PENANG was chosen as one of the top three bicycle-friendly states in Peninsula Malaysia.
Content creator-cum-videographer Mayfield Tan, 31, who had recently completed his bikepacking adventure around Peninsula Malaysia, commended the state for being one of the most bicycle-friendly states.
“Besides Penang, Johor and Terengganu are also bicycle-friendly.
“However, we have much work to do if we want to be as good as Singapore. Its bicycle lane system is complete,” he said when interviewed recently.
Tan completed a total of 2,715.51km on his bicycle around the Peninsula of Malaysia. He also cycled and crossed the borders of Singapore and Thailand.
He braved the hot weather, cycled on steep terrain, and had narrow escapes with lorries as he pushed forward to complete his journey.
“Overall, it was a wonderful experience bikepacking in Peninsula Malaysia, Singapore, and Betong (Thailand). The people whom I met during my journey were friendly and helpful.
“When I passed by villages along the way and needed to use the toilet, they welcomed me to use the toilets in their houses although I was a total stranger to them,” he said.
Tan said, however, he had several unpleasant encounters with lorry drivers.
“Some of them purposely drove their lorries near the cyclists on the road. I have seen and experienced it.
“There were several lorry drivers who had ample space to drive their lorries, but they chose to navigate their heavy vehicles to be close to me,” he recollected his narrow escapes with lorries.
Tan said he started his journey from Petaling Jaya on May 13 this year.
“It was my first time bikepacking.
“When I was young, I dreamt of backpacking. However, I needed sponsors and to have sponsors, I need to make videos and create content.
“Hence, I thought to myself, why don’t I bike pack instead for me to be able to carry more essentials?
“So, I went on my journey from Petaling Jaya to Negeri Sembilan. I travelled ‘anti-clockwise’,” Tan told Buletin Mutiara.
The Penangite is also an influencer with over 88,000 followers on his YouTube channel.
Tan said he introduced the uniqueness of each state or country that he visited during his tour.
“I promoted the Minangkabau ethnic group, the culture, and traditions when I visited Negeri Sembilan. Then, I created content in Malacca about its rich history and the Baba Nyonya heritage.
“Usually, I spent a few days in a state before moving to my next destination. I also organised mini events to promote my sponsor along my journey,” he said.
Before travelling to the East Coast, Tan said he visited Johor and travelled to Singapore to meet some friends.
“The route from Johor Bahru to Mersing was very challenging due to the hilly terrain and the hot weather.
“I travelled further to Pekan after arriving at Mersing. I also visited Dungun, Kuantan, Kemaman and Kerteh.
“I joined fishermen on a small boat and go fishing when I visited a fishing village in the area. I also introduced Redang Island and went solo camping at Bukit Keluang in Besut, Terengganu.
“It was quite a memorable experience for me to learn how to make the wau bulan in Kelantan. Foodwise, I enjoyed the traditional nasi kerabu in Kelantan and nasi dagang in Terengganu,” he said.
Tan said he had to engage a ‘support car’ from Jeli to Gerik and Betong, Thailand, as the journey was very tough.
“I visited the communist tunnel in Betong. Next, I continued my journey to the northern states of Malaysia – Perlis, Kedah, and Penang,” he said.
Tan added that Penang has a special place in his heart.
“I went back to my school – Chung Ling High School – and introduce it to my viewers.
“Besides that, I also highlighted a traditional signboard maker who is great with his woodcarving skills, Chinese calligraphy, and wood painting.
“During my trip to Penang, I also took the funicular to Penang Hill at night to enjoy peace on the hill. I hung out with some friends in Teluk Kumbar, explored George Town, and visited St Anne’s Church in Bukit Mertajam with my mother,” he said.
In Perak, Tan said he visited Kuala Kurau, Taiping, Setiawan, and Teluk Intan.
Before ending his journey in Petaling Jaya, he managed to visit Sekinchan and Tapah.
Tan completed his bikepacking journey at about 5.30pm on Sept 30.
He thanked his family, friends, and followers for their support and encouragement throughout his journey.
“Although sometimes, too many ‘road safety’ wishes from them made me worried,” he said, laughing.
Tan said the 140-day bikepacking experience was memorable and rewarding.
“I will take a short break after this before focusing on my next project on basketball,” he added.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix courtesy of Mayfield Tan