Shuttle Timuran 35dn DMU Train from Kuala Lipis to Gemas

Shuttle Timuran 35dn is a new local all-stop train service from Kuala Lipis to Gemas using the new 61 Class DMU. Following my DMU trip from Tumpat to Kuala Lipis during the VTL period, I wanted to take to complete joyriding on the KTM East Coast Line in the day time, and Shuttle Timuran 35dn fits the schedule for me to return back to Singapore in a single trip.

The train number of Shuttle Timuran 35dn should not be confused with the former International Express 35dn from Bangkok to Butterworth which is no longer in operation.

Kuala Lipis Railway Station

Kuala Lipis Railway Station is the starting point of the Shuttle Timuran 35dn.

The Kuala Lipis–Gemas series of Shuttle Timuran trains does not really connect with the Kuala Lipis–Tumpat series of Shuttle Timuran trains, and it is not possible to plan a good Shuttle Timuran connection along the KTM East Coast Line with good departure, arrival, and/or connection times.

The ticketing and waiting hall of Kuala Lipis Railway Station. As I had already purchased my ticket in advance from the KTMB Integrated Ticketing System (KITS), there was no need for me to visit the ticket counter.

61 Class DMU

61 Class DMU05 61105 Kuala Krai was operating on my Shuttle Timuran 35dn from Kuala Lipis to Gemas.

The side mirrors are out of use, fixed shut with some masking tape.

The printed nameplate of DMU05 61105 Kuala Krai.

The destination sign of the Shuttle Timuran 35dn from Kuala Lipis to Gemas on the 61 Class DMU. I’m not sure what EE stands for.

DMU05 61105 Kuala Krai is in Version 2 with PV configuration, and the “Parcel Van” (PV) storage space is located behind the driver’s cab at Coach A.

The PV is accessed by automatic doors.

The PV area has lots of space and storage racks. However, with the closure of KTM Distribution (Kiriman Ekspres), I’m not sure if the PV will ever be used for revenue.

The interior of Coach A on board the 61 Class DMU in Version 2 with PV configuration with a mix of longitudinal and transverse seats.

A Bistro is available in Coach A.

However, the Bistro is not in operation on weekdays.

The menu for the Bistro if it was in operation.

The small seating area at the Bistro.

A regular toilet is available in Coach B.

Coaches B and C have a full transverse seating arrangement in both versions of the 61 Class DMU.

2 3-pin power sockets are available below each pair of seats.

Some seats at the ends of the coach also have 3-pin power sockets by the wall of the window seat.

Luggage racks are available near the doors at the end of the seating area.

The route map of the KTM Intercity network from Tumpat to JB Sentral along with a branch to Pulau Sebang (Tampin) used formerly by the Ekspres Selatan which is no longer served by KTM Intercity services.

Wheelchair seats and spaces are available in Coach C.

A surau is available in Coach C.

A wheelchair-accessible toilet is also available in Coach C.

The interior of Coach D on board the 61 Class DMU in Version 2 with PV configuration with a mix of longitudinal and transverse seats.

My booked window seat at 8A.

The legroom available on board the 61 Class DMU transverse seat.

A tray table is provided at the back of most transverse seats.

A safety card is provided in the seat pocket.

Handgrips are available at the longitudinal seat area for standees.

The builder sticker of CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co., Ltd. at the ends of the train cars.

Platform gap fillers in the form of an extending platform from the train are available at doors just beside gangways (ie. not the first and last doors within the train set).

The route map of Shuttle Timuran 35dn as displayed on the on-board information screens.

Kedai Makan Kuzah

As the Bistro was not in operation during my trip, I had some time to buy some lunch at a food outlet just outside Kuala Lipis Railway Station.

Kedai Makan Kuzah just outside the old Kuala Lipis Railway Station has a variety of rice dishes which takes a few minutes to prepare, and also pre-packed snacks ready to go.

My Shuttle Timuran 35dn departed from Kuala Lipis Railway Station on time at 10.20am.

My Coach D was empty upon departure from Kuala Lipis Railway Station.

Passing by the old Kuala Lipis Railway Station behind the current new high platform.

Passing by the old Kuala Lipis Railway Station sign.

The old low platform still exists at the southern end of Kuala Lipis Railway Station.

Crossing over Sungai Jelai.

Passing through the jungles of the world-famous jungle railway on the KTM East Coast Line.

Passing by the banks of Sungai Jelai.

Much of the KTM East Coast Line offers forest views in Pahang.

Approaching Kerambit Railway Station.

Kerambit Railway Station

Making a longer stop at Kerambit Railway Station as the Shuttle Timuran 35dn train was 5 minutes before time.

As such, I had the opportunity to take a short walk on the platform.

The station building of Kerambit Railway Station.

A banner promoting the new Shuttle Timuran Kuala Lipis–Gemas train service is hung at Kerambit Railway Station.

The store room is a side hut from the station building.

The ticketing and waiting area at Kerambit Railway Station.

The station sign of Kerambit Railway Station.

Departing from Kerambit Railway Station before time at 10.44am – 2 minutes early.

Passing under Jalan Jerantut-Kuala Lipis.

More forest views from the Shuttle Timuran 35dn.

Approaching Mela Railway Station.

Mela Railway Station

Making a brief stop at Mela Railway Station.

The station sign of Mela Railway Station.

1 group of passengers were boarding at Mela Railway Station.

Departing from Mela Railway Station.

The deep forest views give way to some hills after Mela Railway Station.

Approaching Jerantut Railway Station.

Jerantut Railway Station

Making a longer stop at Jerantut Railway Station as the Shuttle Timuran 35dn train was 8 minutes before time. Jerantut Railway Station is the rail gateway to Taman Negara which is onward accessed by bus, van, or ferry.

The ticket counter area at Jerantut Railway Station.

There is also a canteen at Jerantut Railway Station.

Departing from Jerantut Railway Station on time at 10.20am.

Back to forest views.

Approaching Jenderak Railway Halt.

Jenderak Railway Halt

Making a brief stop at Jenderak Railway Halt.

Departing from Jenderak Railway Halt.

Passing by a former godown at Kuala Krau.

Entering Kuala Krau Railway Station.

Kuala Krau Railway Station

Making a brief stop at Kuala Krau Railway Station.

Departing from Kuala Krau Railway Station.

Crossing Sungai Semantan at Mentakab.

Entering Mentakab Railway Station.

Crossing with Shuttle Timuran 34up operated by 61 Class DMU05 61101 Tumpat at Mentakab Railway Station.

Mentakab Railway Station

Making a scheduled longer stop at Mentakab Railway Station as there is a crossing and crew change.

The Shuttle Timuran 34up shunted to the main line to reverse back to the platform after my Shuttle Timuran 35dn had departed.

Departing from Mentakab Railway Station on time at 12.19pm.

I had my lunch of Nasi Kerabu which was purchased from Kedai Makan Kuzah before departure at Kuala Lipis as there was about half an hour to the next stop at Mengkarak Railway Station.

Approaching Mengkarak Railway Station.

Mengkarak Railway Station

Surprisingly, my Shuttle Timuran 35dn did not stop at Mengkarak Railway Station despite it being listed in the official timetable and Mengkarak is live in the KTMB Integrated Ticketing System (KITS).

Crossing the railway crossing south of Mengkarak Railway Station.

Triang Railway Station

Making a longer stop at Triang Railway Station as the Shuttle Timuran 35dn train was 10 minutes before time.

Triang Railway Station has been upgraded with high platforms and a new station building.

The ticket counter at Triang Railway Station.

Shuttle Timuran 35dn operated by 61 Class DMU05 61105 Kuala Krai at Triang Railway Station.

The station sign at the southern end of Triang Railway Station did not seem to be raised together with the platform, and looks strangely short.

The station sign at the northern end of Triang Railway Station, however, looks about right in terms of height in eye level, though still shorter than the sign on low platforms.

Departing from Triang Railway Station on time at 1pm.

Arriving at Kemayan Railway Station which seems to be in a state of disrepair rather than work in progress.

Kemayan Railway Station

Making a brief stop at Kemayan Railway Station with a group of passengers boarding.

The new station building of Kemayan Railway Station which seems to be operational while half-completed. The new (?) pillars for the sheltered platform are also rusting away already without a shelter in place.

The old Kemayan Railway Station is on a lower level than the new platform built over it.

I’m not sure which looks older – the old Kemayan Railway Station or the new Kemayan Railway Station.

The station sign of Kemayan Railway Station is still on the old level.

Kemayan Railway Station has multiple lines in the station which makes it look like a major operational station, but the current new station is a far cry from it.

Departing from Kemayan Railway Station.

The Shuttle Timuran 35dn slowed to a stop along the way while sounding the horn.

Turns out a herd of cows were on the railway track and were taking their time to cross it.

Passing by the source of one-time speed restrictions oblivious to their doing.

It started to rain for a short while.

Entering Bahau Railway Station.

Bahau Railway Station

Making a longer stop at Bahau Railway Station as the Shuttle Timuran 35dn train was 11 minutes before time. This gave me lots of time to walk around for some Bahau Railway Station photos.

The main waiting hall of Bahau Railway Station.

The ticket counter of Bahau Railway Station.

Bahau Railway Station was the first railway station to adopt a Komuter-like refurbishment on the East Coast Line, along with a new Minangkabau-style station building.