Malaysia to Singapore - Train Q

NotAGolf · 7 Apr 2009 at 11:41

We want to go from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore by train. But we're unsure of how the visa process works. We are British citizens so should get the visa on arrival ok. But where do we get it? Do we have to get off the train at the border and have to worry about catching a bus over the border or catching a different train, or can we just arrive at the train station in Singapore and get it there?

Thanks.

Skull · 7 Apr 2009 at 11:54

You will get a visa on arrival no problem. There's not need to worry about getting off in Malaysia or Singapore, the border controls are strict, you will be told when to get on and off.

Repta · 7 Apr 2009 at 12:04

Skull said:
You will get a visa on arrival no problem. There's not need to worry about getting off in Malaysia or Singapore, the border controls are strict, you will be told when to get on and off.

Pretty much this, i believe the train stops at a station on/near the border you get you visa then get back on the train.

Bes · 7 Apr 2009 at 12:13

I've done this journey in reverse (Sing-KL).

The train will stop just before the border and you all basically get off and queue up in a passport control, a bit like an airport. You then just wait in a big waiting room until everyone is done, then they unlock the doors to the platform again, and you can get back on the train.

You'll know when to get on and off- don't worry

mangobreeder · 7 Apr 2009 at 12:44

did this journey but in reverse, dont sweat it, just follow everyone else,

Tip: do not stay in the robinson quay hotel, they ripped me off, booked for 2 days in advance, when i wanted a third day the price magically went up because there is a "conference"

Koalaboy · 7 Apr 2009 at 13:41

As everyone has said, don't worry too much as you're told what to do - I've done this trip many times.

The only thing to ensure is that you get your passport stamped. On one occasion, going from S'Pore to KL, the Malaysian customs officer just waved me through (they're generally more lax than the Singaporeans, and I was travelling with my wife who is Malaysian).

This was fine until we came to fly back from KL to S'Pore and they couldn't find an entrance stamp - luckily we had the train ticket stubs to prove it.

Besides, so long as you're British you don't actually need a visa as such, but are free to stay for 3 or 6 months.

Just enjoy the trip, and don't be surprised if the trains run several hours late

Repta · 7 Apr 2009 at 13:49

Reading a few of your threads it appears you have been travelling asia? Was just wondering if you have any advice on where to stay and go? Im heading out to Thailand, Laos and Cambodia in May.

NotAGolf · 11 Apr 2009 at 15:16

Thanks for the advice all.

Repta, I have indeed been traveling Asia. I've been away 2 and a half months now. So far I've done; Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, (HCMC, Nha Trang, Hue, Hanoi, Halong bay - these are obviosuly Vietnam which you didn't say you're going to but if you change your mind...) then back to Thailand and Ko Phangan, Ko Tao, Krabi, and Ko Lanta. I'm In Phuket now and have Kuala Lumpur and Singapore to do.

I don't really have the time to write up all my thoughts on places, i'm afraid and I havn't kept a blog or anything. Couple of quick notes:
-Chiang Mai was proabably my favourite place so far, and maybe the cheapest.
-Phnom Penh was probably the only place I didn't like
-Careful on the islands if you're booking a remote place as you can wind up stuck away from everything ad getting taxis everwhere is expensive and mopeds can be dodgy!
- I did 2 weeks marine conservation in Ko Tao which was incredible but pretty expensive (699pounds for 2 weeks). Worth it though.
-I don't kow if I traveled using the wrong mode of transport but for me traveling between places takes a huge chunk of your budget so plan wisely if you can
- I've used hostelbookers to book all my accomodation so far and have been pretty happy with everything booked. I've not been brave enough to just rock up and look round, this probably cost more but it's definately less stressful.

I can't really think of much atm, if you have any questions just ask and i'll try get back to you, it may take me a while though!

Doran · 11 Apr 2009 at 16:15

I read this thread with interest becaue this summer I will be flying into Beijing and travelling down through Vietnam, Cambodia, and through into Malaysia, hopefully going on the jungle railway, not the mainline, from the north to Singapore.

Look at seat 61 if you fancy this jungle route, it certainly looks fun!

My only worry is that I don't have enough time to do what I want to do - I only have four weeks to go overland from China to Singpore - thats a hell of a long way.

willy · 11 Apr 2009 at 19:30

I love S'pore. You have to go Orchard Rd and Sentosa Island

I'm going home this summer for my sister wedding and on the way back gonna stay in S'pore for a week

Gaijin · 11 Apr 2009 at 20:03

It's quite funny going to Singapore and back from Malaysia.

We went on the bus and were shepherded off into a customs area, soldiers with guns everywhere, long queues at about 10 desks with 2 people at each, and fingerprint checks - this guy had just escaped at the time (still is at large):

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mas_Selamat_bin_Kastari

On the way back we were waved through by two Malays sitting at a desk. Couldn't give a damn.