Morning in George Town
Good morning from George Town, November 22nd. At 6:30 a.m., the sun still hadn’t risen. Today’s goal was Taiping, about 80 kilometers away. At first, I planned daily distances of around 50 kilometers, but recently I’ve been averaging closer to 70. It isn’t about rushing—destinations matter less than balance—but I can feel my strength growing. Cycling long distances gives anyone this kind of realization once they try.
My packing has become second nature. Each day, I find small ways to improve. With my gear ready, I headed to the ferry terminal for Penang.
Help at the Ferry
Then came trouble: the prepaid electronic ticket system didn’t work. Again! While I was stuck trying to figure it out, I heard someone behind me shout:
“HOKKAIDO, NIPPON, FUKUOKA!”
Turning around, I saw a cheerful man who loved Japan. Just like on my arrival, he stepped in and tapped his card for me: “Now you’re fine!”
Before coming to Malaysia, I didn’t carry strong impressions about the country. But again and again, I’ve been struck by the culture of helping travelers. Perhaps it’s tied to the teachings of Islam, where helping travelers is considered a good deed. Whatever the reason, I’ve come this far because of countless acts of kindness.
The man smiled, and as the ferry pulled away, he called out once more: “HOKKAIDO, ARIGATO!” I waved back, filled with gratitude.
On the Road to Taiping
The road ahead was smooth, with wide lanes for bicycles in some parts. Yet traffic was fast and dangerous. At one intersection, I nearly got hit when hesitating between turning and going straight. In Malaysia, drivers move quickly, so keeping distance, signaling with hand gestures, and showing clear intentions are essential. Riding in cities can be exciting but also exhausting.
After about 40 kilometers, I finally found a restaurant. Unlike Thailand or Cambodia, roadside stalls in Malaysia are fewer, and many close early. Often you need to step off the main road just to see if they are open. Finding one felt like a reward.
I ate with my right hand, as is common here. Adopting local customs, even small ones, builds connection. It’s about aligning yourself with the world you’re in, and it always teaches something new.
Encounters Along the Way
Almost at Taiping, some local young men called out to me. They gave me water and spicy fried chicken—the spiciest I’ve ever eaten abroad. One of them, wearing a “36” shirt, was taller than me, around 190 cm. Meeting such towering figures among locals was rare and memorable.
Later, I bought a mango at a park stall for 3 ringgit (about 103 yen). For that price, it would make the perfect snack for children. The park also had showers, just 2 ringgit, and toilets for 0.5 ringgit. Only cold water, but after a sweaty ride, nothing felt better.
Evening in Taiping
After showering, I sat and ate the fiery chicken given by the young men. The heat shocked me awake more than coffee ever could. As I rested, a Chinese-Malaysian woman came by, spoke with me for half an hour, and pressed 50 ringgit (about 1,700 yen) into my hand. “Take this and keep going,” she said. The kindness left me humbled.
But as night came, the park remained crowded. I chose a quiet hilltop with an old monument, despite warnings of monkeys and even ghosts. Ghosts didn’t worry me, but monkeys stealing my gear would be a bigger problem.
Setting up camp, I discovered the true challenge: mosquitoes. I must have killed forty, and still more buzzed around. For the first time, I used ULTRATHON insect repellent cream. The mosquitoes vanished instantly, though after ten minutes, my skin felt hot. Perhaps a reaction, but it worked.
Lying in my tent, I felt relief. Tomorrow would be a 100 km ride. With gratitude for the day’s help and encounters, I closed my eyes, ready for rest.
