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After my hike in Lambak, it was supposed to be a night’s stay in Kluang before going home. But since I finished early and was toying round at the ktm website, I found that there’s a seat left in Express 26 from Kluang to Kuala Lipis. Have always wanted to try out the jungle line, so after a quick check on return ticket availability, I grabbed that ticket! Always thrilled when such last minute things happened. Tonight instead of staying in Kluang, I will be heading to Kuala Lipis, 8 hours train ride, with zero clue what to expect there.

I arrived at the train station after a late dinner, excited. It was a full train, most occupants already filled up from JB Sentral. Needless to say, I did not get my preferred seats. At 10.39pm sharp, the train departed, outside pitch dark. It was a sleepless night, and I was really looking forward to arriving at my destination slightly past 6am.

I had booked a hotel while on the train, which is 10min walk from the station according to the map. I told myself that if it is still too dark, I will hang around the station and wait for daylight. As the train pulled to a stop at Kuala Lipis, a handful of passegers alighted. Stepping outside, I felt nothing but calm and peace. It’s a strange feeling.

Outside the station is an old train head, and a huge realistically painted wall mural. As I continued to walk on, I heard a familiar language – a newspaper vendor and her customer communicating in Hokkien. She pointed me to the few food places nearby, and I decided to go for roti chennai down down the road. Also confirmed that Grab isn’t available here. Oh well, I’ll just walk then. But now let’s settle the tummy!

I found the canai shop easily. As I was sipping my piping hot teh halia, two men settled into the next table and a conversation started. As it turned out, one of them is a private taxi driver. Things couldn’t have been better – so my day trip round town is settled! After breakfast, I took a walk around the area while waiting for the driver.

After an early check in at the hotel and short rest, the next few hours are spent shuttling to various points of interests, mostly historical landmarks of the early 1920s. One interesting one is the 0km marker. Kuala Lipis used to be the capital of Pahang, before Kuantan took over the title. The 0km is where distance to other states were measured from.

Kuala Lipis is a small town, the old town separated by the new by Jelai River. Before lunch, we had covered most of the landmarks in the town. Lunch is at Jerantut, also a station along the JB-Kelantan jungle line.

Lastly, a trip to Taman Negara National Park, around 2 hours drive, plus a 5min boat ride to the other bank where Mutiara Resorts sits.

Dinner is scruptious, and breakfast is amazing too! The little town has some yummy food offering!

The only direct train to JB is at 3.10am, which has already been fully booked. Hence my booking for the Shuttle 35 to Gemas followed by Express 45 to JB Sentral. It’s a tick to trying out the jungle line. Will have to go further and hit Kelantan the next time!