Malaysia offers a magical railway experience that mirrors the iconic floating train scene from Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away, right here in Perak. The scenic train route across Tasik Bukit Merah, one of the country’s largest freshwater lakes, creates an enchanting illusion of a train gliding across water.

Located just a three-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur and easily accessible via the North-South Expressway, Tasik Bukit Merah holds historical significance as Malaysia’s first man-made lake, constructed in 1906 during the British colonial era. Notably, it’s the only freshwater lake in Malaysia traversed by a railway line.

Spanning approximately 3.5km, this railway is the longest cross-lake rail track in the country. As the train travels with water stretching on both sides, the scene resembles a floating train journey especially during sunrise or sunset, when golden hues reflect on the lake’s surface for a truly surreal experience.





To enhance this unforgettable moment, onboard announcements often encourage passengers to look out the window as the train approaches the lake crossing.

Train Services Across Tasik Bukit Merah:

- KTM Komuter Northern Sector Line: Offers 10 daily departures and 10 arrivals connecting Ipoh and Butterworth.

- KTM ETS Line: Operates two daily departures from Butterworth and Padang Besar to Gemas, and vice versa.

Whether you're a nature lover, a train enthusiast, or a fan of Ghibli's dreamlike aesthetics, this hidden gem in Malaysia is an experience not to be missed.






Source / Image Credit : Tourism Malaysia / SAYS / Keretapi Melmalam (Facebook)