Cycle Malaysia Day 13 - Sg. Petani to Kulim

I have changed my route for Day 13, I was supposed to cycle to Kupang but I decided to go to Kulim where I can meet my friends there. As I was cycling out of Sg. Petani from Laguna Merbok I met a new friend. Thank you Azni Hassan for your continuous encouragement on Facebook while I was on the road.

The route I took was new to me which was basically going through Kg. Pinang Tunggal. As a young boy when I was staying in Padang Serai I used to hear this name from my late dad. Thank you Yong Lim for helping me out on the route.

Using Jalan Lecongan Barat by passing Sg. Petani town at the south and going through a tunnel underneath the north south highway which Pinang Tunggal is located and the boundary between Kedah and Penang is close by.

At km30 of my ride I have reached at the kampong kampong of Padang Serai and popularly known as Kg. Sidam.

I dropped by my 5th Uncle house in Padang Serai.

Everyone of us is getting old that is a fact of life that can not be deny. All the best to my Go Chek.

Continuing my journey passing by Lunas like I used to pass by this house in the school bus every morning. It is still there but being used as a commercial premises.

The other reason why I decided to come to Kulim was to visit my school, Sultan Badlishah School. I was glad to be allowed to enter the school compound by the guards.

Terima kasih to this man for escorting me in the school.

The padang of Sultan Badlishah School, so nice to be back here though there are some changes with new buildings and also a few missing blocks.

My wife's grandmother used to stay at this corner shop which was a barber shop, she and her sisters used to come here during their school holidays

As I was taking pictures of the mural I saw Simon & Chris on their bikes, they were looking for me.

It was lovely to have friends cycling together again in a familiar town.

Ping Ling & Co has indicated to meet at this place which I told Simon & Chris. Immediately they took me there and they are regular patrons of Anak Kulim.

They really know the place well, we went in from the back as what Simon & Chris normally do when they cycle there.

With all my secondary classmates and it was so wonderful to meet up again.

I was excited that Hamzah could made it for the meeting. We were friends since primary school and so happy to know that he will be retiring soon.

Thank Simon for introducing me Hotel Zin, it was a good recommendation indeed.

In the evening, Yen Ling fetched me to this interesting restaurant called 老爷车饮食休闲馆 Lao Ye Che Restaurant at Sg. Lembu for a sumptuous dinner. Thank you to Ping Ling and Kim Beoy for the dinner. My decision to come to Kulim was definitely a right choice. With me were Gunes, Kim Beoy, Ping Ling, Prema & Yen Ling.

Day 13 was nostalgic. I truly enjoyed the day with my old buddies. 

Cycle Malaysia Day 12 - Alor Setar to Sg. Petani

A brief check on the bike for any abnormality at times nuts might be loosened due to long riding and vibration on the road. It's also good to lubricate the chain as and when necessary.

I got excited seeing SMR Nasi Lemak Royale later I realised that there are so many "Royale" around Alor Setar.

My fuel for the day a nasi kandar at Jalan Tunku Ibrahim.

The house where Tun Dr Mahathir was born, it was still too early for visit.

This mamak sign board attracted me with a cargo bike in it. There is really a lot of nasi kandar shop in Alor Setar.

Stopped by at this spot to capture these decorative bikes.

Pondok Polis Simpang Tiga after 26km of riding somewhere in the vincity of Kota Sarang Semut. I find that this old trunk road between Alor Setar (Road 1) is nice to cycle with big matured tree shading the path especially the stretch until Gurun.

Midway of the journey is this small town, Guar Chempedak. One do not have to worry of getting food or drink along this trail as there are many small towns in between.

I actually never thought of Gunung Jerai and I only realised it when I reached the place. And immediately I decided to visit it.

I waited somewhere at the start of the climb trying to hitch a ride but failed after waiting for half an hour and so I decided to cycle up. I only managed 3km and turned back for a hired van.

The van to Gunung Jerai, boy the climb is really steep and I salute to those who are able to cycle up.

Took my bike out from the van for a short spin and photography. That was it a little excitement and adventure in Gunung Jerai.

My tummy has been signalling me for food and Gurun shall be the place for lunch.

Kedai Kopi Dan Makanan New Light for a bowl of yummy Kari Mee & a cup of Kopi "O" kosong at GPS: 5.815543, 100.477862

It was more than 7 years ago I was here with Yong Lim and friends for a game of golf during a Chinese New Year break. Today I came back with my bicycle.

I just could not resist myself for a natural juice on a very hot day at Taman Seroja, Sg. Petani.

It was so nice and comfortable inside Amanjaya Mall especially after a long ride and on a hot day. I did a bit of shopping and had coffee again at Old Town Coffee.

Dinner with Yong Lim & family. Thank you so much and we will see each other again.

The ride of 83km including the hike to Gunung Jerai by a van was about 23km, hence the actual cycling distance was only 60km for Day 12.

Cycle Malaysia Day 11 Kangar - Alor Setar

Perlis is very much Thai, the night before I had some Thai food for dinner at a restaurant nearby Soo Guan Villa and my breakfast was a Thai Kuay Teow noodle soup at a shop across the hotel. Sawadi karp. Today I have to leave Perlis and it was time to head back to Alor Setar.

Arau is about 7km away from Soo Guan Villa where I have to cross a decorated bridge over Perlis River before arriving at Arau.

The Royal town of Perlis, Arau.

In front of the Royal Palace of Perlis at Aarau.

I was attracted by the appearance of old Arau town where later I found out that Arau Heng one of college mates who used to live here in one of the shops. These old shops have cantilevered upper floors with beautiful wall finishes and windows.

After 1km from the border between Perlis and Kedah I arrived at Kodiang which is in the district of Kubang Pasu.

Kerbau Cave of Kodiang standing alone and very distinctive.

Chinese temple along Route 176. The road condition is superb for cycling with a motorbike lane and the traffic is so light and relatively quiet.

I was surprise to see a big Siamese temple at Padang Sera and it is called Wat Boonyaram. Location GPS : 6.357383, 100.338825

Wat Boonyaram is popular among the Thai community locally and and abroad. I am impressed with its existence in Kubang Pasu.

I was pedalling along Jalan Aman Utama in Jitra along a river I saw another big Siamese temple and it is Wat Jitraram looking beautiful by the river side.

I had a good rest at Kong and Liew Kee's house. Thanks for the home cooked food and a tour around Jitra by Liew Kee. Will see both of you again.

With an easy 26km from Jitra I was already in Alor Setar where I took time to visit and see more of Alor Setar city.

The water level of Kedah River was seems high as I was exploring the area at Jalan Tunku Yaakob.

I was back to Zahir Mosque it is one of the oldest and grandest mosques in Malaysia, built in 1912 and located in the heart of Alor Setar.

A replica of the archway of Kota Tengah Palace that was demolished in 1973 to make way for the Wisma Negeri building. This is just next to the Nobat Tower.

One of the several graffiti on the wall of Chinatown in Alor Setar.

Like most major towns in the country the old entertainment joints are all left dilapidated and idle. This one must be of Shaw Brothers' property with the faded sign indicates "Great World 大世界".

I was attracted by this crowded street selling food and so I went over to explore.

I felt that the fish balls are a bit starchy and lack a good typical bounciness. Anyway, business was a brisk and the stall seems popular among the locals.

Day 11 was easy and relaxing.