SIMPLY (t)RAVELLING

The Train Ride to Dabong

 

This trip is actually to fulfill an overdue invitation by a friend, and also DH’s burning desire to go hiking again. We are about to conquer the Jelawang Waterfall, the so called the highest waterfall in South East Asia. So, on the eve of the Federal Territory Day, we quickly finish off our work and head to KL Sentral to catch our 8.30pm train, just to be informed that the train service to Kelantan has been cancelled due to the sudden flood at Gemas, Negeri Sembilan (all trains to Kelantan from KL will pass through Gemas Station before changing its course to the east). However, for those who still want to proceed with their journey, KTM (Keretapi Tanah Melayu) is arranging bus transfers to Mentakab Station in Pahang for the passengers to board the train from there.

Me waiting for the bus transfer, feeling slightly bored and melancholy. I somehow missed my kids a lot.

The bus arrived about 10 minutes to nine, and praise to god, we reached Mentakab safe and sound around midnight. I barely close my eyes during the journey. Traveling in a rickety old bus drove at full speed, with the recent jump in bus accidents statistics keep flashing in my mind are among the reasons.

At Mentakab Station

We were told by the station master that the train that will take us to Kelantan will only arrive at 2.30am, and soon we found ourselves filling up the time with idle chatter over supper at the nearby stall. Our petty tête-à-tête is suddenly interrupted by a rush of a swine coming from nowhere straight into the bush across the railway, disappearing into the darkness. In the fluster, I quickly snapped a picture of the brute, which turned out totally blurred; evident only by the glow of his eyes.

 

The Hound of the Baskerville Mentakab?

 

The train arrived as scheduled, all the passengers disembarked for the trip back to KL using the same means of transport that brought us here. Without wasting any time, we quickly board the train, find our seat and settle down. I was a bit disappointed with DH for booking the seat instead of the sleeping berth, but thanks to the flood, many have cancelled their trip so we get the whole coach for our gang. The next 6 hours was a bit uncomfortable; nevertheless, I sleep like a baby throughout the night.

Being a light sleeper, I was awoken around 6.30am by all the hullabaloos, and found out that the train has arrived at the Kuala Lipis Station. I hastily perform my morning prayer at the station mussolla in fear of getting abandon, only to learn afterwards that the train is facing some minor problem with its braking system and need to be repaired.

 Kuala Lipis Station

We were stranded at Kuala Lipis Station for 4 hours, in which during the time we occupy ourselves with some small talks, loafing around, photo shooting session and exploring the train with the intention of locating the galley (and of course, the food).

Kuala Pilah Station in the morning

Boo!!

DH with the morning news paper

 

The warehouse

The town mosque amidst the contenas

The train finally made a move at 9.00am, and it was such a slow journey, bypassing remote villages and what’s not. (image credit to Mr. Spark)

DH falls asleep again… (image credit to Mr. Spark)

Pit stop at Gua Musang Station

After so much hassle, we finally reached the quaint and slow-pace township of Dabong at 11am, 3 hours behind schedule.

DH, getting of the train

Dabong at last…

Dabong Train Station

The track

 

>>To be continued…