FINAL Day 7 of 7: Malaysia Trip Finish Line š“āāļøš
Pontian to Singapore
75kms
Well, Praise the Lord! I made it! 706kms in seven days crossing Malaysia.š²š¾
As I approached the Singapore border crossing, it started to massive rain and the cars are traveling fast, as if they are on Expressway. šš
The lanes are multiple, and fast. It is not good for bicyclists, yet it is allowed by law.
The lanes going through Immigration are for motorcycles and bicycles, separate from car. I liked it. It was very organized.š®āāļøš®āāļø
The trouble began when I finished crossing the bridge and I lost internet, accurate mapping. I was really lost without a map.šŗš
The highway road signs of Singapore are different from Malaysia and I found myself on an Expressway (illegal) with no ability to get off or turn around. āļøš
I stopped at a junk shop and asked them to help me order a 6-seater taxi to pick me up and bring me to my housing on the other side of Singapore.
There was no way I could of crossed Singapore without mapping or signal. My trip was finished. Close enough. š
Comments about Malaysia:š²š¾
I had zero problems with cars. Never, a single car pull out in front of me. I give them a "10" for most courteous cars - more than USA and Philippines. āļøāļøāļøāļøāļø
Although 60% of the 33 million population is "M" religion, I never felt unsafe ever, compared to a 60% area of "M's" in the Philippines.
People really mind their own business. They are not staring and crowding around you like the "overly happy, friendly" atmosphere of the Philippines. It could be their lack of English to try to talk.
When I'm biking long distance, fully geared in the Philippines, I am like celebrity, selfie selfie everywhere, but here, no one notices or cares. No photos. Interesting.
Highways are good quality and the line markers are consistent from North to South. Very predictable. The shoulders vary in sizes. The red lights are many and take forever to turn green. Longest red lights in 28 visited countries. š¦š¤£
Nearly no one had to honk at me out of anger. Only a slight tap to warn me they are coming by.
The grass in gutters is always being trimmed by highway workers. Yes, they have garbage/litter, but not a lot.
I did not see any squatters, or shanty-type extreme poverty living conditions.
I am not a tea drinker, but the milk tea of Malaysia is rich, and creamy like coffee. I like it hot or w/ice. Great! āļø
The hotels do not let you bring your bicycle in your room. This is a disappointment and extra work. Both, the USA and Philippines allow you to bring bike in room.š“āāļø
Hotels are cheap and nice. Aircon and hot water for less than $20. This is great price! āļø
Flags flags flags everywhere. Malaysia is very patriotic and nationalistic. This is praise worthy. āļø
They love small, 3 cyl, 4 cyl cars. Nearly 3 out of 4 cars has "mufflers" and "Mag" wheels.
The Indians of Malaysia were the friendly, curious ones. The Chinese were better in English.
I saw six other cross-country bike packers going by. š“āāļøš“āāļøš“āāļøš“āāļøšµāāļøšµāāļø This is NOT a big number at all.
If I could do it again, I would design an evangelistic sticker designated for Indians, Bangladesh, and Chinese. It would be legal for them, but illegal for the Malays. āļø
Malaysia is a cheap country to pass through. I averaged $20 a day for food, drinks and $20 a day for housing. šÆš¶
That's it!
Tomorrow, I pack everything, and Sunday I fly back to Manila. āļøšµš
Watch for videos to come! š½
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