From One Country to Another

Leaving Malaysia.
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As I had mentioned before, the decision to cross the border on the east was one factor, there were two other factors to consider.  First, how to get across the border to the bus or train station.  A taxi over the border was 60RM (approx $17), a taxi to the border was approx 30RM (approx $8.50), or a bus was 3.90RM (approx $1.10).  Now I realize that even the most expensive option in US dollars is not that much at all, but it was the principle of it.  Why should I spent 15 or even 7 times more than I had to, plus the savings could be at least one night's accommodation!  The second factor was to take a bus or the train.  I could catch a direct bus (approx 8 1/2 hours) to my next destination, Krabi, or a train to Hat Yai (approx 4 hours) and then the bust or minivan to Krabi (approx 5 hours not including waiting time).  Seems like the obvious decision was the bus, but Roselan had expressed concern about the bus.  What to do!

Bridge between Malaysia and Thailand on a very misty morning.
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I finally opted to take the local bus to the border.  I left the hostel at 6:15am with thankfully the owner watching me until I got to the main road as it was still dark out.  Walking through the mostly deserted streets, it was amazing to hear the loud cacophony of birds in the trees - I had never heard anything like that before, especially in a city.

At the bus station, I found bus 29 which drops you off, right at the Malaysia border of Rantau Panjang.  My understanding was that the bus left at 6:15 and 6:45 but this one left at 6:30 - not sure if it was very early, or very late!  On the frigid bus the trip was supposed to take at least an hour, but I guess at that time of the day with no traffic, it only took about 40 minutes.

Getting through immigration on the Malaysia side was very easy.  As I crossed the bridge into Thailand, cars and motorbikes were lined up waiting to get into Malaysia.  It seemed more people were going in than out.  Once through immigration on the Thai side, which was also very easy, I needed transport to the bus station, a few KM away.  Yes, I had decided on the direct route to Krabi.  I didn't want to potentially be stuck for the night in Hat Yai.

My only option of transport was a motorbike taxi.  With my backpack on, my one bag over my shoulder and my daypack clutched under my right arm, I hung on with my left.  If only I could have had a picture of this!  Remembering my friend Dave's one piece of advice when I once rode with him on his bike "Just don't shift your weight."  Honestly, I think if I had, I would have toppled over!  My driver navigated the streets, beeping to tell people to get out of our way.  Unfortunately, the first place he took me was not the correct bus station.  So back on the bike, we headed to the correct one and for only 3RM (approx $.85).  Dave, you would have been so proud of me!

I had thought the whole trip would take me about 2 hours, but it really only took about 1, so now I had 1 1/2 hours to wait until my bus departed at a bus station that was no bigger than store, with no facilities!