Class 93 Electric Multiple Unit for KTM

September 2015 saw the introduction of the first of ten intercity Electric Multiple Units EMU's for KTMB. These EMU's have been given the designation Class 93 by KTM, using these trains to operate the Electric Train Service ETS from Padang Besar in the north at the border with Thailand to Gemas in the south.

ETS set no 203

Made by CSR ZELC of China, the first 4 currently in service were made in China and the balance 6 are under construction in Batu Gajah, Perak where a large manufacturing facility has been built to provide rolling stock for the Malaysia and any other orders from the region. The EMU's are one of the fastest trains to operate on the metre gauge, with a maximum design speed of 180kph and an operational speed of 140kph, can accelerate from 0 to 160 kph in two minutes.

The trains are certainly the most modern in the KTM passenger fleet with a Muslim prayer room, toilet with disable person facilities, electrical outlet, Passenger Information System (PIS) screens that display speed and other information, luggage racks, the space between the coaches have large enclosed gang-ways that make moving from coach to coach convenient, CCTV for safety and a small bistro. The trains are the most quite in the fleet with minimum cabin noise, good air-conditioning systems providing temperature control, ventilation and dehumidification to maximise passenger comfort.

Muslim Prayer room

Large toilet for disabled passengers

Power point

Passenger Information Screen

Luggage racks for stowage of large items

Easy access between coaches

The seats are in 2+2 configuration with a pleasant colour scheme of dark blue with red leather headrests. Some seats are in a facing configuration with a table between that would be good for those traveling with family or friends.

I traveled twice with these EMU's on a day trip to Gemas and back. The service originated in Butterworth and was scheduled to have a short stop in KL Sentral at 11.03 but arrived late at 11.10 and most passengers disembarking in KL and a small handfull of passengers heading south.

ETS 203 operated this service that stopped at Bandar Tasik Selatan for passengers to connect to the intercity bus terminal and KLIA transit, Kajang, Nilai for KLIA, Seremban and Pulau Sebang/Tampin for Melaka. The train took 2 hours and 5 minute to reach Gemas. The return trip departed on time and arrived 4 minutes late.

The ticket from KL Sentral to Gemas cost RM31. The seat was comfortable, firm and had good leg room with a leg rest. The power point was available but in a rather hard to reach place. The cabin was clean.

The bistro had a very limited menu but the mee hoon that I purchased for RM5.90 was tasty.

Now that KTMB has these trains that have certainly have world class equipment, it's time they also take some time to get the little details right. 

I wished that KTMB provides a proper storage for the cleaners mops and pails instead of them leaving these items in open view on the walk way or toilet.

Mops left in plain sight

 There were also according to the announcement "Stewards and Stewardesses" onboard but they we always "hiding" at the bistro using their mobile phones. Instead I saw the foreign worker who was the cleaner on the train assisting elderly passengers find their seats. 

They should also ensure that the cabin is "set" before passengers board. The seats should be set in the upright position and the arms rest in the down position. 

I think the "cabin crew" should receive intensive training and a SOP be laid out for them, if not, they are just a waste of money to have them on the trains as the regular KTM officers who check the tickets are enough.

The return trip on ETS201 which was the first set to operate was already showing some defects. Two cabin doors were already spoilt and in the open position only, my tray table was already "wobbly". I hope that these train receive good maintenance and care to ensure that these huge investments are able to operate at optimum levels and be the catalyst to the revival of KTMB.

A business class should also be introduced as there are passengers who would prefer wider seats and a more private cabin.

If I had to rate the service, I would give it an 8 out of 10. 

Temple Tree by Bon Ton Langkawi

The Bon Ton Resort in Langkawi is my favourite resort in the whole wide world, it's my little getaway where I feel like I am "home" even though I am on vacation. A few years ago, Bon Ton grew with the addition of it's sister resort called Temple Tree. This would be my first "official" stay at Temple Tree. I say "official" as I have stayed at the Black & White house and also the The Straits Club on a previous trip but at that time the resort was still under construction, so that didn't count!

Temple Tree is named after a large tree on the property that is used as a place of worship. It is a collection 70 to 110-year old antique timber houses from different parts of Malaysia. The houses were once homes to Chinese, Malay, Indian, Arab and Eurasian families and now they continue to bring comfort and shelter to travelers from all over the world to experience Malaysia of yesterday. The 8 homes or villas have been turned into 14 unique, eclectic and luxurious suites. They represent a small part of Malaysia's architectural history that is vanishing fast.

During my 4 day stay, I was in the Chinese 2 suite which is more than 100 years old. Originally a farm house located in Batu Pahat, Johor. This report is just about this particular suite.

Chinese 2 suite is on the 1st floor

This beautiful building has generous timber-decked verandahs on three sides, on both floors. The Chinese 2 upstairs which comes with a bedroom, ensuite bathroom, a living room, private mahjong room & library and a little pantry.

This verandah is the perfect place to while away the hours

The verandah is also where I have my breakfast every morning enjoying the fresh morning air. At Temple Tree, a simple breakfast of bread, yogurt, fruit, cake, juice and fresh milk is placed in the fridge every evening. So all you need to do is prepare it yourself in the morning, with the toaster and kettle provided in the suite.

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

The entire house has the eclectic design style of the resorts owner. Every item in all her properties has her signature personal touch and this suite is no exception, the interior has a rich colour palette of reds and black and it is accentuated by period pieces that are either original or reproductions that truly set the scene for style, luxury and comfort.

The living room

The majong room / library

The bedroom is a simple and elegant room with a queen size bed framed by mosquito netting. A Chinese inspired cupboard and other well chosen furnishings fill up this comfortable room. In the evening when the staff come over to stock the fridge with the breakfast items, they will also set the mosquito net and prepare the suite for sleep.

Airy and bright bedroom with queen size bed

The bedroom

             

The bedroom after the turndown service

The bathroom is large with double sinks, one with a shaving mirror. The shower has hot water and the highlight is the wooden bathtub. Surely a place to soak and relax after a day of sight seeing on the island.

 The attention to detail by Temple Tree is evident by the many items placed in the room for our convenience. There is a safe, flipflops, umbrella, sarongs, basket for your items when you go to the pool, fridge, kettle and toaster. The room also comes with complimentary coffee and tea. Unlike other hotels, here they place fresh ground coffee and also instant coffee plus a selection of teas. They even have a french press and a tea pot for you to make your beverage of choice the way you like it. Much care and thought has gone into everything from the mosquito repellent right down to the small bottle of Minyak Gamat, a famous local product that is placed in the bathroom.

Wear them during your stay or buy if you want

The famous Langkawi Gamat

3 kinds of tea and both fresh ground or instant coffee

The soap and shampoo are from their in-house brand Indochine

Temple Tree and Bon Ton are indeed little jewels. They are not your cookie cutter resort, and that's why I love them, they don't take things too seriously and have a lovely informal air but at the same time, does not compromise on service standards. I ensure you, by day two you will be on a first name basis with the staff. Temple Tree is even pet friendly. If you don't have your pet with you, don't worry as there is also an animal shelter in the compound for you to find a new friend.

Children? Yes they are child friendly, they will even arrange baby sitting services with 24 hours advance notice. There are 3 lap pools on the property that are just perfect for lazing away the hours. Due to it's layout and size, you will never feel crowded.

 The Straits restaurant at Temple Tree opens daily at 10.30am, so if you do want a hot brunch, they can whip it up for you and they remain open for the rest of the day for casual dining. The other restaurant is the famous Nam next door at Bon Ton and their food is the best of the island.

                                                  A bowl of my favourite Nyonya laksa at Nam  
Staying at Temple Tree and Bon Ton is an experience that is truly unique. You wake up to birds singing outside, squirrels on the tree branch next to your window, water buffaloes by the pool and the feeling of being wrapped in history and heritage.

I made a short video of Chinese 2 and you can watch it here 

Temple Tree and Bon Ton have given life back to these old homes and allowing them to continue to provide comfort, shelter and protection to another generation.