30.01.25 – Thailand to Singapore day 23
Tanjung Malim to Malacca: A Ride Through History, Rainforests, and Twists
Some motorcycle rides are defined by the thrill of the road, while others are shaped by the places you pass through. Our journey from Tanjung Malim to Malacca was a combination of both—twisting mountain roads, dense rainforests, and a deep dive into Malaysia’s colonial history.
A Rough Start: The Struggles of Bad Accommodation
Before we get into the ride itself, let’s talk about the disaster that was last night. The so-called homestay experience turned out to be an absolute nightmare—loud neighbors partying until 2:30 AM, a dirty room, an uncomfortable bed, and an air conditioner that barely worked.
With barely any sleep, we started the day exhausted. But as any long-distance rider knows, once you’re on the bike, the rhythm of the road can wake you up better than any alarm clock.
After a quick coffee, we left at 8:30 AM, eager to put that horrible night behind us.
The Ascent to Fraser’s Hill: Twists, Turns, and Solitude
Heading south for a few kilometers, we quickly turned onto the road leading up to Fraser’s Hill (Bukit Fraser). It was the perfect morning ride—almost no traffic, cool air, and twisting roads that seemed tailor-made for motorcycles.
Unlike the overly commercialized Genting Highlands, Fraser’s Hill still retains an air of untouched beauty.
The History of Fraser’s Hill
Fraser’s Hill has an interesting past. Named after Louis James Fraser, a Scottish trader who mysteriously disappeared in the early 1900s, the area was once a tin mining outpost. After Fraser vanished, British colonial officers stumbled upon the cool climate and stunning landscape, deciding to turn it into a hill station—a retreat for colonial officials trying to escape the sweltering heat of the lowlands.
The British influence is still visible today, with Tudor-style bungalows and English gardens dotting the landscape. While many other colonial hill stations have lost their charm, Fraser’s Hill remains relatively peaceful and unspoiled—a hidden gem for riders who enjoy solitude on the road.
We arrived early enough to enjoy the town before the tourist crowds, grabbing a delicious local breakfast in the fresh mountain air. It was exactly the break we needed before pushing forward.
Through the Rainforest and Down to Raub
After one hour in Fraser’s Hill, we started our descent down the other side, heading towards Raub.
Riding through the rainforest was a fantastic experience. The air was fresh, the surroundings lush and green, and the sound of nature replaced the hum of city life. However, the road conditions gradually worsened—uneven surfaces, potholes, and loose gravel made it a bit of a technical ride.
Still, even with the rough conditions, this stretch of road had its own charm. Unlike the well-paved highways designed for speed, these roads forced us to slow down and appreciate the ride.
Arriving in Raub, we turned south again, taking a mix of Route 9 and smaller mountain roads.
A Rider’s Paradise (If You Don’t Need MotoGP Speeds)
Once past Raub, we were back on smooth roads, with less traffic and endless curves. This was the type of riding that makes you forget about time—just you, the bike, and the road ahead.
However, with only a few hours of sleep the night before, fatigue started to hit. We made a quick stop, grabbing a Coke to spike the blood sugar, which helped us push through the rest of the ride.
Arriving in Malacca: A Return to Civilization
By 4 PM, after 376 km of riding, we finally arrived in Malacca.
This time, we weren’t going to risk another bad accommodation experience, so we checked into the Dusit Princess Hotel—a Thai-run hotel that promised clean rooms, comfort, and luxury.
At 16,000 Baht (roughly 2,000 RM for 4 nights), it wasn’t cheap, but it was worth every cent after the sometimes frustrating accommodations we had endured since entering Malaysia.
The hotel immediately felt different—friendly staff, safe parking, and a genuine sense of hospitality.
After a much-needed shower, we headed out for a walk and dinner in Malacca’s old city.
Malacca: A City Steeped in History
For the first time since entering Malaysia, we both felt at home in a city. There was something about Malacca’s atmosphere—a mix of colonial history, vibrant street life, and a relaxed vibe—that made us instantly comfortable.
The History of Malacca
Malacca isn’t just another stop on the map—it’s one of Malaysia’s most historically significant cities.
Founded in the 14th century by Parameswara, a prince from Sumatra, Malacca quickly became a major trading hub due to its strategic location along the Straits of Malacca.
The Portuguese, Dutch, and British all fought for control of Malacca, recognizing its importance in controlling trade routes between China, India, and the Middle East.
Walking through Malacca’s old town, you can still see the influence of these colonial powers—Portuguese forts, Dutch churches, and British colonial buildings all coexisting in the same space.
But Malacca isn’t just a museum of colonial history—it’s a living, breathing city, filled with street markets, local food stalls, and a vibrant cultural scene.
Final Thoughts: A Ride That Had It All
Today’s ride had everything:
• Epic mountain roads with minimal traffic
• Lush rainforests and peaceful Orang Asli villages
• A deep dive into Malaysia’s colonial past
• A much-needed upgrade in accommodation
Even though lack of sleep made the ride harder, the experience was one of the best so far.
Now, with a comfortable bed waiting for us, it’s time to rest. Tomorrow, we’ll continue exploring Malacca’s streets and historical sites before deciding our next move.
After the chaos of bad hotels and unexpected challenges, it feels good to finally have a place where we can relax and recharge.
This is the beauty of motorcycle travel—you never know exactly what you’re going to get, but the journey always makes it worth it.
Stay tuned and enjoy yourself!!
#dustysocks
