Something I had been wanting to do since some time back – taking the KTM train and visiting Taiping. This trip marries them both! I’ve broken this into a 2-part post. JB-Gemas, followed by Gemas-KL-Taiping.
When I was little, travelling overseas is rare. Overseas means taking a ferry to Sentosa, our island resort, or taking a coach to Malaysia. Trains were special! I did not have full recollection now, but I did recall that we took an overnight sleeper to Ipoh/Penang. When my girls were little, we took them on the same train journey too, from Tanjong Pagar to Tampin. It was so much fun. Am I glad we did that before the station is no more! They in their pink PJs, climbing up and down the bunk beds. At some stage, PJs transit into T-shirt and shorts. Anyway ..
left photo at Tampin station. Taken on our family trip on a sleeper bunk more than 20 years ago
Right side is taken today, enjoying the moment when my next door seat is still vacant.
Shall reserve this space for the PJ and bunk bed photo when I find it in the archives
Unfortunately this direct line seemed to have ceased, along with the sleeper train. I always enjoyed one, most recent one being Hanoi-Lao Cai in our Sapa adventure, as well as the train ride from Ulanbaator to Selenge in Mongolia. Still hoping to be able to do the complete Trans Siberia one when it resumes!
So now, in order to travel up North, it’s Intercity Train from JB Sentral, followed by change in Gemas. That gives me an opportunity to recce another town! Not a bad thing. From Gemas, we can take a ETS. However, when I was attempting my booking, just two days before departure, I could see only 2 train timing, both of which are fully booked. Means I need to make another transit somewhere, connecting to the third train. I debated between a pit stop at Tampin or KL Sentral.
JB Sentral to Gemas takes 4.5hr. Between Gemas to Taiping is another 6hr ride. Between transiting at Tampin (30min from Gemas) and KL Sentral (2.5hr from Gemas) I decided to take the longer one. Which is a blessing, as I discovered later that there are many more services between KL Sentral and Taiping! If Gemas-to your destination tickets are sold out, try breaking into 2 journeys transiting at KL Sentral. There will be more options.
Back in Singapore, catching the first bus, first LRT to Woodlands is not uncommon to me. It’s the same routine when we go for Malaysia hikes. Arriving at JB Sentral at 7am, I’m so glad there are many food stalls already open for business! I had chicken porridge which is so yummy! Also packed lunch for the train ride later. Not sure what’s available in Gemas.
Many shops are already open for business. Here is my breakfast and tapau lunch. Eating in the train is a must
It wasn’t until 15 minutes before departure that the gantry opened for boarding. I had been impatient as the screen was screaming and flashing “boarding”! Here it’s a fast and easy scan of the QR code, down onto the platform and finding your cabin. Settled into my seat – hmm, good, no one next to me yet.
8.30am sharp, the train departed and I became like a hyper excited child. Train rides bring out that child-like element, always! I can’t wait to go cabin visiting, opening the doors, walking the precarious space in between cabins – think train movies! Cabins A-F, with the cafe cabin between A and B. Check out the video for a glimpse into the train ride! Saw pipelines – reminds me of the pipeline hikes we used to do. I wonder about people living alongside the tracks, and what life is like. Soon, we are heading towards Kluang, the place where Gunung Lambak and Belumut stands.
The cafe serves fried bee hoon, lots of snacks, as well as hot/cold beverages. I got my kopiO kosong at RM2 to go with my ayam rendang. Good but a little messy. On the whole it’s an uneventful ride. Most commuters are asleep, while I’m just enjoying the views outside my windows and letting time fly past me!
At some point it does get cold. Bring a jacket!
1pm – Arriving at Gemas, 4.5hr later. Connecting train is 3.50pm
I have 3 hours transit time. Gives me plenty of time to have a look around. The old Gemas Railway is right next door, now a Rail Museum. Part of the old train remains on the track. You can hop up and down the different cars, play captain for the day. A little cafe is resident there too, serving meals and for me, cendol!
One can get crazy snapping away! And before I know it, it’s time to report to the station again, for the next ride to KL Sentral, via ETS.
Here’s a glimpse inside the Intercity train 0
In the old Railway Station …
Leave a Reply