KKKL Express Bus from Kluang to JB Larkin Sentral

KKKL Express is 1 of 2 express bus operators remaining on the Kluang-JB express bus route, with the other company, S&S International Express, alternating trips with KKKL. For my next departure, KKKL Express had the closest departure time, so that’s the company that I went with.

Kluang Bus Terminal

The façade of Kluang Bus Terminal.

My ticket for my KKKL Express bus from Kluang to JB Larkin Sentral which I purchased online on BusOnlineTicket.

My KKKL Express bus was standing by on the express bus lane, with easy boarding from the island platform of Kluang Bus Terminal. Staff were on hand in front of the bus to check for tickets.

The interior of the KKKL Express bus from Kluang to JB Larkin Sentral.

My single seat at 18.

The legroom on board the KKKL Express bus from Kluang to JB Larkin Sentral.

My KKKL Express bus departed from Kluang Bus Terminal at 5.02pm – 2 minutes delayed. It was about half-empty on board as well.

Passing by Bazar Uptown Kluang outside Kluang Bus Terminal.

With the sunlight now shining into the bus, the unfortunate quality of the bus interior can be seen quite clearly with some seats missing the plastic backing, showing the foam stuffing.

My rope basket was also missing.

Crossing over Sungai Mengkibol.

Overtaking a Johore Motor Bus 56 on its way to Ayer Hitam and Batu Pahat.

Crossing over the former railway crossing south of Kluang Railway Station.

Passing under the KTM Southern Line viaducts south of Kluang Railway Station.

Heading parallel with the KTM Southern Line which feels weird for this bus route.

Continuing straight at the Mengkibol junction, heading parallel with the KTM Southern Line. I’m not sure why my KKKL Express bus did not use the usual Jalan Batu Pahat even though traffic was clear.

Approaching Mengkibol Railway Station with the end sheds in sight.

The road ascends up an incline on approach to Mengkibol Railway Station.

Passing by Mengkibol Railway Station. This feel very weird. Was KKKL now serving Renggam also?

Continuing parallel with the KTM Southern Line. I didn’t think I would be seeing this view since I decided to take the bus instead of the train, but here we are.

The road splits away from the KTM Southern Line on approach to the junction to Renggam and Simpang Renggam.

To my further confusion, my KKKL Express bus turned right to Simpang Renggam without serving Renggam. Hmm, what was the reason for this detour then.

Heading towards Simpang Renggam.

Turning left at Simpang Renggam.

There was no stop at Simpang Renggam either, this was indeed a Kluang-JB non-stop express bus.

Passing by Simpang Renggam Post Office.

Passing by Kompleks Pentadbiran Majlis Daerah Simpang Renggam on approach to the junction to the North-South Expressway (PLUS Highway).

North-South Expressway (PLUS Highway)

Turning to the North-South Expressway (PLUS Highway).

Passing through the .

Heading on the North-South Expressway (PLUS Highway).

Heading out of the North-South Expressway (PLUS Highway) at Skudai Toll Plaza.

Heading down to Skudai Highway on Malaysia Federal Route 1.

Passing by Paradigm Mall.

Heading up the Jalan Datin Halima Cloverleaf Interchange to Larkin Sentral.

Due to the design of the Jalan Datin Halima Cloverleaf Interchange with no direct bypass, the bus spins 3 times around the Jalan Datin Halima Cloverleaf Interchange to make a simple left turn.

Joining the jam down for the second spin around Jalan Datin Halima Cloverleaf Interchange.

Turning to Johor Bahru Larkin Sentral.

Johor Bahru Larkin Sentral

Entering Johor Bahru Larkin Sentral.

My KKKL Express bus from Kluang arrived at Johor Bahru Larkin Sentral at 6.50pm, making this a journey time of 1 hour and 48 minutes, or 1 hour and 50 minutes if taking into account scheduled departure time.

The arrival berth for express buses is on the same wing as local buses.

Conclusion

While the interior was run-down, KKKL Express was still comfortable for this short-haul express bus journey for under 2 hours. At least the most important functions of the seat like recline, calf rest, and air-conditioning were still in good working order. With the stacking bus schedules of KKKL and S&S International now, there is not much competition to speak off, since they time themselves separately now, and not by how many buses they can run per day. Just find the next departing bus and pay for it.