Tasik Bukit Merah in Perak
There’s something otherworldly about leaving the city behind and slipping into nature. Enter Tasik Bukit Merah — Malaysia’s very own slice of that Studio Ghibli realness. Just a breezy three-hour drive from KL via the North-South Expressway, this lake isn’t just water and views. As you board the train that glides across its glassy surface, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped right into Spirited Away.
Malaysia’s longest cross-lake train in Perak
Built back in 1906 during British colonial times, Tasik Bukit Merah is Malaysia’s first man-made lake. Regal and reflective both literally and metaphorically, this natural beauty sprawls over 40 square kilometres, softly blanketing the districts of Kerian and Larut Matang in pure serenity.
The bridge, completed in 2013 as part of the Government’s 329 km Electrification of Double Track Project, now carries modern ETS trains by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB).
But here’s where it gets cinematic: the Bukit Merah Lake Railway Bridge, otherwise known as the Bukit Merah Marine Viaduct, stretches 3.5 km across the lake where water glitters on both sides as the train whisks you away.
If you’ve seen Chihiro’s ghostly train ride over the flooded tracks in Spirited Away, you’ll feel the same hush during this journey — a liminal moment where magic feels real and the everyday dissolves into a dream.
Hop on the ETS train from KL Sentral to Butterworth
To cross Tasik Bukit Merah, you’ll want to be on any ETS train between KL Sentral and Butterworth or Padang Besar. These routes pass over the Bukit Merah Marine Viaduct, giving you that iconic floating train moment.
Meanwhile, the KTM Komuter Northern Sector – for local folks of Perak will get to enjoy frequent rides with 10 daily departures each to and from Ipoh and Butterworth that take you along states such as Taiping and Simpang Ampat.
You can also opt to go full fairy tale with the KTM ETS Line, which runs twice daily from both Butterworth and Padang Besar to Gemas, gliding you across the lake in peaceful splendour.
While the exact price fluctuates, expect to pay around RM28.80 to RM100 for an ETS ticket from KL Sentral to Butterworth. Ticket prices vary depending on the class of service like Gold and Silver, which has shorter travel times based on your comfort.
ETS tickets can be purchased from KTMB’s official website.
The viaduct moment over Tasik Bukit Merah usually happens between Taiping and Parit Buntar stations, so when you’re nearing that stretch, get your camera ready and your feels unlocked.
A tip would be to get a window seat – ideally on the left side when heading north (from KL to Butterworth/Padang Besar) to catch the best lake view. Additionally, as the train glides across the lake, announcements will even nudge you to look up from your phone.
And if you’re a bit jittery about trains over water, the viaduct is a safe 12.5 metres above sea level and comfortably three metres above the lake’s maximum water level.
Experience your own Studio Ghibli moment at Tasik Bukit Merah, Perak
Tasik Bukit Merah serves up the kind of gentle wonder and quiet beauty that Hayao Miyazaki films are made of. All you need is a window seat, a bit of stillness, and maybe a bento box if you’re feeling extra.
So go ahead — book that ETS ticket and glide across the lake for your own Studio Ghibli moment.
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Cover image adapted from: @penangkini via Instagram & Malaysia Tourism via Website