West Malaysia loop ride

It has been a hectic year. A fruitful year. A refreshing year. A crazy year. What this all amounted to is that this blog has not been updated for close to a year after the trip has been made. It is the latest it has ever taken for an update. But as they say, better late than never. So here goes!

This year’s ride was very different from the previous ones in that every single person on the ride has been on the ride before. Tony was with me for the innaugural ride, Chris was with me for the last three rides, Eric was with me for the last two, and Paul was with me for the last one. So it would be a ride with friends who were already familiar with the way the ride goes, focusing on exploration, adventure and fun!

The first day of the ride is always exciting. The anticipation of it all meant a late night and an early morning. I was up early this morning getting myself ready. It would be an epic ride and I could not wait to get started.

The ride from Pasir Ris to Woodlands was quick. The crisp morning air was cool and light. It was going to be a beautiful morning!
I cannot remember now who arrived at the meeting place first but it wasn’t too long before everyone got there. The gang was excited and chatty as always. There is always something to talk about when a group of motorcycling friends get together. The excitement of the ride mounted as the night transitioned into dawn. It was time to push off!

The route on this day took us northwards along Route 3. While we have traveled on this route many times before, I always felt a thrill riding up this !old familiar route because it signifies the start of a grand adventure. The road was relatively empty and almost devoid of traffic which just made the ride that much more pleasurable!

The road was almost empty…fun fun fun!!!

Having fun with my own shadow.

Some parts of this route is long and straight.

We arrived at Jemaluang before too long and it was time to stop for breakfast!

We had breakfast at Heng Fatt Kedai Kopi at Jemaluang. This is a ver simple and traditional coffee shop in Malaysia and they serve a simple but hearty Wan Ton Noodle dish.

We journeyed on past Mersing and headed towards the small town of Rompin. The road opened up and we enjoyed the beautiful countryside.

Wide open country is really beautiful.

A beautiful and quiet beach at Air Papan.

Look at the bunch of superheroes.

Chris looks like a HK movie star in this picture.

Many crab holes on this beach. Love the texture of this weathered log!

We had the entire beach to ourselves!

We had these giant trees as guards for our bikes.

It is an open sea out there.

Here I am preparing the mount for my GoPro (Photography by Chris)

Time to ride! (Photography by Chris)

The road up north from here towards the town of Pekan can get rather hot in the late morning and early afternoon. The best thing to do is to find quiet places for water breaks. We decided to stop at a petrol station somewhere along the way to cool off.

Having a water break at the petrol station.

We were in the middle of nowhere really (Photography by Chris)

Always good for a funny photograph. (Photography by Chris)

We made it to Pekan before too long…and just in time too for a spot of lunch! We had a fantastic lunch at this food truck by the sea called Cendol Saleem Maju. They served simple Cendol with Pulut and a very delicious Rojak Mee with Fried Chicken!

Parked beside the food truck.

Super ice cold Cendol with Pulut (Glutinous rice)

Rojak Mee with Fried Chicken…TO DIE FOR!!!

My usual “And one for Facebook” We-fie!

We were all well and truly satisfied with lunch and continued riding up towards our final destination for the day. It got really really really hot after Kuantan…as usual. That is one HOT town with lots of traffic lights!

Traffic light stop picture from my trusty mirror

Yet another traffic light stop picture in Kuantan

It was so hot we had to make another water break stop at Chendor!

Limau Ais…a real thirst quencher!

HOT HOT HOT!!!

Nothing beats an ice cream stick…at Dungun!

The road opened up nicely after that and we enjoyed a nice ride all the way up to Kuala Terengganu.

This place reminds me a little of pictures I saw of the outskirts of Dubai…doesn’t it?

We got to our home for the night eventually. We would be here for two nights altogether. The place was called Bara Impiana, located at Tok Jembal near to the airport and the KT Golf Resort. I was pleasantly surprised when I got there. Most homestays are modest places. This one was not quite so modest!

The Bara Impiana at Kuala Terengganu

We had more than enough space in the porch for our bikes!

The place was a real delight. There was enough room for bikes, enough room for socialising, plenty of hot water for showering, comfortable beds, more than enough power outlets for charging our many devices. It was clean and spacious, with a very nicely manicured lawn too!

We decided to go somewhere nearby for a relaxing dinner.

All in all, it was a good day of riding with fun roads, great scenery and delicious food!