JB to KL ETS Train Experience

When the news of the direct train from KB to KL was announced, we were very excited to see how this option would make our travels to KL more affordable, so once the booking was opened, we quickly went online to book a one-way ticket to KL

For those familiar with taking trains from Singapore to JB, the train to KL is located within the same building, so it is really convenient if you can get the train from SG to JB before changing to the train to KL. For those who are not able to get the train from SG, it is also a short walk from the bus terminal. To board the trains, you just need to scan the QR code issued during the purchase

We chose to buy tickets for the business class cabin, which was priced at RM166 when we purchased the tickets. Prices for a normal seat are priced from RM60, which is very affordable for a 4 and a half hour ride to KL Sentral

There was only 1 carriage of business class for the train I took, and it had a 3-seating layout with reclining seats, hooks on both the seat and side of the window for your belongings. There is also overhead storage for small cabin-sized luggage or small duffel bags. For bigger luggage, some passengers leave it on the ends of the carriages where there are more luggage storage spaces

There is also a footrest pedal where you can rest your feet. The seat space is good but slightly tighter for bigger frame passengers like myself, although the legroom was really quite good even for taller passengers. There is also a collapsed table for dining and a small screen to watch some embedded videos. For non-business class cabins, the seating layout is 4 seats with a narrow seat space and a walking lane. Instead of a storage space with a door, there is only a ledge above for bags

The train was quite well cleaned as there was no smell along the corridors or any trash lying around. Even the toilet was considerably clean with no funky smell. The toilet was a little wet when I visited since there was a bidet gun, which is quite natural in Malaysian toilets. The size of the toilet was similar to the ones on board an airplane which is quite limited in space to move, complete with a small wash basin and mirror

I knew that business-class tickets included a basic meal, but I was surprised by the number of items we were given. Firstly, about 1 hour into the journey, the staff came around and handed us a hot bento box with a box of snacks. The bento box has a vegetable dish, a curry dish and fried rice. The snack box had a packet of sweet drink, earphones, and a small packet of chips. Next, when we were 2.5 hours into the journey, the staff came around and passed us hot beverages and a sealed muffin. Those not in business class, who wish to purchase food, can always visit the food carriage, which carries drinks and some small food items. In terms of flavour, our expectations were low, so we were not too angry with the mediocre food quality

Overall, this option of travelling by train is definitely a more affordable way, SGD 55 vs air, which can range from SGD 100 to SGD 250. This is also a slow and long option to reach the destination, as sitting down for a full 4 hours is not everyone’s cup of tea for everyone. We were ok with it as I kind of like train travel, and we caught up on much-needed sleep in the train, so time passed very quickly. The seat’s comfort was ok since we were in business class, but the economy ones would be a lot tighter for me, which might be uncomfortable for such a long journey. For those with time on hand, this could be a better and safer option, as you don’t have to be stuck in traffic like the overnight buses, but for those with limited time, it might be worthwhile to take a flight