MY FIRST TIME ON THE ETS TRAIN FROM JOHOR BAHRU

4TH APRIL 2026 ~ I finally made my first trip on the new KTMB ETS train from Johor Bahru northbound. The final destination of the coaches I boarded would be Padang Besar, but I disembarked in Seremban.

I arrived at Johor Bahru Sentral, the first boarding point of the south part of the country, at 6:30 a.m. The train was scheduled to depart at 7:30 a.m. but the passengers were allowed to board the train as early as 7:00 a.m. Bear in mind, one has to check in at least 5 minutes before departure time. Being late, you will not be permitted to embark on your journey as the system will be locked.

I got my tickets online, via the apps called KITS Style. Senior Citizens and Government Servant Retirees are entitled to special discounts for the tickets. I got 50% of my regular trips of the day. 

My coach looked brand new and clean, in contrast with the one I was in many years ago, Surprisingly, I enjoyed the 3-hour trip on the train, and I felt the journey was a short one, unlike travelling on an express bus.

I went to the train cafe for breakfast. There were only four seats if you decided to eat your food there right in front on the counter, Or else, you would have to enjoy your food at your seat and the smell of your food will be shared by almost everybody sitting in the same coach and the person sitting beside you especially.

I took the Mee Hoon with three pieces of Kuih, and 3-in-1 Nescafe which cost me RM13. Not as expensive as the food sold in a flight, even the Mee Hoon was tasty.

VIDEO: THE FIRST 3-MINUTE OF THE ETS RIDE

I took the 7:15 p.m. train back to Johor Bahru on the same day. The coach this time was slightly older. I did not enjoy the evening trip as there was not much to be seen outside and the lights in the coaches were not dimmed so sleeping was difficult.

The train should be a popular means of transport as all the seats were full both ways. There is a possibility, I might take the train again for my future travel.

THE 16TH DAY OF EID 1447H

I ventured out further, crossing into another state, into Seremban in Negeri Sembilan, on the 16th day of Eid. I went to visit the house of Mr. Raja Mohd. Hilmi and his family who are residing there. Upon arrival, I was first served with Putu Mayam, something light, as I would be attending a Engagement Event cum Eid Open House right after.

After the event, I again went back to his house and the hosts had prepared something special - Penang Laksa. Despite of still having a full tummy after the Open House, the Laksa was too good to resist.

I had actually informed Mr. Hilmi that I would be going to Seremban when he came to visit me in Johor Bahru for Eid last week [READ HERE]. He was too enthusiastic to make me go to his house and guess, I could not say "no" to his invitation.

Thanks again to Mr. Hilmi, his wife and the kids for the hospitality. That was my first visit and hopefully will not be the last.

D&F BOUTIQUE HOTEL, SEREMBAN 2

I stayed at D&F Boutique Hotel in Seremban 2, Negeri Sembilan, just for one night on 2nd November 2024.

I might consider staying here again if I am back in Seremban for a few reasons. The place was new and clean, and very well taken care of. The next one will be the accommodation was strategically located as I could see my friends who are staying in Seremban easily, as their houses should be nearer or without having to go to Seremban city which is busier.

THE SEREMBAN MINI REUNION WITH TWO UPM TESL FRIENDS

   3RD NOVEMBER 2024    ~ A mini reunion with another UPM TESL friend was done in Seremban. Puan Marina Mahmood who is now residing there came to meet us at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf for lunch.

There should be more people attending but they were occupied at that time.

We spent about 2 hours at the cafe and had to leave to catch my flight back home in the evening, or else the gathering could just go on.

It is always a pleasant to get to meet old friends once in a while. 

That should conclude my weekends trip to Seremban this time. I have to thank Puan Sakinah Ismail and her husband, Mr. Azhar Ahmad, for their kindness and hospitality during my very short stay there.

EATING BREAKFAST AT A FRIEND'S HOUSE IN SEREMBAN - YET AGAIN

   3rd NOVEMBER 2024    ~ Puan Sakinah Ismail should award me with the crown of the most frequent guest who visited and ate at her house. It was hard to say "NO" when she and her husband always prepares special and delicious food when I am in Seremban.

Luckily the hotel where I was staying was near to her house so it was definitely a brilliant decision to stay there. Mr. Azhar Ahmad, her husband, could easily fetch me and then send me back.

It was only a short stay as there was another mini gathering that would take place in the afternoon with another friend.

MY SEREMBAN GASTRONOMIC ADVENTURE - GOING WESTERN FOR ONCE

   2nd NOVEMBER 2024    ~ Puan Sakinah Ismail [a friend of UPM TESL Class of 1993] and her husband, Mr. Azhar Ahmad, were kind enough to take me out for dinner during my stay in Seremban.

We went to this cafe near the hotel (as well as her house) called Aurellia Cafe and decided to go western for once.

The dining area was quite small and it might not be able to accommodate many people at one time.

The pizzas were prepared near the entrance of the cafe. The aroma of baked pizzas filled every nook and corner of the dining hall.

We were happy with the food. I was happier as dinner was paid by the hosts that evening.

This was just the beginning of the gastronomic adventure in Seremban this time.