SouthEast Asia – The Global Cycling 1726 Around The World Journey

Pontianak welcomes me

Just before and around the time just before ”take off” to Pontianak, I receive a message from Worldtracer that says…

– CGKGA76435 – Bag01/Red
– Your item has been found and will be received at its destination tomorrow, Pontianak.

That sounds good; I’ll have to return to the airport tomorrow, but I’m glad the bag has been found. I had estimated that the contents were worth around 1700-1800 $ if I had to buy equivalent items.

For the rest of the time until the departure at 15:25 from Gate 16, I’m mostly relaxed at my window seat. The check-in process goes smoothly, and we taxi towards the runway on schedule.
The plane barely takes off before I fall asleep with my headphones on, which I had plugged in to watch TV right in front of me on the seatback.

I wake up about 25 minutes before we’re supposed to land and see that the flight attendants have given me a tray with food and water. I finish the rice and chicken but leave the little container with some sweet pink dessert, dosn’t look tasty!

Pontianak below and Kapuas river floating throug

At 5:05 PM, the plane’s wheels touch down with a slight screech and then a strong but safe braking.

Waiting for Taxi to my hotel

The rest goes quickly with no issues at passport control. The airport isn’t particularly large, similar to Midlanda. The bags, except for the missing North Face bag, come gliding on the conveyor belt at Claim 3, and the bicycle box as well. I then head towards the exit.

Getting a ride to the hotel in Pontianak wasn’t difficult. Taxis are waiting outside the airport, and within three-quarters of an hour after getting my luggage, the taxi drives towards the entrance of Aiyr Pontianak Selatan Imam Bonjo.

The check-in at the hotel Merparti goes quickly since I’ve already booked the room via Hotels.com.

The room is on the third floor, but there’s no elevator, so I get some help carrying all my luggage. They place the bicycle box inside a sort of baggage room at the reception.

The hotel is two-star, but the room is quite decent with two single beds, TV, and air conditioning. Breakfast, included in the price, is served between 06:00 and 09:00.

Tonight, I’ll have an early night as I’m tired. Not much sleep at airport!

I’ll catch up with you later from the lively Pontianak on Borneo.
// P-G The Global Cyclist 1719

By The Global Cyclist 1726|2023-10-01T10:26:56+00:00februari 19th, 2019|Indonesia, SouthEast Asia|0 Comments

The island of Orangutans – Borneo

Soon, in about a day, I’ll be stepping foot in my twentieth country, the land of orangutans. I’m looking forward to this adventure with excitement and delight… Wow, I have to pinch myself for all the experiences and challenges I’m going to face.

Borneo, my planned route through island

Roughly an hour after departing from Changi Airport in Singapore, we touch down in Jakarta, Indonesia, at Soekarno-Hatta Airport. It’s pitch black outside, and the time is approaching 11:30 PM. My flight to Pontianak on Borneo is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon, so I’ll be spending a good chunk of time at this airport.

But first, I need to go through passport control, and the first thing I see when I enter the hall is a big sign obove my head that reads ”VISA on Arrival.”

There’s no line, so I approach an officer and inquire about how to apply for an extension of my already-granted 30 days. I don’t think 30 days will be enough to explore the island. He tells me that I need to purchase a card or receipt for $30, which, starting from today’s date and before my initial 30 days expire, should be presented to an immigration authority in one of the cities I’ll be passing through.

Then I’ll automatically get an extra 30 days on Borneo.

I pay the fee directly to the officer and then proceed across the hall to passport control, where I show both my passport and the newly acquired VISA card.

The woman says the same thing as the officer on the other side of the hall, that I should later present my passport and VISA Receipt in the city where I wish to extend by 30 days.

I receive my passport stamps and head towards baggage claim. There’s a sign that says ”Claim 6,” so I make my way there.

The suitcases start coming down the conveyor belt just as I arrive, and I load them onto a trolley.

I notice that my bike box is a little further down and steer the cart in that direction. Just as I’ve loaded the box onto the trolley, I realize that one bag is missing.

It’s the red North Face bag with a complete tent, mattress, liner, pillow, and silk sheets inside.

The belt has stopped, meaning no more bags are on their way. I find a service staff member and am advised to go to Garuda’s service office to file a loss report.

Using the stickers on my boarding pass, we note that a bag is missing, indicating that it’s the airline’s fault, not mine.

The luggage was checked in correctly in Singapore, as confirmed by my stickers.

I provide my mobile phone number, WhatsApp number, my address in Pontianak, and the man behind the desk takes note of everything. I receive a receipt for my report.

The receipt also contains their WhatsApp number and a reference number I should mention when calling.

I’m afraid it might be more than one night in Pontianak, I definitely want to get the North Face bag with the tent back before I continue.

I then push the trolley cart back towards the exit and take the escalators two floors up to terminal three and Gate F.

Up here, I’ll try to find somewhere to rest. I find a booth with the sign ”Scandinavian” above it, it fits me perfect

Inside the booth, there’s a sofa with a upright back, two light green armchairs, and a table. I try to get into a relaxed position so I can get a few minutes of sleep, but it doesn’t take long before the travelers start walking around, so I didn’t get much sleep.

Good night, it started off well with Indonesia…!!

See Yeah from Pontianak, Borneo
// P-G The Global Cyclist 1719

By The Global Cyclist 1726|2023-10-13T07:35:46+00:00februari 18th, 2019|General, Indonesia, SouthEast Asia|0 Comments

Tough cycling to Tanah Rata

Yesterday I did nothing, just walking about and visit the market. I also fixed my wristwatch, the chain link had broken and it cost me nothing.

The local markets are often popular and important for farmers

This day started well, good breakfast and easy cycling. The road is winding and the surroundings are full of plantations.

Just before Batu Gajah I meet a happy Malaysian gang on a bike. As usual, they want to take some selfies and I don’t say no. Most have some kind of mountain bike, hybrid bike and one of them has a Fatbike, they are all going to Batu Gajah.

A gang of malaysian cyclist stopped for selfies

The road continues fairly flat but the plantations of oil palms and bananas remain. I also see started oil palm plantations and it doesn’t look nice.

Eventually after 35 km I arrive at Simpang Pulaj and there I stop just after the exit at a street bar. It seems very popular because it is almost full and the staff runs shuttles between the tables, the kitchen and the dishes.

I was´nt hungry but coffee and two ice–filled glasses of Cameron Highland tea, which tasted lovely in the heat.

Then off and now the heat has come to some kind of peak, because it feels like you’re sitting in front of a fireplace and also the climb begins and it becomes both to work uphill with the pedals and to steer the bike uphill when it’s steepest.

I had planned to fill up with water in the next village, Pos Slim but for some reason I miss the turn–off.

It will be to continue to fight uphill and my thoughst and hope is that there will be some small stall along the road where I can fill up or buy water. Unfortunately I am disappointed, not a single village or shop and I do not have much water left, barely half a liter.

After 50 km I arrive at a waterfall, Sinju Fall, river Raya and I park the bike at the guardrail and walk down towards the waterfall. I sit down at the edge of the stream on some rocks and take off everything except my shorts and T–shirt and crawl into the water which despite the current was quite warm.

After 50 km I stopped when I saw a waterfall , Sinju Fall, beside the road…Oh my god, I love waterfalls.

Here I sit for probably half an hour and enjoy the surroundings and the cooling off before I get on my Long Haul Trucker for more climbing upwards!

Half past three the rain comes, not much but a little more than drizzle and it feels liberating. The heat drops drastically The heat drops drastically which I do not oppose.

The road continue upwards km after km, not very steep but still upwards. The heat and humidity force me to do some small stops.
At one of these I get a tip from to guys, roadworkes to fill water from a pipe that water flows from the rock. First I was suspicious but the water looks very clean, tastes good and I was in dire need of refilling my bottles so I’m taking a chance.

After replenishing, I just have to continue the diabolical climb uphill and unfortunately there are also few places where I can camp.

An opportunity arises after one of many slopes, an electric power station that is open and has paved surfaces. This place will fit my needs I thought.

I steered the bike in and was just about to lock the bike to one of the masts stanchion when I discover that the place is a giant haunt for spiders.
No small spiders either, some are dm big, and many they are also, maybe a hundred of them.

This electric power station was a home for hundreds of spiders

I left the place quickly to find a less spider–popular spot. The surroundings especially on my left side just get more and more powerful and the mists from the rain rising up towards the mountain tops make it a bit dramatic views.

Dramatic views over Cameron Highland rain forset

Next attempt at a large green area above the road where there are also a number of small houses, mostly similar to barracks, but with some nice green areas around but two old ladies and an elderly gentleman just waving their hands in the negative and I understand that they do not want any tented Scandinavians.

It is now just after half past six and it is hurrying to find a suitable place before darkness falls, but it does not look good.

On the right side of the road only slopes upwards and dense rainforest, on the left it plunges straight down hundreds of meters. The small green area that exists is occupied by the road barriers.

Just before 6 pm I saw two distance signs, one on the left side and the other on the opposite side and here there is room for my tent and the sign pole will be perfect to lock up for my bike.

After almost 70 km cycling I found this green spot to pitch up my tent

The problem was to take the bike from the road down into the ditch and up the other side, it will be difficult but it is possible.

At 7 pm my tent was pitched up, a half–cold beer and two loaves of bread with sausages. Then I plug in the earbuds as usual and listen to one of many downloaded SR programs.

My program of choice tonightis about a gang, the Blekingegade gang in Denmark that belongs to KAK, Kommunistisk Arbejdskreds that carries out lots of mail robberies to send the money to the PFLP, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.

Outside, the trucks thunder past and I could hear that it’s hard for them too. I’ve set the alarm for 07:15 because tomorrow will also be pretty hard. Have about 40 km left to Cameron Highland and to the top of the mountain.

Today distance	66,3 km	Travel time	05:41 h.m	Total time	08:24 h.m
Max speed	39,7 km/h	Medium speed	11,7 km/h
Max temp	40 °C	Average temp	32 °C	Min temp	26 °C

Seea Yeah Later
// P-G, The Global Cyclist 1719

By The Global Cyclist 1726|2024-11-19T10:55:17+00:00januari 21st, 2019|General, Malaysia, SouthEast Asia|0 Comments

The heat almost kill me

I wake up just before 8, the traffic has kept me half asleep since maybe half past six. Before I leaft the hotel, I asked for hot water for coffee, it will be my breakfast today in the morning.

Then carry all the stuff down, pack the bike and pull away around 10 past nine. Getting out of Kamunting is no problem. Just follow the thoroughfare for three or four km and then turn left and keep an eye out for signs that show Ipoh.

When I arrive in Taiping, I hade two choices, take the right road towards Kuala Kangsar or straight ahead along road 60 towards Beruas.

It will be the last option, although I don’t really know why, it just turned out that way.

The road is crooked and surrounded by oil palm and banana plantations. The traffic is sparse and the road is good but I can’t get rid of the heat!

There will be a few stops for water and ice refills. In George Town at Abu Garcia I bought a new waterproof bag to keep food and drinks in, have also thought about begging or buying crushed ice in plastic bags as cooling. Almost every roadside vendor always has a box of ice bags. Works pretty well, keeps the water reasonably cold almost a whole bike day. I’m thinking of covering the bag inside with aluminum foil, but that will have to be a later operation.

The further into the day I get, the heat increases and when it also stops blowing completely, it sometimes becomes almost unbearable.At half past two I cycle into Beruas and stop at a lunch restaurant along the thoroughfare with the Chinese–sounding name Kong Heng.

Lunch in Beruas

The restauran was almost full booked. I order the simplest from the menu, fried rice, chicken pieces and tomatoes.

Continuing after 40 minutes of lunch, follow road number 73 and later along the Sungai Perak River towards Parit.

Sungai Perak River

A few small stops to shade yourself from the sun and some water refill. The road is still curvy and the plantations never end.

Typical road between Beruas and Parit

But it’s a fun road to ride on, always exciting to see what shows up after the next corner. In front of me I also see the mountains that I have to cross or through to get to Cameron Highland.

It will be a challenge that is good enough. Graphhopper Maps, another map app I have on my phone, has drawn up that it will be climbing for just over 70 km!

The area is awesome green and beautiful and known for its tea plantations so I just have to experience this. It will take as long as it takes.

There will be a last stop and a wet cold towel over your head about 10 km here from Parit. Stop at a large tree that provides some shade. The ice in the bag comes in handy now, wet the towel as best I can and put it over my head.

Necessary rest from heat

I arrive at Parit just before half past six pm and feel worn out much like the day before yesterday. Staying at the city’s only hotel, which is located on the Sungai Perak River.

My hotel in Parit, Lanai Cempaka Sari @ Parit. Newly built and fresh

Later in the evening I took a round in the neighbourhood.

Today’s distance: 83.0 km Travel time: 05.02 a.m. Total time: 07.25 t.m

Maximum speed: 44.4 km/h Average speed: 16.5 km/h

Max temp: 43 0 °C Medium temp: 37 0 °C Min temp: 27 0 °C

See Yeah Later
// P-G, The Global Cyclist

By The Global Cyclist 1726|2024-11-14T22:14:53+00:00januari 19th, 2019|General, Malaysia, SouthEast Asia|0 Comments

Cameron Highlands next

The first day after 7 weeks in George Town could be felt in my legs, before I reached my destination for the evening my legs cramped several times. Additionally, the heat and humidity were brutal.

I was also accompanied by the traffic police, who pointed out that I was cycling where I shouldn’t. They safely guided me for the remaining 6 km to a turn-off.

Late afternoon I cycled into Kamunting and choose a cheap two star hotel for two nights.

Today’s distance: 119.0 km Travel time: 06.53 h.m Total time: 09.13 h.m.

Maximum speed: 38.2 km/h Average speed: 17.3 km/h

Max temp: 43 °C Medium temp: 35 0 °C Min temp: 23,0 °C

See Yeah Later
//P-G, The Global Cyclist

By The Global Cyclist 1726|2024-11-14T22:15:09+00:00januari 18th, 2019|General, Malaysia, SouthEast Asia|0 Comments

Now I’m leaving Penag and George Town and heading southeast

After almost 7 weeks on island Penag and George Town its time to go further, southeast heading Cameron Highland.

My bicycle is up to date, new tyres and rear cassette and I also bought my self a pair of new bicycle shoes.

The other shoes had done their job, almost 20000 km, so it was time for new fresh shoes This is my last picture from George Town, and I’m ready for new rigours.

After almost 7 weeks it was time to head southeast

To cross Strait of Malacca to mainland I’ve two options, both includes bridges. The Penang Bridge is a heavily trafficked bridge and it leads to Butterworth, but there is also another bridge. About 17 km south Gerorge Town a new bridge, Penang Second Bridge (Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge) opend 2014 and it leads across the Straits and about 30 km south of Butterworh.

It also seems to be more nice and safer to ride on. Is a dual carriageway bridge with separate lane for MC and bicycles. 24 km long and 17 km over water. Longest bridge in Malaysia and the second longest in Southeast Asia.

24 km long and separated lane for me and my bicycle,and there was little traffic

By The Global Cyclist 1726|2024-11-13T00:44:34+00:00januari 16th, 2019|Malaysia, SouthEast Asia|0 Comments

Brief information about George Town, street food and street art and doors

George Town is located on the island of Penang, one of Malaysia’s largest islands and known as Malaysia’s food paradise, Penang is also colloquially known as the ”Pearl of the Orient” and ”Pearl Island”. I agree.

Map over Penang Island

Penang is the third largest economy and is the only part of Malaysia where the population mostly consists of Chinese and Indier During the 18th century when Penang was under British rule.

George Town is also famous and known as one of Southeast Asia’s best places for street food, it´s cheap, very good and healthy, I do recommend everyone to test it.

Street Food in George Town is known for its diverse and vibrant culinary scene, offering a mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian, cuisines.
The best places to enjoy street food include places like Gurney Drive, Chulia Street night market, and Kimberley Street.

If you, like me, have discovered this gem in Malaysia there is some must-try dishes to try before yoy leave…

Char Koay Teow (stir-fried rice noodles), Asam Laksa (spicy noodle soup), Penang Rojak (fruit and vegetable salad), and Cendol (iced sweet dessert)

You can choose to eat beside the food stand, often they have tables, or ask for a bag to bring with you to your hotel.

Note. Ask friendly if the dishes are spicy, some of the are very ”hot”

Another thing I discovered and noted with George Town was all the street and mural art. It´s packed with colorful, vibrant and stunning street art. You can´t just passed by them, you must stop and admire the works of art and its artists. Some of the murals even involve physical objects.

Down below some examples of mural art. There are dozens of murals scattered throughout the historic streets, new artworks appear, and others fade out

Brother & Sister

Kids On A Bicycle

MC Babe

Teach You Speak Hokkien

Marching Man

The Indien Boatman

Wondering Man

Air Pollution

During my stay in George Town, which lasted just under 7 weeks—most of that time due to my dengue fever—I had the opportunity to explore and look around.

The British influence is significant. They have left a strong cultural and architectural legacy in George Town, which today is known for its colonial architecture, multicultural history, and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.

Aside from all the murals and beautiful old houses, I was also delighted to see all the beautifully painted and designed doors, entrances, and windows.

Below are some of my favorites.

Blue Door

Light red Door

Cerise Door

Brown Door

By The Global Cyclist 1726|2024-11-13T00:46:22+00:00januari 11th, 2019|Malaysia, SouthEast Asia|0 Comments

Good environmental news from Malaysia

Good Enviromental News From Malaysia
Due to my concern about the deforestation of the rainforest for oil palm plantations, Malaysia announces that they will not allow anymore oil palm plantations and that they will protect 50% of the rainforest.

Photograph by Matthias Klum, Nat Geo Image Collection

Perhaps the protests against the deforestation of the rainforest begin to pay off! I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it’s true

See Yeah Later
// P-G, The Global Cyclist
Member of Green Parti, Sweden

By The Global Cyclist 1726|2024-11-11T23:04:46+00:00januari 8th, 2019|Malaysia, SouthEast Asia|0 Comments

Gets a glimpse of the Pabuk storm

The news shows and reports on the unusual tropical storm ”Pabuk” that hit southern Thailand. The meteorological department said the storm had maximum sustained winds of 47 mph or 21 m/s when it made land shortly after noon, but Malaysia is lucky and Pabuk will only touch the island of Penang which I have nothing against.

Pabuk storm is coming over Penang

It’s not a good time to be outside right now…

In the afternoon, I’m down by one of the beaches and saw the approaching storm coming in and it was rainin heavily on the mainland. Time to
go home.
Down here rainy weather is usually intense and I dont have an umbrella, but does not last very long!

See Yeha Later
// P-G, The Global Cyclist

By The Global Cyclist 1726|2024-11-11T22:47:41+00:00januari 5th, 2019|Malaysia, SouthEast Asia|0 Comments

New Year in George Town and climbing at walls

24/12 – 3/1 2019

My fever has subsided but I still have pain in the body, neck, and upper back. Instead, I’ve suffered from some kind of nausea and dizziness.

New Year’s Eve was not great, I lay most of the day thinking about whether I would get sick to my stomach as well. In addition, the New Year’s celebration does not seem to be a high priority here. No fireworks or festivities.

My plan was to restar my journey january 1 but I change my mind.

I have checked out my planned route from George Town on Pulau Pinang to Pekan on east coast and then down to Singapore. Covering a distance of 900 km. This route also include a tour up to Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands, a popular tourist attraction, especial the tea farms, mossy forest.
Cameron Highlands, ia located 1,500 meters above sea level

Route George Town – Tanah Rata – Mersing – Singapore

Tea plantation up in the Cameron Highlands

To day is Thursday January 3 and I am still left in George Town. I dont feel any stress since I have 90 days to stay in Malaysia before I need a VISA.
I don´t want to start to early and risk that I get a relapse of the fever.

See Yeah Later
// P-G, The Global Cyclist

By The Global Cyclist 1726|2024-11-11T23:06:16+00:00januari 3rd, 2019|Malaysia, SouthEast Asia|0 Comments

Brother & Sister

Kids On A Bicycle

MC Babe

Teach You Speak Hokkien

Marching Man

The Indien Boatman

Wondering Man

Air Pollution

Blue Door

Light red Door

Cerise Door

Brown Door

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