Train to Dabong: A 2D1N Kota Bharu - Dabong Escapade

Have you ever dreamt of escaping the hustle and bustle of city life for a serene, nature-filled adventure? Look no further than Dabong, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Kelantan, Malaysia. This blog post will take you on a 2-day, 1-night journey, starting from Kota Bharu and culminating in the breathtaking beauty of Dabong.

Day 1: Exploring Kota Bharu and Boarding the Jungle Train

My adventure began with a night express bus from Terminal Bersatu Selatan, arriving in Kota Bharu's Lembah Sireh Bus Terminal early the next morning. 

The bus provided a comfortable journey, but the persistent coughing from a few passengers disrupted my sleep throughout the night. I donned a facemask to safeguard myself from contracting germs.

I snapped this photo when the bus paused for Subuh prayer at a Petron station, somewhere near Kampung Perol, Kota Bharu

The Kota Bharu bus terminal: It has been criticized for its temporary structure, lack of amenities, and perceived neglect by the state government.

To kick of my day, I decided to begin my day with a relaxing 3-kilometer walk to Kota Bharu town, following the directions on Google Maps.

A pleasant surprise awaited me along the way – a chance encounter with Haji Nazri and his wife, Pn Adilah. They have arrived a day earlier for the trip. I joined them for breakfast and had nasi dagang in a warung nearby Ibis Kota Bharu.

After breakfast, I continued my exploration of Kota Bharu, visiting iconic landmarks like Tambatan Di Raja, Muzium Perang, Pasar Siti Khadijah, and the Street Art Mural. The city's charming blend of traditional Malay culture and Islamic influences was captivating.

Muzium Islam, Kota Bharu

Muzium Perang, Kota Bharu

Tambatan Diraja - located along the Kelantan River, this iconic pier offers a serene escape with stunning views and a touch of royal heritage. Perfect for a peaceful stroll or a picturesque photo spot!

Kota Bharu's street art scene is like a colorful open book, waiting to be read. From vibrant depictions of traditional Malay life to powerful messages of unity and resilience, these murals are a visual feast for the eyes and a window into the city's soul.

The iconic Gerbang Kota Sultan Ismail Petra, a stunning gateway to Kota Bharu, showcasing the city's unique blend of Malay culture and modern architecture.

Initially, I planned to visit some kopitiams in Kota Bharu, but unfortunately, they were all closed due to the King's Birthday holiday. I decided to grab a quick lunch at Subway while waiting for the rest.

Small town. Bumped into the Hj. Nazri and wife, Adilah again near Subway. 

In the afternoon, I met up with the rest of our group and headed to Wakaf Bharu Train Station. Our train to Dabong, known as the "Jungle Train," was scheduled to depart at 4:21 PM.

Wakaf Bharu Train Station: The gateway to Kelantan’s Heart 

Nestled in the town of Wakaf Bharu, this charming station connects you to the vibrant city of Kota Bharu and beyond. Whether you’re heading south to Johor Bahru or exploring the scenic East Coast Line, Wakaf Bharu is your starting point for adventure.

A leisurely train journey from Wakaf Bharu to Dabong cost only RM5.

Day 2: Hiking to Kem Baha and Discovering Dabong's Natural Beauty

The train journey to Dabong was a scenic delight, offering breathtaking views of lush jungles, plantations, and the historic Guillemard Bridge. 

The journey took around 3 hours 30 min with a delay. The train came to a halt for an unexplained reason for 30 minutes. We finally reached Dabong at approximately 7:50 pm. We were greeted by a downpour and had to make a quick dash to find cover.

Upon arrival in Dabong, we were picked up by a local tour guide, Nik Ali, who took us to a delicious local restaurant for dinner.

Our trusty vans, ready to take us on our adventure.

Simple but sedap! Dinner at Adam Cafe Selera Ikan Bakar

We were admittedly concerned that the heavy rain might hinder our hike the following morning. There was a possibility of canceling if the precipitation continued. Therefore, we decided that if it was still raining at 4 am the next day, we would postpone the hike.

After a satisfying meal, we checked into our dorm at Stong Heritage Eco Resort, a comfortable and cosy accommodation. We prepared our gear for the next day's climb up Gunung Stong to Kem Baha, a popular campsite known for its stunning views and serene atmosphere.

Stong Heritage Eco Resort - Perfect base for exploring the Dabong great outdoors.

Ascending Gunung Stong and Witnessing the Carpet of Clouds

Early morning ascent: headlamps on, walking sticks ready, hearts full of anticipation.

The rain had finally stopped the next morning, leaving behind a noticeably chilly atmosphere. Despite the chill, we were brimming with anticipation for the upcoming climb.  we embarked on our ascent, equipped with headlamps and walking sticks to navigate the challenging terrain. 

The trail was shrouded in darkness, illuminated only by the beams of our headlamps. In the distance, I faintly heard the recitation of Quran, a tranquil melody amidst the cacophony of jungle insects.

The trail posed quite a challenge for me. To avoid becoming breathless, I maintained a steady pace and took frequent breaks. This was a lesson I learned from a previous trip to Kem Baha a few years ago. Slow and steady progress was the key this time around.

The journey was demanding, but the rewards were evident in the stunning panoramas that unfolded before our eyes.

The heavy rain the day before was a blessing in disguise. Our hike to Kem Baha rewarded us with stunning, fluffy carpet clouds that made the 463m ascent totally worth it.

Reaching Kem Baha at dawn, we were treated to a mesmerizing spectacle – the "carpet of clouds" phenomenon. As the sun rose, the clouds below us seemed to stretch out endlessly, creating a breathtaking scene.

We may be far from home, but our taste buds are still satisfied. Cucur ikan bilis and keropok lekor, straight from our portable kitchen on the mountain!

 Capturing the sky dance in fast forward with my Insta360. Watch the video HERE.

This is our 10th Suronner Run-cation

Our shoes have seen better days, but we've seen better views.

Find your inner peace and perfect Instagram moment in this heavenly location.

Check out the brand-new welcome banner! Just installed last week.

Sunlight and fresh air: the perfect morning duo.

After enjoying the sunrise, we descended the mountain, taking a different route that led us to Jelawang Waterfall. This majestic waterfall, one of the tallest in Southeast Asia, was one of the highlights of our trip. Its cascading waters and the surrounding lush greenery created a truly magical atmosphere.

Chasing waterfalls and making memories.

I'm waterfall-ing in love with this place.

Relaxing at Sungai Kenerong and Enjoying Local Delicacies

Our final stop before returning to Kuala Lumpur was Sungai Kenerong, a picturesque picnic spot known for its cool river waters and serene surroundings. We enjoyed a leisurely picnic, taking a dip in the river and soaking up the peaceful ambiance. 

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Sungai Kenerong, surrounded by lush greenery and crystal-clear waters.

Wanderlust warriors: From lorries to trains, we're ready for any journey.

Our stomachs were growling, so we decided to try Yahya Ikan Bakar, a renowned restaurant for its Mi Udang. The spicy gravy, succulent river prawns, and perfectly cooked noodles were just what we needed.

Yahya Ikan Bakar: A must-try for their mouthwatering Mi Udang.

Enjoy a hearty bowl of prawn noodles featuring large river prawns. A must-try when visiting Dabong!

Good food, good company.

Following lunch, we visited a thrift store set up by the Persatuan Malim Gunung Kelantan at the R&R Kesedar Jelawang. We found some great deals on pre-loved hiking apparel and equipment, including bags.

Thrifting for a good cause.

The greatest rewards often come after the toughest climbs.

Lorry ride around Dabong - A different kind of travel experience.

After returning to the dorm, we took care of our personal needs and enjoyed some free time. Later that evening, at 9 pm, we were picked up for dinner and our trip to the Dabong train station.

Fueling up for the journey home.

It's time to say goodbye to Dabong! 

Bye bye Dabong! Hello dreamland!

Our 2D1N Kota Bharu - Dabong escapade was an unforgettable experience. From exploring the vibrant city of Kota Bharu to immersing ourselves in the natural beauty of Dabong, we created memories that will last a lifetime. If you're seeking a unique and rewarding adventure, I highly recommend adding Dabong to your travel bucket list.

Additional Details:

Transportation: I took a night express bus from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Bharu, then a train from Wakaf Bharu to Dabong. The rest of the gang flew from KLIA to Kota Bharu airport. We chose to travel back on the Dabong - Gemas sleeping train and then transferred to a connecting ETS train to reach KL Sentral.

Accommodation: We stayed at Stong Heritage Eco Resort in Dabong.

Activities: Hiking to Kem Baha, Gunung Stong, visiting Jelawang Waterfall, picnicking at Sungai Kenerong, exploring Kota Bharu.

Itinerary:

Day 1:

7:00 am: Arrived in Kota Bharu

8:00 am: Breakfast at Warung Kak Wan (near Ibis KB Hotel)

9:00 am: Exploring Kota Bharu

4:21 pm: Boarded the train to Dabong

7:50 pm: Arrived in Dabong

8:30 pm: Dinner at Adam Cafe Selera Ikan Bakar

9:00 pm: Checked into Stong Heritage Eco Resort

Day 2:

3:00 am: Woke up for Kem Baha hike

4:40 am: Started ascent to Kem Baha

6:30 am: Reached Kem Baha

8:30 am: Started descent from Kem Baha

9:50 am: Reached Jelawang Waterfall

10:50 am: Left Jelawang Waterfall

12:00 pm: Picnic at Sungai Kenerong

1:30 pm: Lunch at Yahya Ikan Bakar Restaurant

3:00 pm: Free & Easy

9:00 pm: Dinner at Ahmad Ikan Bakar

11:32 pm: Boarded the train to Gemas and then KL on the next morning.

Cost:

One way Sani Express Bus ticket - RM44.00

Wakaf Bharu - Dabong train ticket - RM5.00

Dabong - Gemas - train ticket - RM42.00 (Lower sleeping berth)

Gemas - KL Sentral ETS ticket - RM30.50

Dorm, Transport & Hike Arrangement: approx. RM100++ per pax

Acknowledgements:

A big thank you to Mar for organising this incredible trip! To my awesome travel buddies: Mar, GG, Mus, Hafiz, Ila, Caen, Eni, Haji, Adilah, Syaqir, Zai, and Nabil. And a special shoutout to our Dabong guides, led by the fantastic Nik Ali. If you're planning a trip to Dabong, be sure to contact Nik Ali (Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nik_tourist_guide_dabong/) for the best arrangements. He's a local expert who knows the area like the back of his hand.