Jumaat, 14 Mac 2014

Part 2 (Hat Yai, Thailand - 21st to 22nd February 2014) - Around Hat Yai and Back To Malaysia.

Continue from Part 1.

To see itinerary 

Jika ingin membaca dalam Bahasa Melayu: 





(Please refer new schedule for KTM Intercity & KTM ETS at KTMB website, because the schedule has changed begin October 2015, thank you).


22/02/2014 (Saturday)


There already nearly 2 hours in waiting (the train was there but why did not move), I did not know, from very long groups of coaches to only a couple of coaches (one for berth coach & other for seated coach), a generator and a locomotive which had been change from KTM locomotive to ROT (Railways of Thailand) locomotive. Finally at 11:10 am, the Station Master blown the whistle to call all passanger to board the train. At 11:15 Malaysian time (yes still Malaysian time), the wheels were rolled on.  


At last,Sawasdee krap, at 10:25 am Thai time (because we were already enter Thailand's side of Padang Besar, plus Thai time is minus one hour than Malaysian time eg if 10:25 am so in Malaysia is 11:25 am).


Full of excitement,I forgot to take picture or video while the train crossed a gate, which a mark of Malaysian and Thailand border. Actually, this is my first time, crossing border of two countries with train (insya Allah the second time will be on a fortnight more (on 08 Mac 2014, crossing Malaysia - Singaporewith KTM InterCity Train 2 Senandung Sutera). Just past the border is Padang Besar town of Songkhla, Thailand or the local people either Malaysian or Thai call it Pekan Siam (litterally Siam Town) to differentiate with Padang Besar town of Perlis, Malaysia.



View of railway track at Thailand is like east and south Malaysia track noawaday or northern Malaysia track 10 years ago (before double track development and modernisation project). Surrounding view along Thailand railway side quite different  especially at roadways, townships and others. Malaysia has better quality but Thailand cement or concrete seem better. 


If the view of Phetkasem Road (Thailand Highway No. 4 / Asian Highway AH2), the estates and orchards seem very organised, but  at along railway side, very different. Less organised, as same as or worse that Malaysia's. I agreed with a South African passanger (tourist) (just listened what he said with some Malaysian students, who make a vacation to Krabi, actually they sat in front of me), Thailand's rural is less develop than Malaysia's rural.

Sometimes, it is good to travel with train, beside we will tired because of driving of vehicle (there will other people to be our  "driver"), we also can concentrate to see beautiful of view and nature.

After one hour and ten minutes, the train arrived at Hat Yai train station or exact name is Hat Yai Junction, because of Hat Yai station is junction of railway to west coast Malay Peninsular (via Padang Besar) and east coast Malay Peninsular (via Sungai Kolok, Narathiwat, Thailand (or Sungai Golok in Malay) to Rantau Panjang, Kelantan, Malaysia then meet main track at Pasir Mas, Kelantan Malaysia. Further north of the track will go to Bangkok, Thailand. 


The station, even though there are main station, but feel like remote station in Malay Peninsular. Platforms are very low (live no platforms), need to use steps to get down from the coach.  KTM Senandung Malam train will stop at platform 4. While I walked to the station from platform, I saw third class coaches to Bangkok (from a local said). Just simple fans (no air conditioned), wooden & straight (non adjustabled) seat. Standard level of Malaysian train much better than Thailand's.  




After that, unlike as Malaysia train station, here, you can straight away cross the track if the gates of the fences which seperated within tracks/platforms be opened and there are no train on the tracks. Unfortunately, when we want to across the track to go to station, the gates were closed and when there been opened, a train just arrived from north. I just remembered, when iur train just want to arrive, I saw a tunnel, so make a decision to find the tunnel and alhamdulillah, it actually not very far. But, the smell of the tunnel like sewerage tunnel. Lighting inside the tunnel was dark but it not so long. 


Then, I rushed to ticket counters for today trip (there are advanced ticket counters opposite the today trip counters). On the to the counters, I just saw prayer room for Muslim. So if in desperate to pray, I already know where to go. It situated just right of the main enterence to platforms, if you from tickets counters lobby.



With crossed finger, I hoped that there will have ticket to Padang Besar for 16:00 (4:00 pm) Thai time trip.



I asked at clerk or officer of the counter, "Excuse me, may you speak English?". He replied  "Can, can, yes sir, what can I help?", with Thai style (should know how it is). I asked for Padang Besar ticket, then alhamdulillah, still have and price of 57. What??? 57? So expensive (my mindset was still in Ringgit Malaysia). I just paused myself, hello, this this Thailand, not Malaysia, so I asked again, , "In ringgit or in baht?". "Thai money, sir" he answered. Pheww,
OK, so it was cheaper than in KL, which the price was RM13  (refer Part 1). So I gave to him 3 ฿20 notes and get back 3 coins of ฿1. 



I straight went out from station after got the ticket. Oh yea, at Thailand, people who involve in transport and tourism business were done their marketing since in the train!!! They actually jumped in, and in addition, many of them will keep promoting and asking you to take their services from in the train until outside station. So, if you do not want those services, keep in strict or just say "ma dai, ma dai".

At in front of train station, huh, all mode of transport from tuk tuk, mini van or songtheaw & motor taxi (motorcycle made to be a taxi (just a person can be taken), can be recognised with the rider wearing coloured vest).


Among Thai money, Baht (฿) that been used at Thailand:

฿1 (1 Baht) coin = +- Malaysian 10 sen

฿2 (2 Baht) coin = +- Malaysian 20 sen

฿20 (20 Baht) note = +- RM2

฿50 (50 Baht) note = +- RM5

฿100 (10 Baht) note = +- RM10

Then I just walked away to Hat Yai city centre... Actually train station and city centre just near.


I have showed here picture of Hotel Lee Gardens (below of the hotel got a shopping complex) & Centara, which is renowned city centre of Hat Yai.

Hay Yai is the third biggest city in Thailand after Bangkok & Chiangmai. Althought it is not a adminstation centre for Songkhla province (which on city of Songkhla, a smaller city, 30 km to northeast of Hat Yai), but this city become pulse not only to Songkhla province but also for Southern Thailand region. Actually Hat Yai is a young city, where established at early 20th century (1990s). For information, Malay name for Songkhla was Singgora.

Not far from station (about 200 m) there are a Robinson shopping centre (like The Store at Malaysia). Below Robinson at basement floor, there is a Tops supermarket (not same as a supermarket chain previously were at Malaysia with same name).


If can be seen, there is a orange Proton Savvy in this picture, Proton is quite famous in Hat Yai.

I only have 4 hours only to get arond Hat Yai city centre, because train to KL will depart at 16:00 (4 pm, eh I think I has already told above, hehehe), further more, main objective of this journey just to have an experience to travel with train to Hat Yai and my budget is so much, because of ad hoc decision. Beside that, I want to recce transport & logistic service for my journey planning  to Thailand - Myanmar where is Ranong & Kawthoung, which insya Allah, I will make it soon. Only I would not went to  Hat Yai bus station because there is very far by walking, beside a lock of time and money. As mentioned in other blogs, wikitravel, TripAdvisor and others site, this bus station quite easy as other transportation hub. 

Here I attached together city of Hat Yai scatch map for reference.



I kept on walking to Lee Garden area, to find SIM card (for make communication cheaper, if I roam my hand phone, I will be charged more expensive, for example, previously I just called my friend in Hat Yai for only 10 seconds and be charged RM6 on my bill and my friend's bill been charged RM5 for received call from me (he also at Hat Yai at the time of call). Better I buy new Thailand SIM card which just only from ฿49 (+-RM5 only). There are 4 main telcos (not included MVP (Mobile Virtual Provider - example in Malaysia is TuneTalk, which using CELCOM signal) which are  AISdtac, True Move dan TOT 3G.

I  went to 7-Eleven (7-E) in between Lee Garden and Pink Ladies Market. Luckily the cashier can speak a little English. She gave me dtac Happy Prepaid Tourist SIM card that cost ฿49 only. Actually with this product, I have option beetwen ฿49 and ฿299 package, which ฿299 will have unlimited free internet plan for 7 days. Because of I only at Hat Yai for 4 hours only, I took ฿49 one. For the rate, can be surfed  here.

 ฿49 dtac Happy Tourist SIM Card Pack.


The SIM card (inside the pack as above). Only have normal SIM (mini SIM) and micro SIM,my iPhone5 require nano SIM, so I need to cut by my self (I will post on future posting).

This SIM card need to be inserted into telephone first the can be topped up. After been inserted, I went to other 7-E (at Lee Garden area got a lot of 7-E) to top up by ฿60. Try to sent message to  Flexiroam  to activate cheap international roaming with very cheap unlimited call in & out (be charged only international sms for call out & Malaysian local call for call in, with daily pass just RM10 only), but no reply. Maybe wrongly in setting. 

While in frustration, suddenly got a message that can get mobile unlimited internet in a day (but 3 only can use 3G speed limit to 150MB only) with only ฿19 only. Normally it will be charged ฿49 (refer http://www.dtac.co.th/en/prepaid/products/Happy-internet-package.html), which is Malaysian telco rates are cheaper, most of them cost only RM1 to RM3 only. So, immidiately I sent the sms to apply, no need to find WiFi hotspot. Can straightly WhatApp, FB, Tweet, Instagram, and most important, to use map. Alhamdulillah.

At Lee Garden, at 2007 if niot mistaken, there was a bombing. So, it was not an issue if we want to enter the shopping complexes here (Lee Garden, Centara & Odean), we & our bag need be scanned. Just like at airport, huhuhu.


Do you realised at this instawheatherpro picture above, there was a McDonald's? Yes, they have it. While I was inside Lee Garden mall, (just in, not to buy anything, just to cool my body, eventhough there only 32 but I feel Hat Yai was hotter than KL), surveyed McD's lunch set prices. There were more expensive here that Malaysia (normal price not McValue Lunch prices, if McValue Lunch price, even more cheaper!!!) Thanks to Allah, because I stay in Malaysia, there many things cheaper than neighbour countries which not rich as we are, petrol & diesel can not be questioned, there are twice that same thing in Malaysia. Some people say Muslim can eat at McD here, I also saw some hijabed women ate, but I can not saw any halal sign, ok maybe I need to do research next time. 


Price of product that been sold in Hat Yai can be considered as cheap as Wakaf Che Yeh or Uptown at KL, so it not too cheap. I came not in time, because if want to shop with cheaper price, need to come at night, because there is a night market along the street in city centre, like Wakaf Che Yeh. But, at the day, some petty traders can be found along side walk at Pratichipat Road, Niphat Uthit 3 Road & Sanehanusorn Road, who sold clothes, watches, local crackers, nuts (which I prefer most) dan others. 

At these area, also have a lot of bazaar like Pink Lady Market at Sanehanukorn Road, not far from Lee Garden. If you will around buildings in pink colour, you are there. Beside that, other bazaars like Yongdee Market, Suntisuk Market & Asia Market in between Niphat Uthit 3 Road & Niphat Uthit 2 Road. Those bazzar offered just like side walk, but shop lot here are organised just like clothes shop lot at Jalan Masjid India at KL, just inside the building, with air conditioned & indoors. If you want to make a tailor made cloth, you can go here.  

Fried chicken, fried fresh water prawn dan other fried food also can be found here, but if want to get halla food, we need to find the sellers wearing hijab or have moon and star  or Bismillah in Arabic diagram at the stall/shop/restaurant. Th price not so expensive, 3 fried fresh water prawn XL in size about ฿200 (+-RM20). It is affordable...

Back to among objective, I need to find express bus counter to Malaysia, especially to KL. Find one at in front of Lee Garden, Konsortium Bas Ekspress Semenanjung counter. Then walk to Chee Uthit (at map above stated as Seeuthit Road, so do not confuse), not far from junction with Sanehanusorn, there is a counter of Alisan Travel & at Niphan Uthit 3 there is Sri Maju counter. Actually, at bus station, some people said that there have counters there, but it agents counters, price will be higher.  

While walking to find the counters, I founded some Muslim food restaurant, there a lot at Chee Uthit (there is Kedai Makan Kelantan, Kedai Makan Haron etc). Then Zohor (early afternoon prayer) azan been heard from my phone. I need to find musholla. But I also felt hungry.

Finally, I decided to back to Lee Garden for lunch at Hamid Restaurand. This restaurant are popular at Hat Yai, situated in front of Lee Garden, just some shop lot from Konsurtium bus counter. 



The menu be given, huh the price are more expensive than Malaysia. For example, mixed tomyam is ฿120, just beef or just chicken of pok tek (seafood) priced ฿90. Fruit juice already ฿80. Mixed fresh fruit is  ฿100.  But, I need to eat, so I orderd Pok Tek Tomyam, plain rice and fresh pandan coconut drink. The taste very good, the quantity of tomyam actually like 2 people portion... But there was only 2 medium sized prawn, then the fish meat quite a lot, the best part was the sup, the best one... The damage was  ฿205. After lunch, I to the waitress in Malay, just ask where are the nearest musholla or mosque (because when taking order from me, she ask in Malay, like Kelantanese or Pattani slang). Huk aloh (Kelantanese word for OMG), she asked other co worker. Then the co worker asked me back in English, I though that they can speak in Malay fluently. The co worker mention that I can use their musholla upstair. Alhamdullah, I no need to walk to train station to perform my jamak (combined 2 solat together) qasar (shortened) prayer (Zohor & Asar). 

Alhamdulilah, the musholla qiute clean and good in contition. After performed prayer, the watch already showed 14:30 (2:30 pm). There were an hour and a half more before the train will depart. Ok instantly to station. 

Still got a little time, so I went to Robinson first, just want to survey. Just to look at the price, mostly, price at Malaysia are at same or cheaper. To went to Tops, to buy a big bottle and a small bottle of water anda suddenly look at Coca-cola, (it seem like very delicious with hot wheater, hehehe). It a long time that I did not drink Coca Cola.


I paid for  ฿29.50. for all. Gave to casheir ฿40, and got back coins of  ฿10 and with surprised, 50 satang (about Malaysian 5 sen), which I did not have before. So, kept as collection. 


50 satang coin = +- Malaysian 5 sen


฿10 (10 Baht) coin = +- RM1


The time already 15:25 (3:25 pm), need to rush to train station where just 100m from Robinson and took a picture of Hat Yai for a last time at this journey.



Straight a way to platform 4, just sat on a bench not far from train. When I looked at the train, eh, the already somebody aboard. So, I boarded the train, there was chilled because of air condition. The at 16:10 (4:10 pm, the train moved from the station headed to Padang Besar.

As I was in the train, there was a Thai immigration officer rode the train to do his duty at Padang Besar border. I saw at back of his sport jacket, which written "Thai-Malay Immigration". I just remembered that I read some website or blog, which written by Thai people, they refer Malaysia as Malay or Malayu or Melayu. Those mean they assume that Malaysia is Malay's land. Maybe that are their perspective.

At 18:20 (6:20 pm) Malaysian time (yes, back to Malaysian time, which 1 hour ahead Thailand), the train reached at Padang Besar and did again immigration & custom prosedure again. As usual, even though Malaysian Passport just be scanned and do not be stamped by Malaysian Immigration, but I asked to the officer to stamp it, as my souvenir.


While walking around the station, I just founded KTM ticket counter. Just know, there not need to buy ticket at KL Sentral because the ticket price at KTM or ROT ticket counter at Padang Besar, the additional charge (please refer  Part 1) do not imposed here.

At Padang Besar station, we need to wait about one more hour because the train only depart at 19:30 (7:30 pm), so I have time to take picture around the station and also Padang Besar town for my memory. Insya Allah, I will come here again.







As heading back to KL, the view of sunset was very beautiful and attracting, another 11 hour will arrived at KL. I need to perform Maghrib (sunset prayer) & Isyak (night prayer) jamak qasar in the train. Using spray for ablution at this time. We must do what Allah asked us to do wherever we are.  


After prayer, I felt my tiredness. Along the journey, I just slept... Finally I arrived at KL Sentral, straight away went to prayer room to perform Subuh prayer. After that, went to place where I parked my motocycle to back to home. Home sweet home.

That my experience of return train journey to Hat Yai. Very exiciting and tiring also. Insya Allah, when I have time, I will do again. In nearer time, I will do train journey to south on March 2014. Wait for the posting. 

The most importtant, as far we go, as broad our view (JAUH PERJALANAN LUAS PERMANDANGAN (juga pandangan)). There alot of experiences even though just only less than two days. See again, ilal likok, massalamah, assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarukatuh. 


Kembara GD - Exploring World, Knowing Life...



Or, if want to see Part 1 Back.

To see itinerary .

Jika ingin membaca dalam Bahasa Melayu: 

Khamis, 13 Mac 2014

Part 1 (Hat Yai, Thailand - 21st to 22nd February 2014) - Journey to Padang Besar.

If want to see:  



Jika ingin membaca dalam Bahasa Melayu: 



(Please refer new schedule for KTM Intercity & KTM ETS at KTMB website, because the schedule has changed begin October 2015, thank you).


21/02/2014 (Friday)

A journey without planning, just to release stress. To ride KTM InterCity train to Padang Besar, Perlis and further to Hat Yai, Thailand. After thinking about it, decide to do it, then on 10:30 am just take my scooter went to KL Sentral to buy ticket to Padang Besar (Train 20 Senandung Langkawi) for that night trip at 2130 (9:30 pm). Initially plan to buy economy class  fare (normal RM24, after discount 25% KTM iCard Tiger Card become RM19 only) but has already finished. So bought seated 2nd class (normal RM44, after discount RM35). Also bought back to KL ticket on the next day (Train 21 Senandung Langkawi, please refer graphic below).

KL Sentral to Padang Besar KTM InterCity train ticket.

Padang Besar to KL Sentral KTM InterCity train ticket.


Actually it can be bought online, but discount card only can be used at the KTM's counters.


KTM Tiger iCard Discount Card.



My tip, let become member of KTM Tiger iCard Discount Card (for Malaysian only, for Singaporean there is KTM Lion iCard Discount Card, same privilege but different price (SGD$25 is not mistaken). With only RM20 per year, you can get discount of 25% on your KTM InterCity & KTM ETS fare (not your ticket, calculation is below). But the discount not include KTM Komuter. So return seated 2nd class tickets from KL to Hat Yai will break even your yearly fee.    


Discount calculation is like this: if ticket from KL Sentral to Padang Besar, normal price for seated 2nd class is RM44 (which is RM36 for fare + RM8 for fixed additional charge*). So ticket price after 25% discount is RM 35 (which 25% from normal fare (RM36 - 25% (RM9) ) RM27 + RM8 for fixed additional charge).


* Fixed additional charge rate are as below: 

      RM4 for seated economy class;
      RM8 for seated 2nd class;
      RM14 for below sleep berth 2nd class;
      RM20 for above sleep berth 2nd class;
      RM8 for seated 1st class;
      RM21 for below sleep berth 1st class;
      RM30 for above sleep berth 1st class;


So do not confuse with 25% discount, it not on ticket but on fare. So for Padang Besar - Hat Yai case, normal price is RM13, but after discount is RM12 (not RM10 if discount be counted on ticket price)... Remember above formula.


One more, KTM's trains tickets should be rounded to next Ringgit (no cent if buy the ticket from KTM's counter).


Then I went to Low Yat Plaza to buy power bank, because it a long journey... I need to use my iPhone5 to take picture (sorry for easy, simple and safety, I do not use DSLR camera for backpacking), to write blog draft and other things, just to make sure the iPhone5's battery life can support along the journey. While at Low Yat, just remember, if I already bought 2nd class ticket, why don't I buy directly to Hat Yai???


Pineng's power bank  11200 mAh


After bought a power bank Pineng brand for capacity of 11200 mAh for RM99 after discount, I quickly went back to KL Sentral, but unfortunately, the Padang Besar - Hat Yai ticket had been locked by system (because of short distance journey) and can not be bought. The clerk said that I should try to buy at night, just before the train will be departed from KL Sentral. If I cancel my current ticket then change to KL Sentral to Hat Yai, it will cost me more. It a gamble, crossed finger, hopefully the ticket will there. What is in my mind when I bought the KL - Padang Besar ticket, may on my mind set, still want to buy economy class which is only to Padang Besar only... What sso ever, actually I already lost about RM11 one way journey (RM22 if on return journey), maybe got some hikmah (lesson) to my in future.


Back to home for Friday's Prayer, then packed up my bag, among things that will bring together: 
1. Bag Pack Deuter Futura 28 liter;
2. Passport;
3. Thai money (Baht) - around ฿ 422 (422 Baht) which I kept from previous trip;
4. Prayer mat & ablution spray bottle (it a must, since become a haji);  
5. 5 gang extention (just to standby);
6. Travel blanker, air pillow & eyes cover (in the train, light can not be switched off, hehehe); 
7. Power bank & cabels;
8. Plug adapter (Thai plug socket is different from Malaysia);
9. Some cloths, slipper & towel;
10. Toiletries & plastic bags;
11. Sweets, crackers & waters.


I need to go KL Sentral early because Padang Besar-Hat Yai return ticket has not be bought yet. I just rode by motorcycle after Maghrib & parked there, because I will back to KL Sentral at the end of journey. 

Park your motorcycle (I borrow my wife kapcai (which is low powered motorcycle, my wife just 100cc) at KL Sentral is so easy, just near to station & the most important, free of charge, especially at temporary motorcycle parking (but it look like permanent parking to me) at road side Arrival Hall of ERL (which area got RHB Bank, Starbucks, Subway, Kenny Roger's Roaster & Secret Recipe). But it is an open area and disclose to wheather. Actually at KL Sentral have two more motorcycle parking, one at in front of MIDA, SSM & Axiata buildings (after a slip road to Bukit Persekutuan (Federal Hill)/Muzium Negara (National Museum)/Jalan Mahameru, opposite of ex Jalan Travers Police Station). But have to pay RM1.00 only but still an outdoor parking. One more option is at parking area under Suasana Sentral (near the food court). Indoor and free of charge, but remote & quite place. So the choice is yours, or just use the public transport or if drive a car, part at parking area (last choice). 

Alhamdulillah I managed to buy Padang Besar to Hat Yai ticket but Hat Yai to Padang Besar need to buy at Padang Besar or Hat Yai because it is short journey trip and less 24 hour from the time, the systems still lock it, it can not be bought at KL Sentral but can be bought at either stations. I just think to buy at Hat Yai (just want to have Thai's ticket for souvenir.

Padang Besar to Hat Yai KTM InterCity train ticket.


I have my mass Isyak prayer at KL Sentral musholla (prayer room) on 20:45 (8:45 pm) and then straightly go to Departure Gate A (on 21:00 / 9:00 pm) for departure. There are a lot of people. The gate was opened on 21:15 (9:15 pm) and on 21:35 (9:35 PM) (train should be move on 21:30 (9:30 pm) Senandung Langkawi train moved leaving KL Sentral. 

At Departure Gate A in KL Sentral.

On the seat in the train.

Seat picture.

Coach picture

Journey map.




22/02/2014 (Saturday)

Train 20 Senandung Langkawi is the only direct train trip to Hat Yai from KL and it also a night trip, so better get sleep to get rest for next day journey. In additional, there not so much we can see in night. But, as usual, like normal conventional train journey, your sleep will not not comfortable especially if you sit on seat. There are many stations where the train will stop over (not so much as past). What I can confirmed, the train was stopped at i Bagan Serai at 04:00 (4:00 am) because of a quite long stopover. Also a stopover at Bukit Mertajam  (BM) for the first time at 05:00 (5:00 am). It still on time if refer to train time table. For the information, Senandung Langkawi train will stopover at BM twice, because at first, it will go to Butterworth (track to Butterworth is not on main track but on branch track), then it will back to BM to main track further to Padang Besar. At 05:35 (5:35 am) the train arrived at Butterworth, I went out from the train for a while, because it make a long stopover (about 1/2 an hour). The station is very different than before, about 5 years ago, the station was just a small station with wooden building but now it abou 6 times bigger, after double track being executed, many stations renovated as bigger and more modern station. Alhamdulillah.


While the train back to BM, azan been heard from my iPhone5 on 06:20 (6:20 am), so I performed my Fajar solat as solat on seated on train, bus or aeroplane (insya Allah, I will share to you how to do it in special posting). Abolition (wuduk) also I used spray bottle (also I will share in a special posting), no ned to be wet. 



The journey was carried on, BM, Sungai Petani (both were still in dark when the train arrived). At 07:30 (7:30 am) the train arrived at Gurun, first station when the surrounding already bright. Very scenic view of Jerai Mountain. The station also quite modern than before (even has not fully finished yet). Sorry, forgot to take picture of Jerai Mountain because at the time, the iPhone5 was been charged. But, at this section of track, there was still single track (only at Gurun section).



At 08:00 (8 am) the train arrived at Alor Setar. The old station looked lower than the new station. At least, the old one has not be demolished, alhamdulillah.




At 09:00 (9 am) Arau was the stopover. I can saw Perlis State Mosque and Arau Palace from the train. Scene of paddy field from Gurun to Bukit Keteri (after Arau and just before Padang Besar) very beautiful. Thanks to Allah...Subhanallah, alhamdulillah, Allahu akbar. 

View of uniquely Perlis also very interesting. I think no need to write here, let videos below become the witness. Even I feel like autumn season in four seasons country, after saw organised rubber estate, some of the trees got brownish leaves and some other do not have even one!!! 




At 09:25 (9:25 am) finally the train arrived at Padang Besar station. Need to out from train to do immigration & custom procedure. Directly went to Malaysian Immigration counter, my passport been scanned (as usual), but I asked to immigration officer to stamp my passport (with is not usual for Malaysian passport in Malaysian Immigration, normally passport just be scanned only), as for my memoir (as my passport still have 28 empty pages & will be expired in 10 months).




Just finished on Malaysian side, now to Thailand side, not far, only about 10 meters. But, as other Thai bureaucracy, as I enter to Thailand using passport, the officer direct me and other passanger (with hard voice) to fill Arrival/Departure Form first but do not prepared the form on the place where the form should be on, the need to ask to him for the form. It  not the problem but after immigrarion procedur settled, he just throwed the passport. No menace!!! Here I want to remember, the portion of Departure Form will return to you, and should be kept as when we will out from Thailand, there will not be problem (if this piece of paper lost, you are in big trouble). Alhamdulillah at Padang Besar (also at Khuan Don/Wang Prachan (Wang Klian,Perlis), (Sungai Kolok (Rantau Panjang, Kelantan) & Tak Bai (Pengkalan Kubor, Kelantan)) this portion will be stapled together, but on my experience at  Sadao/Dan Nok (Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah), there was not. So, please keep it savely as well as your passport.

After that, there were a women with hijab (Siamese), maybe she is regular here, offer to us to be our money changer to change our RM (Malaysian Ringgit) to ฿  (Thai Baht). I asked how much do I get if I want to change RM100? She showed her calculator the number of 970. That mean RM100 will get 970. It a better rate that at KL Sentral, which I surveyed before departed from KL, which rate was RM100 to ฿ 945. But, the best I ever got was at Padang Besar town on Thailand side when my 2014 Chinese New Year trip on 02th February 2014 ago, which I got  ฿ 982 bagi RM100. At last, I change RM50 to get ฿ 490 (got profit ฿ 5, hehehe, it just a value of Malaysian 50 sen)...






My stomach already "singing", just remember I do not have my breakfast, so I went up to upstair to eat rice with beef and plain water. Ohh, very cheap, just only RM4.50 je. Normally price of food at train station quite higher than other place.





Once in Malaysia area...


Once in Thailand area...



As I and other passanger waited the train to enter to Thailand, on next platform, Train 35 International Express (operate by ROT on KTM's track on Malaysia side) from Bangkok to Butterworth arrived.




Just take Padang Besar, Perlis, Malaysia & Padang Besar CIQS Complex (Malaysia) town pictures from the station.


At the first, I think to buy return to Padang Besar from Hat Yai ticket for that afternoon trip at this Padang Besar station, but 1. I did not found the ticket counter (it is my first time at this train station) and 2. some people say (while waiting train to enter Thailand), Thailand ticket price is cheaper. OK... Better buy at Hat Yai...



OK, for story after enter to Thailand area, please wait... It will continue in Part 2...

To see itinerary .

Jika ingin membaca dalam Bahasa Melayu: 

Kembara GD - An Introduction...

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My profile picture taken in front of Masjidil Haram while my pilgrimage at season 1434H/2013M.

Assalamualaikum, I am Abdul Hadi As'ad bin Mohamad, also known among my friends, GD. Since I was a little child, I have passion to travel. But, only the years back, especially after I made my pilgrimage (haj), then I have opportunities to explore out of Malaysia. Before that, alhamdulillah (praised to Allah), I had already explored most part of Malaysia. 

Haj Visa for year 1434H/2013M and Saudi Arabia passport stamps for haj season.



After watched web drama Kali Pertama at Tonton Original Movie at Tonton (just to watch actress Hanis Zalikha acting, just in acting not more than that, hehehe), make me decide to create a special blog special in travel, adventure & tour, to share the experiences to friends & viewers. Upgrade the before, which I just make research for my future travel.  


Screen shot from Tonton for webdrama Pertama Kali acted by Anis Zalikha.

So, this blog is my log for most of my journey from the end of February 2014 (for before that time, sorry, I cannot share it but, if I have time, insya Allah (with Allah will), I will share it.. 

Happy reading, have a passion and please give information or opinion, also have free to share this travel blog.

This is my story through my Travel Blog, Kembara GD - Exploring World, Knowing Life...


Klik sini untuk versi Bahasa Melayu.