Thailasia Tour Part 7: Malaysia Briefly. Betong - Penang
It felt like I was already in Malaysia before I arrived. Mosques replaced temples at the roadside, and Malay was more commonly spoken than Thai in many villages and towns. Thailand’s most southern provinces retain stronger cultural and linguistic connections to their southern neighbour, being as they were once Malay states.
While I still had a few weeks left on my Thailand visa, after 11 weeks and almost 4500 km of cycling, it was time to finally cross into Malaysia.
With only a few weeks left until my return flight to the UK, I changed my original plan to cycle to Kuala Lumpur - choosing instead to ride straight to the island of Penang where my brother lives. With frequent flights from here to the capital, I decided to make this the end of the road on this current tour - a mere 200 km or so of cycling in a country that deserves far more. There’s always next year perhaps.
Easy immigration procedures. Many nationalities receive a 90-day free stay upon arrival in Malaysia.
There are at least half a dozen international border crossings between Thailand and Malaysia.
New country, new language and menu. I found prices more or less the same as Thailand for a simple meal in Malaysia - £1.50-2.00.
Chicken and rice - £1.50. Simple, fresh and good value.
Bike curiosity. One of the first things I noticed when crossing into Malaysia is how much easier it was to interact with people. Most Malaysians speak some level of English, which is not the case in Thailand.
Still seeking out the dirt tracks through farmland in rural Malaysia.
Accommodation for the first night in Malaysia and the only budget option. Around £10, but lacking a window.
My ride to Penang the following day included riding with this friendly bunch of Malaysians, who called me over at a roadside cafe.
Onto the island of Penang. Full of colonial history.
Century-old colonial buildings remain amongst modern high-rises.
Family time for a few weeks.
My time in Penang coincided with a major hindu festival.
Reminding me of the colour and craziness that is India and the Hindu religion. The 3-day Thaipasum festival is a major celebration on Penang.
Georgetown, the historical capital of Penang, is known for its street-art, with this being the most famous and photographed.
Worth walking around for a day or two.
As Georgetown is a World Heritage site, many of its streets retain their traditional infrastructure.
Penang is a relatively small and densely populated island, but there are some quiet beaches on the western side.
And a few quiet stretches of road.
With a few trails to explore. I spent one day cycling a loop of the island.
Worth returning to Malaysia for the diversity of food.
Boxing up time. For the first ever time, I reluctantly had to pay for this empty box. Usually bike shops want to get rid of them - not here.
Bike boxed and luggage in a laundry bag. Next stop…..England.
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