New High-Speed Train Now Connects Asia’s Trendiest City To Stunning Cultural Island

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Adventure is always awaiting in Asia.

Ask any backpacker. They’ll likely tell you both amazing and horrific stories from the road, whether it be a rickety bus seat or a beat-up carriage well past its prime, yet still discovering something unforgettable.

That said, some of Asia’s rail journeys are world-renowned as the most futuristic trains on Earth — a far cry from what we’ve been promised here in the U.S., as bullet trains have yet to come to fruition.

But we’re not here to reveal one of Japan’s new bullet trains or the snail’s pace progress of American tracks.

Instead, we’re tackling a pair of Southeast Asia’s most stunning destinations — one of which we at Travel Off Path declare as Asia’s trendiest city, and another as a must-visit island brimming with culture.

Now quicker to reach than ever with a new high-speed train, travelers looking to stack their Asia itinerary can explore Malaysia’s vibrant capital and Singapore in a fraction of the time it used to be.

Zoom Through Malaysia From Kuala Lumpur

Some might say Kuala Lumpur has become the “new Bangkok” for those seeking an urban sprawl teeming with culture, nightlife, and sensational street food at bargain bin prices.

It’s become hugely popular among solo travelers and digital nomads alike for its welcoming locals and affordability across the board — not to mention how safe it feels at all hours.

But don’t allow anyone to tell you Malaysia is a one-trick pony with Kuala Lumpur being one-and-done and off to your next country.

Other captivating locales, such as Penang, have been on the rise too. But there’s one destination overlooked as a gateway to Singapore, and it’s well worth being a stopping point too, not just a springboard.

Kuala Lumpur has been offering a route to Johor Bahru for years, an under-hyped border town that, let’s just say, drinks never stop flowing…

The problem is that the ride has been a slow burn, taking upwards of 8 hours. But that’s why this new train is so exciting — it’s the first high-speed, all-electric rail service taking passengers straight to Johor Bahru for a no-hassle crossing into the astounding island nation of Singapore.

Officially launched on December 12th and cutting travel time to just 4 hours and 20 minutes, KTMB (Keretapi Tanah Melayu) is giving travelers the best opportunity ever to double-dip Malaysia and Singapore in one go.

What To Know When Crossing Into Singapore

Technically, KTMB’s game-changing new route is domestic, but reaching Singapore is a breeze.

Upon arriving at Johor Bahru Sentral (JB Sentral), you can easily hail a cab, order a rideshare, or hop on a bus and be at the border in minutes.

Immigration lines are usually less than 60 minutes, as this is a typical daily commute for locals of both countries, but midday and late evenings are said to have the shortest lines.

Therefore, taking either the first route, 7:45 am – 12:05 pm, or the second, 5:35 pm – 9:55 pm, gives you a good chance of crossing hassle-free.

Americans do not need a visa of any kind to enter Singapore.

Why Singapore Is A Must-Visit Destination

Singapore is truly a bucket-list destination, and it’s obviously not as hard to reach as it may seem as a far-flung island.

With the new train route from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore is even closer in reach despite having numerous nonstop flights from the U.S. on one of the world’s top-rated airlines, Singapore Airlines.

Arriving by train is even better as you won’t waste time being magnetized by Singapore’s insanely captivating airport, drawing people in like moths to a flame with its otherworldly waterfall and floating gardens.

Singapore is one of the safest countries on Earth, but just know there are some very strict laws here, so mind your Ps and Qs.

It’s safe to explore at all hours, and it’s the type of place to arrive hungry and leave happy as this ritzy island is known for its bustling street food hawker centers — a reflection of Singapore’s melting pot of cultures with diverse neighborhoods like Little India and Chinatown.

While you won’t break the bank pigging out, as you may have seen on the very popular Crazy Rich Asians, Singapore is an icon for luxury too, which is why many cross back into Johor Bahru to save money — yet another reason this new train is the best of both worlds if you think about it.