A few lessons in why taking the bus is not sensible.
We took a taxi from the hotel to the bus station. The taxi driver asked where we are going, and when we said Johor he said this is not the right bus station. He told us to try it anyway and he would wait.
I had read that there are touts ready to sell tickets for a coach not leaving for hours, so I was wary when the taxi driver asked a tout who cheerily waved us in.
At the counter I asked when the bus is going, and the ticket seller said 9am. Not too bad - about a 45 minute wait. Then I took a closer look at the ticket - 9:30. I asked if there is a bus going sooner.
We were taken to another counter where the seller said the bus is going at 8:30. Except the ticket said 8:15, and it was now 8:17.
We raced down to the platform where 2 buses were waiting. I didn't know which one. I asked the driver and he waved a yes. I put our bags on, and we boarded.
After being there waking for 15 minutes the conductor came to collect tickets. "Where are you going?" He asked, looking puzzled. "Johor Bahru." I said. "This bus goes to Cameron Highlands."
Now a race to get off, get the suitcases off, and be taken to the right bus. And still, even when we're on the bus, there is no sign saying where it is going, and the guy who took us to this bus has gone and took the tickets with him. As we sat there, I just thought that this if this is the wrong bus, I'm getting off and taking a taxi to the nearest car rental agency.