"De-railed"- Looking back on 31st December

For many years, 31st December means participating in "Eye the City" (Eye) to me. 2011 is the 10th year of Eye and looking back, I never expected myself to have participated almost every year since 2003, the second year Eye was launched in Singapore.


We all know that Singapore is a fast-paced society, but as I looked at some of my photos, comparing what I shot a few years ago with the recent shots on 31st Dec 2011, I was rather taken aback at how much the landscape has changed.

I certainly would not have expected the rails to disappear from Tanjong Pagar area when I took these shots 5 years ago. Yes, we all know that the railway station moved out from Tanjong Pagar in mid 2011, but isn't this a bit too fast? It was as if the tracks were never here. Even now, I thought I could still hear the trains rumbling by.

Photo on left not taken on 31st Dec but I've decided to include this just for comparison.

For the last time...

On 29th Jun 11, I took the train from Tanjong Pagar for the last time. The first time I took the train was probably when I was 8 years old. And it was always to Kluang, because that is near my mum's home town. However, similar to all, we switched to express bus once they became more common.

Back then, it was hardly a pleasant experience, the trains were often late, dirty, worn off, with cushions bursting out from the seats and rain splashing in broken windows. My recent trip in March was a much better experience.

When I reached the train station yesterday at 6+, I almost wanted to turn back home. A long queue had built up and the ticket office did not open till almost 7am (though it was supposed to open at 6.30am).

But my mum persisted, saying that we may as well queue since we are here.

the queue for 8am departure

Our train was supposed to depart at 7.15am, but while queuing for tickets, I hear from some that the train had been rescheduled to 8.15am. Sounds familiar.

Will they keep these wall paintings?

8.15am came and the grilled door did not open. After walking through the 'customs', it was 8.40am.
It was a long wait. At around 9.15am, we finally board the train, but it was followed with more waiting in the hot and stuffy train as the train only moved at 9.45am. The journey wasn't smooth, it seemed that there were some technical faults and it was 1 hour later that we reach JB. We quickly scrambled off the train although we had paid for the fare to Kluang.




It was an unforgetable journey, and I believe I had relived my childhood.

A train ride to Kluang

"Nothing is expected of the train passenger. In planes the traveler is condemned to hours in a tight seat; ships require high spirits and sociability; cars and buses are unspeakable. The sleeping car is the most painless form of travel." from The Great Railway Bazaar by Paul Theroux

Recalling all the short and long journeys I've made, the train is indeed the most comfortable mode of travel. Although I've not been on a sleeper train before, I remembered having a good sleep while on the overnight train from Bangkok to Phitsanulok, merely on a train seat.


A month ago, I went on a short ride from Tanjong Pagar Station to Kluang. Its been more than 10 years since I took this rail. Gone are the worn off seats, decaying window frames and broken windows, replaced by comfortable seats and modern cars. I would have preferred a non-air con seat but there are none now.

There is even a dining car within the train.


While on this trip, I did not forget to take some coffee/cafe shots.

at Tanjong Pagar Railway Station Canteen


at Kluang Rail Cafe