I tried the KTM train for the first time to JB. 5 sing dollars for the trip to JB, and the return ticket cost 1.80 sing. I bought the tickets online, and then print out the electronic copies.
I was a bit kiasu because it was my first time, so I reach the train checkpoint 45 minutes earlier. Actually no need to reach there so early, because the departure gate only opens 30 minutes before the departure time. And then I didnt know that I need to exchange the printout for a ticket. So at the departure gate, the officer saw my printout, then told me to go down to exchange for a ticket. I was like zzzzzz. Then I went down, there was a queue. I skipped the queue, went straight to the counter and told the staff that I want to change the ticket. And he ask me to join the back of the queue, because everyone in the queue is taking the same train as mine. HAIYOOOOO ok lor. Anyway luckily I manage to clear the customs in time and was able to board the train.
The train ride was only 5 minutes. So at singapore side, you clear the singapore customs first, then you clear the malaysia customs, then you take the train to JB, and once you get out of the train station, taaa daaaa city square shopping mall is just in front of you. It is really very convenient. Can escape the crazy jam (be it you drive or you take public bus). I think it is worth the money.
We booked a very affordable hotel, that is Citrus Hotel. It is just beside City Square. And it costs 60 dollars for one night, with breakfast included. NZJ was feeling very apprehensive because it was too cheap. Hahahahaha. It was not too bad, for a 3 star hotel. The breakfast was decent too.
I reached the hotel at 325 pm. Went to the room to find Fen. And off we went for some makan. We explored Jalan Dhoby, a well known hipster street, with many hipster stores and restaurants.
We had deep fried chicken chop at IT Roo, known to have the best chicken chop in Malaysia!
The deep fried chicken chop was very good. I dont mind coming here again next time to eat it again.
And then we went back to our hotel room to wait for Laval and NZJ to arrive. Laval arrived first, at about 8 pm. And he went to cut his hair at a salon inside city square. NZJ reached at about 930 pm. And off we went for our dinner.
Dinner was at this run down zhi char place opposite our hotel. The service was very slow. There was only one chef. The food took ages to arrive. But thank goodness the food is good.
It was a good catch-up between the four of us. Missing HW, who also happen to be at JB, but he went for star-gazing with his NUS friends.
Laval have to go back to Singapore, and we left the eatery at 1130 pm, so that he will not miss the last bus from JB to Singapore.
I woke up early the next morning, and went to Hiap Joo bakery to buy the famous banana cakes. Had breakfast with Fen and NZJ at the hotel cafe, and bid them farewell.
Went to the train station, and to my surprise, I do not need to exchange the printout for a train ticket. How come so funny one. Want to differentiate working system between sg and malaysia also no need to like that what.
All the best Mr Fen! See you soon! At Xinyi's wedding in october, probably?
