Getting to Kuala Lumpur by train from Singapore

Taking a train to Kuala Lumpur is an ideal way to relax and enjoy the scenic countryside view. But there's a catch when taking a train from Singapore. Now the Malayan train operator, Keretapi Tanah Melayu ( KTM ) has made the journey starting point in Johor Bahru. There's various method to reach Johor Bahru Sentral but you still can get a train from Singapore as long you take the shuttle train from various timings.

For example, I have taken the morning train, shuttle train no.64 from 6:30AM (06:00) and reach JB Sentral at 6:35AM (06:35). From there I took another train, Express Rakyat train no.2 to Kuala Lumpur from 8:40AM (08:40) and arrive there at 4:00PM (16:00). Do take note that timings are based on 24HR.

I heavily recommend that you buy the ticket online with minimal fee charge as the most convenient and flexible way. You may search different train route and timings of your preference. Prices are based on SGD for Singapore - Johor Bahru, MYR for all other routes in Malaysia and cross border journey in Thailand.

https://intranet.ktmb.com.my/e-ticket/login.aspx - Your gateway to purchasing ticket online

You may search different train route and timings of your preference. But register first to proceed on purchasing the ticket for the payment and choosing the seat. Payment agent will be from Maybank Malaysia.

Prices are as follow:
Singapore Woodlands CIQ       -    Johor Bahru Sentral        ~  SGD 5   ( Free seating )
Johor Bahru Sentral                  -    Kuala Lumpur Sentral    ~ MYR 33 ( Air-con second class )

It will exactly look like this when have successfully purchase your ticket.

The inside of Shuttle Train no.64 for the Singapore Woodlands CIQ - Johor Bahru Sentral. *Do take note that video and photo taking is strictly prohibited at Singapore Woodlands CIQ as it is a restricted area.*

Arrival at Johor Bahru Sentral. With facilities of escalator and elevator at your convenience.

Breakfast at Johor Bahru Sentral is very convenient as there are variety of shop such as KFC, Starbucks, Rotiboy .etc.

Boarding the Express Rakyat No.2 from Johor Bahru Sentral - Kuala Lumpur Sentral

As this train there's a label and seat number, you're required to board the specific number in your train ticket.

Second class seating coach by PT . Industri Keret Api Indonesia ( INKA ). More info on this new coach at http://railtravelstation.com/2015/07/12/ktm-intercity-inka-asc/

 Too comfortable to resist till can make you fall asleep. Tray table are adequate and each side have a power socket.

KTM Class 26 Blue Tiger

While along the route, best part of a trip is without a doubt the buffet car.

Prices are kept affordable but it can quickly ran out of supply soon with the popularity of choices.

Arrival at Kuala Lumpur Sentral.

The ride is really smooth but at first part of the section from Johor Bahru Sentral to Gemas Railway Station, trains will have to comply the restricted speed limit of some sections and will be kinda rocky as it is still a single track along the route. From Gemas Railway Station onwards you can expect the train to be reaching higher tier speed at 110km/h thanks to the newly build double tracking.

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Planning for Kuala Lumpur Trip

Kuala Lumpur part 3 ( Planning your trips )

Most of the travellers always plan their trips before going to the country. It is the best to know their culture, transportation and etc. Here is some tips.

1. Timing

If you are looking for cheap and affordable price for hotel, choose a right timing to go...

During peak seasons like Chinese New Year, New Year, Christmas, Singaporean and Malaysian School Holiday and etc. The hotel will be much expensive than usual.

For Shopping lovers...

Malaysia Megasale Carnival which is held on March, August and December. This is sale time throughout Malaysia and if you are looking for bargains this is the best time to visit.

Don't worry about the tropical weather. It either rain or sunny. You just need to bring your umbrella along for your own good.

2. Flights

You must book early for your flight.

3. Hotels

Please read reviews before you book the hotel. 

Recommend website:
TripAdvisor
Agora

4. Transport and getting around

It is better to take public transport than take Taxi whole day.

First, you need to get know their public transport such as monorails. If you don't know anything, there are friendly staffs willing to help you.

Just follow a simple steps to make your trips safe and easy.

1. Start Planning early

2. Do your research

3. Know your budget

4. Know what you want to do

5. Be realistic on what to do and how much you plan to spend there

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Kuala Lumpur Part 2 ( Public Transport )

This is another Kuala Lumpur Part 2 !

I would like to share with you about public transport in Kuala Lumpur.

Do you know about public transport in Kuala Lumpur ?

KL's transport system can be inefficient and tedious, due to traffic snarls and a network that does not interconnect well once out of the city centre, which makes the city embarrassingly disabled-unfriendly. Taxi drivers can be unscrupulous, often trying to make a quick buck by not turning on their meters. If you're travelling within the city, the LRT and monorail are effective, but if you're travelling longer distances, investigate your options. Or just hire a taxi for the day and make your terms clear before you step in.

1. Getting from the Airport

From Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT)

There is no express to go to KL Sentral. You have to take their shuttle service bay ( opposite domestic arrival ) to Salak Tinggi to take their KLIA transit. It is much faster than taking taxi because you may not know about the traffic condition. You also save a lot of money ! It is just RM12.50.

From Kuala Lumpur International Airport ( KLIA )

This is express to go to KL Sentral. It will be slightly expensive because non-stop and faster train to reach to the city than any transport. 

2. Getting Around KL

By Rail

There is 3 types services in KL's rail system.

1. Monorail Line

Monorail line cover most of the popular places to explore in KL especially shopping centres. 

This is the rate of the monorail.

It is the best if you get their MyRapid for RM10 ( contain RM8 in the card ). It is much more connivence than going to the vending machine to get token to get in the monorail. 

2. Kelana Jaya Line

Kelana Jaya line that runs from terminal Putra station in Gomak to northeastern KL to Letaling Jaya, ending at Kelana Jaya in the southwest. This line more for working people in KL. During peak hour, it is very pack.

3. Ampang Line

Ampang Line is more further away from the city area in Kuala Lumpur. Ampang and Sri Petaling lines which run from northern KL ( Sentul Timur Station ) to Ampang in the east and Sri Petaling in south.

By Bus

Buses are the cheapest form of travel, depending on the journey's distance, and whether you get an all-day pass. However, it take longer time to reach your destination.

Rapid KL covers most major areas in the city and provides feeder services to train ( mainly LRT stations ). The fare is RM2 for the whole day; buy a ticket on the bus on your first ride and flash it at the driver to all subsequent rides.

* Special for Girls *

There is also an female Rapid Bus Wanita ( Rapid bus for women only ) - through these buses are not on all routes. This is to help counter the sexual harassment and rape that has happened to women travelling alone on buses.

By Taxi

Taxis in KL are metered, air-conditioned and can seat up to four passengers. The meters, starting at RM3 for the first kilometre, and a 10sen increase for every 200m. A 50% surcharge applies from midnight to 6am.

*Be careful of some taxi drivers that they might never turn on their meter and anyhow give the price *

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Kuala Lumpur Part One

Welcome to Kuala Lumpur ! Part One

Yes ! This week I am sharing with you about Kuala Lumpur that I had went last few months ago.

Kuala Lumpar is the federal capital and most populous city in Malaysia. It is among the fastest growing metropolitan regions in the country, in terms of population and economy.

What is so special about Kuala Lumpur ?

1. Petronas Twin Towers 
( Kuala Lumpur City Centre )

The magnificent twin towers, built by the country's national oil company Petronas, is located on a site that was previously occupied by the Selangor Turf club. The 452m (1,483ft) tower is a second taller in the world.

A trip up to the skybridge that is free! The opening hours for the skybridge from Tuesday to Sunday, 9a.m till 7p.m , to take in views of the city is a must for many visitors. Access limited to 1,700 people daily. You are recommended to come at 7.30a.m to get the ticket to access the skybridge. The counter is opening at 8a.m.

Good views of the Twin Towers can be had from the adjoining KLCC Park, through photography angles are better from Jalan Ampang and Jalan Tun Razak, and from the upper floors of area hotels.

2. Sungei Wang Plaza

Jalan Sultan Ismail
Daily Opening Hours from 10 a.m - 10 p.m

Nearest Monorail : Bukit Bintang

KL's street-style central and the stomping ground of trendy youths, Sungei Wang is without a doubt the destination of unique, cutting edge fashions as well as the latest gadgets and many more.

*Be careful of pickpockets*

3. Petaling Street Bazaar

Jalan Petaling
Daily Hours : 4.30 - till late

Nearest LRT : Bangsar

This bustling street market is packed with tourists and local browsing for ethnic jewellery, pirated DVDs and copies of branded accessories. Most goods here are counterfeit and probably won't hold up to close serenity. 

You are can take a break after shopping, take a seat at one of the many restaurants in the area and people-watch.

4. Jalan Alor in Bukit Bintang

The whole stretch of street that selling local food! 

Most of the tourist will stop at the Alor street just to have a heavy dinner! It very delicious and reasonable price.

5. Berjaya Times Square

1 Jalan Imbi
Daily Opening : 10 a.m. - 10 p.m

This massive mall offers medium-priced and lower-end merchandise in its 900 outlets, including the world's largest Borders bookstore. Also includes other diversions like cineplexes (including an IMAX theatre) and the large indoor theme park Cosmo's World.

Tips :

1. Wear Casual clothes as the weather always HOT !

2. Be careful of pickpockets. 

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Tune Hotel Review

Review Budget Hotel

Tune Hotel at Downtown KL

Tune Hotel Downtown KL which located at 316 Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, 50100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 

It just 5 mins walk to Medan Tuanku Monorail station for direct access to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) via KL Sentral LRT station (28 mins by express train to KLIA). Which is really great location to stay at KL ! 

It is really a cheap bargain !

About the Hotel Facility  

Before you check-in the hotel, the counter will ask you whether you want air-conditioning, TV ( entertainment package), In-room Wifi and towels with toiletries that is chargeable. If you don't want air-conditioning there is ceiling fan! Mostly, everyone will get air-conditioning so that they can sleep well. There is  laundry at level 7 which is coin-operated self-service. At the lobby, there is subway, mini-mart and other fast food cafe. The mini-mart is 24-hours operate. 

There is lift which is operated all levels. It is easy access by taxi ! *Not much taxi driver know about this hotel*

About the Room ( double bed room )

* Good Point *

1. The room is clean and tidy.  

2. There is a safety box for you to put your important things. The safety box is big enough for you to put your 13-inch laptop. 

3. The bed is very comfortable just like 5-stars hotel bed standard. 

4. The toilet is very clean. There is hot and cold water to bathe which I like it a lot.

* Bad Point *

1. The room is not sound-proof.

2. The room is too small which you cannot put so much things on the floor.


This budget hotel provide what the important thing you need in hotel than others facilities that you don't need. In most of the day, you will be at the outside. When you reached hotel, you just want to have a hot bathe and a comfortable bed to sleep. No points paying the facilities that you don't need or never use at all. 

A good choice to stay if you don't mind paying your transport.

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