West Malaysia loop ride

The WMLR has always had some kind of route planning behind it — at least in the earlier editions. I used to map out the route, book accommodation ahead of time, and line up destination activities, especially when we had a larger group. It helped avoid surprises and made the logistics smooth.

But things have changed over the years.

WMLR 2024 was just Tony and me — spontaneous, flexible, and free-flowing. We had no bookings, no agenda, and we simply rode where the roads and our stomachs led us. It worked beautifully.

This year, for WMLR 2025, we added a third rider — Alex — and it’s amazing how just one more person can subtly shift the group dynamic. The spirit of spontaneity remained, but we also became more mindful of each other’s preferences, making space for a slightly more considered kind of freedom.

We still didn’t book ahead. Each day we rode with a rough idea of direction, and figured things out as we went — whether it was a place to eat, somewhere to stay, or an interesting detour worth making.

Sometimes, when the walking distance was too far, we just hopped into a Grab. Other times, we walked through back alleys, riverside paths, and random side streets, discovering new places — or familiar ones with new flavours.

This post brings together the routes we took, the eating places we stopped at, the towns and areas we explored, and even a few of the supermarkets we wandered into — because sometimes, it’s in those everyday places that we find the most unexpected joys.

Whether you’re planning your own West Malaysian ride or simply curious about ours, I hope this is both useful and enjoyable to browse through.

Here’s a look back at the ride that was WMLR 2025.

I hope this will be interesting and useful for you as you embark on your own West Malaysian adventure!

Here are the hotels we stayed at while on this ride:

• Kuantan – Charisma Hotel
• Kuala Terengganu – Homestay Cik Phia
• Gerik – Salam Homestay D’Gerik
• Bentong – Bukit Bentong Homestay (I DO NOT recommend)
• Malacca – Rustic Secret Garden Homestay

While the links I have provided are from websites like Agoda, Booking.com and AirBNB, be sure to check with other booking sites to see if you can better rates and availability.

Until the Next Ride

Each WMLR brings with it new roads, new memories, and new lessons — and WMLR 2025 was no exception.

Whether it was the joy of finding the perfect bowl of noodles, the thrill of an unexpected mountain route, or just the simple rhythm of riding in good company, this trip reminded me (again) why we do this year after year.

I hope this post has given you a helpful look at where we went, what we found, and maybe even some ideas for your own ride.

Until the next WMLR —

Ride safe, ride curious, and never underestimate a good meal or a great detour.