Countries – Page 35 – Simply cycling around

Melaka, second visit

Today from 4pm, when the weather is not that hot, I’ve decided to have another go cycling in the city of Melaka (or Malacca). Melaka is a world heritage city since the 9th July 2009 and has a characterial city centre. It divides by the river of the same name (sungai Melaka). The most evident thing about this place is the multicultural side and the several architecture you can find all combined together. Maybe I miss it very much I don’t know but I feel I was in Disneyland again in some part of the city. Especially with those taxi-bicycle that have took over the place.

Melaka, visit and eating around

Since I came in Melaka, I didn’t take many pictures around. For lunch and dinner I’m always going out because there is no kitchen in the backpacker where I stay. The food is very cheap here so I can keep under 10$ for now. Later, when I will start travelling, I will try to stay under 6$ budget like in Indonesia. Maybe I will have to cook one meal per day. For now, between my blog sessions I’m going out at different time per day, to get some “fresh” air and have something to eat. Most of the time, I’m front of my laptop. I won’t leave Melaka before my blog is completely updated and this one is my last post!

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.

Step, Solok > Dumai (771km, 12 days)

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The third and last step was a nice ride around the lake Maninjau and around western Sumatra in general. I met another very nice family with who I stayed only 2 nights because I was not sure how long it would take to get to Dumai before the end of my visa. I would have stayed more if I could. Then I’ve crossed the mountains and got back to Bukittinggi. Finally I’ve headed through flat lands until I caught the Ferry for Malacca.

Desa Sepahat (dormitory school) > Dumai (58km)

This is my last day cycling in Indonesia! I will get as close as possible to Dumai today so tomorrow morning I will catch the ferry to Malaysia. I stayed part of the morning with the students team and after breakfast hit the road towards Dumai. I stopped in a Warung for lunch and the rain start shortly after that. Lucky me! Finally I got to Dumai and during I was looking for a spot I met a guy who offered me to sleep at his house. Indonesia is too easy to travel to!

Sungai Selari > Desa Sepahat (dormitory school) (45km)

Lots of variety today :-) I had a good sleep last night. The guys did not come back to sleep with me ;-) I left quite early as I was largely visible from the road. For the first time since I’ve been in Sumatra, I could see the sea! Then I was invited to have a drink with people who organised a wedding. I met two other cyclist from Ukraine! And finally when I stopped in a Warung for lunch I met two students who invited me to spend the rest of the afternoon and the night in their dormitory. I really enjoy the time with them. Two of the girls spoke a good english so we could exchange a lot and learn from each other. One of the best in Sumatra! Thanks guys! Unfortunately I could not stay longer because tomorrow is my last day. Then I will catch the boat to Malacca :-)

Bunga Raya > Sungai Selari (53km)

Hey, that’s another day today (of course!). I had breakfast with the family I met yesterday night then I was cycling in an area where there was lots of beautiful houses. At lunch time I met a family who owns a warung and then move to the house of the brother. He showed me many things about his culture and also how to prepare halal meat. I think I should definitely stop eating meat… This evening I found a spot in a field next to mosque between two palm trees and set up my campsite until two guys came to me. That was not the police, only two young guys who wanted “fotos” ah ah. Sorry, but my hammock is for one person only, you must go back home :-) Indonesian are too friendly sometimes :-)