In the interest of testing out “budget travel”, tried out the Singapore-KL coach service. It was a first time adventure. The coach seats could be inclined more than an economy class aircraft seat, reasonably comfortable and had good air conditioning system but can’t say the much about onboard services / toilet facilities/turbulence-free ride. (Only can't stand the onboard Movie. Do not wish to watch but there is only one facing. Even with the eyes closed, the sound could still be heard !!!)
The stop at Tuas Immigration Check Point was a breeze with “fingerprint/ biometric” passport clearance but re-boarding the correct bus was another story; as the buses do not have designated parking bay for re-boarding, there was a need to “hunt” for the original bus (this was where I realized that many of the other coaches had better facilities-individual TV screens, more leg rooms, personal headsets, etc).
Next was another challenge-attempting to confirm if it was the correct bus. Driver was missing (probably last chance for toilet break !!!) and half of the passengers onboard looked alien even though it was the same bus….. or was it ? When queried, some of the passengers were heading for Sunway Lagoon whilst the more familiar faces were going to Corus Hotel. Finally, concluded that it was the wrong bus because the sole new bottle of mineral water at my seat was already half drank. The familiar faces very quickly left the bus like a sinking ship, in time to catch a glimpse of a similar bus pulling in. Could have ended up in Sunway Lagoon if not for the missing family of two toddlers who were seated at the rear of the bus during the trip to the Tuas Check Point. (It was just too quiet). Next stop, the Johore Immigration Check Point where all passengers had to accompany their respective bags/luggages. I guess its not often that we walk our bags, especially the big ones !!! Its also good for the bags ... the compartment where the bags were kept was like an oven. The bags were HOT !!!!
The clearance was reasonable fast and bus hunting was made easier with the driver waiting to collect the luggages (he looked quite relieved !!!). All were onboard by 1055 hrs and the journey on Malaysian roads began (about 1 hr 55 min since leaving HarbourFront at 0900 hrs). Thank goodness for the Roti Prata + black coffee prior to boarding the bus at HarbourFront !!! (certainly a must, even though it was not carbo-free).
Once along the highway, take-away packet lunch was served, about 6-8 packets per time, cos there were no trolley space for all to come at the same time (poor sole service attendant. Had to make multiple trips to bring the food). Lunch was packet stir fried green noodles or green noodles, stirred fried (multiple choice !!!)
Next came the hard part – “hot drinks”. It was a choice of coffee, tea or milo. Tea with milk or without milk, coffee black or kosong, etc. Of course there was also some “kopi-see-siew-tai” (yes, there are more of them !!!) Poor service attendant didn’t look too amused, whilst busy scribbling on a small piece of paper (lose that paper and there goes the multi-combination drink orders !!!). From this episode, it was obvious who were the Singaporeans onboard.
Conclusion : Couple of plus in coach services. No need to switch off mobile phones (can write electronically as we go), no need to view heavy make-up air stewardess, no need to speak softly cos everyone are sharing stories/having conversation on their handphones and no need to queue-up for toilets (there’s only one toilet at the lower deck and many will not make it in time to get to it, if they really, really have to go. It was a bumpy ride and there’s only ONE PLANNED toilet break along the journey. No heavy drinking prior to the trip.
PS1 : Drinking hot drinks in a moving bus is an acquired skill. Was wondering why some of the more seasoned passengers stuffed tissue papers at the opening of their disposal cups. It was eventually learnt that it was to ensure that their hot drinks do not suddenly jump out of their cups. You also never know when the driver was going to jam his breaks. (Part of lesson learnt and sharing of best practices !!).
PS2 : Bring your own motion sickness bags, especially when you have kids along on the trip. Never know what has to be returned after their consumption on an uneven ride !!! Part of emergency planning considerations. May also comes in handy, if the only toilet breaks down.
In summary ... **!!@%#$!#@#**
All the effort of challenging herself to complete SUDOKU puzzle paid off when Clarissa-Anne qualified herself to participate in the BRAND's Sudoku Challenge 2008 (Semi finals). Excited over the competition, she eagerly practised whenever she had time. On arrival at SMU Admin Building where the competition was held, she was surprised that she was competiting will lots and lots of adults. Whatever the case, she completed the session, emerging fairly pleased with herself that at least she had the experience of competting, even if she failed to qualify for the finals.
To complete the day, she had a brunch treat to her favorite "Fish & Chips" at "Fish & Co". Happy with herself, she gobbled her share and headed home to catch up with all her lost sleep. Well, if anything to go by, the goodie bag for all the participants were worth the effort ... 6 packs of Brand's Essence of Chicken + 3 other Brand's products.
