Redang island beach

Redang Island – Cameron Highlands 

Pulau Redang

A boat ride away from mainland lies Pulau Redang. Our speed boat sails from Kuala Terengganu and the trip should take little over an hour in good weather – Which we do not have!

Heading outside the breakers in the harbour, the waves immediately show their power! I am a relatively seasoned sailor but sitting inside the tin can being tossed around made me a little apprehensive.

 

Eventually after the strenuous trip close to Redang, we changed to an open landing craft / ferry-type boat and eventually to a smaller speed boat taking us across the waves to the island. A further short ride on the back of a tractor to our resort where the jetty had been washed away by the waves – some four hours after embarking in Terengganu.

Well, the island is famous for its crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches. It is one of nine islands, which form a marine sanctuary park offering snorkeling and diving opportunities and is an important conservation site for sea turtles

Due to heavy seas, no diving for us but instead, quad bike riding in the woods!

Photo Fikri Danial Khairuddin
Photo Fikri Danial Khairuddin

Cameron Highlands

dav

It is the most extensive hill station (read: hill town) in the country, named after William Cameron who surveyed the area late 19th century. Its eight settlements are all at elevations ranging from 1,100 metres (3,600 ft) to 1,600 metres (5,200 ft) above sea level.

The tableland is one of the oldest tourist spots in Malaysia. Noted for its tea estates, cool weather,  orchardsnurseriesfarmlandswaterfallsriverslakeswildlifemossy forestgolf coursehotelsplaces of worshipbungalowsmuseum and its aborigines Orang Asli, the oldest inhabitants of Peninsular Malaysia.

Return to Kuala Lumpur

KL in the distance. View from Genting Highlands

Leaving Cameron Highlands behind, our route took us to most fantastic smaller, winding roads. Adding great food at a biker stop and a tour to Genting Highlands made the day a perfect riding day.

Someday.bike sticker!

Eventually we had to return to main arteries leading back to KL and to MMG base for the end of the ride satay!

Our team around steamboat dinner at Cameron Highlands – Our last supper!

What a great week it has been. Highlands, lowlands, rain, sunshine, sea cruise to an island resort, good food and good times with great people! Many thanks to all!

Our Route

The route

To whom – MMG

Malaysia has very good roads and general infrastructure and is well suited for even bigger touring bikes, still offering great riding roads. The choice of hotels is good for most tastes.

Touring another country on a motorbike is generally a personal adventure.  On this tour we did not do demanding or off-road adventure biking but stayed on paved roads. Though the roads were great winding roads with sweeping turns, they are well suited for anyone with at least some riding skills. Although in our group we had some very experienced riders, both track and touring, everyone enjoyed the tour.

The guys at MMG – Feizal, Zahed and Danial – did a fantastic job keeping everyone happy. They really provided a relaxed and safe general environment for the ride.

Our tour was branded The Island Escapade. MMG offers wide choice form self guided (bike rental) to fully guided and catered rides as well as off-road tours.

There are many providers for bike rentals and tours  in Malaysia. Based on this experience, even if you were a little apprehensive about riding in a more exotic location, I can recommend MMG to anyone dreaming of someday riding in Malaysia. To prove the point, most riders in our group were not first-timers with MMG!