Crossing Countries by Train. Okay, maybe not. (Day 1: Visiting Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

My Kuala Lumpur via train Travel

The train ride from JB sentral Terminal to KL Sentral Terminal – Malaysia

20 October 2012

Our train tickets were purchased ahead of time via the KTM website as we want to try the overnight train sleepers.  (https://intranet.ktmb.com.my/e-ticket/login.aspx) Our travelling time is from 23:55 to 6:00. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to reserve the premier class or even the 1^st class and ended buying the second class sleepers. Better than sitting the whole night, right?

We arrived 30 minutes before the departure time even though the instruction in the ticket is we need to be at the station one hour before. Good thing as there isn’t anything you need to do once you’re at the terminal but to wait for the train to arrive.  The train reach the terminal just in time and we were asked to queue for checking of the ticket.  

KTM Berhad Intercity Train

To be honest the KTMB train is quite a disappointment. It was old and not well maintained but I took trains before that are much worse than this so no harm trying. I’m in for an adventure after all.

Inside of KTM Berhad train

 

Second Class Sleepers of KTMB Train

The second class sleepers were not good as well. I felt like I’m in a hospital. It was clean but not sure if it is really. It has a double deck like bed. The one below has more space than the upper. It was separated by curtains. You need to place your bag inside your sleeping area or leave it in the hallway.

Outside view from the window beside the bed

Cleaning the train
First station after the train departure on JB Sentral Terminal

I thought I won’t be able to sleep the whole night as the train move, I can loudly hear its sound. I was stationed near the door, I thought this is a good spot but it isn’t. The door on our side keep banging as the lock was broken. The view outside was dark and scary. It’s like I’m in a horror movie. I shut my curtain and try to get some sleep. The sleepy head, me, was sleeping soundly before I knew it. I woke up couple of times during the trip but found myself sleeping again knowing that we haven’t reached our destination yet.

Other train in the railway

Well, I don’t have much story to tell as I was asleep the whole time and the next thing I knew the train conductor is waking up everyone as we arrive in KL Sentral exactly at 6:30 in the morning. 

Links for more information:

The Train from SG to KL

Crossing Countries by Train. Okay, maybe not. (Day 0: Visiting Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

My Kuala Lumpur via Train Travel

From Woodlands, Singapore to Johor Bahru, Malaysia

19 October 2012

It was supposed to be a Singapore (Woodlands terminal) to Malaysia (KL Sentral terminal) via KTM Berhad railways and “my first time travelling cross-country by train”. Oh well, we can still put it that way, can we?

Train ticket from Woodlands, Singapore station to KL, Malaysia is double the price than taking the train from Johor Bahru, Malaysia station. So I decided to hassle myself and pay less. The cheaper, the better, isn’t it?

Based from my previous experience, crossing Woodlands to Johor Bahru would take around 45 minutes via bus (inclusive of walking and passing by the two countries immigration). 

Google maps and Singapore tourist guides will actually tell you to go to Marsiling station where you can ride the bus going to Woodlands checkpoint (buses 950, 856, 187, 170). As for me I decided to take the bus from Woodlands Interchange as I’m quite familiar with that route. You can take bus 913 or 912. 

View Outside Woodlands Interchange - MRT Station

There are also a couple of buses that would take you to the checkpoint. Just read the guide and make sure to take note of the bus line colour (red and blue) before riding. The bus ride will be around 10 minutes and will bring you directly to Woodlands checkpoint. It’s easy to spot as it’s like the “boarder” we usually see in war movies that separate two different countries (just urbanized).

 

Causeway connecting Woodlands Singapore
 & Johor Bahru Malaysia

Upon entering Woodlands Checkpoint, you’d be walking and going up on escalators for around 10-15 minutes. There are arrows that will direct you on where to go. You will then arrive at Woodlands immigration where you need to present your passport (same immigration process as in Changi Airport). After the immigration, you will need to take the bus right below the checkpoint. Any public bus will do, just tap your ezlink. Be reminded that the bus is only until 11PM and there's a long queue during weekends and holidays. 

Another shot of the Causeway.
Sorry for the bad picture. 

The bus ride will take you around 15 – 30 minutes sometimes longer, depending on the traffic situation of the causeway, to reach the Johor Bahru immigration. The JB Sentral train terminal is just within the vicinity outside the immigration.

 

Note:

 

Make sure you bring your two way ticket, working pass, hotel booking, and other documents that will clear you of the immigration officer. Be prepared to answer some questions regarding your stay in their country as well.

Links for more information:

Wikitravel - Singapore to Johor Bahru

Bus Guide - Singapore to Johor Bahru, Malaysia