Tapah – General Information about the Destination
Tapah is a town located in the state of Perak in western Peninsular Malaysia. Situated along the North-South Expressway, it serves as a popular stopover destination for travelers. Tapah is best known as the gateway to the Cameron Highlands hill retreat. Visitors pass through Tapah en route to the highland towns of Ringlet, Tanah Rata, and Brinchang famed for their tea plantations, hiking trails, and strawberry farms. In Tapah itself, key attractions include Chemor Hot Spring, Clearwater Sanctuary Golf Course, and Kinta Nature Park. The town features a vibrant wet market and night market where visitors can sample local Malay and Chinese delicacies. Nearby Iskandar Waterfall offers scenic jungle views. Tapah offers convenient road and rail access to both the Cameron Highlands and Perak’s royal town of Kuala Kangsar.
Information about the Route (Ipoh – Tapah)
Trains running from Ipoh to Tapah are on the Southbound Train line, and they offer both Silver and Gold class services. The travel time for both Silver and Gold class trains is the same, at about 35 minutes to reach the destination.
The price (harga tiket Ipoh ke Tapah) for a Silver class ticket begins at RM12.00, while a Gold class ticket starts at RM15.00. Passengers can buy tickets either online or at the station’s ticket counter.
The train route includes stops at Batu Gajah and Kampar before arriving at Tapah Road.
You can also travel by bus. Be sure to check out the alternative options for trains at the end of this article.
See also: ETS Train from Tapah to Ipoh
Schedule of ETS Train Ipoh – Tapah
(Jadual ETS Ipoh ke Tapah)
Trains from Ipoh to Tapah run seven times a day. The earliest train departs at 5:10, and the last train of the day leaves at 18:57.
Download the current schedule.
DownloadDeparture Point – Ipoh Railway Station
The Ipoh railway station, operational since 1917, is a historic building in Perak, Malaysia, recognized for its architectural design by Arthur Benison Hubback. It is operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu and provides KTM ETS services, in addition to handling freight operations. The station has nine tracks, four of which are electrified.
The station’s location at Jalan Panglima Bukit Gantang Wahab places it in proximity to important civic structures like the Ipoh Main Post Office, the Court Complex, and the Town Hall, as well as various other historical sites. It is the central transportation hub for the city of Ipoh and the adjacent towns and has taken over the functions of other smaller stations that were closed subsequent to electrification projects.
Renovations in the 2000s included the construction of additional platforms and an overhead pedestrian bridge. Original features such as the station benches and the hotel were maintained. The area in front of the station, known as Ipoh Heritage Square, has a cenotaph that serves as a memorial to soldiers. The square is part of the city’s heritage trail and also features an Ipoh tree, which is associated with the city’s identity.
See also: ETS Train from Sungkai to Ipoh
Ipoh Station
Stesen Keretapi Ipoh,
Jalan Panglima Bukit Gantang Wahab
30000 Ipoh, Perak 30100
Contact number: 05-2547987
Arrival Point – Tapah Railway Station
The Tapah Road railway station, operational since the late 19th century, is located near Tapah Road town in Perak, Malaysia. It is a part of the Keretapi Tanah Melayu network, offering KTM ETS services and including a freight yard. The station is accessible from Route A10 and serves as a gateway for travelers from nearby towns and as far as the Cameron Highlands.
Originally a part of the Perak Railway network for tin transportation, the station was inaugurated in 1893 and later became an important junction station for the Federated Malay State Railways. Despite the discontinuation of the Teluk Intan branch line in the 1990s, the station remains an active stop for mainline trains.
The Tapah Road station was rebuilt in March 2007, preserving the old building, as part of the electrification and double-tracking project between Rawang and Ipoh. It now accommodates various ETS services, including Gold, Silver, and later, Platinum services as the network expanded.
Tapah Road Station
Stesen Keretapi Tapah Road,
Kampung Changkat Dermawan,
35400 Tapah Road, Perak
Contact number: 05-4010717
Alternative – Bus from Ipoh to Tapah
For individuals considering a bus trip from Ipoh to Tapah, the usual route involves taking a bus from Ipoh to Bidor, which typically takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes, though travel time can vary due to traffic conditions.
Malaysian buses do not have onboard toilets due to legal regulations, but there is a planned restroom stop at a gas station along the route, ensuring a comfortable and convenient travel experience.
Check the current bus schedule.
Check on 12go.comAbout ETS
The ETS, or Electric Train Service, is a high-speed rail service in Malaysia that operates along the West Coast Line, connecting Gemas to Padang Besar. Trains on this service can reach speeds of up to 140 kilometers per hour. The service is divided into three classes to cater to different preferences and needs: Platinum, which is the fastest service stopping only at major stations; Gold, which includes more stops; and Silver, which is the most affordable option and stops at almost all stations.
Ticket prices for the ETS vary depending on the class of service, the time of travel, and the distance covered. Passengers have the option to purchase tickets online, directly at the railway stations, or through authorized agents. Concessions are available for senior citizens, students, and individuals with disabilities.
Regardless of the class chosen, all passengers are provided with spacious seating and air conditioning to ensure a comfortable journey.
Train Facilities
Coach C on the ETS trains includes a musolla for prayers and an F&B Bistro offering food and drinks. Passengers can store their luggage on racks located in Coach A and Coach F. For elderly and disabled passengers, Coach D is equipped with accessible seating and an adjacent unisex washroom. LCD screens throughout the trains display travel information to keep passengers informed during their journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to get from Ipoh to Tapah?
The fastest way to get from Ipoh to Tapah is by ETS train, which takes approximately 35 minutes. Traveling by car can take anywhere from 40 minutes to 1 hour and 5 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Therefore, the train is generally the quicker option.
How far is it from Ipoh to Tapah?
The distance from Ipoh to Tapah by car is between 55 and 65 kilometers, depending on the specific route taken.
Are there any trains that travel directly from Ipoh to Tapah?
Yes, there are direct trains from Ipoh to Tapah. These services are part of the KTM ETS (Electric Train Service), which operates on the Southbound Train line and includes stops at both Ipoh and Tapah stations.