First underwater LRT coach reef in Pulau Tioman
Pulau Tioman is famed for its pristine beaches and snorkelling wonders. A new attraction visitors can add to their list of ‘Grammable must-visit places is the island’s latest diving spot: an underwater light rail transit (LRT) coach reef.
Just as it sounds, a pair of LRT coaches have been submerged underwater just off the island’s shore. They’ll act as both artificial coral reefs and an attraction to reel in tourists eager to catch a train ride beneath the waves.
The coaches formerly ran on the Kelana Jaya line
Image credit: Rapid KL via Facebook
The launch of Pulau Tioman’s new underwater LRT coach reef was held at Berjaya Tioman Resort, as reported by Bernama on 14th July 2024. The LRT artificial reef is officially called the Al-Sultan Abdullah Dive Site.
Just as it sounds, a pair of LRT coaches have been submerged 18 metres underwater, at the bottom of Monkey Bay in Pulau Tioman. The coaches once ran on the Kelana Jaya line, being among the oldest trains running on the route since 1998. They were decommissioned from service in October 2023, and transported from the Kelana Jaya Depot to Kuala Rompin, as shared by Rapid KL on Facebook.
It achieves the feat of being the First LRT Coach Reef in Malaysia, as recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records in the Buildings and Structures category.
Image credit: Bernama
Pictures of divers exploring the coaches’ interiors is not too far from a scene you would see during your average work commute via LRT. The coach is pretty much in the same state as it was running on the tracks – with seats, overhead handrails, poles, rules of conduct signs a train map, and doors inside, and even features details like carriage numbers on the outside.
Launched to promote biodiversity & tourism in Pulau Tioman
Image credit: Rapid KL via Facebook
The launch of the artificial reef is a collaborative effort between the Tioman Development Board and Yayasan Al-Sultan Abdullah. The submerging process of the LRT coaches involved 60 divers led by Tengku Panglima Raja Brigadier General Tengku Amir Nasser Ibrahim Shah.
The coaches are under ongoing surveillance to ensure its safety and stability for divers.
The interior of the LRT coach reef before it was submerged.
Image credit: Rapid KL via Facebook
The general manager of Yayasan Al-Sultan Abdullah, Mohd Fakhrul Islam Juhali, told Bernama that this innovative project not only promises to draw more tourists, but also underscores Pulau Tioman’s commitment to sustainability and marine conservation.
These coaches will act as an artificial coral reef to enhance the marine biodiversity in the pristine waters of Tioman.
Image credit: Rapid KL via Facebook
The Metropolitan Transit Authority in New York also carried out an artificial reefing programme that involved dropping retired subway cars on the ocean floor to boost recreational fishing.
The first underwater LRT coach reef in Malaysia
Malaysia continues to unveil new attractions to draw local and overseas tourists alike, ensuring there’s always something exciting to experience in the country. So if your usual LRT train ride is getting a bit dull, consider switching things up with a trip to Pulau Tioman, where you can board a train in the sea for an underwater adventure.
For more news reads, check out how Subang Airport is resuming flights and KTMB’s launch of 6 new ETS Express Services.
Cover image adapted from: New Straits Times via website, Astro Awani via website