14.02.2025 – Singapore to Sisaket day 3
A Well-Earned Rest in Dungun
After two intense days of riding, we finally took a break in the coastal town of Dungun. It was a day to relax, recharge, and lend a hand to fellow overlanders.
A German couple we had met was facing difficulties crossing into Thailand on their German plated motorbikes.
Bureaucratic red tape threatened to hold them up for at least five days, with a hefty $800 fee to expedite the process. Determined to help, we made calls, sent countless messages, and eventually managed to connect them with the right contacts.
By the end of the afternoon, they had safely crossed the border, paperwork in order, and ready to continue their journey. It felt good to have played a part in easing their way forward.
With that mission accomplished, we embraced the slower pace of the day. A walk along the beach, the rhythmic crash of waves, and the salty breeze provided the perfect setting to unwind. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we called it an early night—resting up for the miles ahead.
All in all, a successful day.
15.02.2025 – Singapore to Sisaket day 4
From Dungun to Tak Bai: A Ride of Unexpected Twists
Some days on the road go exactly as planned, while others throw in surprises that force a complete change of direction. Today was one of those days. The goal was clear—ride through the mountains, visit Malaysia’s largest lake, Tasik Kenyir, and then continue north toward Thailand. But the road had other ideas.
Early Start & Disappointment at Tasik Kenyir
The day began early, just as the sun was rising over the South China Sea. At 7 AM, we were already on the road, cruising along the coastline, the fresh morning air filling our lungs. The beachside ride was peaceful, with only the occasional fisherman setting up for the day’s catch. This was the kind of start every rider dreams of—open roads, cool temperatures, and the rhythmic hum of the engine beneath us.
Turning inland, we headed toward Tasik Kenyir, excited to see Malaysia’s biggest lake. But as we got closer, the excitement faded. What we found was a place that had clearly seen better days. Floating resorts, once thriving, now abandoned. Empty docks. Few people. It felt like a forgotten destination, one that had been left to decay.
There was no energy in the air, no sense of adventure. Just silence and still water. Some places leave an impression—this one didn’t. Without hesitation, we decided to move on.
The Road That Went Nowhere
The original plan was a promising one: ride along the lake, cross the mountains, pass through Gua Musang, then turn north toward Thailand. It was supposed to be a scenic ride—winding roads, cool mountain air, and that unbeatable sense of freedom that comes with riding through nature.
But plans are only as good as the roads that make them possible.
We soon noticed warning signs along the way, but since they were only in the local language, we had no clue what exactly they meant. We pressed on, riding deeper into the mountains, enjoying the fresh air and the absence of traffic. For about 30 km, everything was perfect.
Then, suddenly, the road was gone.
Not a small obstacle, not a patch of rough terrain—completely destroyed. The pavement simply ended, swallowed by what looked like a failed drainage system. No detour. No signs of repair work. Just a dead-end.
We sat there for a moment, letting the frustration settle in. There was no other way but back. So we turned around, retracing the entire 30 km, knowing we had just lost not only time but a lot of riding fun as well.
Forced Onto the Highway
With no other choice, we abandoned our scenic route and took the main highway, Route 3—the very thing we had hoped to avoid. It didn’t take long to feel the difference.
Gone was the cool mountain breeze, replaced by the oppressive heat of the lowlands. Traffic increased with every kilometer, and by the time we neared Kota Bharu, it was pure chaos. The roads were congested, the air thick with exhaust fumes, and every stoplight felt like torture in our riding gear.
This was the exact opposite of what we had envisioned for the day.
By the time we stopped for a quick lunch, the mood was clear—we needed to get out of Malaysia today. There was no reason to linger. The disappointment of the failed route and the frustration of the highway had drained the excitement from the ride. So, we made the decision: push on to Thailand.
Crossing into Thailand: A Short but Memorable Ferry Ride
From Kota Bharu, we rode toward the Tak Bai border crossing, where a small ferry would take us across the Sungai Kolok River into Thailand. The process on the Malaysian side was smooth. After a short wait of 30 minutes, we rolled onto the ferry.
The ferry ride itself was just 10 minutes, but there was something special about it. After the struggle of the day, this simple river crossing felt like a transition—not just from one country to another, but from frustration to relief.
Once in Thailand, the familiar border bureaucracy awaited. TM6 form needed to be filled out as we arrived over land. TM2 and TM3 papers from our previous exit in Betong. The process took about 20 minutes under the brutal afternoon sun, and by the time we were done, we were drenched in sweat. But it was over.
We were back in Thailand.
A Well-Deserved Rest at Tak Bai Resort
By the time we reached Tak Bai Resort, we were exhausted. The heat, the roadblocks, the highway traffic—everything had taken its toll.
Thankfully, the resort turned out to be a hidden gem. Brand new, super clean, friendly staff, and—most importantly—safe, covered parking for the bikes. For just 600 Baht per night, the VIP room was exactly what we needed.
As we stepped into the air-conditioned comfort of the room, we finally allowed ourselves to relax. It had been a tough day, but at least we had made it.
The only problem? My riding boots smelled like dead fish 😉
Tomorrow: A New Day, A New Ride
Today had been 374 km of exhaustion. The failed mountain route, the scorching heat, and the traffic-heavy highways had drained every bit of energy we had.
Tomorrow, we ride again—another 350 km to Hat Yai. This time, we hope the route will be different—curvy mountain roads, cool air, and a smooth ride.
Why Hat Yai? Simple. Our motorbike, “Heng Heng“, needs some love and an oil service.
Final Thoughts: A Tough Day, But Still Onward
Not every day on the road is perfect. Some days are filled with epic scenery and unforgettable moments, while others are just a test of patience and endurance.
Today was one of the latter.
But in the end, we made it, and that’s what matters. We’re back in Thailand, ready for whatever the next ride brings.
Because in the end, every mile—good or bad—is part of the journey.
Stay tuned and enjoy yourself!!
#dustysocks
