Kereta Api Menuju Sisi Timur Semenanjung Malaysia

Oleh Sigit Adinugroho

Bagi saya, perjalanan kereta api tak ada duanya — ia menyuguhkan dunia lain di luar rumah kita dengan irama teratur, menguak satu per satu “adegan” perjalanan, serta membangun emosi dengan bumbu konflik dan klimaks. Semua itu dikemas tanpa saya harus beranjak dari tempat duduk atau cemas dengan kemacetan atau cuaca yang buruk.

Jadi rasanya kurang lengkap bila saya mengunjungi suatu negara tanpa mencoba sistem kereta api di sana.

Terlebih ketika saya mengunjungi Malaysia, yang jalur kereta apinya punya peran sangat penting. Dibangun pertama kali oleh Inggris, moda transportasi ini belum mati digilas pembangunan jalan raya lintas negara bagian. Ia merupakan salah satu sarana paling nyaman untuk bepergian dari Kuala Lumpur ke Singapura, atau ke Butterworth (Penang) hingga ke Bangkok, Thailand nun jauh di sana.

Tapi ada satu jalur yang mungkin tak pernah terpikirkan, atau bahkan terlupakan, terutama oleh pengelana dari mancanegara. Yakni, jalur pesisir timur semenanjung Malaysia.

Di jalur itu ada banyak tujuan potensial seperti Cherating, Kota Bharu, Kuantan dan pulau-pulau lepas pantai seperti Pulau Redang, Pulau Perhentian dan Pulau Tioman. Dalam perjalanan ke sana, kita juga bisa berhenti di Taman Negara dan melakukan banyak kegiatan wisata lingkungan seperti mendaki gunung, trekking, mengamati burung, memancing dan lain-lain.

Jalur kereta api pesisir timur berawal di Gemas (di Negeri Sembilan) dan berakhir di Tumpat (Kelantan). Negara bagian Kelantan terletak di ujung utara semenanjung Malaysia dan berbatasan dengan Thailand. Jalur kereta api ini dijuluki “The Jungle Railway” karena jalurnya melewati daerah hutan hujan tropis yang padat, terutama mulai dari Gua Musang, kota kecil di selatan Kelantan sampai ke Tumpat.



Ada dua gaya berkelana dengan The Jungle Railway. Yang pertama, Anda bisa menaiki rangkaian gerbong ekspres yang nyaman dan tanpa henti, langsung dari Kuala Lumpur, Gemas atau Singapura. Sayangnya, menurut situs Seat61, hanya ada satu jadwal yang melewati rute Gua Musang - Tumpat pada hari terang, yaitu rangkaian no. 14 atau 15 (Ekspress Sinaran Timur).

Yang kedua, Anda bisa menaiki rangkaian gerbong reguler yang hanya punya kelas setara tingkat kelas bisnis di Indonesia. Masih dimotori lokomotif klasik, rangkaian ini berhenti di hampir setiap stasiun. Jika naik kereta api dari Tumpat atau Wakaf Bharu (Kota Bharu), kemungkinan besar Anda akan berjumpa dengan penduduk yang membawa hasil bumi untuk dijual di stasiun Gua Musang. Menarik, bukan?

Rangkaian ekspres akan transit di Gemas sebelum melanjutkan ke Kuala Lumpur atau Singapura. Rangkaian reguler harus harus berganti kereta di Gemas. Meski rangkaian reguler makan waktu lebih banyak untuk sampai di Tumpat, namun ia menawarkan pengalaman yang jauh lebih berwarna.

Perjalanan ini dapat dibagi menjadi beberapa bagian, dengan asumsi kita berangkat dari Kuala Lumpur menuju Tumpat:

Kuala Lumpur - Gemas
Semua kereta api, baik rangkaian ekspres maupun reguler harus melalui Gemas, sebuah terminal dengan fasilitas cukup baik. Terdapat penginapan dan tempat makan 24 jam di sini.

Gemas - Jerantut/Mela
Jika Anda mengambil rangkaian reguler, maka Anda bisa berhenti di stasiun Jerantut atau Mela jika ingin melanjutkan ke Taman Negara. Antara Gemas dan Jerantut atau Mela, pemandangan didominasi oleh kebun kelapa sawit dan karet. Anda juga bisa melanjutkan ke Kuantan dengan berhenti di Mentakab.

Jerantut - Gua Musang
Gua Musang adalah kota dekat perbatasan negeri bagian Kelantan dan Pahang. Di sini adalah perhentian besar selanjutnya. Pemandangan antara kota-kota ini barangkali adalah yang paling menarik karena rute ini membelah hutan.

Gua Musang - Tumpat
Anda akan menuruni bukit dari Gua Musang ke Tumpat, yang konturnya lebih rata. Bagian perjalanan ini juga tak kalah menarik karena Anda bisa melihat lanskap yang didominasi batu gamping, bahkan stasiun Gua Musang berada tebing batu gamping. Sempatkan mampir di Kota Bharu (stasiunnya bernama Wakaf Bharu), kota yang banyak museum, kuil dan pantainya.

Setelah Tumpat, jika ingin melanjutkan perjalanan dengan kereta api, Anda bisa pergi ke Rantau Panjang untuk menyeberang ke Sungai Kolok, sebuah kota perbatasan di Thailand yang tersambung dengan jaringan kereta api Thailand menuju Bangkok. Asyik!

Tarif kereta api di Malaysia relatif murah. Untuk informasi terkini, silakan lihat situs web perusahaan nasional kereta api Malaysia, Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd. di www.ktmb.com.my.

source : yahoo.com

Malaysia

Malaysia is a federation consisting of thirteen states and three union territory in Southeast Asia with an area of ​​329,847 sq. km. Its capital is Kuala Lumpur, while Putrajaya is the seat of government fellowship. The population of this country exceeds 27 million inhabitants. The country is separated into two regions - West Malaysia and East Malaysia - the Natuna Islands, Indonesia territory in the South China Sea. Malaysia borders Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei and the Philippines. The country is located near the equator and tropical climates. The head of Malaysia is the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the government headed by a Prime Menteri. Model Malaysian government similar to the Westminster parliamentary system.

Malaysia as a nation alliance did not exist until 1963. Previously, a set of colonies established by Great Britain in the late 18th century, and the western half of modern Malaysia consists of several separate kingdoms. A collection of colonies was known as British Malaya until its dissolution in 1946, when the collection was reorganized as the Malayan Union. Because of the widespread opposition, a collection was again reorganized as the Federation of Malaya in 1948 and later gained independence on August 31, 1957.

On 16 September 1963 in accordance with UN General Assembly Resolution 1514 in the process of decolonization, Singapore, Sarawak, North Borneo, or now better known as Sabah turned into a state of formation of a new federation called Malaysia including the Federation of Malaya. and on August 9, 1965 Singapore was expelled from Malaysia and became an independent state called the Republic of Singapore. When the early years of the formation of a new federation, there is also opposition from the Philippines and military conflict with Indonesia

Nations in Southeast Asia experienced an economic boom and underwent rapid development in the late 20th century. Rapid growth in the decade of the 1980s and 1990s, an average of 8% from 1991 to 1997, has transformed Malaysia into the new industrial state. Since Malaysia is one of three countries that control the Strait of Malacca, international trade plays an important role in ekonominya.Pada one time, Malaysia had been a producer of tin, rubber and oil palm plantations in dunia. Industri manufacturing has great influence to the economy of this country. Malaysia is also regarded as one of the 18 countries of the world's largest biological berkeanekaragaman.

Malays form the majority of the population of Malaysia. There is also a Chinese community, Malaysia and India and Malaysia are quite large. Bahasa Melayu and Islam each into language and the official state religion.

Malaysia is the pioneer members of ASEAN and participated in various international organizations, such as PBB.Sebagai former British colony, Malaysia also became a member of the States Persemakmuran.Malaysia also a member of the D-8.

source : www.wikipedia.org

Enjoy the beauty of Langkawi from Hanging Train

By Olenka Priyadarsani

If you have the opportunity to visit the island of Langkawi in Malaysia, never missing an opportunity to ride the cable car (cable car) that exist on this island. Langkawi cable car at the Oriental Village, about 30 km from Kuah Town or 15 minutes from Langkawi International Airport.

With the cost of RM 30, the cable car will take you to the summit of Mount Machincang, the highest mountain on the island of Langkawi, as high as 708 meters above sea level. From the summit will be seen throughout the island, various tourist attractions on the island, even the southern part of Thailand!

















The bridge splitting the cliffs on the island of Langkawi. Photo: Olenka Priyadarsani

When I had the opportunity to try this cable car, the line is not too much, probably because at that time not a holiday. I am sure that on a weekend or holiday season, this place will become a favorite of tourists. The Malaysian government is actively promoting tourism, besides the island of Langkawi is famous for its beauty. 360 degrees and see the beauty of something that must be done.

After entering the gondola is enough for six people, the gondola door closes automatically. When quiet, you can just get a gondola for two. We were brought up to the second stop (middle-base) as far as 1700 meters. You can see from the panoramic gondola forest around the site, including waterfalls Lake Seven, one of the island's tourist icons. Growing up, visibility is increasingly widespread. Blue sea surrounding the island even more apparent.

At the second stop with an altitude of 650 masl, passenger gondola can go down to watch the scene more clearly. One of the favorite sights here is the formation of ancient rocks that formed 500 million years ago in the Cambrian period.

Because of its altitude, on the second stop is the wind blowing pretty fresh. I took time to walk around and take photos of the substation, the substation of view available. Everything is built in a modern way. Local and foreign tourists are also busy enjoying the scenery and perpetuate the island of Langkawi from the top.

Now it's time again to continue the trip up the gondola to the top Machincang. This time not too far, only about 450 meters, but the scenery offered by the more extraordinary. At the top station, you can go up the stairs to the viewing post. From there you can see the whole island, Kedah to Thailand. Langkawi is a tropical rain forest surrounding the cliffs, ravines and caves.

















The view from the summit of Mount Machincang. Photo: Olenka Priyadarsani

If you are the adventurous who like trekking, there is another way to reach the summit of Mount Machincang. Seven of the lake, you can do trekking along the 2.5 kilometers to the second stop.

There is a safe path to ensure the safety and convenience of tourists. After that, you can continue to walk about 20 minutes to peak. Maybe it's more tiring, but very appropriate for those who do not mind sweating while watching the beauty of tropical forests more closely.

Other information about Langkawi


Langkawi is famous for its beaches, among others, Pantai Cenang, Pantai Tengah, Pantai Kok and Tanjung Rhu. In addition there are also Garden Birds, Mashuri's Tomb and a few waterfalls like Seven and Durian Perangin Lake.

Langkawi Island is not too big so it can be surrounded with a motor vehicle in a day. The most convenient is to rent a motorcycle at a price of about RM 30 per day. You will be asked to show driver's license and passport to leave the rented motorbike. Unlike in large cities, the streets in Langkawi is very safe and comfortable, free of traffic jams and pollution. Happy holiday!

source : yahoo.com

Beautiful Langkawi

Langkawi is the source of legends of the people in Malaysia, a gift from the earth to its inhabitants. Terselimut mystery, the island is rich in natural beauty and cultural history. Here are some of the charm of this lovely little island!

Pantai Cenang - Cruising islands

Start the morning with breakfast at Pantai Cenang, the most famous beaches in Langkawi. Do not forget to taste the local cuisine such as nasi lemak Malaysia. Named so because in the process of cooking, the rice soaked in coconut milk which will then provide the aroma and flavor. In its presentation, nasi lemak fish combined Bilis (anchovies), peanuts, egg and spicy sauce, complete combination to face the day.

Spend time to enjoy the white sands of Pantai Cenang. Try a variety of water sports available here, swim, jet ski rental, parasailing or do banana boat ride. You can also surf to nearby islands like Pulau Rebak Rebak Island Small and Large.


















Geological Park Langkawi

Ride a cable car to the summit of Mount Mat Chopped Park Geology Langkawi. From this altitude, you can see the incredible view. To add tension, you can also down a 125 meter long bridge is located 700 meters above sea level. Geological Park has also had some other attraction like elephant ride, reptile park, once home to the ninth tiger sub-species - Tiger of Malaya.

The main attraction at the peak of Mount Mat Chop is Lake Seven Falls (Seven Wells). Seven pools of water that has flowed from one pond to another pond. An enchanting scenery that you can enjoy. Go into the water to enjoy a relaxing afternoon.

















Kuah town

Kuah town is the main town in Langkawi is also an entrance to the ferry from the mainland or Penang. The city is not very big, but you can shop at the Eagle Square, Langkawi Market or some other places to shop in downtown Kuah. This is where you can buy batik, handicrafts of local residents, and other souvenirs.

The name "Kuah" comes from Malay to sauces, soups or sauces. Local legend says that this city was born from the sauce spilling out of the bowl are two giants who are fighting.

source : yahoo.com