A Morning Departure with Company
December 26th, Johor Bahru. Today was not a solo journey. I was joined by a Singaporean traveler I had met weeks earlier in Alor Setar, in the north of Malaysia. Together, we would cross the border into Singapore.
Before setting off, he suggested we enjoy breakfast. We walked to a bustling Chinese street stall, already crowded with locals. I chose my ingredients, which were simmered together and served with noodles. It was spicy, hearty, and delicious. I finished the bowl in less than five minutes.
But he wasn't done. "There's another place you must try," he said. Soon, we reached a small milk shop. The owner handed me a whole bottle, fresh and creamy. The taste was rich and smooth—something I hadn't enjoyed in the morning for a long time.
Saying Goodbye to Malaysia
From there, we rode toward the border. Crossing the bridge, I could see Singapore just across the water.
It struck me then: I had spent nearly two months in Malaysia. Before arriving, I had no clear picture of what the country was like. It felt like stepping into the unknown. Now, it was full of memories and faces I would never forget.
Malaysia was my first Muslim-majority country on this journey. As a Japanese cyclist with a beard, I often stood out. But rather than being seen as strange, I was warmly welcomed. That kindness became the essence of Malaysia for me.
I whispered a quiet thank you before leaving the immigration gate, promising myself I would one day return.
A Lesson at the Border
But crossing was not so smooth. At the Singapore entry, I realized I had forgotten to complete the online arrival card. With more than a hundred motorcycles lined up behind me, I had no choice but to stop and quickly fill out the form.
It took around ten minutes, and I felt guilty for holding everyone up. Luckily, no one became angry. But I knew this could have turned tense in another country, or with different people. The lesson was clear: always check immigration requirements in advance.
Soon, the process was done, and I stepped into my fifth country: Singapore.
First Impressions of Singapore
The difference was striking. The line of trucks and cars waiting to enter Malaysia stretched for nearly two kilometers. On a bicycle, however, we slipped past it all. In moments like this, cycling felt unbeatable.
We soon met one of his friends, wearing a T-shirt from Tasmania, Australia. Naturally, I asked if he had cycled there. He smiled and told me about the vibrant cycling community in Tasmania, encouraging me to visit. Since Australia was coming after Indonesia in my journey, his words filled me with excitement.
Later, we cycled along an old railway track, now transformed into a peaceful trail for runners and cyclists. He warned me that traffic in Singapore can be dangerous for cyclists—drivers rarely pay attention. But here, away from cars, I could breathe freely.
A City Like a Theme Park
Arriving in the heart of Singapore, I felt as though I had stepped into a carefully designed theme park. It wasn't just one building or one district—entire blocks carried a unified atmosphere, from the greenery to the futuristic skyline.
Then came the famous Marina Bay Sands. From a distance, I spotted the Merlion, surrounded by an unbelievable crowd. I chose to admire it from afar, then wandered nearby before ending the day's ride.
Unexpected Hospitality
The surprises weren't over. My new friends had even booked accommodation for me. That simple act of kindness filled me with gratitude.
After settling in, I met another Singaporean I had previously crossed paths with in Alor Setar. He invited me to dinner at a recommended Chinese spot. The dishes came one after another, almost too much for one day's appetite. Beer was served as well.
I learned something interesting: the women selling beer each wore uniforms with a brand name. If customers ordered the beer on their shirt, they received a small commission—just like beer girls at Japanese baseball stadiums.
We moved to a second location, this time styled like a Japanese izakaya. To my surprise, they even served Premium Malts. Though already full, I ordered shishamo, savoring the familiar taste.
Reflections at Day’s End
One day in Singapore was enough to sense its unique harmony. Unlike some big cities where skyscrapers feel overwhelming, here the buildings formed a landscape that was cohesive and even comforting.
Of course, one day is never enough to truly understand a city. But for a traveler like me, even a glimpse of its character was worthwhile. Tomorrow, I would begin my next chapter—country number six: Indonesia.
