Up at crack of dawn as our taxi was ordered for 07.00 which was actually a little early. The journey the the station known as the “Woodlands Checkpoint” took less time than expected owing to light traffic so we had plenty of time to kill.
The station is situated at the north of Singapore island just across the water from Malaysia and is the main crossing point. The “station” has one platform that is mainly deserted (which is technically on the Malaysian side) and on the Singapore side there are no facilities at all, not even a loo. Most bizarre. Singapore is such a chic and organised place this was a bit of a shock. It felt like a checkpoint you might of expected going from east to west Germany years ago. Big signs saying no photos for fear of imprisonment ! We went through immigration etc and boarded our train which left on time. The train had been really advanced in it’s day! However it’s days were long since over and it was a grubby, bumpy ride to Kuala Lumpur, KL (as we travellers say).
Taxi from station to was another rickety experience, with our bags held in with one bungi strap!!!
HOWEVER on arriving at The Royal Chulan Hotel, we were really pleasantly surprised. A beautiful, elegant Malaysian style hotel. Upgraded room and the journey was long forgotten. Also had the privilege of watching the arrival of the King and Queen of Malaysia, a friend of the Royal Families daughter was having a wedding reception at the hotel. Everyone arrived in traditional costume and greeted each other Malay style. Paul and I sat in the lobby like uninvited guests and watched the whole thing. We were even invited to watch the rest of the proceedings in the ballroom, but felt somewhat under dressed in shorts and T shirts!
Typical view from train, en route to KL
Lobby of hotel with reception party for Royal Wedding
Although in Malaysia we ate Chinese again because we came across this “open air” but covered restaurant with lots of people queuing for tables. Must be good we said and it was. They must have served 500 people while we were there which wasn’t that long. There were also lots of small private dining areas around the perimeter.
The Hakka
A great atmosphere and as you can see it is really very basic ( metal exposed roof girders, green plastic garden chairs and all the ” crockery” was plastic and of course the chop sticks)
For a multi faith country Xmas is a big thing as per this shopping mall next door to our hotel.
It is amazing what can be experienced in just a day. Tis just great.
