Thailand From The Train, TBS - Rantau Panjang - Golok - Bangkok, Mar 3-8, 2017

Mar 3-4, 2017, First leg - BTS - Rantau Panjang - Golok by bus

We arrived at TBS from Bangi well before Maghrib. We just do not want to be late and making sure we were fully prepared for the long journey to Bangkok. We have done Bangkok by train before, the only difference was, we were about to do it via Sg Golok, Thailand. 

This trip was organised by our JNK colleagues. For once I just pay and follow the crowd. Well, to a certain extend. Most of us were supposed to meet at TBS Complex to board a night express bus to Rantau Panjang. We would arrive Rantau Panjang just before Suboh. Then we would cross the border at the Rantau Panjang Immigration point to Golok and board our train, Train 172, that would depart at 11.30am from Sg Golok Station.

At 9.20pm almost all of us gathered at the mamak restaurant above the ticketing level for our last meal before we boarded our bus. In total there were 18 of us including Bro Ramli and his wife from Singapore. While Pojie and Shidie would join us in Bangkok. Pojie took the new First Class sleeper on Special Express 31 back home the day after we arrived in Bangkok.

Everyone had their own spot and group while waiting. I was with my family most of the time and capturing others from afar. Abi Muaz and Hassin were sitting at one table like they were discussing legal matters while Bro Ramli just listening to their discussion.

At 10.00pm we walked down to the departure area which was two escalators down to wait to board our bus to Rantau Panjang. Our bus arrived at around 10.15pm and we were allowed to board our bus at 10.30pm. After a long wait and delay, we were on the bus at last. Once onboard everyone was busy checking for plug and charging points ha ha ha. Gadget animals that we became ha ha ha. 

A customary group photo session took place on the bus and we finally departed TBS at around 10.40pm. As if everyone was yelling, ‘Yeayyyy! Rantau Panjang here we come…’ and off we went.

Everyone started to make themselves comfortable for the journey. Calling home giving updates and cracking jokes at one another. Based on my previous trip to Hatyai via Sg Golok I reminded myself I needed the have a good rest so that I could enjoy my train ride more the next day. So, I decided to sleep for the whole of the journey. 

Like a dream in a deep sleep, I felt the bus was stopping and parking itself. I woke up when we stopped and I checked my handphone. It was 2.15am and I heard someone said ‘Merapoh! jom turun kencing’.  It was a scheduled stop for the express buses en route to Kelantan before crossing the states’ border. Most of us got down to empty our bladder as well as stretching our legs. After we had gone to the restroom we thought we just going to go return to the bus. We saw the drivers were having a nice meal. Thus, we grabbed a table to sit at and ordered hot drinks. Some of the guys were apparently still hungry and they ordered some food.

Once the bus left Merapoh I went back to sleep. I woke up when the bus pulled into Rantau Panjang bus terminal. We arrived at Rantau Panjang just before Suboh. Once we disembarked almost everyone going for the restroom. I was still debating whether to just clean up for suboh or take a morning bath as well? In the end, I settled for the former to just brush my teeth, wash my face with a bar of soap and took ablution. 

After we said our Suboh prayers we adjourned to the only warung that was opened nearby. We sat down with the rest to have our last meal in Malaysia. It was at 7.24am then and the morning sky already broke out properly. Well, you know what will happen when this bunch sat down to eat. It was a long chat session as well. We broke up when Hassin reminded us we needed to cross fast to beat the crowd that will cross into Thailand in the morning.

We walked to the Malaysian checkpoint and then the motor taxi to the Thai immigration point. Since we were using a chip-based passport the crossing at the Malaysian immigration was very easy. When we crossed the border and arrived at the Thai’s checkpoint at 7.40am we had to collect the embarkment card and got it filled by the immigration staff with a fee of RM2 per passport. Actually, the card was easy enough to fill but we decided to contribute to the economy of the immigration officers of Golok.

We waited for the rest to finish and while doing so we took time to enjoy the place taking photos. I saw Picha leaning again the door of the exit looking at her phone. I captured her and later in my postings I included a caption of that photo as ‘Dear Pojie, I have crossed the border safely and see you in Bangkok’. I teased her later. Marinar joined her there and I captured both of them standing talking to each other.

By 7.45am we finished with our immigration and took another motor-taxi ride to the Sg Golok Railway Station. We were happy to be in Golok and soon to board our train to Bangkok. In less than five minutes we were at the station.

For security reason, there was an army checkpoint we had to go through before entering the station. Once inside the station, we regroup at the north part of the station and put our luggage on the bench. Primarily on the benches because most of us not going to sit anyway. It was close at 8.00am and our train was scheduled to depart at 11.30am. Still, a lot of times to kill and the guys decided to walk to Golok town to firstly, buy SIM Card and data plan for our trip in Thailand. Secondly, to check out the pasar sari going on nearby and thirdly to eat and tapau few things to eat on the train. My Sam and Abi Muaz decided not to go so both of them stood back to look after our luggage.

When we walked past the mobile phone shopped was still closed so we went to the pasar sari first. I as usual is using my Nikon, Mar was using the Nikon P900 and Kak Cik the M4 capturing videos. While walking at the Pasar Sari the three of us were like a production team capturing whatever we like. Knowing that we were creating unnecessary attention I advice both Kaka Cik and Mar to be mindful, walk a bit faster and do not ever stray away.

Of course, we could not buy most of the things except for fruits and I spent my time checking the price. Mostly everything was a bit cheaper compared to back home. Actually, I could not contain myself when I saw the cheap kulat and I bought some knowing I could take it home.

We backtracked to the mobile phone outlet and the guys were there already buying their SIM cards. Well, more like checking out the three mek siam manning the shop. We just let them be and I settled for one SIM card for my iPad. I made my iPad a hub for the four of us to share while in Thailand. Make sense as I ensure everyone does not stray away too far from me and cheaper.

We had a bit more time once we bought our SIM card and without prompting we parked ourselves at the warung almost in front of the shop to eat some more. They said carbo-loading for the long trip. Could be our last nasi for the next two days ha ha ha

Again someone had to say stop eating and talking. We collected ourselves and started to walk back towards the station. On the way to the station there was a small park built by the SRT beside the station are 9.30 am we took a lot of photos.

At 10.02am we were back at the station and train-spotting activities were the order of the day for everyone. I guess we covered every inch of the stations as well as every arrival and departure. One particular one was the arrival of a local train from Hatyai. After everyone disembarked a cleaning crew took over the train. Since Hatyai is the last station in the south of Thailand this is how it was for every train that arrives at the station. 

At 11.58 am our train approached the station and it was delayed by almost an hour. The train was duly parked at the cleaning platform. Immediately after all the passengers disembarked the cleaning crew took over the train. After a few minutes once it was cleaned the coaches, rake in railway speak, were shunted back to the main platform for us to board. We were really like 12 years old kids excited running around the platform knowing that we will be boarding the train soon.

While we were happily waiting we noticed there was this one SRT’s ground staff busy running here and there during the shunting of the train. Uncannily he was a very close Matyu lookalike. We had fun with him and took a group photo with him to share with of course the real Matyu. 

At 12.20 pm we were called to board.  Our second class sleepers were the old second class sleeper that we used to board during our first train trip to Bangkok from Butterworth years ago. It was adequate for all of us that used to travel with something worse. The first thing we did was to find space for our luggage and then to search for a power source. We found one power source at one of the berths and by the look of it, we were supposed to share that. I was not sure how many there were in our carriage. Since we booked the tickets in bulk our berths we close to one another. The four of us got the lower bunks. 

As the train departed Sg Golok station we sort of left behind our worries and beginning to enjoy the view outside. I for one just transfixed. I guess almost all the time I am like that on the train. Probably the reason why I could not stay too long reading or writing. My interest while on the train is always the views, whatever they are, outside the train when we pass by. I am that kind of train romantic. If I were to be reading or writing there was something to look at that would pull me back to the window. Be it the beautiful landscape, different lifestyle or culture, or just plain different things that strike my imagination and interest. 

Slowly small towns and stations appeared. Khok Saya, Sungai Padi, Ai Satia, Bukit, Cho Ai Rang, Pa Phai and Tanyong Mat. At 1.37pm Marubo, Lalo, Ban Salo Bukit Yuaerae, Ruesco, Balo, Salo, Raman, Ban Patae, Mai Kaen, Yala a big station where we crossed with another train, Tase, Khlong Sai, Pa Rai, Buddhas, Na Pradu at 3.04 pm, Pattani, Ban Nikhom, Ta Paet, we crossed river Thepha and came to Thepha Station, Ko Saba, Tha Maenglak, Chana that I remembered because it is sound like China, Wat Khun Mit and Na Muang. At times we crossed with another train and I kept on looking and observing the passengers on the other train across from my window. Always wondering what they were thinking off, where they were going and what kind of life they have. Again, I just love to experience and to know first-hand. Similarly with those running to board the train and disembarking at various stations.

Eventually, we arrived at the station that we are very familiar with, Hatyai, at 4.35pm. I did not get down but just observing from the train. I knew some of my gang went down to buy pulut ayam or to smoke. Within a few minutes, we left the station. As we reached the suburb of Hatyai the train turned left at the pike going north. The first station after Hatyai was Ban Din Lan followed by Bang Klam, Ban Ko Yai, Khuan Niang, Wat Khuan Phayer, HanthaoHan Kong, Khuan Khiam, Khuan Phra, Bang Kaeo, Khao Chaisom, Ban Huai An, Ban Ton Do, Ban Khai Tai, and Na Pru. Most of these are small stations that the train just passed through. Nevertheless, I was excited looking at them with their local structure.

The countryside changes a bit as we travelled on flat paddy fields. whenever we passed a small town I could see mosques or the minarets of mosques indicating a big Muslim community in the South of Thailand. 

Slowly, the evening started to crawl in and at 6.12pm we arrived at Phattalung. The train rolled into the main platform and passengers got down. Then the train pushed back and occupied the next track. This to us signalled that we can go down and lepak because our train will sit to wait to cross with another train coming from the north. We waited for about 15 minutes and once we crossed we departed. The sky begins to get dark at 6.31pm and we prepared ourselves for the night. After a long bus ride from KL with not enough sleep as well as anticipating the long day in Bangkok the next day I planned to just to call it a day early. We had enough of eating and as soon as the attendant prepared our bed we said our prayers we said good night to one another. We slept soundly and maybe making great music at the same time ha ha ha.

Photos ar BTS and the bus journey to Rantau Panjang https://www.facebook.com/ghazali.fadzil/media_set?set=a.10155199625977246&type=3
Photos at Sg Golok Station and on Train 172 to Bangkok https://www.facebook.com/ghazali.fadzil/media_set?set=a.10155204438047246&type=3

Mar 5, 2017, Bangkok Day 1, Chatuchak Weekend Market

No matter whatever train we were on board we are just awake as usual for suboh. Alhamdulillah for that and on this trip, we got up early to take turns to take our bath as well. After we had said our prayers although not that hungry we started to nibble on whatever we had. Gardenia wholemeal bread in my case, munching while looking at a still dark early morning.  A group of our gangs was already at the open window cafe and soon we followed suit. At 6.13am we were at the small old buffet car for breakfast and chat. The gang was already making two of the four tables there as their private property. 

We ordered coffee and other drinks. With nothing much, I ordered two sunny side ups to supplement whatever else we had with us. The buffet car was the old open window kind that what we, train fans, longing for. The kitchen area was a bit messy and the crew were not properly dressed. The tables and chairs were also messy and not stable. Most of the passengers would actually just ordered their food to be delivered or they bought from the sellers that came on board at various stations. 

At that point, I could only guess that we were travelling passing Huai Yang with paddy fields close to the Gulf of Thailand on our right.

We sat quietly and ate our breakfast with the early morning smell and feel blown rapidly into the carriage by the speed of the train. Most of us were looking outside at the horizon waiting for the sun to come out. As we were transfixed with the sight suddenly the plain changed into a field of foggy landscape. It was so beautiful and mesmerising. Immediately my camera was working overtime. The landscape was like that for almost 45 minutes. Our conversation was as rapid as before which included 80% of jokes. We laughed happily accommodating the cool morning breeze.

The morning sun managed to peek out at around 7.00am. We were looking out at a foggy landscape with a red sun in the middle as if we were looking at an almost red-eye within a mist. It was not a scary scene but more like looking at a nice snow-covered mountain with the sun breaking out at the back. With that, we walked back to our carriage and sat looking out waiting for Bangkok. 

At 6.57am we crossed the Maeklong River via Chulalongkorn Bridge with the sun over the water within the midst. It was mesmerising.

We were expected to arrive at Hua Lamphong at around 10.00am so we just sat and chatted to pass our time. At 8.33am we arrived at Bang Bamru and based on our experience we knew it would not be long for our final station but we were put to wait at a few stations making it near yet so far for us.

Closer to Hua Lamphong we would have to pass a few stations and the tracks were multiple. At times the train zigzagged from the left to the right. To us, this was the best thing that could have happened and most of us were at the door or open windows taking photos of the train snaking through the maze. It was fun for us.

At 8.53am Bang Sue Junction showed up in front of us. The construction of the new Grand Station on our left was in full scale already. If it were to be ready we do not have to go Hua Lamphong anymore. The Bang Sue Grand Station will become the KL Sentral of Bangkok. We were made to wait at Bang Sue Junction for quite some time.

Then at 9.05am the station with a name we tend to joke about came into view, Sam Sen Station. This was a real indication that we were very close already to Hua Lamphong. We were really excited but then our excitement was dampened by the need for the train to wait for clearance to enter Hua Lamphong. It was almost an hour of waiting. A lot of reasons came to us unofficially - heavy traffic, waiting for other trains to leave and even because a VIP was passing by and all traffics were halted. Whatever it was we became less excited about arriving now until finally, the train started to move again. 

Finally, we were given the green light to enter Hua Lamphong and our train move in slowly into the station. We disembarked at Hua Lamphong at 10.04am. Once all of us stepped onto the platform everyone went berserk. Well, we did not run amok or anything like that but we went crazy shooting and taking photos. Everyone had their own sweet take and point. I was no different. Since I have captured most of the station during our previous trip I stayed back a little bit and captured the going on within the station. Especially, the gang being so happy being there. At the station, Shidie and Pojie were waiting for us. After a while, we gathered everyone around at the centre of the platform area and shot our customary group photos.

Reluctantly, why I say reluctantly because almost all would want to stay at the station longer, we crossed the road on the right side of the station, go up the small bridge to walk to our hotel, the Krung Kasem Srikrung Hotel. We were hoping for an early check-in so that we can relax a bit before we went out to Chatuchak. 

We had been to Chatuchak before and we knew what to expect. Personally, I did have anything to buy but just to have fun walking and enjoying the scene there. The girls were looking for bargain tote bags to sell back home. I told the guys my family and I were going there and would leave after we rested a bit. At 12.12pm we were already at Hua Lamphong MRT station waiting to board a train to Chatuchak. Some of the gang decided to follow us. It was a pleasant long MRT ride for all of us. Still tired but perky.

At 12.50pm we emerged out of the Chatuchak MRT station and started to walk to the market. Once we arrived at the market we split with the group. Everyone should be comfortable with what they wanted to do. We said to each other to meet back at the hotel tomorrow morning ha ha ha. We started to walk around and I just stayed a close distance with my family to ensure their safety. Knowing the place is so huge and with the limited time, we strategise to be in the areas that we knew we could get our things and enjoy. We love the fresh orange juice sold by the vendors everywhere and they are our constant stops as we walked around. By late evening we had satisfied ourselves and were ready for another thing.

Our plan was to have dinner at Farida Fortanee Restaurant, one of the best Tom Yam that we had ever tasted before, and through our WhatApps group, I informed the gang in case they wanted to follow us. With no response from the gang just about 45 minutes before Maghrib we left the weekend market to board the BTS at Mo Chit. Mo Chit BTS station is just near the Chatuchak MRT station. From there we got down at Rachathewi station and took a short walk to the restaurant. It was just slightly before the Azan Maghrib was heard from the mosque nearby when we arrived. Hungry for real food we placed our orders immediately. 

At 7.00pm our Tom Yam udang was served and we immediately grabbed our bowls and started to sip the soup. We could not wait for the rice and other food ha ha ha. But once the rice arrived we finished the food in record time. We were very hungry ha ha ha but then when we finished we realised that the Tom Yam was not as good as it was the first time we ate there. It was still good but not as tasty as before.

After dinner, we walked back to Rachathewi station and from there took the BTS to Si Lom. From Si Lom we walked down to the Si Lom MRT station to take us back to Hua Lamphong Station. At 9.30pm we were back at Krung Kasem Srikrung Hotel.

Mar 6, 2017, Bangkok Day 2, Meak Long Train Market and Damnoensaduak Floating Market

The plan for the day was first, to visit the famous Meak Long Train Market and secondly, to the Damnoensaduak floating market. I was not so much interested in the floating market as we had been there before. I would just want to chill there.

At 6.45an we came down for breakfast at the hotel. I ate a lot of eggs that several of us would not want to eat. Since the bread was white I ignored the bread and concentrate on the eggs and coffee. After we had our breakfast we just lingered on waiting for our transport.

The two coasters hired by Hassin arrived soon after and we split into two groups. My family, Marinar, Picha and Fizul joined us in one coaster and the rest of the gang in the other coaster. That quickly sorted out and off we went leaving Bangkok.

We crossed the bridge over Chao Phraya at 7.17am and we were making a good time to arrive at the right time for the train to pass through the market at Meak Long. At 8.04am we passed the familiar salt farms on our left. This was actually an indication that we were already near our destination. Soon enough at 8.14am we arrived at Meak Long. The coasters were parked at the designated parking area and we had to take a short walk to the market. About six minutes later we were among the crowd. The sellers along the track were already ready pulling in and up their tents like guards of honour waiting for a parade to pass. It was a big crowd cramped along the track within the market. The demeanours of everyone there signalled to us the imminent arrival of the train. We scrambled in among them to find a spot and we barely managed to do it. As on queue, we heard the sound of the train horn not far aware. I took a peek out and saw the head of the railcar and slowly it inched forward. The train passed really very close slowly and I could see and hear a lot of excitement from all the tourists like us. Once the train passed each section the sellers as per their routine started to pull out the wares, tents and back to business. For all of us, tourists poured on the track either taking photos, selfies or started to explore around more. We did all that and know the train will leave the station again, which was very close to the market across the street, consciously stayed closed and strategised our best place to be when the train pass again.  

At 8.57am the vendors started to pull in their tents and stuff signalling the train was leaving the station. Within minutes the track was cleared and we took our positions. I chose to stand across my family so that I could capture them when the train pass. Right on time at 9.00am the train blew its horn and departed the station. Now, I am a bit brave to move to the middle of the track to take a good shot. When the train came closer I kept low for my shot. Actually, I did not really plan my shots just point and shoot strategy.

Once the train passed it was immediately a wet market again. The train wet market being historic I could not help to admire them. If I were to walk further along the track I would witness someone’s backyard for sure.

We ventured into the wet market a bit to explore a bit more. We managed to find something to buy. In my case tattooed sleeve socks and pull bandana at a very cheap price.

Everyone gathered at the Meak Long Train station and started to walk back to our coasters. We were at the train market for about 30 minutes.

At 9.36am we left for the floating market which was about 20 km away, something that did not excite me that much. At 10.00am the driver pulled into one of the tourist boat stations. I knew the drill already from our last experience so I was braced for negotiation and possibly argument ha ha ha. Even during my first visit, I wanted to go straight to the Floating Market area and was not keen to be taken on a boat ride around the place. Having experienced it once I really did not want to take the boat ride again. Thus, I left the negotiation and hustling to the guys. For sure our drivers also would not budge as they were getting a commission for getting us there. It was their tourism value chain I can understand that. So the next time just gets a car and a driver who can take you straight to the market. If you want to get on board it will be a cheaper, shorter and more meaningful boat ride over there.

The negotiation was done and a deal was made. At 10.29am we were reluctantly on the boat. The driver took us through the waterway that we were familiar with and we just sucked in for new things and the unexpected. I just got off the boat once when we were at the art gallery/shop but nothing enticed me. 

We were at the heart of the Damnoensaduak floating market at 10.52am and it was already fairly hot. It was a busy market with boats jostling for space. We bought fruits and just wish we can get through sooner out of there. Then I saw a medium size painting that I like and yelled out for the price. Something affordable and I bought the piece. It is hanging in the hall of my house now.

As soon as we were cleared at the end of the market the boat picked up a little bit of speed and we started cruising out towards our pick up point. It was 11.27am then and as soon as we were docked we disembarked and got on our coaster to go back to the city. Most of us were very tired due to lack of sleep and the heat. Without prompting and no matter how hard we tried we dozed off. 

We were awake when the coaster stopped at a gas station before we entered Bangkok. According to my watch, we had a good 30 minutes of slumber as we were at the gas station at 12.44pm. 

Hassin as the tour leader had arranged lunch for us at a restaurant in Bangkok. I could not remember the name of the restaurant and we wolfed the food in as we were very hungry. After lunch, the driver took us back to the hotel. I had already made a plan to go out to the sports outlets at the National Stadium area and to have dinner at MBK. So when we were back at the hotel I told the guys that we would be going out at 3.30pm to the sports outlets and if anybody wishes to follow just be in the lobby then. 

At 3.34 we were out of the hotel again and to the MRT to Si Lom and eventually the BTS t the National Stadium. From there we walked to the sports outlets. Grand Sports being the first we went in. I did not buy any major things just a few stuff there. The gang and us split there going in and out of our preferred outlets. The thing I really admire the Thai is that they can really produce a good quality local brand of sports products. Most of their national teams are wearing these brands. After we had done with the sports outlets we walked to the MBK Shopping Complex. MBK is very strategic for us. Besides last minute shopping, we could have halal meal there. Also, the BTS station is quite near.

At MBK we walked around a bit and then settled for dinner at the new food court. We decided to have dinner at the food court instead of the usual Yana Restaurant. The new food court gave us variety including the most sought after, by my family, pulut mangga. We just lepak there until at around 7.40pm we walked out towards the National Stadium BTS station to go back to the hotel. 

At 9.20pm we were back at the hotel and called it a day and packed our luggage accordingly for our long journey home the next day. Our train would depart at 2.45pm and we had a bit more time in the morning for another quick excursion around Bangkok.

Photos of the Meaklong Train Market https://www.facebook.com/ghazali.fadzil/media_set?set=a.10155271052167246&type=3
Photos at the Floating Market https://www.facebook.com/ghazali.fadzil/media_set?set=a.10155288221392246&type=3
Photos of our visit to SPorts Outlets and MBK https://www.facebook.com/ghazali.fadzil/media_set?set=a.10155311076212246&type=3

Mar 7, 2017, Bangkok - Hatyai, Special Express 31

We were awake as usual and I notified the girls to be ready for breakfast at 7.00am or earlier. After making sure we were ready with our luggage to check out quickly later we came down for breakfast and had a quick one. Coffee, eggs and bread are all that we need for breakfast while travelling in a country like Thailand. 

Once we were out at 7.31am and while crossing the bridge to Hua Lamphong Station the early morning weather, although getting hotter, was pleasant and inviting for us to explore. It was still too early for us to go to the Grand Palace area as the place and shops would not be opened yet. So, the plan was to explore the perimeter as well as inside of Hua Lamphong a little more first.

Once we were at the entrance of the station we decided to circle the outside of the station anti-clockwise. We walked slowly and tried to be observant of the surrounding. To me, it was like we were doing a Photowalk - street photography. Initially, the walk was really pleasant until we reached a section that the pang of an awful smell caught our nose. It was like a long stretch of a restroom where the 5 ft wall was stained by an obvious human excretion. The authority tried to improve the area by commissioning street arts but they failed. We crossed the road and walked along parallel to the wall. I can understand the reason for this as at night the station’s perimeter is where the homeless or travellers would sleep. I saw some of them in front of the station as we crossed to our hotel at night. 

We continued our walk quickly until we saw a side entrance north of the station that was wide opened. Obviously, people just walked in through there. We did the same and we were back inside the train station at the end of the concrete platform and tracks where the trains were being shunted and parked. We walked slowly towards the main atrium of the station while at the same time taking photos. Once inside the atrium, Sam and the girls decided to sit and wait while I went out around to capture more. 

During the last train trip, the surau was at the side within the atrium so I went there to check to make sure but it was not there only the signage indicating it was moved somewhere. I thought it was moved to the next level so when I saw the stairs in front of me I took it and walked up to the next level. I saw no one there so I continued to walk on and all seems like offices. Out of the corridor on my left, I could view the platform from a different perspective so I continued to shoot and walked along until I came to almost at the end. Still, I could not locate the surau. This was when a lady SRT staff walked out from her office and asked me why I was there as the public was not allowed on that level. I told her what I was looking for and she told me the surau was moved at the platform level - between platforms 4 and 5. 

Once back on the platform level I went straight to locate the surau and I found it. I checked my digital watch on my handphone and I had a bit more time to explore so I walked along the east side of the station until the end of the platform to shoot more of the happenings around there.

At almost 9.00am I walked back to where my family was and we decided to go to the Grand Palace. When we were out of the station I saw a free Shuttle Bus and walked there to find out more. Looking at the timing and informed by the operator nearby the bus was not reliable. Maybe we will try it on the next trip. So at 9.23am we took a cab to the Grand Palace area. Actually, the main purpose of us going there was to shop at the Naraya outlet there that we were very familiar with ha ha ha. When we arrived the outlet was just opened and we walked in. We took our time shopping and even with that we did not stay that long and when we exited the place there was already a lot of tourists arriving and waiting to enter the Grand Palace. So there were a lot of taxis and tut-tuts there. Anticipating heavy traffic at 10.19am we opted to take a tut-tut ride back to our hotel. The tut-tut can and will use shortcuts and lorong tikus more ha ha. 

When we arrived at the hotel we asked at the counter whether we could check out a bit later so that we could say our prayers. Our request was declined and due to our train schedule, we had no problem with that as we could always say our prayers at the station’s surau. With that, we checked out straight away. 

We were already waiting inside the main atrium at 12.28pm and straight away took our turn to say our prayers. When I had finished mine I walked back to the main atrium and on the way, I saw a cleaning crew was cleaning the express train on Platform 3. Our train will be at Platform 4 and since it was empty I had a good full view of the crew at work. With a number of cheap labour, Thailand does not have a problem with their workforce and I could see a 5-man crew cleaning the whole length of the express train. With their portable water jet and long window cleaner, they worked expertly. 

Once we had finished with our prayers we just sat to wait. Well, we managed just to keep our butts sat for a while. We got bored, Mar and Kak Cik started with their selfies and video capturing. My Sam was never had enough ‘jajan’ for our train ride and kept on saying she had more change to spend away. Of course, I could never keep still inside any train station. But then again somebody needs to watch over our luggage and I was the man. I sat and scan around the atrium for good moment shots. The culture in Thailand is that everyone is so comfortable sitting on the floor talking. So what you have is a kenduri like atmosphere. I observed them, I would say about 30-40% of them were Muslim Thais making their journey. You would normally think that they are going south but surprisingly they are travelling to almost every corner of Thailand which says a lot about Thailand.

At 1.50am the gang let us know that our train was already pulled in and we could board it. Since it would be cooler and pleasant waiting inside the train we boarded immediately. 

It was the first time for all of us that day to board the Special Train 31 Bangkok to Hatyai train and our expectation was high. Once we boarded we were not disappointed. It was like we were transported to a new dimension of red coloured seating and a cool refreshing environment. Far contrast from what you get outside in the station. In fact, we were like kids again moving around inside the train testing everything. ‘Weh! kalau camni aku tak nak turun seminggu dok atas ni la ha ha ha’ said one of us and we just laughed happily. We commemorated this occasion with groups photos both at the platform with the train s our background as well as inside with the backdrop of the beautiful coach.  

At 2.45pm sharp we departed Hua Lamphong and the train moved slowly forward navigating the multilayered tracks and compact passage out of Bangkok. In a reverse of our arrival, two days before Sam Sen Station arrived first and then Bang Sue Junction where we stopped for a number of passengers to board. Out of Bang Sue at the junction, the train turned left going south. By now the train picked up speed and smoothly and seamlessly gliding south firstly crossing the Chao Phraya River beside Rama VI highway bridge. We were by then definitely out of Bangkok. The immediate major station that we stopped was Nakhon Pathom after which the train crossed the Meaklong River via Chulalongkorn Bridge and sped through Ratchaburi Railway Station. By this time we were in our own world already sucked by the view from the window. Oblivious of anything else, we were connected to the outside world speeding away. Something that any seasoned train traveller can relate to. In short, we were in our own world.

The evening soon crept in simultaneously with the changing of our mood. Our craving for coffee and getting close to one another grew and that meant almost all of us got up and walked to the ABC. It was 5.12pm and almost all of us were there drinking and chit-chatting accompanied by the endless paddy fields outside. It was a magnificent evening inside as well as outside of the train especially when the evening sunlight streaking in upon us. Once again I just stared and smiled as I could not truly describe the moment. 

At 5.25pm we arrived at Pak Tho another small station and by then the late evening curtain is coming down upon us. Soon it would be Maghrib and one after another we walked back to our seats. In a short while, the attendant would start to pull our bed and we wanted to be there when he did it.

Once our beds were ready we cleaned ourselves, said our prayers and had a simple dinner. After that, we chatted a bit until the cold created by the air-condition making us sleepy. We said goodnight and off we were into our own dreamland.

Photos of Hua Lamphong Station and our trip to Naraya at Grand Palace https://www.facebook.com/ghazali.fadzil/media_set?set=a.10155311086297246&type=3
Photos of Hua Lamphomg and departure on SPecil Express 31 https://www.facebook.com/ghazali.fadzil/media_set?set=a.10155406914802246&type=3

Mar 8, 2017, Hatyai, Padang Besar, Butterworth, KL Sentral

We woke up and got ready quickly as we would be arriving at Hatyai soon. Although it was the last station we still did not want to be late. Thus, after cleaning, praying and whatnot we were really ready for Hatyai at 5.52am. 

At 6.08am the train came to a complete stop and we disembarked at Hatyai. Another early morning photo and exploration session materialised o the platform. We had approximately one hour before we board our shuttle to Padang Besar. Hapiz went on to take his customary bath at the station while rest just sat or walked the station. My family and I walked out across the station to buy some food and my Sam and the girls tapau some rice. Hassin as our tour leader parked himself near the about to open ticket counter. 

As the day cleared the local passengers started to arrive to wait for their respective train. We were now part of the crowd and the platform vendors also started to open for business. This was what some of us were waiting for. Pulut ayam had been our staple during this kind of trip and at Hatyai station, we could get a halal one. With the presence of the locals at the station I had more subjects to shoot.

Our train, the DRC, was already at Platform 2 and once we had our tickets we crossed the track to board. The DRC that we boarded at 7.23am was the last that was being used as the shuttle to Padang Besar. Soon after that, the normal train took over the service until today. 

As soon we were on the train My Sam took out her rice and started to have her breakfast. At 7.30am sharp we departed Hatyai for the Malaysian border.

At around 9.15am Malaysian time we arrived at Padang Besar and we were back to the Malaysian reality. When we were at Padang Besar there was nothing that we want to do except sitting at the cafeteria to have food and drinks. We were to take the 9.20am Komuter train to Butterworth before taking the ETS train from there back to KL Sentral. The excitement of boarding the train now suddenly was gone. It was just a routine ride for me. Primarily, to me because of the reality I am close to the end of our journey as well as the familiarity of the occasion. We dragged our luggage to the platform and boarded our Komuter train at around 9.30am and at 9.36am we were off. From the look of our fellow passengers, most were going to the end either Bukit Mertajam or Butterworth. We made the best of the experience and soon we were at Butterworth already. 

Unbeknownst to us Hassin and Man had made an arrangement to go to Man’s brother’s restaurant at Sg Dua for lunch. When we arrived we were immediately ushered down to a car a van already waiting and in a few minutes, we were at Charly Restaurant. Man said do not worry about anything just eat whatever we want and how many we want when we sat down. I could not remember what I ate but it was delicious food. Man introduced us to his brother who is the owner of the place. I told Man I would stop one day to have the gulai itik. Actually, my wife and I did a few months after that and I had one of the best gulai itik ever.

After lunch Man brought the others to his sister’s house nearby to look at the paddy fields at the back. Because of the hot weather Sam and the girls waiting at the restaurant and after that all of us walked to the Masjid nearby to pray. 

Our ETS departure was at about 4pm something. Immediately after we said our prayers Man and the other driver sent us back to the station. We thanked Man and said goodbye. 

We did not have to wait that long and we boarded and departed. Again the whole journey back was almost non-event except for us having a drink at the cafe and the guys still playing cards happily. I got to know that it was the first ETS ride for Marinar and Picha and I teased them a bit.

We arrived after Maghrib at KL Sentral and after saying goodbyes to everyone all of us were gone into the nights. We said our prayers first before we took the Komuter back to Bangi.