Malaysia

[Sprocket]

Anyone done any cycle trips in Malaysia?

Few questions:
Which parts did you go to? Would you recommend a trip there? Anything you would skip / add-in in hindsight?
How long did you go for? How was the weather?
Highlights/lowlights?
Wearing of shorts - I have read a few comments that suggest (especially for women) it is better to wear trousers. Do you agree? Did you wear shorts? Did you have any problems?

Ok - not few - lots of questions.....

[RonK]

You'll probably get more feedback by posting on the CGOAB forum and reading through the journals.

Yes, it is a muslim country, and you should show respect for local custom. Dress modestly.

Much of Malaysia is mountainous, if you don't like steep climbs then stick to the coast.

There was civil unrest in some areas so make sure you read the travel advice on smartraveller.gov.au

[Sprocket]

Thanks Ronk. Should have explained that I have already spent some time perusing CGOAB, and am well aware that Malaysia is a Muslim country. Having spent time in both ends of the Muslim spectrum - strict (eg Saudi Arabia) and lax, I'm curious as to where Malaysia fits in re shorts. It obviously isnt as strict as Saudi in that you can buy alcohol, but regardless my hunch is to go with trousers. Just wondered if any of the BNA tourers had first hand info.

[hosko]

I have lived in UAE and also Malaysia and know of what Saudi is like so have some experience in Islamic countries.

Shorts/T-Shirt are fine in Malaysia. Normally the religious "police" as such (yes there are some) only advise Malay women on their dressing sense, not the men or westerners. KL is fine for casual clothing for western people. Never had any issues over there. However two of the states in Malaysia Kelantan and Kedah are ruled by an conservative islamic party and are more strict than the other states of Malaysia.

I have found the following:

http://www.pccmalaysia.com/road/safetynotes.php

Some interesting notes...esp the one about body guards and magnums?

From living there, Malacca is an excellent place to visit, Ipoh, KL and of course Penang.

If you want to have a some climbing, the Genting Highlands or Cameron Highlands.

Genting Highland - http://www.climbbybike.com/climb.asp?qryMountainID=8170

Also here is a review of another riders tour 6-7 days which included the Cameron Highlands

http://travellingtwo.com/resources/malaysia/jungleride

Another option might also to email some of the riding groups over in Malaysia as they may have had members also complete tours around their spectacular countryside.

If your worried about your stomach, take some tabs with you (forum isn't letting me spell our i-m-odium) but generally eat where the locals do and you will be fine if you want good local food. It is the one thing about the place that I miss dearly.. the food. Chinese Malay food is simply the best over there.

[Sprocket]

Thanks hosko!
Great information.

[Andy]

Hi Sprocket,

I've been researching Malaysia and Thailand for a tour in mid/late March riding for a couple of months, maybe more. I was going to do it late last year but something came up so I have had to shelve the plans till now.

I've traveled in Asia and SEA several times before but not by bike. My main concern is if I leave in March it is going to be filthy hot and humid. It's the start of the hottest season there. On top of that the weather may be overcast a fair bit (possibly less issue with the sun) but again the humidity is considered oppressive at this time of year. This weather site is well worth exploring, [url]This website[/url]

And in case it didn't work http://weatherspark.com/averages/34042/ ... h-Malaysia

Initially I was thinking of plodding from Bangkok to Singapore or vice versa but I have time so am now investigating a loop of Malaysia starting in Phuket Thailand then maybe BKK but if the weather is as bad as I'm reading it will be then it could really sap the enjoyment from it. And air con rooms every night sap the funds too. My plan B at the moment is to travel up the east of Australia but SEA sounds more exciting and different. If you want to PM me it would be good to compare notes if you like.

Cheers,
Andy

[the_real_jimbob]

Initially I was thinking of plodding from Bangkok to Singapore or vice versa but I have time so am now investigating a loop of Malaysia starting in Phuket Thailand then maybe BKK but if the weather is as bad as I'm reading it will be then it could really sap the enjoyment from it. And air con rooms every night sap the funds too. My plan B at the moment is to travel up the east of Australia but SEA sounds more exciting and different.

I realise this is an older post but air con rooms in Thailand are not expensive. Near major roads and highways are 24 hour motels the most I paid was 500 baht (less than $20) includes AC, hot water, TV, sometimes a fridge. Some include wifi and bread/juice/instant coffee for breakfast.

Some camp grounds in Australia will cost that.

Even the more tourist places a guesthouse or small hotel maximium paid was 1000 baht (less than $35) and that was across from the beach, listening to waves roll in. There are so many accomodation options in Thailand most are not listed on the web. So if you are planning your accodation via websites then it will be so much more expensive and way less options.

Even in Krabi I found a backpacker place for 200 baht a night, shared bathroom but was clean, safe and right near Krabi town.

[Andy]

Hi Jim Bob,

Thanks for posting your info here and even though the thread is a little old it might help somebody.

I ended up going to SEA after all. I left in late March and rode from Bangkok to Singapore. It was fantastic although Malaysia west coast was not great for cycling. Food was INCREDIBLE though. Agreed the accommodation is usually excellent and affordable particularly in Thailand. I cycled in the hottest time of year unfortunately and even the locals were complaining about it being hotter than usual so I was glad to have a/c rooms most nights. I bought a thermometer and on the road it was mid 40's give or take a few degrees.

Thailand is a breeze for bike touring and I highly recommend it. Excellent smooth and safe roads and some of the warmest people you could meet anywhere.

[the_real_jimbob]

Hey Andy I was there in late March too it was stinking hot and the sun was extreme UV. Agree with you about safe and smooth roads and the people are great.

How did you cross from Thailand to Malaysia - which provinces did you go through? There's issues in the very south of Thailand and many embassies advise against travel there. I've always wondered how much danger there really is for a passing tourist.

That'd be a good and cheapish ride, fly into Bangkok and fly out of Singapore. Nice and could R&R on some of the southern Thai beaches.

How many days travel was that?

[Andy]

Hi Jimbob,

Yeah that sun had bite but I didn't feel crispified at the end of the day like I would back here in Australia if I spent the same amount of time in it.

I rode from Bangkok across to Nakhon Pathom and then south to Chumpon before heading to the west coast. When I got to Satun I caught a ferry to Langkawi and then after some great cycling and swimming there I ferried to Kuala Perlis and carried on south from there.

I took loads of time as some days I was really feeling the heat and I'm particularly unfit. All up with lots of rest and sightseeing days I took 2 months to get to Singapore. I'd typically travel about 70-80k's a day but there were plenty of lesser days and a some big ones too. If you're fit and get off early to avoid the heat you could probably do it in a month with a faster bike than my Thorn. You could even do it on a road bike if you use the right tyres.

I found these guys journals amongst others very useful for accommodation and route planning and a good read too. I pretty much made it up as I went along with a few places I definitely wantted to see. CGOAB'er Frank Roettgen traveled in the south east of Thailand but unfortunately received a minor injury from a bomb going off. Probably just bad luck but I would be very aware of the current situation and risks before deciding.

Thailand- https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o= ... 11655&v=Q3
https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o= ... =5927&v=dx

Malaysia- https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o= ... 0525&v=1GV

How about yourself? Did you travel in similar areas? I reckon I'll go back again as there is plenty to do and traveling by bike was a whole new perspective having been there a few times before without bike.

I traveled a bit with this couple who have now moved to Perth. https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o= ... 11484&v=VJ

[slashergreen]

Hi Andy - just wondering whether you created any online maps of your route? (I'm particularly interested in the section through south-east Thailand into Malaysia.) I did a few weeks cycling up in Malaysia a few years back, but just in the south-west from Singapore up to Melaka and back - see http://cyclemalaysia.blogspot.com. Got a real taste for the country and one day would like to do the run through to Bangkok.

[Andy]

Hi Slasher,

No I didn't create any maps of that section. The whole trip I used my Samsung s2 phone and google maps. I had a couple of choices, either over the land border to Malaysia or take the ferry to Langkawi and then back to the Malaysian mainland. I took the latter and I'm glad I did because I really enjoyed the swimming at Langkawi and it was really scenic peaceful riding after the traffic on the mainland. I then ferried to Kuala Perlis and headed south from there but you can also ferry directly to Penang if you want to save time or avoid some unremarkable riding on poor roads.

Nice trip you did to Malacca. It roused the travel bug. And pm me if you want to chat.

Cheers,
Andy

[richbee]

How about the Lekas Highway Challenge on 24th November
http://www.highwaychallenge.com

[Andy]

How about the Lekas Highway Challenge on 24th November
http://www.highwaychallenge.com

Road surface is sure to be nicer than the majority of west coast Malaysia.