Malaysia

From biketrip.org

Jump to: navigation, search

Wikipedia has an article about:

Malaysia

Arriving in Malaysia

[edit] Where to go

Cycling rules in Malaysia

Wearing a helmet is optional.

Wearing a reflective vest is optional.

Bicycle lights are optional.

Reflectors on wheels and pedals are optional.

Bicycle bells are optional.

Cycling on the sidewalk is allowed !

[edit] Sabah & Sarawak (Borneo)

Interested cyclists can ride from Kuching (in Borneo's west, in the State of Sarawak) all the way to Tawau (Sabah) at the eastern-most border to Indonesia. Unfortunately, much of the road now runs through palm oil plantations which makes for very boring scenery. Te fact that all flora has been cut back 10 meters on both sides of the road eliminates all protection from the elements. The predominant wind direction is from west to east, so this might be the direction you should consider riding in as well. The wind gets progressively stronger during the day.

[edit] West Malaysia

There is plenty of potential riding in West Malaysia. The roads are good and with the exception of the central mountians (around Cameroon highlands), Malaysia is pretty flat. The west coast is pretty buys with traffic and it's recommended to stay of the main highways (indicated with an E, i.e. E1). Much of the west coast is developed and inbetween the many towns, you'll find much palm oil plantation. The cities Kuala Lumpur and Georgetown are highlights on the western coast, as are the beach islands of Langkawi and Pangkor.

[edit] Accommodation

Generally, accommodation standards in West and East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak) are good.

[edit] Hotels

Mostly Chinese run hotels can be found in all larger towns and cities in Sabah and Sarawak (East Malaysia). While the attentiveness of the staff sometimes leaves to be desired, cleanliness is usually OK and they make for good (Borneo) value. A double room in Borneo will set you back 40-70 Ringgit, depending on the town. In West Malaysia, additionally to the Chinese run hotels, you'll find a variety of budget accommodation geared towards backpacker tourists. Added competition results in lower prices and usually, you should be able to find a room between 30-60 Ringgit. Do check the cleanliness of your room, especially in the backpacker places, as bed bugs can be a problem.

[edit] Long Houses

There's two ways of staying in Long Houses in Borneo: a) self-organized stay with traditional or modern Long House communities or b) staying at LHs organized through a travel agent. While the former might feel more real, it should also be understood that an invitation is generally expected in order to stay at LHs and you should not assume that they are happy to accommodate you! Getting to the more remote and more traditional LHs is best done through a travel agent - but make sure you get what you're expecting, some of the stays can be very 'simple'.

[edit] Camping

Camping in Sabah and Sarawak is possible on the more remote roads. There are some 'park rekreasi' along the main roads, which can be used for camping. It's also possible to camp on the grounds of churches which often have a good lawn. Ask the minister first though.

[edit] Food & Drinks

Malay, Chinese and Indian food can be found in most Malaysian towns and cities. Food is generally good and clean. Malaysian food is centered around Nasi Goreng and Mie Goreng, both often supplemented with chicken (ayam), shrimp (udang) and/or egg (telur). There is plenty of fish (ikan) on offer, usually barbecued (bakar). Vegetables are available in form of green veggies (sayur) bean sprouts, squash and potatoes.

[edit] East Malaysia

Distances between towns in Borneo can be substantial, so bring at least some snacks and definitely enough water. There are water vending machines in some Sabahen towns which sell safe and cheap water for a few Malaysian cents per liter. Restaurants where the long-distance buses stop for food are your best bet for warm food on the road both in Sabah and Sarawak. These can be 40-50 kilometers apart though.

[edit] West Malaysia

On the western coast of West Malaysia, you should never have a problem finding food and liquids as the next town is never far away. If there is no town with restaurant, you can always rely on modern gas stations which usually come with a convenience store.

[edit] Budget

[edit] East Malaysia

A double room at a hotel is between 40-70 Ringgit. A simple meal for one person including a coffee is around 5 Ringgit. A 1.5 liter bottle of water is 1.80 Ringgit while a can of beer will usually set you back 3-4 Ringgit.

[edit] West Malaysia

A double room at a hotel is between 30-60 Ringgit. A simple meal for one person including a coffee is around 4-5 Ringgit. A 1.5 liter bottle of water is 1.80 Ringgit while a can of beer will usually set you back 5-6 Ringgit.

[edit] Traffic

Malaysia road system

Local name for roads authorized to cyclists

To be completed

Local name for roads forbidden to cyclists

To be completed

[edit] East Malaysia

Traffic on the main roads can be substantial and the logging and palm oil trucks can make riding unpleasant and dangerous. Sundays seem to be the best riding days, as less trucks are on the road then. Traffic off the beaten track can be either much lighter (per example between Ranau and Tenom) or exclusively logging and palm oil trucks (per example to Bakun Dam).

[edit] West Malaysia

Riding into Kuala Lumpur, Selangor

Traffic on the western side of the peninsula is considerable (on smaller main roads) to heavy (on highways). Many roads have wide shoulders therefore is the riding usually not dangerous despite the traffic. Riding into Kuala Lumpur is definitely a thrill due to the heavy traffic. Within the city (on an unloaded bicycle) getting around is often quicker by bicycle than by taxi.

[edit] Public Transportation

[edit] East Malaysia

The main routes of Borneo are frequented with regular long distance buses. If in need, it should be possible to flag down a bus and evacuate to the next bigger town without problem. More off the beaten track destinations, see less public transportation traffic and a cyclist in need might be forced to employ the services of private car, which will be substantially more expensive.

[edit] West Malaysia

West Malaysia has an extensive network of buses connecting all sizable towns with the centers such as Kuala Lumpur, Butterworth and Johr. There's a (slow) train service connecting the whole peninsula all the way up to Thailand. Bicycles can be taken on a bus without extra charge, although sometimes in needs a bit convincing. (Ask to see the policy if the driver wants to charge you.)