This post is about the travel experience onboard the ETS Gold.
Click here to visit the dedicated ETS Gold information page.
With the rearrangement of train services and passenger movement in KL Sentral, boarding for all ETS trains is from Gate B.
The gate opens approximately 10 minutes before departure. Head down the escalators to the platform.
My train today from KL Sentral to Butterworth.
This is ETS Gold train number 9236up from KL Sentral to Butterworth with a journey time of 3 hours and 53 minutes, departing from KL Sentral at 10.38am.
Departing KL Sentral.
The end of the line for the MRT Sungai Buloh-Kajang Line, which will be part of the MRT Sungai Buloh-Serdang-Putrajaya Line once that is completed.
Along the way, track renewal works can be seen, resulting in slight delays for the ETS train since the line is now running on a single track.
The track renewal works seem quite extensive with a change in trackbed too.
The new track in place.
Despite this, the train managed to catch up on the schedule and did make the journey from KL to Penang in less than 4 hours.
Some scenery with Genting Highlands in the background along the way.
Since the train travelled during lunch time, I got my lunch from the bistro at Coach C.
The normal menu on board the ETS. Combo B (Tomato Rice), Combo D (Roti Canai), and Combo E (Spring Rolls) were not available during my journey.
There is also a Merdeka promotion. However, Combo MA (Dim Sum) and Combo MB (Idli) were not available.
So what was actually available, KTM?
Oh, just the usual. Nasi Lemak, Mee Goreng, Bee Hoon Goreng and sandwiches. So much for the “Dim Sum pun ada!” advertisements everywhere.
My Combo MC, dining at the bistro area.
A close-up of the Mee Goreng Mamak.
A reminder on board the train that the ETS serves the sector between Padang Besar and Gemas, and a change of trains is required at Gemas for JB Sentral or Tumpat.
Passing by Batu Gajah.
Arriving at Ipoh.
The scenery along the route gets more vast north of Ipoh.
Rock formations near Padang Rengas.
Entering the Bukit Berapit Tunnel.
Arriving at Taiping. Note the old station sign in front of the old station but mounted on the new platform.
Approaching Bukit Merah Lake.
Crossing over Bukit Merah Lake with the old track causeway still in place, dividing the waters on the two sides of the lake.
Another look at Bukit Merah Lake.
Passing by paddy fields along the way.
Entering the Bukit Mertajam – Butterworth line, splitting away from the bypass to Padang Besar.
On the other corner of the wye with the track from Padang Besar.
Crossing over the Prai swing bridge.
Arrived at Butterworth on time.
This post is about the travel experience onboard the ETS Gold.
Click here to visit the dedicated ETS Gold information page.
KTM Train Ticket Booking Methods
- KTM Intercity counters
- Online from 12Go Asia (joint ticketing with connecting trains available)
- Online from BusOnlineTicket
- Online from Easybook
Online from the KTM E-Ticket System (additional RM2 surcharge)UNSTABLE: Proceed at your own risk.
Tickets are open for sale 30 days before departure.
Hotel Booking
Attractions Booking
How do I book tickets online?
- Click here for a step-by-step guide for 12Go Asia.
- Click here for a step-by-step guide for Easybook.
Click here for a step-by-step guide to the KTM E-Ticket System.UNSTABLE: Proceed at your own risk.
Links to the KTM E-Ticket System are strikethroughed due to KTM’s own admission of the instability of their system here after Prime Minister Najib Razak personally posted on Facebook that there is such an issue here. Proceed using the KTM E-Ticket System at your own risk.