MY FIRST SOLO TRIP - MALACCA
21 MARCH 2009
Distance covered 423km

Today I done a solo tour ride to Malacca after the planned Endau Rompin group trip was cancelled. I choose Malacca as the destination because the distance is ideal [not too far or short] for my comfort. Plus it was the birth place of my father.

Before the trip, it was a hard decision should I do it alone because it can be stressful and problematic if anything happens in a foreign land - bike breakdown, stolen, robbed etc.

I decided to do it, to venture it out, to see what it is like. In life, if we're constantly fear of this and that, we won't be able to achieve much. and not to forget we only lived once....

I began the journey doing some errand from 8am and reached the usual 2nd link GP Petronas at 9am to top up fuel and have a light breakfast, so I can try more Malacca delicacies.

This is what I'd - a 1.5l 100plus [which I always bought to drink during my trip along the way] and a peanut bread.

I reached Pagoh Shell through North-South Highway after 1.5hrs, travelling around 120~130kmh, distance 146km. I love Shell V-power which makes my engine feel smooth. I thought of top-up my fuel at Ayer Keroh to save time as I believe my super-four fuel tank is able to last till Ayer Keroh. But since I'm on my own, I played safe to top-up at Pagoh.

Meet a group of Singapore Yamaha FJR bikers, chat with the lead-man, they are going to Seremban waterfall and asked if I want to tag alone. I replied courteously that I'm doing a solo trip to Malacca and thanks for his offer. I'd like to continue with my solo trip.

We chatted and at the same time resting. I moved off together with them and proceed to Malacca with my MP3. The ride was hot and my ear was 'hurt' with the 'bulky' earpiece but can still tolerate for the only 'companion' I've.

Travelling at 120~130kmh, I can barely hear the music + the sound of the 'hissing' wind which is louder than my music. :(

As I approached the entrance of Malacca thru Bandar Melaka, I slowed down to make sure I do not overshot. I gauged where is Bandar Melaka thru my bike meter. Malacca is est. 204km.

Into Malacca street, I rode at 60 kmh as I'm not familiar with the places I'm going especially Jonker street.

Although Malacca is the 3rd smallest Malaysian state, it is bustling with tourists. Traffic is heavy and can see tour buses with loads and loads of tourists.

Malacca is bursting with life which is the opposite of Ipoh that is slow, serene and gives one a relax feel.

The state is divided into 3 districts, that is Central Melaka (Melaka Tengah) (314 km²), Alor Gajah (660 km²), and Jasin (676 km²).

I reached Central Melaka total about 2 or 2.5hrs from GP Petronas. I took some picutres of the places of interest.

I did not go in the World Heritage, the Chirst Church and miss out other attraction as I just want to familiar with the places. And I'll be coming to Malacca again next 2 weeks with 20+ bikes and still counting. The group tour was getting hot and I just can't believe that it was originated with few of our usual kakis and now expanded to 20+ bikers. Is like the Labis waterfall trip which i went with 30 bikers and is so 'grand'. :)

World Heritage with my maps; The Melaka iconic Christ Church; Chinese Temple

Rode into Jonker street and feeling hungry, I went to search for the something to eat and famous chendol. Not going to try the famous chicken rice ball as it is very crowded and the one that is quiet is not the original.

Jonker street, it is a one-way, one lane street with cars park beside it. Saw a chendol 'stall' with lots of patrons and decided this is the one I'm going to try.

I have a hard time to park my bike, saw one small 'lot' and I just squeezed in-between the cars. Told the 'stall' boss that I'd remove my bike if the owner of the car wanted to move out. The owner with a 'expression-less' face told me that that was his car. That's just too good for me as I can comfortably and worry-free to eat my lunch.

I ordered a normal baba-chendol with gula malaka [which Malacca is famous of. I've tried Ayer Hitam chendol, it is indian style and 'saltish' type] and baba laska RM3.50. I like the laska, it kind of like penang-laska. Chendol-wise ok, not too sweet to my liking and feel refreshed under the hot sun that my arms also perspire....

Park my bike; Chendol and laksa stall; Chendol & Laksa; the other plate is others, sharing of table :)

Chicken-rice ball stall

Walk, ride, walk, ride and i bought the Malacca state flag badge as a souvenir of my trip. Decide to head home after around 2 hrs i think in Malacca.

Head back to North South Highway and half-way thru in Machap, it's raining. I was drenched and went home thru 1st link. Reached home around 5pm.

<<< Raining @ Machap

For this trip, I've done some preparation work especially studying the maps which I feel is important. What is the place famous for - food, place of interest, culture etc

The good point of doing solo is I can travel at the speed I want and comfortable with, stop anytime, go anywhere but the minus point is no one to consult, to ask if anything happens. Can be lonely and that's the reason I'm not staying over.

This trip make me feel is much better to travel at least with a companion for morale support as it's a lone journey of total 8hrs, for company, to chat during trip.

Will I do solo trip again, I don't know because is a challenge and 'achievement' to me for doing solo... :D


I bought Malacca state flag here; Stopped by machap to relax my 'tight' right thigh


Insects covered my visor; Feeling hungry and grab 2 curry puff from Pagoh Esso