After a ride to Senai (about 80km in total) with Dad a few weekends back, the urge to explore Johor further became irresistible. After some research done over the Internet (especially with Google Maps and cycling websites), I had in mind a few viable routes to explore. Kota Tinggi and Pontian were two options accessible by the Woodlands Checkpoint while Pengerang had to be accessed by boat via the Tanjung Pengelih jetty. After experiencing the human jam (more like motorbike jam) and choking exhausts at the Woodlands checkpoint, Pengerang suddenly seemed the better option. Better still, Kerry, Zi Kai and Guang Hao were willing to come along!
Thus, on the morning of 26 July 08, we assembled at Changi Village at around 9.30a.m. Kerry chose to bring his Diamondback Coil while Guang Hao borrowed a certain more ancient soft-tail from him. I stuck with my M20, choosing to ride 30km from home in the north to Changi Village, coincidentally meeting Kerry and G.H. on the way. Zi Kai rented a Raleigh Mojave 4.0 and we headed for the Ferry Terminal. The trip to Tanjung Pengelih by bumboat cost $8 per pax and $3 per bike.
Reaching Tanjung Pengilih at just after 11a.m, we cleared the customs and set off for Sungei Rengit by the coastal road (J52), deviating slightly for some off-road fun. It took us about an hour before we reached the small town. There were several motels to check out and we settled for a cosy room for four at just RM80 per night! That means each of us just have to pay less than $10! There was even a luxurious, spacious room with LCD TV available for only RM140 but we decided that spartan living conditions were satisfactory for just a night. After lunch at Marrybrown's where we were quite disgusted at the hygiene level of the food, we headed for Desaru (via route 90).
The stars of the trip @ Changi Ferry Terminal (left) and the small town of Sungei Rengit (right)
After a two and a half hours journey, we reached Desaru at around 4.30p.m. As I expected, we met with the typical Malaysian Climate and terrain. Hot and humid weather plus rolling terrains. It was a torture to climb up the long inclines and a joy on the descend but our morale certainly took a hit when we approached yet another steep climb on the never-ending road. At regular intervals, we just simply sat on the gravel beside the road to rest, watching the vehicles speed past at 100km/h just mere metres away. I think the competitive 16km the day before wore me out. I was already struggling when we hit Desaru.
Food was a relief! After having covered 90km, getting "invited out" for intruding on a private beach, attracting curious stares and having to ride further into Desaru to look for a "public" beach, I didn't care if the Nasi Ayam was below par. I was more than relieved to slack on the beach for about 45min before we headed back to Sungei Rengit (via route 92).
By 7.45a.m, it was complete nightfall. The roads were not lit by lampposts hence it was really cycling in the dark. Our bikes had front and rear lights but Zi Kai's rental bike lacked the lights. Worse still, he was wearing a black tee. As the second rider behind me, G.H. and Kerry could not see him! I was shocked to "see" no one behind when I turned back while passing through the darker sections of the road.
Thoroughly exhausted when we arrived back at Sungei Rengit, we had a good "zi-char" dinner at one of the restaurants (every coffee shop in Malaysia is called "restoran") close to our motel. It did not cost much, only about $6 per pax for four dishes and drinks. Thereafter, we headed to our rooms for a good rest and some enormous mangoes =)
The next morning, we had some wanton mee (RM3.50) before checking out and heading the ostrich farm near Kampung Teluk Ramunia. For a fee for RM10, we had an introductory tour of the farm. The birds were quite cute, especially the babies. Of course, some of them were a bit "bonked" up there. Care for an ostrich massage, anyone?
Food was a relief! After having covered 90km, getting "invited out" for intruding on a private beach, attracting curious stares and having to ride further into Desaru to look for a "public" beach, I didn't care if the Nasi Ayam was below par. I was more than relieved to slack on the beach for about 45min before we headed back to Sungei Rengit (via route 92).
By 7.45a.m, it was complete nightfall. The roads were not lit by lampposts hence it was really cycling in the dark. Our bikes had front and rear lights but Zi Kai's rental bike lacked the lights. Worse still, he was wearing a black tee. As the second rider behind me, G.H. and Kerry could not see him! I was shocked to "see" no one behind when I turned back while passing through the darker sections of the road.
Thoroughly exhausted when we arrived back at Sungei Rengit, we had a good "zi-char" dinner at one of the restaurants (every coffee shop in Malaysia is called "restoran") close to our motel. It did not cost much, only about $6 per pax for four dishes and drinks. Thereafter, we headed to our rooms for a good rest and some enormous mangoes =)
The next morning, we had some wanton mee (RM3.50) before checking out and heading the ostrich farm near Kampung Teluk Ramunia. For a fee for RM10, we had an introductory tour of the farm. The birds were quite cute, especially the babies. Of course, some of them were a bit "bonked" up there. Care for an ostrich massage, anyone?
Zi Kai satisfied with his meal (left) and me on the way back (right)
Lunch back at Rengit consisted bakut-teh (RM6). Stomachs filled, we broke our own "speed" record back to Tanjung Pengelih in 45min, averaging 28km/h =P The wait for the bumboat took quite a while, nevertheless, we were back in Changi by 3.30p.m. after nearly an hour of grueling suntanning and small talk on the deck of the boat.
Zi Kai elated that his ordeal is about to end, or is it? (left) and exhausted on the bumboat back (right)
We parted ways at Changi Village, me and Zi Kai heading for East Coast Park while the other two headed for home. Amazingly, we still rode at a decent pace and by the time we hit McDonald's at East Coast, I really needed an energy booster. That came in the form of an apple pie and ice-cream cone. It got me all the way home.
Total distance traveled in 2 days: 200km
Money spent: $55Total distance traveled in 2 days: 200km
Participants: Zi Kai, Kerry, Guang Hao, LSH
Ostrich eggs are strong (above)
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