RA's Journal, Day12, Wed, Oct 19, 2011

Today’s Question:

Question (SMS Question):

What the best route from Singapore to Pulau Penang?

Answer:

Hi, thank you for your SMS and the best wishes. The best route, would depend what you want to achieve and which mode of transportation you’re going to be on. I’m using mostly the coastal Route No.5 and if I’m bored with it, I’ll head for the inland Route No.1 for some climbing training. The good thing about using these old roads are that you’ll get to see more, passing the Malaysian old towns and if you’re lucky, staying at the best hotels at reasonable rates. If time is an issue for you, use the PLUS Highway and you’ll be in Pulau Penang in about 8 hours.

Day 12, Wednesday: Sabak Bernam – Teluk Intan, Perak (40km)

Accumulated distance travelled: 730km

After a really wet ride, I quickly did my laundry so it would be ready by tomorrow morning, before sorting out my bicycle, such as getting it cleaned and oiled. I am glad to be staying in a proper place instead of camping out. I believe I achieve much less if I am not staying at a homestay.

Today I woke up a little late at 0700hrs (7am Malaysian time), as I slept a little late watching local Malaysian television channel, TV3. I love the show ‘Cinta Elysa’ – I thought the it was the best from Malaysia and the show after that was good too, Jiwa & Lana. I should watch TV again when I am back home.

Time Check: 0730hrs (7.30am Malaysian time)

I am up and cleaned, packed and gave my route map another look. I was keen to head on to Lumut town 80km away from Sabak Bernam town but I am not sure of the terrain considering my knees. I plotted in my checkpoint of Hutan Melintang, Simpang Empat, Batak Rabit and Teluk Intan. I walked around outside the homestay for about 20 minutes to get my body warmed and my knees to work a little.

Time Check: 0800hrs (8.00am Malaysian time)

I was back inside the homestay and brought all my gear and bike out, getting it ready for today’s ride, a short 40km on a flat Route No.5, and then into Route No.58. One thing I didn’t capture was the size of the road, if it was going to be tight, I might take a little longer.

While loading my bike, I did catch up with the Homestay owner and I got a short tour of the compound. In total, there are about 16 Kampung house and each house can take in three guest. All equipped with standard hotel inventories, but this Homestay gets my thumbs up for being big and costing RM60 (Ringgit Malaysia) for each house.

Leaving the homestay

Time Check: 0900hrs (9am Malaysian time)

I said my goodbyes to my new friends and the Homestay staffs. I rode slowly out on the Kampung road back to Route No.5, onto a huge bridge, out of nowhere crossing the Selangor – Perak border. Immediately after the bridge, I spotted a roadside warung and made a stop for an easy light breakfast. I am enjoying the food in the kampungs so far. Breakfast, RM 3.00 (Ringgit Malaysia) for a mix of Fried Bee Hoon, Nasi Lemak, Teh Ais Limau, and two bottles of water with ice. WOW!

My breakfast

The bridge crossing the Selangor-Perak border

Time Check: 1000hrs (10am Malaysian time)

I left the roadside warung onto the superb Route No.5. Exactly the same like from Muar to Malacca with a dedicated motorcycle lane! I took my time pedaling easy mostly powering with my left leg. I arrived at my first checkpoint a small town of Hutan Melintang within 30 minutes and bypassed it. I wanted to hang around for the special coffee here but I was being watched by a group of youngsters. Feeling uncomfortable, I moved on. Just 10km ahead on my second checkpoint of Simpang Empat, I entered a Shell petrol station to cool down from the heat. I was glad I did. I met a young local pump attendant, name Imran. I got to hear from him about the old back road and was told not to go on it as there were high hill at some sections, where even his motorbike has trouble climbing it. I check my route map and made a note that I would not be passing that stretch.

Time Check: 1100hrs (11am Malaysian time)

I entered the next checkpoint of Batak Rabit. I saw there was BBQ rabbit, deer meat on sale and more. I passed that. Other than that, there was nothing else to see unless I got behind and used the back road. I decided to I skip that too. I rode slowly towards my last checkpoint of Teluk Intan. I was at only moving at 10kmh, saving my energy for the battle of Ipoh the next day.

Time Check: 1200hrs (12pm Malaysian time)

I reached in the middle of Teluk Intan and pedaled straight to the ‘Leaning Clock Tower’. I took the obligatory shot, rode around Teluk Intan and found a fantastic Nasi Campur stall. I regretted not having more :p Here I met a nice baba family and as usual, I would ask question on the history of the town and places I can go. They declined a photo. I was recommended to go to Hoover Hotel and Tea House along Jalan Sultan Abdullah. I am now here writing this report and resting for tomorrow’s ride. I am not sure how long more I can go on with my battered knee and I had just spoken to my doctor and I was told if it’s the same tomorrow, I will need to have a change of plans.

The leaning clock tower of Teluk Intan

Overall Ride: Easy 40km but under intense heat.

Three things that make me smile today:

1. To be able to go on a little bit more and crossing the border between Selangor and Perak.
2. Having the best Nasi Campur so far on my entire trip.
3. Reaching Teluk Intan safely.