Trip Planning

I try to do as much research as possible before embarking on an expedition. Over the years, a trusty leather journal has been my source, a collection of guides and collected trip advice from a wide range of sources. Now, in addition to that trusty leather journal, my BlackBerry and PlayBook now play a role.

While the BlackBerry may not have all the bells and whistles of an iPhone or an Android phone, it still serves his purpose. Having been through 3 BlackBerries over the past 5 years, my two previous devices have been loyal companions, but my current one is indeed helpful, and thank God for GPS in built.

So, it is almost the end of the 3rd quarter of 2012, and sadly, I haven't done as many train trips as I had hoped for. Air-based travel on the other hand is almost a regular basis. So, what trips do I have planned, hopefully, until the end of 2012? Apart from the easy-access Ipoh and Seremban?

August 2012

This time around, next week, think Medan. Yes, I will be taking a train from Medan to Lake Toba. Man in Seat 61 didn't have any information on this, and what little information I managed to source out online is relatively bare, so my first trail-blazing session. Haven't done a session as interesting as this since my Singapore - Kuala Lumpur - Hat Yai - Bangkok - Cambodia run.

Remainder 2012

Kuala Lumpur - Hat Yai - Hua Hin/Butterworth - Hua Hin. This indeed has been a much delayed trip.

Bangkok - Ayuttaya. Was supposed to have gone on this run last month, but sadly, the conference and my time re-exploring Bangkok put a dent in it.

Jakarta - Yogyakarta. Was supposed to have gone in January 2012, but alas, my timing was bad. Arrived at Jakarta Gambir Station and there was not a single seat available. My fault for planning this trip during the Chinese New Year holidays. Did however, end up exploring Batavia, the old city of Jakarta. Aiming for October to attempt this trip again.

Saigon - Hanoi. December, if all plans go through.