SINGAPORE - The Malaysian authorities have confirmed that the high-speed rail (HSR) project linking Singapore and Kuala Lumpur (KL) will have seven stops in Malaysia - KL, Putrajaya, Seremban, Ayer Keroh, Muar, Batu Pahat and Nusajaya.
The terminus in Malaysia will be at Bandar Malaysia while Singapore's could be housed in the city centre, Jurong East or Tuas. The ride from Singapore to KL will be within 90 minutes but could come up to about 2.5 hours including waiting time, transfers and immigration clearance.
Construction on the project could begin in the third quarter of next year.
Here are some things to do and places to visit at each stop.
1. Kuala Lumpur
The capital of Malaysia is frequented by many Singaporeans, who usually have to take a five-hour-long bus ride or an hour-long plane ride for business or pleasure. KL is home to more than 60 shopping malls such as Suria KLCC, which is located between the Petronas Twin Towers. Malaysia's capital also has a thriving nightlife scene.
2. Putrajaya
Some might call Putrajaya the city of bridges. There are at least nine such unique structures that dot its landscape, including the 370m-long Seri Perdana Bridge, which features the royal Islamic style of architecture. Visitors can take in breathtaking sights of the Putrajaya lake from eight of the bridge's viewing platforms.
Another one worth noting is the 240m-long Seri Wawasan Bridge, which boasts a futuristic design.
Located 25km from KL, the city serves as Malaysia's federal administrative centre and is home to the Prime Minister's office, as well as multiple parks and green areas.
3. Seremban
The capital of Negeri Sembilan is known for food such as the Seremban siew bao (a meat bun), beef noodles and nasi padang. Famous names include Asia Siew Pau Master at 368, Jalan Seng Meng Lee.
The town is also known for its picturesque Seremban Lake Garden, where tropical flora and fauna flourish. It is one of the country's oldest natural lake gardens.
4. Ayer Keroh
Situated in the state of Malacca, it is touted as a tourist spot with attractions such as the popular Butterfly and Reptile Sanctuary, the Melaka Zoo and the Mini Malaysia and Mini Asean Park, which features different types of accommodation from pre-modern Malaysia.
Some, however, describe it as a sleepy town which pales in comparison to the nearby 500-year-old Malacca City - the capital of Malacca state - which was named a Unesco World Heritage site in 2008.
5. Muar
The colour-coded town, which is lined with pre-war buildings, has food stalls, coffeeshops and restaurants which date back to the 1960s and 70s. They offer visitors not only cheap and good grub but also a nostalgic experience. Famous dishes include asam pedas, lontong and otak-otak. You can also stop by for seafood dinners under the setting sun.
Tourists usually bring home coffee beans and coffee powder. Other popular activities: visiting durian plantations and the Parit Jawa Fishing Village.
6. Batu Pahat
Batu Pahat, which means chiselled stone in Malay, is known as a food haven. Must try food stalls include Ah See Wan Tan Mee at Jalan Jenang, Kampung Pegawai.
The town has boomed in recent years as a result of the growth of its textiles, food processing and electronics industries. Malls and hypermarkets have followed this boom, with many opening across the town.
Singaporeans are known to swing by Ship Village Seafood Restaurant in Jalan Minyak Beku.
7. Nusajaya
Located on the west of Johor, Nusajaya is one of the five flagship zones of Iskandar which the Malaysian government aims to transform into a sustainable metropolis by 2025.
Attractions in Nusajaya include Puteri Harbour Marina, Legoland, Hello Kitty Town and lifestyle and entertainment complex the Mall of Medini, which is partially open.
Singaporeans are also buying apartments and other properties there.
SOURCES: Nusajaya City, Virtual Tourist, Trip Advisor, Malaysia Site, www.malacca.ws, Malaysia Traveller, Seremban Municipal Council
