Newly-weds on the right track
PUTRI ZANINAIts definitely a bersanding ceremony with a difference. PUTRI ZANINA boards a KTM Ekspres Wau coach to join a wedding party from Gemas to Mentakab
THE bride looked resplendent in her apple green Minangkabau outfit with sparkling beads, tassels and a pointy headgear in the shape of buffalo horns (buffaloes figure prominently in Minangkabau culture and history).
The groom wore a matching costume with a keris tucked in his kain samping. To the rhythm of kompang and dikir rebana, the young couple Noorekhzan Che Othman and Rahayu Junus gingerly walked to their bersanding ceremony at the entrance of the Gemas railway station in Negeri Sembilan!
There, in front of Keretapi Tanah Melayu passengers and visitors, they were blessed (ditepung tawar) and anointed with scented water and potpourri and entertained to cultural performances including pencak silat.
There, in front of Keretapi Tanah Melayu passengers and visitors, they were blessed (ditepung tawar) and anointed with scented water and potpourri and entertained to cultural performances including pencak silat.
Then the newly-weds, their family members and the performers, some 50 of them, inched their way through the crowd to the waiting KTM Ekspres Wau, which had earlier made the journey to Gemas from the Sentral Station in Kuala Lumpur.
The rhythm of kompang beats reverberated as some men hoisted a dais into a special coach where the couple would sit for the bersanding. Then the train moved. It was very merry, with the chug-chug of the train, traditional music and noisy children. It was simply kecoh (chaotic), but nobody seemed to mind. After all, it was such FUN!
The gaily-decorated coach was packed like sardines but people were grinning from ear to ear to be able to watch a wedding in a moving train.
And it was all for real, not a mock wedding. The couple had held their akad nikah (marriage solemnisation) ceremony some three weeks earlier.
And it was all for real, not a mock wedding. The couple had held their akad nikah (marriage solemnisation) ceremony some three weeks earlier.
Noorekhzan is a KTM employee with KTM Gemas. The idea of having the bersanding in a train was certainly unusual but he and his wife were game for it.
It is a record of sorts for KTM as the wedding is the first ever held in our train and perhaps also the first ever train wedding in the country, said guest of honour and KTM Intercity Services Strategic Business Unit general manager Sarbini Tijan.
It is a record of sorts for KTM as the wedding is the first ever held in our train and perhaps also the first ever train wedding in the country, said guest of honour and KTM Intercity Services Strategic Business Unit general manager Sarbini Tijan.
While the performers sat on the floor in between songs, dances and special silat gerabak (Malay art of self defence performed in a train coach!) demonstration, the rest tried to get comfortable in whatever space they could find. Some sat on the cabin chairs draped with colourful batik cloths bearing the name Mawi Star Batik, in apparent reference to the Malay pop sensation.
Bright frilly curtains adorned the windows while colourful paper ribbons hung from the ceiling.
Bright frilly curtains adorned the windows while colourful paper ribbons hung from the ceiling.
Just tell us what you want and wed try our best to do it. KTM has special coaches that can be used for various types of functions and activities such as weddings, corporate or personal gathering and even karaoke sessions. Well cater to a minimum of 40 passengers and the cost will vary, depending on what guests want, explained Sarbini, adding that his team organised the Noorekhzan-Rahayu wedding to show how such a ceremony could be held in a train.
The verdict: Fun, kenduri-like atmosphere as somewhat compressed in a tin can!
Jom Gi Kelate
After the wedding entourage disembarked at Mentakab in Pahang, the Ekspres Wau went on to Kelantan. Jom Gi Kelate (or Kelantanese dialect for lets go to Kelantan), is one of KTMs Cuti-Cuti Keretapi travel packages in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia.
Jom Gi Kelate
After the wedding entourage disembarked at Mentakab in Pahang, the Ekspres Wau went on to Kelantan. Jom Gi Kelate (or Kelantanese dialect for lets go to Kelantan), is one of KTMs Cuti-Cuti Keretapi travel packages in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia.
Departing Sentral KL at 6.15pm, the train makes quick two to three minutes stop at several stations including Gua Musang, Dabong, Tanah Merah, Pasir Mas, Wakaf Baru and reaches its final destination Tumpat at 7.47 the next morning a journey of over 13 hours!
Boring? Far from it. Our media group was joined by five enthusiastic members of KTM Railway Fan Club (yes, the 121-year-old grand dame has some very loyal fans), had a feast and sang our hearts out at karaoke sessions.
The passengers strolled around, moving from coach to coach, stopping to watch TV or have a chat. Many headed for the buffet coach for a drink or a bite. Yes, rail travel does not confine you to a chair. Its smooth, comfortable and theres plenty of legroom.
That evening, as the train rolled into Kelantan, we couldnt
see outside as darkness enveloped the land.
I remembered reading that foreign backpackers had dubbed the rail track from Gemas to Tumpat, the Jungle Railway, especially the stretch from Jerantut to Dabong.
Preferring to travel on the local day train (without air conditioning), they had described the journey as surreal, as the train traverses mountainous, forest-clad interiors, stopping at every little kampung to pick up locals armed with all manner of goods. The chatter in a strange dialect, the smells and colours that are amusing to some can prove irritating to others.
Some travellers would stop at Jerantut, Kuala Lipis or Merapoh for the onward journey to Taman Negara, at Gua Musang to go to Kuala Koh National Park or Dabong to climb Gunung Stong and view South East Asias highest waterfalls with seven tiers.
A pity I couldnt experience this, I thought just before falling into a deep slumber. It felt good to lie down in privacy of the First Class cabin. I woke up just in time to prepare to get off at Wakaf Baru, the nearest station to Kota Baru, Kelantan.
Budu, Nasi Kerabu And More
First stop: The Handicraft Village, where we dug into a breakfast of Kelantanese specialties like nasi kerabu, nasi dagang, keropok and kuih-muih (cakes).
Budu, Nasi Kerabu And More
First stop: The Handicraft Village, where we dug into a breakfast of Kelantanese specialties like nasi kerabu, nasi dagang, keropok and kuih-muih (cakes).
At noon, budu (fermented fish sauce) was the specialty, though this was not for everyone. Dipping or slathering your food with this strong smelling, dark-coloured sauce can be a turn-off for those who have not acquired the taste for it.
But for those who have, its heavenly.
While good food was at the top of the itinerary, we also looked
forward to discovering some interesting attractions to help us burn away a few hours and the added calories!
Handicraft Village and Museum: Here, we saw facets of Kelantan as a stronghold for Malay culture. Weather-beaten men played the kertok (traditional musical instruments made of wood and coconut shells) and rebana ubi (cowhide drums with hardy wooden sides and stands). All traditional arts of
Kelantan can be seen here batik, songket, silverware, woodcrafts etc.
Historical Zone: Museums, heritage buildings and landmarks dot the area along Jalan Hilir Kota and Jalan Sultan. With limited time, we could only visit the State Museum (exhibits paraphernalia associated with Kelantans traditional art, ceramics, instruments and pastimes) and the War Museum (history of the Japanese Occupation of the then Malaya). We only saw the intricate facades of
Istana Batu, Istana Jahar, Balai Besar Palace and Islamic Museum.
Pasar Besar Siti Khadijah: Heres where you can soak in the colours, sights, sounds and aromas of a Kelantanese market including trays of colourful cakes and fish roe.
Razali Batik: Tried our hand at batik painting at this cottage factory located at Jalan Hilir Masjid.
Rantau Panjang: Rather than buy the exclusive products at Razali Batik, most of us went shopping at Rantau Panjang instead, the border town famous for duty-free goods. Hundreds of shops lined the streets and we had a great time bargaining with friendly Kelantanese and Thai shopkeepers.
Dikir Barat And Selamat Tinggal
The highlight of our return journey was dikir barat! In the moving coach, men bantered and pitted their skills in coming out with witty lines in kecek kelate (kelantan dialect) to the rhythmic sounds of hands clapping and drums beating with the sounds amplified in the enclosed cabin! It was a highly charged farewell to the land of cultural wonders.
Where We Stayed
The Sudara Beach Resort in Mukim Telong, Jalan Tok Bali had chalets facing the deserted Pantai Telong. In the distance, we could see Pulau Perhentian and Pulau Susu Dara (Sudara is short for Susu Dara).
Dikir Barat And Selamat Tinggal
The highlight of our return journey was dikir barat! In the moving coach, men bantered and pitted their skills in coming out with witty lines in kecek kelate (kelantan dialect) to the rhythmic sounds of hands clapping and drums beating with the sounds amplified in the enclosed cabin! It was a highly charged farewell to the land of cultural wonders.
Where We Stayed
The Sudara Beach Resort in Mukim Telong, Jalan Tok Bali had chalets facing the deserted Pantai Telong. In the distance, we could see Pulau Perhentian and Pulau Susu Dara (Sudara is short for Susu Dara).
The famous Tok Bali fishing port is just 15 minutes away. From 2am to 3am, the place comes alive with fishermen bringing in their catch.
Current promotional room rates start from RM84 (weekday) and RM105 (weekend). Riverside dorms are also available from RM55 per head (package with bed and meals). Details, call 09-7788 880.
How Much
Special wedding-on-strain package: From RM3,000 including return train fare, sleeping berths and transfer from railway station to the temporary rest-house of the bride or groom. Minimum number of passengers 40. Choice of destination: KL to Alor Star, Johor Baru or Kota Baru. Rates for other events are negotiable.
How Much
Special wedding-on-strain package: From RM3,000 including return train fare, sleeping berths and transfer from railway station to the temporary rest-house of the bride or groom. Minimum number of passengers 40. Choice of destination: KL to Alor Star, Johor Baru or Kota Baru. Rates for other events are negotiable.
Cuti-Cuti keretapi packages: 2D/1N KL to Tumpat, Kelantan at RM210/person. Package includes return train fare, sleeping berth, one-night hotel stay in Pantai Sri Tujuh in Tumpat, six meals on board and at hotel and guided tour to museums and Handicraft Village plus shopping at Pasar Besar Siti Khadijah, Pengkalan Kubor/Rantau Panjang.
Also available are 3D/2N packages to Batam (RM598), Haadyai & Songkhla (RM428), Johor Baru (RM300), Pulau Langkawi (RM378), 2D/1N Malacca (RM198) and Putrajaya/KL (RM278). Prices quoted are for one person, inclusive of return train fare, sleeping berth, hotel room, meals, sightseeing and/or shopping.
Also available are 3D/2N packages to Batam (RM598), Haadyai & Songkhla (RM428), Johor Baru (RM300), Pulau Langkawi (RM378), 2D/1N Malacca (RM198) and Putrajaya/KL (RM278). Prices quoted are for one person, inclusive of return train fare, sleeping berth, hotel room, meals, sightseeing and/or shopping.
All intercity express train coaches (Class 1, 2,
3 and Class 2 bunks) are air-conditioned. Seats and cabins are all numbered.
For details, call 03-2279 8867/70, email [EMAIL PROTECTED] or access www.ktmb.com.my
//NST
For details, call 03-2279 8867/70, email [EMAIL PROTECTED] or access www.ktmb.com.my
//NST
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