gemas. Would be great to do it all by high speed train and no changes!
@@balloonchaser actually those 3 countries Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore (which are already connected via road and trains) should open its boarder like European Union kinda style. I think it is more beneficial for them economy and socially.
@@balloonchaser we're excited too with with the upcoming stuffs coming in a year or two.. - Padang Besar - Johor Bahru ETS - JB-Singapore RTS - East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) - while the ECRL terminates at Kota Bharu, there are rumours that it will be extended to the Thai Border at Rantau Panjang/Sungai Kolok
Thanks, Pete. I have to admit I'm not a visa expert because I have a one year visa and a multiple re-entry permit. All I can say is that you do exit through Thailand and then immediately enter Malaysia by going to Padang Besar. So, assuming you meet the requirements, I can't see why there would be a particular problem reentering Thailand and getting a 60-day stamp (?) a few days later. But I must stress I'm not an expert, and I'd probably check with my local Thai immigration office first if it was me! Good luck!
Thanks for your comment. It would be really great if they could do some more upgrades and cut the journey times even further! I dream of catching a fast train in Bangkok and taking it all the way to Kuala Lumpur and beyond. That would be brilliant!
Another fantastic informative video 😊 if you are still down that direction I recommend a flight to Langkawi, it'll make great viewing and a nice wee break for you 🎉
Many thanks for your kind words, Jeff! Next part of the trip is to Singapore. After that, not sure! But Langkawi is a place I've never been before, so cheers for the suggestion!
@@balloonchaser it's a very cheap flight to Langkawi from KL or Singapore, short taxi ride from the airport to Cenang beach, it's less than a pound for a beer in the restaurants and about 50p in the duty free shops. You'll love it.
@jeffrussell488 Actually, you got me interested. I was literally just reading about the ferry from Satun to Langkawi. That sounds my style rather than a flight. Although I'm not sure where it arrives in relation to where I'd want to be! Lipe is also a good shout. I went to Koh Lanta years ago and met a few people who said if you like Lanta, you'll love Lipe, and I made plans to go. But then everything shut down, so it's time to dust off the plans!
@@balloonchaser Langkawi is a duty free island I think that itself might make some interesting content plus the beaches are stunning and food excellent, it is pretty quiet compared to Thailand. I also went to Penang, that has a few interesting spots but I wouldn’t recommend it for more than a day. It’s possible to get a ferry from Lipe to Phuket, stopping in places like Lanta if needed, I flew because of time constraints
I would be going to Thailand in November then to Malaysia. My question is while entering Thailand immigration they are going to ask me return or onward destination ticket in that case how am I going to convince them that I would be exiting by train. If there was some online ticket I can buy it would be helpful.
Many thanks for the question. I must stress I'm not an expert on Thai immigration issues. However, in my own experience I've only ever been asked about onward travel by the airline when checking in, not the immigration official. So it might be worth contacting the airline in advance. Also, you can book a ticket online from Bangkok (Krung Thep Aphiwat Station all the way to Padang Besar (Malaysia) Station using the dticket app and a visa card. Then at least you have some proof of onward journey. Hope this helps, but first step, check with you airline.
@@balloonchaser I actually changed my mind and would fly out 😅😅 I am from India and it's not worth so much of time and confusion. Funny part is I never knew hat yai is 950 km away from Bangkok and since I would be travelling with my father who is 82 it's absolutely not worth. Also I have a huge vat refund to claim which I should do it from airport. Anyways I saved your video in future when I do a solo trip I will explore it. In 2017 me and my father crossed land border to Cambodia and it was super fun experience 😁
@roninr8199 No worries. I think if I was travelling with an elderly relative I'd make the same choice as you. The train from Thailand isn't that comfortable, although the one in Malaysia certainly is. So the rail trip is best for those with time on their hands and young enough to enjoy the adventure! Have a great trip!
@@balloonchaser we are actually on a 2 months trip and have enough time. My dad was active 7 years ago and that's why we crossed by land. Now he has difficulty walking so will take it easy. Wish you a safe journey too. Are you in Malaysia currently.
@roninr8199 Thanks, understand. I'm actually in Thailand and back to Malaysia next week for the final leg of this rail trip; from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore. I'm currently researching my next trip after that, with Langkawi currently the planned destination!
My understanding is it's not spoken about now because in 2024, it's not running a service to Thailand and is only available within Malaysia. Also the other reason is the price. Last time I looked, tickets started at over 3,000 US Dollars. Well above my budget, unfortunately.
Gotta low that 3rd class, fan cooled luxury. At least it does not last long. The views from the train are not bad, but with the shape of Thailand / Malaysia being so snaky, flying would always be my choice. The train journey seems a bit arduous to me. I especially would not appreciate random stuff like longer immigration lines influencing my ability to catch the next train!
Thanks, David. I used to work in Hat Yai. Of all the border crossings I've made there, by road or at the airport, the train station has got to be the easiest of the lot. But yes, they really should offer more services so thar you are guaranteed not to miss your connecting train. Having said that, most people on my train were heading to Penang and Georgetown, and that train came in much earlier than the one to KL. Maybe one to try in the future!
Thank you for the video however I have a question. You say it only takes 40-45 minutes between Hat Yai and Padang Basar but google maps says it is over 500kms, am I looking at different places ?
@@balloonchaser funny thing when I looked on google maps on my phone it had the plus 500kms distance but when I checked on my PC it showed about 45 minutes on the train ! Lesson learnt, safe travels 👍
If I did have that fetish, and I'm not saying anything without my lawyers present 😀, it wouldn't be the worst one I've been accused of! Plane travel is a bit boring, though? Airports all the same, arriving 2-3 hours early to check in, airports an hour from city centre etc etc. If I'm not in a hurry I'll vote for my fetish!
No, American citizens do not require a visa to visit Malaysia for business or social reasons if their stay in Malaysia is 90 days or less. Just complete the Digital Arrival Card and you're good to go! 👍
You got it, PFI. And there's often a much better chance of seeing what Mother Nature has to offer from a train carriage, than a plane, or even a car or bus!
A few weeks ago I was eating breakfast at Gather Ground Cafe, Soi 2. Someone looking exactly like you came in with a lovely lady. I was sitting next to you, but, didn’t want to disturb you. Love your videos and keep them coming! ❤
Hey, Durian. You should have said Hi! I'm never too busy to chat. In fact, it would have been my pleasure! Next time, OK?
@@balloonchaser okay, and I’ll buy you a coffee (or two) 😀
@durian2193 One would be more than enough at the prices they charge in Gather Ground! Great coffee, tho' 😀
Another professional quality and brilliantly informative video. Thanks for posting. Looks like a great trip.
Many thanks for your positive feedback, Patrick. For anyone interested in going to KL without jumping on a plane, it's an interesting option! Next up, KL to Singapore!
sir, what is the overall opinion/view regarding train services in Malaysia in terms of tickets, seats, food, stations@platforms where passengers get off & pick up etc.? can it match the facilities of trains in foreign countries? I hope your opinion can improve the quality of train services in this country. Thank you sir
Very good video as usual. I will be referring to this again before my journey to Malaysia next year. I might try to get to Langkawi for a few days though.
Many thanks for the positive feedback, Mark. Coincidentally, after my trip to Hat Yai, one of my friends was recommending me to get a ferry from Satun province over to Langkawi. So maybe I'll make it there, too!
BC you’ve done it again my Mann what a great vlog .£1 to go to Malaysia that’s just insane 😊. Really nice trains and great views will be honest I would pay extra and go 1st class . I’m getting soft in my old age 🥴. Have a great time in KL so much to see and do. Can’t wait for the next vlog. Singapore by train sounds amazing. All the best my Mann
Many thanks, Jimmy. I did try to book the Business Class seat, but they seem to sell out days or weeks in advance. If it's available, it is probably the best option! It's a real eye opener to get on a modern train like that after arriving on the old Thai trains. Although you can't beat the windows down, fan cooled experience for short journeys!
Good travel journalism, cheers👍.
Many thanks, Anders. Very kind!
Bring on the Kuala Lumpur vlogs, wander around Hat Yai would have been interesting. Plus yes Georgetown and Singapore train journeys plus wanders wouldn't go a miss either.
I mean it's only editing 😉 loving your work as always.
Thanks, Paul. I guess it's better that you are asking for more content rather than less! Well, there is a tour of KL coming next. Not really a wander, more of a guided tour in a minivan! But, hopefully, it's better than nothing. I'm sure the editing can be done in a few minutes! Hmm! 😃
Cool video BC mate , as always very informative with all the information needed for your viewers to consider this journey. We did find Malaysia a fair bit more expensive than Thailand. Looking forward to your exploration on the next video. Laughed at the out take too mate. Enjoy , regards SG 👍🏼🍻🇦🇺
Thanks for your continued support, SG! I think in terms of expense it depends what part of the country and what you mainly buy. One thing I can say is that KL as a capital city seemed cheaper to me than Bangkok for accommodation and basic food. But KL also has some posh, upmarket buildings and restaurants, too! Great place for a weekend, IMHO! 👍 Cheers, mate!
Your vlog is very detail. Welcome.
I try my best to include everything 😃 Thanks!
Great video, as usual!
Kuala Lumpur is a very interesting city. Did you stay long enough to visit, and go to the Batu caves, for example?
And did you have the time to enjoy a good Ramly burger?
Thanks, Alain. Yes, I did see the Batu caves... maybe they'll be in the next video! Unfortunately, I didn't get the chance to sample a Ramly burger. Is that the one that's wrapped in an egg or omelette? I think you might be able to get them in Bangkok also. So next up, a quick tour of KL, and then onwards and, er, downwards to Singapore! Hope all is well with you.
Great info thanks 👍👍
Hope it's useful, Mike!
I got as far as Hat Yai, saw the issue with the timings and opted for a bus instead. Stopped at Penang before continuing on to KL after a few days.
Thanks. The timing of the connections is frustrating. I think if you took the train that comes down from Bangkok, you'd probably just about make it. But then what if it was late as it sometimes is? Interestingly, on my shuttle train, most people were heading to Penang, not KL. And they "only" had to wait about 2 hours for their connection!
@@balloonchaserany idea what are the timings in hat yai for trains into Malaysia. Just in case it gets delayed will I get accommodation at hat yai..
Cheers Balloon, reclining seats on a train, whatever next.
We are lucky if the drinks trays open in the uk nowadays 😂
Cheers, Wayne. Nice modern trains. I was shocked after getting off the Thai train! But the old trains have more personality. In fact, some of the carriages in Thailand came from the UK originally, many years ago!
@@balloonchaser Yes I know what you mean. I get the train everyday to work and we have quite new trains now. Its all tables rather than seats and a full train going to work means more standing.
A bit different when you are travelling but not practical for work
Anyways enjoy your trips and i will be watching the next one 👍
I should be bored of trains, really. 20 odd years of commuting into Charing Cross should have been enough. And moving down the line to get a chance of a seat in the morning rush hour! Strangely, I don't miss that daily commute! Trains for leisure are much more enjoyable 👍
I heard train in Malaysia will begin direct service from Thailand border to Singapore border by end of next year
That would be excellent news if it happens. Thanks. The next change I'm aware of is reinstating the direct train from Bangkok to Butterworth which should start in the next month or so. I'm doing the trip from KL to Singapore, but at the moment, the higher speed trains only go as far as Gemas, and you have to change trains before continuing to JB Sentral. Any improvement on that would be very welcome!
@@balloonchaserit's still work in progress as the Electrified double track project is still underway and the new trainsets are not here yet. Maybe by next year, you can take the train all the way to Johor Bahru. Then take the shuttle train across the water to Singapore. In future also there will be MRT service between JB and Singapore called RTS (also currently under construction)
@fahiruzrazali Many thanks for the very useful update. It all sounds exciting stuff to me! After a very brief stay in KL the next part of this trip is to JB Sentral via Gemas. Would be great to do it all by high speed train and no changes!
@@balloonchaser actually those 3 countries Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore (which are already connected via road and trains) should open its boarder like European Union kinda style. I think it is more beneficial for them economy and socially.
@@balloonchaser we're excited too with with the upcoming stuffs coming in a year or two..
- Padang Besar - Johor Bahru ETS
- JB-Singapore RTS
- East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) - while the ECRL terminates at Kota Bharu, there are rumours that it will be extended to the Thai Border at Rantau Panjang/Sungai Kolok
Remember to adjust your watch. Time difference
Good advice. It confused me to start with!
Hi Love the video would this be possible to do a visa run on I would stay in KL for a few days
Thanks, Pete. I have to admit I'm not a visa expert because I have a one year visa and a multiple re-entry permit. All I can say is that you do exit through Thailand and then immediately enter Malaysia by going to Padang Besar. So, assuming you meet the requirements, I can't see why there would be a particular problem reentering Thailand and getting a 60-day stamp (?) a few days later. But I must stress I'm not an expert, and I'd probably check with my local Thai immigration office first if it was me! Good luck!
I took a bus from Kuala Lumpur to Bagkok back in 2012 it was the best and worse experience
Never tried the bus. Which one do you think would be better: bus or train?
Should be they upgrade this train become 3:45 minit to KL Sentral cut time travelling then to JB only take 1 h 15 minute all out 5 hours
Thanks for your comment. It would be really great if they could do some more upgrades and cut the journey times even further! I dream of catching a fast train in Bangkok and taking it all the way to Kuala Lumpur and beyond. That would be brilliant!
Another fantastic informative video 😊 if you are still down that direction I recommend a flight to Langkawi, it'll make great viewing and a nice wee break for you 🎉
Many thanks for your kind words, Jeff! Next part of the trip is to Singapore. After that, not sure! But Langkawi is a place I've never been before, so cheers for the suggestion!
@@balloonchaser it's a very cheap flight to Langkawi from KL or Singapore, short taxi ride from the airport to Cenang beach, it's less than a pound for a beer in the restaurants and about 50p in the duty free shops. You'll love it.
@@balloonchaser i forgot to mention, it's a short ferry from Langkawi to Koh Lipe.
@jeffrussell488 Actually, you got me interested. I was literally just reading about the ferry from Satun to Langkawi. That sounds my style rather than a flight. Although I'm not sure where it arrives in relation to where I'd want to be! Lipe is also a good shout. I went to Koh Lanta years ago and met a few people who said if you like Lanta, you'll love Lipe, and I made plans to go. But then everything shut down, so it's time to dust off the plans!
@@balloonchaser Langkawi is a duty free island I think that itself might make some interesting content plus the beaches are stunning and food excellent, it is pretty quiet compared to Thailand. I also went to Penang, that has a few interesting spots but I wouldn’t recommend it for more than a day. It’s possible to get a ferry from Lipe to Phuket, stopping in places like Lanta if needed, I flew because of time constraints
❤
Thanks
I would be going to Thailand in November then to Malaysia. My question is while entering Thailand immigration they are going to ask me return or onward destination ticket in that case how am I going to convince them that I would be exiting by train. If there was some online ticket I can buy it would be helpful.
Many thanks for the question. I must stress I'm not an expert on Thai immigration issues. However, in my own experience I've only ever been asked about onward travel by the airline when checking in, not the immigration official. So it might be worth contacting the airline in advance. Also, you can book a ticket online from Bangkok (Krung Thep Aphiwat Station all the way to Padang Besar (Malaysia) Station using the dticket app and a visa card. Then at least you have some proof of onward journey. Hope this helps, but first step, check with you airline.
@@balloonchaser I actually changed my mind and would fly out 😅😅 I am from India and it's not worth so much of time and confusion. Funny part is I never knew hat yai is 950 km away from Bangkok and since I would be travelling with my father who is 82 it's absolutely not worth. Also I have a huge vat refund to claim which I should do it from airport.
Anyways I saved your video in future when I do a solo trip I will explore it.
In 2017 me and my father crossed land border to Cambodia and it was super fun experience 😁
@roninr8199 No worries. I think if I was travelling with an elderly relative I'd make the same choice as you. The train from Thailand isn't that comfortable, although the one in Malaysia certainly is. So the rail trip is best for those with time on their hands and young enough to enjoy the adventure! Have a great trip!
@@balloonchaser we are actually on a 2 months trip and have enough time. My dad was active 7 years ago and that's why we crossed by land. Now he has difficulty walking so will take it easy. Wish you a safe journey too. Are you in Malaysia currently.
@roninr8199 Thanks, understand. I'm actually in Thailand and back to Malaysia next week for the final leg of this rail trip; from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore. I'm currently researching my next trip after that, with Langkawi currently the planned destination!
HELLO SIR, at the immigration will they stamp your passport or just scan it only
When I went, the immigration between Thailand and Malaysia stamped the passport.
I’m surprised why nobody talks about this Singapore to Bangkok (or vice versa) by Eastern & Oriental Expres?
My understanding is it's not spoken about now because in 2024, it's not running a service to Thailand and is only available within Malaysia. Also the other reason is the price. Last time I looked, tickets started at over 3,000 US Dollars. Well above my budget, unfortunately.
Gotta low that 3rd class, fan cooled luxury. At least it does not last long. The views from the train are not bad, but with the shape of Thailand / Malaysia being so snaky, flying would always be my choice. The train journey seems a bit arduous to me. I especially would not appreciate random stuff like longer immigration lines influencing my ability to catch the next train!
Thanks, David. I used to work in Hat Yai. Of all the border crossings I've made there, by road or at the airport, the train station has got to be the easiest of the lot. But yes, they really should offer more services so thar you are guaranteed not to miss your connecting train. Having said that, most people on my train were heading to Penang and Georgetown, and that train came in much earlier than the one to KL. Maybe one to try in the future!
Thank you for the video however I have a question. You say it only takes 40-45 minutes between Hat Yai and Padang Basar but google maps says it is over 500kms, am I looking at different places ?
Must be different places, as Padang Besar is only about 50 kms from Hat Yai 👍
@@balloonchaser ok thanks again
@@philwebster3914 No worries, Phil!
@@balloonchaser funny thing when I looked on google maps on my phone it had the plus 500kms distance but when I checked on my PC it showed about 45 minutes on the train ! Lesson learnt, safe travels 👍
@philwebster3914 Give it a go, Phil, if you get the chance and time isn't your main consideration. It's an interesting journey!
Hi!
Hi 👋
Im pleased i dont have a train fetish and just fly in an hour 😅
If I did have that fetish, and I'm not saying anything without my lawyers present 😀, it wouldn't be the worst one I've been accused of! Plane travel is a bit boring, though? Airports all the same, arriving 2-3 hours early to check in, airports an hour from city centre etc etc. If I'm not in a hurry I'll vote for my fetish!
Do you have to pay $25 to enter as a American
No, American citizens do not require a visa to visit Malaysia for business or social reasons if their stay in Malaysia is 90 days or less. Just complete the Digital Arrival Card and you're good to go! 👍
Thanks, Baloon chaser. I also like trains because all the people can't pull off to the side of the road and kill Mother Nature an acre at a time.
You got it, PFI. And there's often a much better chance of seeing what Mother Nature has to offer from a train carriage, than a plane, or even a car or bus!