Bicycle Touring – Page 20 – Simply cycling around

Singapore, first look around the city centre

First day visiting the city centre of Singapore and finally I’ve discovered the famous “boat building”. Today, I mainly tried to figure out how and where to get free internet. Actually there isn’t… To use the one from the library, I need a local phone number to be able to register. I could get internet from Starbuck but felt better buying something and Starbuck can be expensive… The last night I did not sleep very well and especially not enough so I booked two nights in a backpacker and will use that time to organise myself.

Johor > Singapore (53km)

My first day in Singapore! The day started like normal. I knew I had to deal with the immigration. It even became a bit complicate and annoying. Finally I got in and the first sight was not really positive. It was industrial or there was high buildings everywhere. When I got closer to Singapore city centre I’ve discovered special tracks for bicycle and even an old railway that became the “Greenway” or “Green Corridor” which runs more than 10km. I was cycling through the city and could only occasionally hear traffic or see building. I’ve ended in a park where I slept.

Jalan Parit Sikom > Johor (64km)

Last night was ok, I slept dry. Today is another story. I’m approaching Singapore and before that the city of Johor. I tried to get as much as possible off the busy road but at some point if I want to go forward a bit I had to do some compromise. Actually cyclists are allowed to be onto those roads, it doesn’t seem right.

South Batu Pahat > Jalan Parit Sikom (69km)

The last night was better and the spot I found was very quiet. This morning I could see the squirrels jumping from tree to tree or running so fast along the trunks. I packed everything and was on the road. Today again, I stayed on that main secondary road most of the time. I expected to find a pharmacy somewhere to buy more stuff for my wounds. Then I came back on tiny roads and enjoy a local drift event before I found a my new spot for the night. That was a good varied day :-)

Semarah > South Batu Pahat (42km)

My first night in the bush in Malaysia was quite good, except the moon is too bright! I could not sleep because of this. My mask was somewhere in my bag but being too comfy in my hammock I did not want to go out again and let mosquitos enter inside. Today was kind of a short day cycling. I’ve done lots of things on the side like washing my clothes and go to the doctor again. I forgot something important, taking pictures! It happens…
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Melaka > Semerah (75km)

First day travelling in Malaysia! Wow finally I made it. It was hard to wake up this morning but I’m happy to be on the road again :-). For now, I want to reach Singapore or around and then cycle north on the east coast. In about two weeks I will be back in Malacca for one night only because I must collect a parcel. First good thing about Malaysia, there is not that much traffic and I can find some roads, even path with no one on it! Well almost, because I’ve seen goanas, monkeys and other birds :-)

Dumai (10km) > ferry express (~120km, 1h20) > Malacca (5km)

I’ve been telling that story for a while now: “I’m going to Dumai to catch a ferry to Malacca, Malaysia”. I’ve learned how to say it in Indonesian: “Saya mau pergi Dumai dan ferry di Malacca, Malaysia”. Today is the day, I got there :-) This morning we did a photoshoot with the family, friends and neighbours. The man I met yesterday, his wife and their son guided me through to city. Firstly we went to the place where to purchase the ferry ticket (300.000 IDR about $30 AUD) and then to the ferry station. I don’t know the address as I was following the guy through the city on his scooter. Few minutes later I was going towards Malacca at a pretty fast speed. The trip last around 1 hour and 20 minutes. When arrived I pass through the immigration. It was much faster than I thought it would be! That’s cool! Then I’ve cycle to my accommodation where I will stay few days and especially work on my blog. I took some time to have a short visit of this new city.