August 2017 – Reflective Saddle

Goodbye Batu Pahat. Thanks for hosting the crazy band of Superheroes over the weekend.

Batu Pahat remains one of my favourite small town. It’s charming with its old buildings and small shops, great food and friendly locals. The nutty band of “superheroes” lead by SuperCylcingMan had a wonderful time and we thank you Batu Pahat. Thank you also to Ho Liao Canteen for hosting us and providing us with a wonderful mini town tour and sharing it’s interesting history. We shall be back to visit again.

Delicious satay lontong. Only in Batu Pahat.

I am told the first temple in Batu Pahat

Loved all the charming old building all over the town. I truly hope it will remain for generations.

Famous back alley only the locals will know for commerce of the night. Any guess what sort of commerce ?

Seems abandon but I am told a lot of action inside.

Nice cosy cafes line this one are sprouting out

The famous bakery in Batu Pahat. Their coconut buns are a must try !

Ok like terror. But not. Could not resist to pretend to jam with the locals.

Jerry Tan’s wonderful cafe called Ho Liao Canteen. Come try their fired curry chicken rice. It’s super delicious.

Superman in search for superheros buddies

Day 2 ride to Batu Pahat was so much fun. It was long and hard 104km ride but worth it as SuperCyclingMan succeeded to find his superhero buddies. Let the fun begin. The road condition was around 80% tarmac and 20% gravel but it was never a problem for all. After fooling around for almost the whole day, the superheros arrive Batu Pahat at around 6pm. We were graciously welcomed by Jerry our host who runs a fantatsic hip cafe called Ho Liao Canteen. He allowed us to stay at the top level of his cafe. What a perfect ending to a wonderful ride.

Pasar malam at Jonkers street — Perfect spot to hunt for superheroes.

Ultraman wondering where is the rest of the superheroes

Ultraman finds Captain America taking a break or maybe a leak ?

Rest stop waiting for arrival of Ultraman

Beautiful buildings are found all over Batu Pahat

Wow all the superheroes are found and ready to descend upon Batu Pahat. Watch out BP here we come.

A scenic view of the fishing boats and the dock.

We didn’t mind the rough gravel roads at all.

Even Superheroes need rest at some point

SuperCyclingMan saying hello to Batu Pahat.

Fantastic place for us to stay the night at Batu Pahat. Thank you Jerry from Ho Liao Canteen.

Captain America calls it the day. Sweet dreams all.

In search for Ultraman

A short 3 day tour southwards to Batu Pahat. Today the plan was to take the KTM to Tampin and ride to Melaka from there. A short but sweet ride. Around 35km only.

Waiting for the connecting train to Tampin

Cendol first before anything else. The durian cendol was OK but expensive. RM7

The tauhu is cheap though only 1 RM for this

Here also don’t have but nice building though

Found it! A bit lame though so I will pass.

I finally found Ultraman in Alor Gajah. From here a short ride to Melaka where we will spend one night before heading out to Batu Pahat tomorrow.

Post Ride – Hokkaido Tour 2017

I really enjoyed the short tour of Hokkaido and I will definitely come back for another tour at some point. Hokkaido is a great island for cycle touring if you are looking for a more relaxing and easy going type of your. What I loved about the place ? Mostly the greenery and natural surroundings. Camping is so cheap and convenient and tons of information about the island are available either online or at information centres. As a traveller you are spoilt for choices for accommodation. Camping free or paid are all over the place and so are rider houses ( organised mostly for motor bikers touring) can be for free or paid. Camping if not free cost from 300 Yen to 600 Yen and both free and paid are always with clean toilets and open cleaning kitchens. Rider houses can cost around 1000 Yen per person. Hostels and hotels are expensive. Be prepared to pay around 4000 Yen and above.

Food and drinks inexpensive if you buy from the supermarkets. For a quick meal you have the options of abundance of convenient store like 711, SeacoMart or Lawson in almost every town. Food package usually starts from 300 to 500 Yen. Premium beer is around 200 To 250 Yen per 500ml can and if you are not choosy the cheapest beer cost around 70 to 80 Yen. Wine is super cheap too. You can actually fine super cheap very drinkable Spanish wine from SeacoMart at around 400 Yen per bottle.

If you are frugal can actually tour for very cheap in Hokkaido. Here is my spending for your information.