Train Trip To Taiping.

Row 15, seat A

Extra RM10 for the bike, and always ask for receipt.

This time I try to make an effrort to ride. Following Irfan with his perfume business deprived me of my riding. Well because I could not bring along my bike, as Irfan only drives his Honda. When Ismadi, the organisor of Karnival Belia intends to drive back to Kuala Lumpur, I asked whether I can hicth a ride. As Ismadi will be heading to Kajang, so I asked Teck if he can give me a ride to my home at Kesuma Lake. Teck, being a good friend offer to help me. I reached Kajang at 0400hrs and 10 minutes later Teck arrives riding his motobike. Had a quick early breakfast and a quick chat with Teck, and Teck drop me off at my house. Pack my camping gear and a few ride clothes, and I ride to KL. The plan was to get train ticket to Taiping. I was at MRR2 around kampung Pandan when heavy rain spoil my ride, had to take refuge at Ayong's bike shop. The rain continued untill night time. It was then I decided to take the trip to Taiping the next day.Slept at my friend's house at Pandan Indah for the night and continue my ride to KL sentral train station at 1800hrs. Got the 2200hrs train to Taiping ETA at 0600hrs the next day. Since I had to take the second class coach, so I had to dismantle my bike and properly tied it up. My Marin bike took a bit longer compared to my other bike to dismantled. Maybe it had mud guard and a carrier, so I had to carefully dismantled the mud guard as it is made of plastic. Thats why I always make it a point to arrive at the train station two or three hours early. It always attract curious spectators when I dismantling my bike at the train station. I guess most travelers, especially my fellow Malaysians, rarely travel carrying their bicycle with them on a train ride. 

Reached Taiping train station at 0400hrs. The station is undergoing rail upgrading, maybe to accommodate the dual rail project. The station itself still remains 1960's design.  Lucky me there's a mamak stall open during the wee hours. Had breakfast of roti canai and nescafe before I assemble my bike. I waited until 0700hrs, then I started my ride. It's still early in the morning so I decided to head to Giant hypermarket where my friend, Irfan at. After a brief chat, I head to Taiping town. Of course when you are in Taiping, the Taiping Lake is a must visit. The last time I was here was in 1998, where I attended the Taiping Challenge, organize by Persatuan Rekreasi Nasional. Taiping lake was unique as it is home for our most oldest tree. Its quite amazing how they upkeep the trees from any vandalism.

Nothing beats a cool ride under the shades.

Self photo.

I must confess, its quite a nice experience riding along Tasik Taiping, not that I riding along a lake is my cup of tea, but its quite relax and satisfying. Maybe such activities could be done as a tourist attraction. Bring along your bike on a train ride to Taiping, spend a few days and head back also by train. It definitely be a new experience.

With a view like this, its worth the effort.

Bukit Larut at the background.

Enjoy.....

My actual plan was to ride from Taiping - Lumut - Kuala Lumpur, since I encountered a lot of problems while there, had to head back to KL as soonest. Thats the beauty about tour ride alone. You can always change your travel plan as you seem fits. Like I always say.. There's always next time, and I'll be back.