17th & 18th March 2018
The sky was still dark at 6:30am, my cyclist friends have already waited at Tasik Selatan KTM Train Station, Kuala Lumpur. All together 13 of us, will travel by train to Tampin, from there, we will then start our bicycle ride to Melaka town.
TIckets for passengers approximately Rm12.50, and Rm2.00 for the bicycle. Duration about 1.5 hours train ride.
We skipped our breakfast at K.L, rushed for the first train at 7:00am; because we wanted to have breakfast at Tampin, to try the local food. Reached Tampin Station (Pulau Sebang), it was about 8:45am. A short ride from the station, we came to a small hawker centre where we had our stomach satisfied (Not the taste bud). The life of small town really relaxing, our order took almost 30 minutes to “land” on our table. And there were only few customers during the hour.
After breakfast, set off to route 61 until Alor Gajah, a little town. A left turn at the roundabout to route 19 heading to Durian Tunggal, then follow rural road to Jonker Street, Melaka Town. Total distance about 50km. A route with light traffic, but ups and downs terrain, only little flat road when approaching to Melaka Town. Weather was terribly hot, it was about 38 – 39ºC. One thing I realised if cycle in Malaysia, the greatest challenge is the scorching sun; the fiery ball in the sky. Not only it is hot, It’s actually burning. Nevertheless, along the way there are many petrol stations and stalls for escape and refill water.
Almost all of the petrol stations are with a convenient store, which you can get water and light food; such as bread, biscuits; snacks and some even sell hot food. Even fruit trees can be found along the road if you’re riding at rural area, either wild or planted by the villagers, they are free for you to enjoy. The passion of Malaysian just like the weather, they are warm and will be happy to share with you if you are in need and don’t waste the fruits. So we did not carry lots of water with us, just a bottle on our bikes.
Coming back the next morning, we tried rather flat route; we took route M1, joint to M17, then back to Alor Gajah, and back to route 61 again to Pulau Sebang Train Station. Same distance as yesterday, 50km.
A glimpse of Tampin Street view.
Our leader 1st brought us to this wild fruit tree by the road side, we called this Jambu. Sweet and juicy. But beware of worm in the fruit. But do not worry if you accidentally swallowed the worm, it’s rich in protein.
Few kilometres away, we came to a villager’s house, who planted few of these, we called it Rambutan tree. This is sweet and crunchy, and the fruit is without worms. The owner just allowed us to enjoyed until we’re full.
Kris Monument at Alor Gajah
Alor Gajah roundabout and street wall painting.
Finally we are here at the centre of Melaka, this model Malay village,Kampung Morten built along side Melaka River, just a river cross from the famous Jonker Street, Melaka.
Melaka River.
The team…..
Crazy Old Horse 