Country no 1: Malaysia

Round the world on board
Country no 1: Malaysia

Summary

Days spent: 18
Days skating: 15
Rest day: 3
Total distance: 994.5km
Total expense: 1500 ringit or 500 Singapore dollars or 337 USD

Average mileage including rest days: 55.75km
Average mileage (only skating days): 66.3km

Longest ride : 97.15km (Gerik to Sungai petani)
Shortest ride: 30.3km (Desaru)

Daily average expense: 18 USD

Paid accommodation: 15 nights
Warmshower host: 1 night
Camping : 1 night
Free accommodation: 1 night

Overall, Friendly Malaysian locals to encourage you
Road varies from rough chipseal to Smooth.
Traffic busy on highway but with wide shoulders
Coastal road mainly light traffic

Route range from flat coastal to mountain climbs in the centre

Day 17: God is my Sponsor, onwards to Langkawi

Day 17: God is my Sponsor, onwards to Langkawi
Sungai Petani to Langkawi (via ferry at Kuala Kedah)

Distance : 72km
Time on board: 5 hours 10mins
Cumulative distance : 994.5km

After yesterday 100km ride, we overslept by a hour, woke up at 7am. Thierry continued sleeping while KC and I set off for breakfast. At coffee shop, the owner chatted with us and asked me who is sponsoring my expedition. Before I could answer, KC replied God is my Sponsor. That struck a chord with me. Every single day I get to ride, is a gift from God. God also sent so many angels supporting my journey along the way. Thank to all who donated to my cause, bought my tee shirt, sponsored longboard equipment and touring stuff. Or even those treating me to meals. You all are my angels.

Supposedly we are going on coastal K1 road, but I missed the turn to the bridge. Instead of backtracking, we continued on to Road 1, more direct but busier road. Until Gunung, it was just rolling hills but I am already used to such hills. Road finally flatten out and with wide shoulder lane, I am able to push with good speed.

At lunch, we switched over to K1, our original plan, the Village road. K1 is passing through paddy fields and so traffic is significantly lighter and smoother roads. By 2pm, thierry already arrived at Kuala Kedah ferry and took the ferry to langkawi while KC and I had to push 22km after lunch. At K1, I finally got to my zone. Smooth road and light traffic, I push paddle between 16-18km/h. Right leg is my power, left leg is my accelerator and paddle is to maintain speed. The rhythm goes, kick 4 times on right, paddle 4 strokes, kick 4 on left.

By 3.15pm, arrived at Kuala Kedah ferry to catch the 4pm ferry to langkawi. Caught up with Thierry and Dave in langkawi, Jewel of Kedah.

Shall chill for a couple of days after skating almost 1000 km in 17 days. From there, I catch another ferry to Satun, Thailand. For this, I shall conclude my Malaysia leg, but this is not the end. Thailand and onwards to the world.

All good things must come to an end. I enjoyed the company of our 4 Cabellos Dave, Thierry and KC.

Thanks Dave for being our local guide and advance scout for accommodation

KC for being photographer and my Safety vehicle. Always riding behind me, shielding me from traffic

Thierry for being my videographer and photographer and drafting vehicle.

Day 16: Change of Plans

Day 16: Change of Plans
Gerik to Sungai Petani
Distance: 97km
Time on board: 8 hours

Cumulative distance: 922 km

Thought that after Gerik is the end of the climb. No it wasn't. We had to climb another 50km worth of steep rolling hills to Kupang before we can enjoy flat roads once again.
Started riding out of Gerik in Fogs, just like in Silent Hill

At Hentian, Thierry and KC was ahead, so they went down to a river for swim. When I found them at the rest stop, Thierry couldn't find his phone and my Fly12 video camera. Oh shit. Thank god, after searching at river, he found them. He dropped them when he went for a swim. Close shave.

Lost Thierry and KC at Kupang, so I had laksa lunch on my own, only to find out 200m ahead, they were at another eating place.

Original plan is to sleep at Ketil. When we arrived at Ketil, Dave messaged me the change of plan. Dave couldn't find any quality guesthouse at Ketil, therefore he went another 20km to Sungai Petani. Me already skated 78km to Ketil, only to realise I have to skate another 20km to Petani. My food and water ration ran out. I always plan how much water and food to bring for the day's journey. A 2.5 litre water should suffice for 75 km. Another 20km means I have to top up my water supplies.

Continuing additional 20km on, was smooth newly paved road until the last 7 km, thunderstorm came again. Waited til the rain subside before making our way to Petani. Meet another couple of Malaysian cyclists touring around peninsula Malaysia as well but in opposite direction. Tomorrow we shall be in Langkawi, island famous for duty free goods.

Tapir - Got to catch em all

Laksa - different from Singapore version

Cow

Foggy - Silent hills

Deer 

Uber Towing

Another Round Malaysia Cyclist