MY – Malacca to Johor Bahru

04.02.25 – Thailand to Singapore day 27

An additional day in Malacca for editing and take a rest. We literally did not much. Just lazy lounging.

05.02.25 – Thailand to Singapore day 28

Riding Through the Rain: Malacca to Johor Bahru on Two Wheels

There’s something about starting a long ride early in the morning—the air is fresh, the roads are quiet, and the excitement of the journey ahead fuels you. Our day began at 6:45 AM in Malacca, with plans to beat the heat on our way south to Johor Bahru. However, when we peeked out the window, we were greeted by an overcast sky and steady rain. Not the best conditions for a motorbike adventure, but at least we wouldn’t be battling the scorching sun.

After a great breakfast, we geared up and hit the road at 8:30 AM, hoping that the rain would ease as we rode. That, however, did not happen. In fact, as we moved south, the downpour only intensified. Originally, we had planned to take a more scenic route via smaller B-roads, but given the weather and wet conditions, we made the practical choice to stick to the main highways. It turned out to be a wise decision—visibility was low, and the highways, while not as scenic, at least offered safer riding conditions.

A Meeting in the Rain

A few hours into the ride, we pulled into a parking area to take a short break. Here, we met a friendly Malaysian rider on his Kawasaki 900. It’s always a pleasure to meet fellow bikers on the road, exchanging stories and experiences. We had a great conversation, sharing thoughts on the ride, the unpredictable weather, and the best routes for motorcycling in Malaysia. Moments like these are what make riding so special—it’s not just about the destination, but the connections you make along the way.

The Southernmost Tip of Eurasia – A Disappointment

Shortly after our break, we left the main highway and took a detour toward the southernmost tip of the Eurasian mainland, located in Tanjung Piai National Park. This spot is a significant landmark, marking the end of the Eurasian landmass before the world transitions into the waters leading to Singapore and beyond.

Tanjung Piai is known for its lush mangrove forests, wooden walkways stretching over the coastal wetlands, and a large globe monument marking the geographic significance of the location. It’s a place where nature meets history, as it was once an important point of navigation for sailors.

Unfortunately, we hit an unexpected roadblock—literally. The park was closed. And, as fate would have it, Wednesdays are their designated closure days. A bit frustrating, considering we had made the detour specifically to visit this landmark. Still, we took it in stride. There’s always another opportunity, and when we eventually cross into Singapore, we plan to make another attempt.

Forest City – A Futuristic Ghost Town?

With Tanjung Piai off the list for the day, we continued our journey towards Forest City, an ambitious development built on an artificial island near the Johor-Singapore border. The project, funded mainly by Chinese investors, was designed to be a futuristic eco-city with modern skyscrapers, luxury residences, and green spaces.

In recent years, Forest City has gained a reputation for being eerily empty, with many reports showing vast, uninhabited apartment blocks and deserted streets. However, as we rode through, it felt like something was changing. While it wasn’t bustling, there were definite signs of life—shops were open, people were walking the streets, and construction was ongoing. It still had an odd, almost dystopian feel to it, but there was an energy that suggested the city wasn’t entirely abandoned.

Riding through Forest City was a unique experience. The towering buildings surrounded us as we weaved through the empty roads, creating a strange mix of excitement and unease. It’s not often that you get to ride through what feels like a futuristic experiment in urban planning.

Arrival in Johor Bahru – A City on the Rise

After exploring Forest City, we made our way towards Johor Bahru (JB), our final stop for the day. JB is Malaysia’s second-largest city and serves as a major gateway between Malaysia and Singapore.
In recent years, it has transformed significantly, with new developments, shopping malls, and a growing nightlife scene.

For our stay, we checked into the Capri by Fraser Hotel, a modern accommodation offering fantastic views of the harbor and the Singapore skyline. After a long ride in the rain, a comfortable hotel with a great view was exactly what we needed.

One of the key tasks for the day was picking up our Autopass card, which is required for motorcycles entering Singapore. We visited the Land Transport Authority (LTA) office in Johor Bahru, expecting a long wait. To our surprise, the process was smooth and efficient, with no queue at all. Within minutes, we had the card in hand—one less thing to worry about for our upcoming border crossing.

Reflections on the Ride

After covering 326 km on the road, we reflected on the day’s journey. The weather had not been ideal, and the closure of the National Park was disappointing. However, the positives outweighed the negatives. The rain kept the temperatures cool, making for a more comfortable ride. The meeting with the fellow biker was a great moment of camaraderie. And the experience of riding through Forest City was something we won’t forget anytime soon.

As we settled in for the night, we looked forward to the days ahead. Johor Bahru has plenty to offer, and soon, we’ll be crossing into Singapore—another exciting chapter in our journey. One thing is certain: no matter the weather, the setbacks, or the unexpected turns, the road always has a way of making the ride worthwhile.

Stay tuned and enjoy yourself!!

#dustysocks