29.01.25 – Thailand to Singapore day 22
Genting Highlands to Tanjung Malim: A Ride Through Mountains, Villages, and Unexpected Challenges
Motorcycle journeys are about more than just getting from point A to point B. They’re about the roads we take, the people we meet, and the unexpected moments that define the experience. Our ride from Genting Highlands to Tanjung Malim was a mix of scenic mountain roads, encounters with Malaysia’s indigenous Orang Asli communities, and a frustrating lesson in last-minute accommodation booking.
Leaving Genting Highlands: A Disappointing 5-Star Experience
Before diving into the ride itself, let’s talk about our stay at the Wyndham Ion Majestic Hotel. Officially, it’s rated as a 5-star hotel, but in reality, it felt more like mass tourism at its worst. Overcrowded breakfast, long waits for elevators, and an overall lack of charm made it clear: this wasn’t our style.
So, at 7 AM, we woke up, had breakfast by 7:30 AM, and hit the road at 8:30 AM, eager to leave behind the artificial luxury of Genting Highlands. At least, for the first time since arriving, we had a clear view from our room—the clouds had lifted, revealing the mountains and valleys below.
The ride down from Genting was manageable, with more traffic heading uphill than downhill. We took Route B66 before joining Route 1, heading toward Tanjung Malim.
Tanjung Malim: A Quiet Town with a Rich History
Located on the border between Selangor and Perak, Tanjung Malim is a small but historically significant town. While it doesn’t draw as many tourists as Genting Highlands, it is home to the Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI), one of Malaysia’s leading teacher training institutions. The town has long been a center for education and learning, and its strategic location along major highways makes it an important stop for travelers moving between Kuala Lumpur and the North.
Despite its modest size, Tanjung Malim offers an interesting blend of history and modern development. Traditionally, it was a settlement for the Orang Asli (Malaysia’s indigenous people) before evolving into a trade and transportation hub. Even today, you can see signs of its past in the villages and forests surrounding the town, which is where our ride was about to get even more interesting.
Into the Mountains: Meeting the Orang Asli
From Tanjung Malim, we turned right onto Route 193, later transitioning onto Route A121. This is where the real adventure began. The first stretch of the ride took us through palm oil plantations, an all-too-common sight in Malaysia. But as we climbed higher into the mountains, natural forests replaced the endless rows of palm trees, offering a much-needed change in scenery.
One of the most memorable aspects of today’s ride was passing through villages inhabited by Orang Asli, Malaysia’s indigenous people. The Orang Asli, meaning “original people” in Malay, are the country’s earliest inhabitants, with roots dating back thousands of years. Today, they make up less than 1% of Malaysia’s population and live mainly in remote jungle settlements, relying on hunting, fishing, and small-scale agriculture for survival.
Riding through their villages, we noticed that many houses looked identical, suggesting they were built as part of government resettlement programs. While some Orang Asli communities have embraced modern conveniences, others continue to preserve their traditional way of life, living in harmony with the jungle.
Unlike city dwellers, the people here seemed genuinely friendly and welcoming. They greeted us with smiles, waves, and even small conversations when we stopped. There was a sense of peaceful simplicity in their way of life—far removed from the chaos of Kuala Lumpur or the commercialism of Genting Highlands.
The Road Conditions: A Mixed Bag
While the twisting mountain roads made for an enjoyable ride, the further we went, the worse the road conditions became. Potholes, loose gravel, and uneven surfaces meant that speed wasn’t an option. Still, the higher we climbed, the fresher the air became, making it worth the effort.
At the very end of the road, we reached a small Orang Asli village, surrounded by untouched jungle. It was a peaceful and scenic moment—one that reminded us why we love riding through less-traveled routes.
Following a Local Rider: A Lesson in Skill
On the way down, we had an interesting encounter with a local motorbike rider carrying a pillion. While we were on a BMW GS, a bike built for power and touring, he was on a much smaller local 2 stroke bike. But despite the difference in horsepower, he outpaced us effortlessly through the curves.
We only managed to catch up once we exited the mountains, where raw horsepower mattered more than handling skills. It was a humbling reminder that experience and technique often outweigh the bike itself.
A Disappointing End: The Retreat Homestay
After a great day of riding, we needed a place to stay. With the heat intensifying, we stopped at a McDonald’s to check for accommodation options. Since Malaysia isn’t as spontaneous-booking-friendly as Thailand, we decided to book a place in advance—a decision we would soon regret.
We chose The Retreat Homestay, an overpriced stay at 3,700 THB (485 RM). The problems started immediately:
• The room and the bed was dirty, far from what we expected for the price.
• The check-in process was overly complicated.
• Guests had to download an app to open the door and exit the area—which wouldn’t work properly.
This meant that we were effectively stuck inside, unable to go for an evening walk and explore the city. A terrible experience overall.
Lessons Learned: Pre-Booking in Malaysia
Unlike Thailand, where you can easily find last-minute guesthouses, Malaysia seems to require more planning when it comes to accommodation. This experience convinced us to start booking in advance, even though it limits our travel freedom. It’s a compromise, but one we’ll have to make to avoid more situations like this.
What’s Next? Fraser’s Hill and Malacca
With today’s ride behind us, we’re looking ahead to the next destinations:
1. Fraser’s Hill – Another scenic highland retreat, but much quieter than Genting Highlands.
2. Malacca – A historic coastal city where we plan to stay for a few days and soak in the atmosphere.
This time, we’ve already started checking accommodation options—learning from today’s mistakes.
Final Thoughts
Despite the frustrating end, today’s 172 km ride was another unforgettable experience. From the bustling highways to the peaceful Orang Asli villages, it was a reminder of how diverse Malaysia truly is.
Motorcycle travel isn’t always smooth—it’s full of unexpected detours, surprises, and sometimes bad hotels. But that’s all part of the adventure. And in the end, it’s the ride that matters most.
Stay tuned and enjoy yourself!!
#dustysocks
