A Sleepless Night in the Park
Good morning from Taiping on November 23rd. Neither ghosts nor monkeys appeared last night, as I had been warned, but instead I faced something else: young people racing motorcycles through the park until late. Even worse, around 2 a.m., a streetlight near my tent began playing the LINE ringtone on repeat. It rang until morning. Because of that sound, I barely slept after 2 a.m. Still, it was my mistake not to notice the lamp before pitching my tent.
With people starting to gather around the park in the morning, I packed up and set off. Today's goal was Sitiawan, a port town. It would be my first ride close to 100 km since beginning this journey. A tough day lay ahead, but I was determined to push through.
Breakfast and a Mistake on the Road
Ten kilometers into the ride, I stopped at a stall for breakfast. I ordered nasi lemak, a dish I've begun to remember by name. Simple, delicious, and exactly what I needed. But the sweat pouring from me after just 10 km reminded me how long the day ahead would feel. Ninety more kilometers seemed daunting, but there was no choice but to keep pedaling.
Then came my biggest mistake so far: I found myself riding on the highway. At first, I noticed an official-looking man shouting, but I didn't think it was directed at me—until I realized he was waving me off the road. Bicycles weren't allowed. The worst part was having to ride back 10 km, almost to my starting point, losing precious time and energy.
Still, restarting the journey gave me a new encounter. I met some boys fishing by the roadside. We talked, and when I asked what social media they used, they quickly answered: YouTube and TikTok. It reminded me that I should be updating my own channels. By the end of that conversation, I resolved to start posting TikTok and Instagram videos soon, and to begin YouTube in December. Action, after all, is the first step toward change.
Struggles with Fatigue
By the 50 km mark, fatigue hit me hard. Yesterday's exhaustion, plus skipping lunch, left me completely drained. I rested near a place where I could get water, stretched, and forced myself to continue. But my body quickly gave in again. Each pedal stroke felt like lifting a heavy weight.
Unlike in Japan, where food and convenience stores are everywhere, here restaurants can be scarce or closed without warning. I learned firsthand that buying food when it's available is essential. Luckily, after 10 more kilometers, I found a restaurant. Even though the stall was swarming with flies—so many that most people would have walked away—I ate every bite. Exhaustion turns any meal into a feast. I washed it down with "OREN," orange juice, which I've been drinking often in Malaysia. Carbonated drinks, I realized, only drained me faster, so I've been avoiding them.
Bananas, Rain, and Kindness
Soon after, I found what I'd been searching for: bananas. In Malaysia, most for sale are still green, but finally, I spotted ripe yellow ones. For 10 ringgit (about 346 yen), I bought around 20 bananas—enough to last two days, though they spoil quickly under the sun.
The shopkeeper and her son seemed delighted to meet a traveler. They offered me coffee and encouragement, gestures that lifted my spirit. But just as I felt the day was improving, a heavy downpour struck. I waited for 20 minutes under shelter, choosing patience over frustration.
While waiting, a man approached and handed me an energy gel. As we talked, I learned that he had seen me earlier—struggling on the highway. He invited me to his favorite Indian restaurant, saying he admired cyclists and always wanted to support them. For the first time that day, I felt glad for my earlier mistake; it led to this unexpected kindness.
Arrival at a Surprising Hotel
After parting ways with him, I pushed through the final 30 km aAfter parting ways with him, I pushed through the final 30 km and reached my accommodation for the night: an OYO hotel. On Google Maps, OYO properties often receive poor reviews, sometimes filled with alarming comments. But I found one with just a single rating and decided to try it.
To my surprise, it was excellent. The Wi-Fi on the second floor was weak, but otherwise it was clean, affordable, and comfortable. More than anything, the staff—an entire family—were warm and welcoming. Noticing the Wi-Fi issue, they offered to move me to a room on the first floor if I stayed another night. The husband even shared dinner with me, preparing a meal to make me feel at home.
It reminded me of an important truth: reviews on the internet cannot reveal the real story. You only understand a place, or a person, by experiencing it yourself. Negative reputations, whether of hotels, countries, or people, can be misleading. Through direct experience and communication, new perspectives open up.
Closing Thoughts
This day was one of the hardest so far—nearly sleepless, physically draining, filled with setbacks. Yet it was also a day of lessons, kindness, and discovery. Each act of generosity from strangers reminded me why I continue this journey.
