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Great Asian Railway Journeys Season 1 Episodes

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Documentary series in which Michael Portillo travels the length and breadth of Asia by train.

Season 1 Episode Guide

31 Episodes 2020 - 2020

Kowloon to Wan Chai

Mon, Jan 27, 2020 30 mins

In Hong Kong, Michael Portillo investigates how Britain won the island and Kowloon from China after two drug wars. He straddles a bamboo pole to learn the traditional Cantonese art of noodle making.

Hong Kong University to Lantau Island

Tue, Jan 28, 2020 30 mins

Michael Portillo continues his exploration of Hong Kong aboard the impressive MTR metro system, which handles six million trips a day.In Wan Chai, he discovers why Hong Kongers are protesting all over the city and asks them about their hopes and fears. At Hong Kong University, Michael learns about the father of modern China, Sun Yat Sen, who was a student there at the time of his Bradshaw's Guide.

Chiang Mai to Lampang

Wed, Jan 29, 2020 30 mins

Steered by his 1913 Bradshaw's Guide, Michael Portillo embarks on a four-part rail adventure through Thailand from the northern city of Chiang Mai to Kanchanaburi on the River Kwai, and from Bangkok to the southern beach resort of Hua Hin.On this leg, Michael tries his hand at the art of umbrella making and learns about northern Thai cookery. He explores the walled and moated city of Chiang Mai, former capital of the Lanna Kingdom before it was annexed by the King of Siam.

Ayutthaya to River Kwai

Thu, Jan 30, 2020 30 mins

Michael Portillo continues his rail journey through Thailand from Lampang, stopping to help at an elephant hospital, where they care for animals wounded by landmines.In the former Siamese capital of Ayutthaya, Michael admires gigantic ruined temples and finds out about what was one of the greatest cities in Asia. He makes a trip to an unusual market - a must for any self-respecting train-lover.

Fri, Jan 31, 2020 30 mins

Michael Portillo is in the Thai capital, Bangkok, midway through his rail tour of Thailand. He learns how the late 19th-century King Rama V built a grand palace and introduced railways to his country. He discovers the fine terminus commissioned by the king and meets a historian and designer who shares family roots with the present royal dynasty. Michael learns that King Rama V's love of steam engines was inspired by Queen Victoria.

Bangkok to Hua Hin

Mon, Feb 3, 2020 30 mins

Michael learns how King Rama V founded the city of the east bank of the Chao Phraya River.

Ho Chi Minh City to Phan Thiet

Tue, Feb 4, 2020 30 mins

Armed with his 1913 Bradshaw's Guide, Michael Portillo boards the Unification Railway for a thousand-mile journey from Ho Chi Minh City in the south to the northern capital, Hanoi, and finishing in the beautiful emerald seas of Halong Bay.Michael's Bradshaw's unlocks for him the traumatic 20th-century history of today's Socialist Republic of Vietnam, a former French colony.On this leg, Michael braves the streets of Ho Chi Minh City on a motorbike, one of 8.5 million people to do so daily.

Da Nang to Hoi An

Wed, Feb 5, 2020 30 mins

Michael Portillo continues his thousand-mile journey through Vietnam aboard the Unification Railway from Ho Chi Minh City to the capital, Hanoi.Leaving what locals still call Saigon, Michael heads to the fishing port of Phan Thiet, where he learns how to make Vietnam's signature fish sauce.In the Annamite Mountains west of Da Nang, Michael joins modern Vietnamese on holiday in a quirky facsimile of a medieval French village.

Hue to Ninh Binh

Thu, Feb 6, 2020 30 mins

Part 9 of 10. Michael continues his journey along the Malaysian peninsula, visiting the capital Kuala Lumpur and the historic city of Johor Bahru.

Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

Fri, Feb 7, 2020 30 mins

Steered by his 1913 Bradshaw's Guide, Michael continues his thousand-mile journey through what was then French Indochina and is today the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.Approaching Hanoi aboard the Unification Railway, Michael passes the famous train street, where the locomotive passes within centimetres of the houses either side of the tracks.

Jakarta to Bogor

Mon, Feb 10, 2020 30 mins

Michael Portillo's 2500-mile railway tour of south east Asia reaches its southern most point in Indonesia. His journey crosses the island of Java at the heart of this archipelago nation of 270 million people.In the heaving capital city of Jakarta, Michael uncovers Indonesia's Dutch colonial past and its rich history as a port but discovers its future is uncertain.

Jakarta to Borobudur/Kutoarjo

Tue, Feb 11, 2020 30 mins

Michael continues his journey across the largest island of the Indonesian archipelago, from the capital, Jakarta. His seven-hour railway journey takes him through rainforests and paddy fields as he heads to the volcanic heart of Java's Central Province. He visits Java's most dangerous volcano, Mount Merapi, and learns how over 300 people were killed when it erupted in 2010.In the nearby village of Bendo, Michael tries his hand at the traditional art of noodle-making.

Yogyakarta to Ambarawa

Wed, Feb 12, 2020 30 mins

Michael Portillo's rail tour of south east Asia resumes in the southern archipelago of Indonesia. Michael is in Java's Central province, travelling east towards Surabaya. Beginning in Java's royal city, Yogyakarta, Michael visits the Sultan's palace and admires the ancient art of shadow puppetry known as wayang.Struck by the colourful patterned fabrics in the city's markets, Michael investigates the process of batik, a Unesco world heritage textile, and is tempted by a saucy sarong.

Ambarawa to Surabaya

Thu, Feb 13, 2020 30 mins

Steered by his 1913 Bradshaw's guidebook on a 2,500-mile rail tour of south east Asia, Michael Portillo is in Indonesia, today one of the biggest coffee producers in the world. In the mountainous interior of Java, Michael discovers how coffee was first brought to the island for cultivation and learns about production today.

Penang to Kuala Kangsar

Fri, Feb 14, 2020 30 mins

Michael Portillo's 2,500-mile rail tour of south east Asia reaches Malaysia.On the island of Penang, Michael traces the origins of the former British colony in Georgetown, rides one of the world's steepest funicular railways and is enchanted by exotic specimens at Malaysia's first butterfly sanctuary.Travelling on Malaysia's hi-tech railway network, Michael visits the wettest town in the country, Taiping, and learns how the discovery of tin made this land a prized possession for Britain.

Kuala Kangsar to Cameron Highlands

Mon, Feb 17, 2020 30 mins

Michael Portillo's rail exploration of south east Asia continues in Malaysia. His journey resumes in Kuala Kangsar, where he taps into the source of the lucrative rubber industry that boomed at the time of his 1913 Bradshaw's Guide, when Malaya was a British colony. Michael learns how rubber engineering today ensures railway passengers enjoy a smooth ride.

Kuala Lumpur to Melaka

Tue, Feb 18, 2020 30 mins

Michael Portillo continues his 2,500-mile rail tour of south east Asia. On this leg, he explores the phenomenal growth of Malaysia's capital, Kuala Lumpur, from muddy swamp to seat of British colonial power to the financial and economic tiger of today.Michael discovers Kuala Lumpur's 19th-century origins as a tin mine and tries his hand crafting jewellery at the Royal Selangor pewter factory.

Melaka to Johor Bahru

Wed, Feb 19, 2020 30 mins

Michael Portillo is in Malaysia on a 2,500-mile tour of south east Asia. His 1913 Bradshaw's Guide takes him to Melaka, for centuries one of the greatest trading ports in the world. He tastes the spicy cuisine of the Kristang community, descendants of early 16th-century Portuguese settlers who mixed with local Malays.Continuing to Kluang amid fertile farmland, Michael joins in the pineapple harvest and discovers how Malaysia's resources of tin and tropical fruit created a global market in food

Raffles Place to Botanic Gardens

Thu, Feb 20, 2020 30 mins

Michael Portillo's south east Asian railway tour reaches its final stop - the phenomenally successful island city state of Singapore.In the historic centre, Michael discovers Singapore's maritime origins and the vision of the 19th-century Englishman who put it on the map. In the Long Bar at the iconic Raffles Hotel, Michael treats himself to a Singapore sling, now a world-famous cocktail. A boat trip along the Singapore River reveals how trade flourished under British colonial rule.

Chinatown to Gardens by the Bay

Fri, Feb 21, 2020 30 mins

Michael Portillo is in the island city state of Singapore on the last leg of his 2,500-mile exploration of south east Asia. In Tai Seng, Michael goes underground to marvel at the world's largest subterranean rail depot, where self-driving MRT trains are maintained. He takes a cable car to Fort Siloso on the island of Sentosa, where he learns about one of Britain's worst military defeats and the brutal Japanese occupation which followed.

Sat, Apr 4, 2020 30 mins

Part 1 of 10. Michael investigates the impact of Hong Kong's return to Chinese rule, rides the cable funicular to the top of its highest mountain, and visits the impressive West Kowloon train station.

Chiang Mai to the River Kwai

Sat, Apr 11, 2020 30 mins

Michael finds himself in Thailand; helps out at an elephant hospital; and learns about northern Thai cuisine.

Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An

Sat, Apr 25, 2020 30 mins

Part 4 of 10. Michael braves the streets of Saigon, known as Ho Chi Minh City, on a motorbike.

Hue to Halong Bay

Sat, May 2, 2020 30 mins

Part 5 of 10. Michael boards the Unification Railway from Ho Chi Minh City to the capital, Hanoi, and then to the northern part of Haiphong.

Jakarta to Borobudur

Sat, May 9, 2020 30 mins

Michael visits the island of Java in Indonesia and the mega-city of Jakarta, exploring its history and colonial past as part of the Dutch empire.

Yogyakarta to Surabaya

Sat, May 16, 2020 30 mins

In Java's royal city, Yogyakarta, Michael visits the Sultan's Palace and witnesses the ancient art of shadow puppetry known as Wayang.

Penang to Cameron Highlands

Sat, May 23, 2020 30 mins

Part 8 of 10. Michael travels to Malaysia which was once a British colony. Starting on the island of Penang, he rides one of the steepest and fastest railways in the world.

Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru

Sat, May 30, 2020 30 mins

Michael visits Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru in Malaysia.

Sat, Jun 6, 2020 30 mins

Michael's railway tour reaches its final destination, Singapore.

60-Minute Versions Hong Kong

Wed, Oct 12, 2022 60 mins

60-Minute Versions Chiang Mai to the River Kwai

Thu, Oct 13, 2022 60 mins

Great Asian Railway Journeys

Michael begins in Hong Kong to investigate how Britain won the island and Kowloon from China after two shocking drug wars. He boards the island's most famous funicular to The Peak and learns the traditional Cantonese art of noodle making.

Steered by his 1913 Bradshaw's Guide, Michael Portillo embarks on a four-part rail adventure through Thailand.

Michael Portillo continues his rail journey through Thailand from Lampang, stopping to help at an elephant hospital, where they care for animals wounded by landmines. In the former Siamese capital of Ayutthaya, he admires gigantic ruined temples.

Michael Portillo is in the Thai capital, Bangkok, midway through his rail tour of Thailand. He learns how the late 19th century King Rama V built a grand palace and introduced railways to his country.

Michael Portillo continues his exploration of Thailand by rail, steered by his 1913 Bradshaw's guide; he steps into the ring under the guidance of champion trainer, Master Toddy, to learn Muay Thai boxing.

Michael Portillo braves the streets of Saigon, what locals still call Ho Chi Minh City, on a motorbike, one of 8.5 million to do so daily. He attempts the national sport, Da Cau, and samples the French-Vietnamese fusion food, Banh Mi.

Cast & Crew

Michael Portillo

Dave Minchin

John Comerford

• DOCUMENTARY

Information

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• Cast & crew
• User reviews

Episode list

Great asian railway journeys.

S1.E1 ∙ Kowloon to Wan Chai

S1.E2 ∙ Hong Kong University to Lantau Island

S1.E3 ∙ Chiang Mai to Lampang

S1.E4 ∙ Ayutthaya to River Kwai

S1.E5 ∙ Bangkok

S1.e6 ∙ bangkok to hua hin.

S1.E7 ∙ Ho Chi Minh City to Phan Thiet

S1.E8 ∙ Da Nang to Hoi An

S1.e9 ∙ hue to ninh binh.

S1.E10 ∙ Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

S1.E11 ∙ Jakarta to Bogor

S1.E12 ∙ Jakarta to Borobudur/Kutoarjo

S1.e13 ∙ yogyakarta to ambarawa.

S1.E14 ∙ Ambarawa to Surabaya

S1.E15 ∙ Penang to Kuala Kangsar

S1.E16 ∙ Kuala Kangsar to Cameron Highlands

S1.E17 ∙ Kuala Lumpur to Melaka

S1.E18 ∙ Melaka to Johor Bahru

S1.E19 ∙ Raffles Place to Botanic Gardens

S1.E20 ∙ Chinatown to Gardens by the Bay

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Great Asian Railway Journeys – Season 1, Episode 2

Hong kong university to lantau island, cast & crew.

Michael Portillo

Alison Kreps

Film Editor

Dave Minchin

John Comerford

Executive Producer

Great Asian Railway Journeys — Season 1, Episode 2

Episode info.

Great Asian Railway Journeys: Series 1

From docuwiki, [ edit ] general information.

Travel Documentary hosted by Michael Portillo , published by BBC in 2020 - English narration

[ edit ] Cover

[ edit ] Information

Great Asian Railway Journeys: Series 1 Michael Portillo is in south east Asia, armed with his 1913 Bradshaw’s Handbook. It leads him on a spectacular 2,500-mile railway adventure across six countries. Michael explores towering megacities and magnificent mosques, visits jewelled temples and golden Buddhas and rides some of the world’s most exhilarating and notorious railways.

[ edit ] Kowloon to Wan Chai

Beginning in Hong Kong, Michael investigates how Britain won the island and Kowloon from China after two shocking drug wars. He boards the island’s most famous funicular to The Peak and straddles a bamboo pole to learn the traditional Cantonese art of noodle making!

[ edit ] Hong Kong University to Lantau Island

Michael continues his exploration of Hong Kong aboard the impressive MTR metro system, which handles six million trips a day. In Wan Chai, he discovers why Hong Kongers are protesting all over the city and asks them about their hopes and fears. At Hong Kong University, Michael learns about the father of modern China, Sun Yat Sen,

[ edit ] Chiang Mai to Lampang

Michael Portillo embarks on a four-part rail adventure through Thailand from the northern city of Chiang Mai to Kanchanaburi on the River Kwai, and from Bangkok to the southern beach resort of Hua Hin. On this leg, Michael tries his hand at the art of umbrella making and learns about northern Thai cookery. He explores the walled and moated city of Chiang Mai, former capital of the Lanna Kingdom before it was annexed by the King of Siam.

[ edit ] Ayutthaya to River Kwai

In the former Siamese capital of Ayutthaya, Michael admires gigantic ruined temples and finds out about what was one of the greatest cities in Asia. He makes a trip to an unusual market - a must for any self-respecting train-lover. Michael finishes this leg of his Thai journey at Kanchanaburi, close to the border with Myanmar, to ride one of the world’s most notorious tracks and, for him, the most poignant - the Death Railway.

[ edit ] Bangkok

Michael Portillo is in the Thai capital, Bangkok, midway through his rail tour of Thailand. He learns how the late 19th-century King Rama V built a grand palace and introduced railways to his country. Michael learns that King Rama V’s love of steam engines was inspired by Queen Victoria.

[ edit ] Bangkok to Hua Hin

Michael Portillo continues his exploration of Thailand by rail, steered by his 1913 Bradshaw’s guide. He steps into the ring under the guidance of champion trainer Master Toddy to learn Muay Thai boxing. Can he perfect the cobra-inspired right hook?

[ edit ] Ho Chi Minh City to Phan Thiet

On this leg, Michael braves the streets of Ho Chi Minh City on a motorbike, one of 8.5 million people to do so daily. He attempts the national sport, da cau, and samples the French-Vietnamese fusion food banh mi.

[ edit ] Da Nang to Hoi an

Michael continues his thousand-mile journey through Vietnam aboard the Unification Railway from Ho Chi Minh City to the capital, Hanoi. In the Annamite Mountains west of Da Nang, Michael joins modern Vietnamese on holiday in a quirky facsimile of a medieval French village.

[ edit ] Hue to Ninh Binh

On this leg, Michael tours the formidable imperial city of Hue and in a village nearby, Michael meets milliner Mrs Ngo, who tries to teach him how to make the iconic conical hat, with comical results.

[ edit ] Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

Approaching Hanoi aboard the Unification Railway, Michael passes the famous train street, where the locomotive passes within centimetres of the houses either side of the tracks. The vast container port of Haiphong offers Michael an insight into Vietnam’s future. He ends his journey amid the spectacular limestone islets and turquoise waters of Halong Bay.

[ edit ] Jakarta to Bogor

In the heaving capital city of Jakarta, Michael uncovers Indonesia’s Dutch colonial past and its rich history as a port but discovers its future is uncertain. He negotiates the city’s notorious traffic, makes a colourful cycle ride, tries the newly launched MRT metro

[ edit ] Jakarta to Borobudur Kutoarjo

Michael continues his journey across the largest island of the Indonesian archipelago, from the capital, Jakarta. His seven-hour railway journey takes him through rainforests and paddy fields as he heads to the volcanic heart of Java’s Central Province. He visits Java’s most dangerous volcano, Mount Merapi, and learns how over 300 people were killed when it erupted in 2010.

[ edit ] Yogyakarta to Ambarawa

Michael Portillo’s rail tour of south east Asia resumes in the southern archipelago of Indonesia. Michael is in Java’s Central province, travelling east towards Surabaya. Beginning in Java’s royal city, Yogyakarta, Michael visits the Sultan’s palace and admires the ancient art of shadow puppetry known as wayang.

[ edit ] Ambarawa to Surabaya

Michael is in Indonesia, today one of the biggest coffee producers in the world. In the mountainous interior of Java, Michael discovers how coffee was first brought to the island for cultivation and learns about production today.

[ edit ] Penang to Kuala Kangsarl

On the island of Penang, Michael traces the origins of the former British colony in Georgetown, rides one of the world’s steepest funicular railways and is enchanted by exotic specimens at Malaysia’s first butterfly sanctuary.

[ edit ] Kuala Kangsar to Cameron Highlands

Michael Portillo’s rail exploration of south east Asia continues in Malaysia. His journey resumes in Kuala Kangsar, where he taps into the source of the lucrative rubber industry that boomed at the time of his 1913 Bradshaw’s Guide, Michael learns how rubber engineering today ensures railway passengers enjoy a smooth ride.

[ edit ] Kuala Lumpur to Melaka

Michael continues his 2,500-mile rail tour of south east Asia. On this leg, he explores the phenomenal growth of Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, from muddy swamp to seat of British colonial power to the financial and economic tiger of today.

[ edit ] Melaka to Johor Bahru

Michael Portillo is in Malaysia on a 2,500-mile tour of south east Asia. His 1913 Bradshaw’s Guide takes him to Melaka, for centuries one of the greatest trading ports in the world. He tastes the spicy cuisine of the Kristang community, descendants of early 16th-century Portuguese settlers who mixed with local Malays.

[ edit ] Raffles Place to Botanic Gardens

Michael Portillo’s south east Asian railway tour reaches its final stop - the phenomenally successful island city state of Singapore. In Chinatown, Michael dines with an artist and his family and learns about the history of the Chinese community. At the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Michael helps to keep the orchids blooming, and later, he enjoys an extraordinary spectacle at gardens of a very different kind down by the bay.

[ edit ] Chinatown to Gardens by the Bay

Michael Portillo is in the island city state of Singapore on the last leg of his 2,500-mile exploration of south east Asia. In Tai Seng, Michael goes underground to marvel at the world’s largest subterranean rail depot, where self-driving MRT trains are maintained. He takes a cable car to Fort Siloso on the island of Sentosa, where he learns about one of Britain’s worst military defeats and the brutal Japanese occupation which followed.

[ edit ] Screenshots

[ edit ] technical specs.

• Video Codec: x264 [email protected]
• Video: Bitrate: (~4544 kb/s)
• Video Aspect Ratio: 1920 x 1080
• Video Resolution: 1.778 (16:9
• Audio Codec: MPEG-4 AAC LC
• Audio: English
• Audio Bitrate: 160 kb/s VBR 48000Hz
• Audio Channels: Stereo 2
• Run-Time: 29. Mins
• Framerate: 25. Fps
• Number of Parts: 20
• Container Mp4
• Part Size: 973 MB average
• Source: HDTV
• Encoded by: Harry65

Release Notes

Merged English Subtitles

[ edit ] Links

[ edit ] release post.

• MVGroup.org (torrent)

[ edit ] Related Documentaries

• Hong Kong (Discovery)
• Hong Kong: 20 Years after Returning to China
• Wild Thailand
• Thailand (BBC the Travel Show)
• The True Story of the Bridge on the River Kwai

[ edit ] ed2k Links

Great.Asian.Railway.Journeys.Series.1.01of20.Kowloon.to.Wan.Chai.1080p.HDTV.x264.AAC.MVGroup.org.mp4 (973.59 Mb) Subtitles : [eng] Great.Asian.Railway.Journeys.Series.1.02of20.Hong.Kong.University.to.Lantau.Island.1080p.HDTV.x264.AAC.MVGroup.org.mp4 (973.48 Mb) Subtitles : [eng] Great.Asian.Railway.Journeys.Series.1.03of20.Chiang.Mai.to.Lampang.1080p.HDTV.x264.AAC.MVGroup.org.mp4 (977.17 Mb) Subtitles : [eng] Great.Asian.Railway.Journeys.Series.1.04of20.Ayutthaya.to.River.Kwai.1080p.HDTV.x264.AAC.MVGroup.org.mp4 (975.64 Mb) Subtitles : [eng] Great.Asian.Railway.Journeys.Series.1.05of20.Bangkok.1080p.HDTV.x264.AAC.MVGroup.org.mp4 (975.30 Mb) Subtitles : [eng] Great.Asian.Railway.Journeys.Series.1.06of20.Bangkok.to.Hua.Hin.1080p.HDTV.x264.AAC.MVGroup.org.mp4 (980.87 Mb) Subtitles : [eng] Great.Asian.Railway.Journeys.Series.1.07of20.Ho.Chi.Minh.City.to.Phan.Thiet.1080p.HDTV.x264.AAC.MVGroup.org.mp4 (973.45 Mb) Subtitles : [eng] Great.Asian.Railway.Journeys.Series.1.08of20.Da.Nang.to.Hoi.An.1080p.HDTV.x264.AAC.MVGroup.org.mp4 (971.60 Mb) Subtitles : [eng] Great.Asian.Railway.Journeys.Series.1.09of20.Hue.to.Ninh.Binh.1080p.HDTV.x264.AAC.MVGroup.org.mp4 (966.03 Mb) Subtitles : [eng] Great.Asian.Railway.Journeys.Series.1.10of20.Hanoi.to.Ha.Long.Bay.1080p.HDTV.x264.AAC.MVGroup.org.mp4 (976.71 Mb) Subtitles : [eng] Great.Asian.Railway.Journeys.Series.1.11of20.Jakarta.to.Bogor.1080p.HDTV.x264.1080p.HDTV.x264.AAC.MVGroup.org.mp4 (980.74 Mb) Subtitles : [eng] Great.Asian.Railway.Journeys.Series.1.12of20.Jakarta.to.Borobudur.Kutoarjo.1080p.HDTV.x264.1080p.HDTV.x264.AAC.MVGroup.org.mp4 (974.14 Mb) Subtitles : [eng] Great.Asian.Railway.Journeys.Series.1.13of20.Yogyakarta.to.Ambarawa.1080p.HDTV.x264.AAC.MVGroup.org..mp4 (970.55 Mb) Subtitles : [eng] Great.Asian.Railway.Journeys.Series.1.14of20.Ambarawa.to.Surabaya.1080p.HDTV.x264.AAC.MVGroup.org.mp4 (975.11 Mb) Subtitles : [eng] Great.Asian.Railway.Journeys.Series.1.15of20.Penang.to.Kuala.Kangsarl.1080p.HDTV.x264.AAC.MVGroup.org.mp4 (934.48 Mb) Subtitles : [eng] Great.Asian.Railway.Journeys.Series.1.16of20.Kuala.Kangsar.to.Cameron.Highlands.1080p.HDTV.x264.AAC.MVGroup.org.mp4 (985.22 Mb) Subtitles : [eng] Great.Asian.Railway.Journeys.Series.1.17of20.Kuala.Lumpur.to.Melaka.1080p.HDTV.x264.AAC.MVGroup.org.mp4 (985.49 Mb) Subtitles : [eng] Great.Asian.Railway.Journeys.Series.1.18of20.Melaka.to.Johor.Bahru.1080p.HDTV.x264.AAC.MVGroup.org.mp4 (982.49 Mb) Subtitles : [eng] Great.Asian.Railway.Journeys.Series.1.19of20.Raffles.Place.to.Botanic.Gardens.1080p.HDTV.x264.AAC.MVGroup.org.mp4 (999.75 Mb) Subtitles : [eng] Great.Asian.Railway.Journeys.Series.1.20of20.Chinatown.to.Gardens.by.the.Bay.1080p.HDTV.x264.AAC.MVGroup.org.mp4 (970.09 Mb) Subtitles : [eng]

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Categories : Travel | Michael Portillo | BBC | 2020 | English | Name Language > English Name Narrator > Michael Portillo Publisher > BBC Subject > Travel Year > 2020

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Michael Portillo: Great Asian Railway Journeys #1 – Kowloon to Wan Chai

Great Asian Railway Journeys is a 20-part BBC travel and history documentary series produced by Boundless [1] and presented by Michael Portillo , a former Conservative MP and Minister of State for Transport. [2] Following the format of the highly successful Great British Railway Journeys and related series with Portillo as presenter, each episode features a railway journey in south-east Asia using Bradshaw’s Through Routes to the Chief Cities, and Bathing, and Health Resorts of the World (1913) [a] as a historical reference, in order to consider how the places visited have changed over the preceding century.

During the course of the series, Portillo travels a total distance of 2,500 miles and passes through six countries, [1] beginning with the Chinese territory of Hong Kong then moving on to Thailand , Vietnam , Indonesia and Malaysia before reaching his final destination of Singapore . [3] One of the main themes he explores is colonial history , examining the legacy of the British , French , Dutch and Portuguese Empires , and how the countries involved gained their independence. [1] [4] Filming for the series was carried out in two stages and took 7–8 weeks to complete

This Episode

Beginning in Hong Kong, Michael investigates how Britain won the island and Kowloon from China after two shocking drug wars. He boards the island’s most famous funicular to The Peak and straddles a bamboo pole to learn the traditional Cantonese art of noodle making!

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Great asian railway journeys.

Directed by Cassie Farrell , George Boyle …

Michael Portillo is in Southeast Asia, armed with his 1913 Bradshaw's Handbook. It will lead him on a spectacular 2,500-mile railway adventure across six countries. He explores towering megacities and magnificent mosques.

Michael Portillo

Directors Directors

Cassie Farrell George Boyle Dave Minchin

Editor Editor

Alison Kreps

Executive Producer Exec. Producer

John Comerford

Composer Composer

Fremantle Media Television Production

Hong Kong Indonesia Malaysia Singapore Thailand UK Vietnam

Primary Language

Spoken languages.

Cantonese Indonesian English Malay Thai Vietnamese Portuguese

Alternative Titles

Những Chuyến Tàu Xuyên Á Vĩ Đại, 亚洲铁路纪行, Grandes Jornadas Ferroviárias - Ásia

Documentary

600 mins   More at IMDb TMDb Report this page

Popular reviews

Review by IlBunnetto ★★★★★ 1

Big Mick Portillo is seen swanning around Asia showcasing his unrivalled trouser collection and making questionable statements about colonialism. It is quite simply the greatest show on television.

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• Kowloon to Wan Chai
• Jan 27, 2020

• Hong Kong University to Lantau Island
• Jan 28, 2020

• Chiang Mai to Lampang
• Jan 29, 2020

• Ayutthaya to River Kwai
• Jan 30, 2020

• Jan 31, 2020

• Bangkok to Hua Hin
• Feb 3, 2020

• Ho Chi Minh City to Phan Thiet
• Feb 4, 2020

• Da Nang to Hoi An
• Feb 5, 2020

• Hue to Ninh Binh
• Feb 6, 2020

• Hanoi to Ha Long Bay
• Feb 7, 2020

• Jakarta to Bogor
• Feb 10, 2020

• Jakarta to Borobudur/Kutoarjo
• Feb 11, 2020

• Yogyakarta to Ambarawa
• Feb 12, 2020

• Ambarawa to Surabaya
• Feb 13, 2020

• Penang to Kuala Kangsar
• Feb 14, 2020

• Kuala Kangsar to Cameron Highlands
• Feb 17, 2020

• Kuala Lumpur to Melaka
• Feb 18, 2020

• Melaka to Johor Bahru
• Feb 19, 2020

• Raffles Place to Botanic Gardens
• Feb 20, 2020

• Chinatown to Gardens by the Bay
• Feb 21, 2020

• Apr 4, 2020

• Chiang Mai to the River Kwai
• Apr 11, 2020

• Apr 18, 2020

• Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An
• Apr 25, 2020

• Hue to Halong Bay
• May 2, 2020

• Jakarta to Borobudur
• May 9, 2020

• Yogyakarta to Surabaya
• May 16, 2020

• Penang to Cameron Highlands
• May 23, 2020

• Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru
• May 30, 2020

• Jun 6, 2020

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Railway Travels in South-East Asia with Michael Portillo By Alice Bohn 25 July, 2023 6:30pm GMT+8 / MYT BBC Earth’s latest travel and history documentary series ‘Great Asian Railway Journeys’ covers over 4,000-kilometre journey around Southeast Asia. Hosted by Michael Portillo.

If you are looking to see Southeast Asia via rail and at a slower pace, Michael Portillo has just the right attitude for this sort of exploration. A British journalist, broadcaster, and former Conservative politician, Michael Portillo is now known in television as one of the few who have traveled to Southeast Asia via rail.

The green light to film Great Asian Railway Journeys came after a highly successful Great British Railway Journeys and related series with Portillo as the presenter. Broadcast for the first time on BBC Two in January 2020 as twenty 30-minute episodes was later re-broadcast as ten 60-minute episodes in April of the same year.

Exploring the colonial history of the British, French, Dutch, and Portuguese empires, Portillo travels a total distance of 2,500 miles and passes through six countries beginning his journey from Hong Kong before arriving in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia before completing his travels in Singapore.

From Kowloon Bay to the Straits of Malacca

Beginning in Hong Kong , Michael investigates the shocking drug wars in which Britain won the island and Kowloon from China and the impact today of their return alongside that of the leased New Territories.

In the heaving megacity of Jakarta , the capital, Michael negotiates the city’s infamous traffic, takes a ride on the newly launched MRT metro and dines like a local on Jakarta’s famous street food.

In KL, as it is universally known, Michael tries the ancient art of pewter smithing and learns how the discovery of tin transformed a muddy estuary into Malaysia’s thriving capital.

Michael Portillo’s Southeast Asian railway tour reaches its final stop – Singapore. The island city-state at the southern tip of Malaysia is one of Asia’s biggest success stories. At the historic Singapore Botanic Gardens, Michael sees how a piece of rainforest that once covered this part of Asia has been preserved for future generations.

His tour in Singapore ends in the center of the city at Boat Quay, where he examines the life and achievements of Lee Kwan Yew, who as prime minister for 31 years was responsible for Singapore’s extraordinary growth.

Using ‘Bradshaw’s Through Routes to the Chief Cities of the World’ as a comprehensive guide published by Henry Blacklock in 1907, its historical references provided the charm Portillo carries throughout the series. He considers how the places visited have changed over the preceding century with graceful emphasis, especially on characteristics that make what Southeast Asia is today.

The documentary series, directed by Dave Minchin , has music composed by Jon Wygens and Joe Donohoe . Filming for the series was carried out in two stages and took 7–8 weeks to complete.

For a detailed description of each city on the television series, visit BBC’s official website for guide here .

Michael Portillo also wrote the foreword of Simon & Schuster’s book ‘Great American Railroad Journeys’ released in 2017. He was also a member of parliament for Enfield Southgate and Kensington and Chelsea, and held various ministerial positions, including Secretary of State for Defence.

Great Asian Railways Journeys by BBC is now available on BBC Earth documentary channel.

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Returning: Great British Railway Journeys

Michael portillo begins at london marylebone, and travels along the chiltern line to oxford highlighting post wwii england..

• Published by David Knox
• on July 1, 2024
• Filed under Programming

Great British Railway Journeys is back for a 15th season with dapper dresser Michael Portillo taking more train rides through Britain’s fascinating post-war history.

Exploring the Britain of his youth, criss-crossing the country by rail and taking a nostalgic look back at everything from the birth of space exploration, to the invention of the lava lamp, Portillo looks back through the post-war decades!

Episode One: Denham to Swindon Beginning at London Marylebone, the last great Victorian railway terminus to be built in the capital, Michael embarks on a post-war exploration of Britain’s southern counties. Continuing along the Chiltern line, Michael alights at High Wycombe, a historic centre of furniture-making thanks to its setting amid an abundance of beechwood forest. Then, he travels to Oxford to discover its local history.

Tuesday, 2 July at 7.30pm on SBS.

• Tagged with Great British Railway Journeys

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