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Pedalling Around the Peninsula
“Four corners of West Malaysia, 2,664 kilometres in 37 days……Are you two nuts?”
Well, those were probably not the exact words. However, nothing could keep outdoor enthusiast Sandra Loh and her friend Mak Shiau Meng from their goal to travel to the four corners of Peninsular Malaysia on bicycles in early 2009. The tour was Mak's idea, and he had invited Sandra along for the ride.
For Mak, it was the fulfillment of a dream; for Sandra, a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Braving exhausting uphill roads in the scorching sun and freezing rain, daredevil lorry drivers, unhelpful road signs and the occasional cow, the two intrepid cyclists made their way to the designated four corners: Padang Besar, Kedah; Tanjung Piai and Sg. Rengkit in Johor; and Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
As they rode past small towns and big cities, friendly and helpful locals, old and new friends, new and familiar sights and (mostly) good food made the trip more interesting…and bearable. And Sandra, the chronicler of the expedition, wrote it all down in her chirpy inimitable style.
Well, those were probably not the exact words. However, nothing could keep outdoor enthusiast Sandra Loh and her friend Mak Shiau Meng from their goal to travel to the four corners of Peninsular Malaysia on bicycles in early 2009. The tour was Mak's idea, and he had invited Sandra along for the ride.
For Mak, it was the fulfillment of a dream; for Sandra, a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Braving exhausting uphill roads in the scorching sun and freezing rain, daredevil lorry drivers, unhelpful road signs and the occasional cow, the two intrepid cyclists made their way to the designated four corners: Padang Besar, Kedah; Tanjung Piai and Sg. Rengkit in Johor; and Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
As they rode past small towns and big cities, friendly and helpful locals, old and new friends, new and familiar sights and (mostly) good food made the trip more interesting…and bearable. And Sandra, the chronicler of the expedition, wrote it all down in her chirpy inimitable style.
- GenresTravel
349 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
6 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 17, 2013
Not only is this a fun read, it's incredibly useful for those who plan to do a self-supported cycling tour around peninsular Malaysia. I was especially excited to read a book written by a woman exploring her own country by bicycle - her account of her travels is honest, enjoyable, and brings you things that - even if you were looking it in the face - now have context and a good story about. I did a solo cycle tour around Malaysia, and this book was my primary reference.
February 7, 2018
Fun read. Very informative.
Good job!
Good job!
August 3, 2017
Rasa teruja bila baca kisah penulis mengayuh basikal mengelilingi semenanjung dalam masa 37 hari. Tiba-tiba rasa bersemangat mahu mengayuh mengikut jejak langkah penulisnya.
September 10, 2020
Interesting premise, but I find the characters and writing uncharming. It’s a shame that the book couldn’t bring out the beauty of the country.
July 31, 2013
The good : Contains lot of coloured photos and the pages were coloured too. The photos roughly gave an idea of what they have been through and experienced which helps a lot, but I wish there were more of them. This kind of locally-written (Malaysia) sport adventure cum travelogue book are rare
The ugly : One thing I noticed there were several typing error and wording problems in my copy. Wonder was there any editor for the book, the mistakes are quite obvious.
All in all, if you are into endurance sports, adventures, travelling or would like to get to know West Malaysia better or perhaps some inspirations to start an adventure yourself, I would recommend this book.
The ugly : One thing I noticed there were several typing error and wording problems in my copy. Wonder was there any editor for the book, the mistakes are quite obvious.
All in all, if you are into endurance sports, adventures, travelling or would like to get to know West Malaysia better or perhaps some inspirations to start an adventure yourself, I would recommend this book.
June 9, 2015
Finally, the long journey of two strong-spirited persons covering four corners of the peninsula Malaysia is ended.
I mean, my reading.
I enjoyed the ride, especially the emotional cycling from Jeli, Kelantan until both Sandra and Mak went to separate ways in Gurun. Its really an awesome experience and I do envy their courage and strong will to start, moreover to end the ride, just the two of them.
I love the details of the journey, somehow I felt a bit lack of satisfaction. Maybe its due to the "repeatedness " of the story, like how big or small was the room, taking turn for shower, who woke up first, etc.
Anyhow, its a worth reading book.
I mean, my reading.
I enjoyed the ride, especially the emotional cycling from Jeli, Kelantan until both Sandra and Mak went to separate ways in Gurun. Its really an awesome experience and I do envy their courage and strong will to start, moreover to end the ride, just the two of them.
I love the details of the journey, somehow I felt a bit lack of satisfaction. Maybe its due to the "repeatedness " of the story, like how big or small was the room, taking turn for shower, who woke up first, etc.
Anyhow, its a worth reading book.
November 1, 2013
I have never felt so much fun reading a book! I bought it on a tuesday and managed to finish it by friday. Usually it took me a month to finish a book of this thickness!
Anyway, this is a very awesome story of two Malaysians, cycling around West Malaysia. Sandra pretty much wrote everything she encountered during the trip, from the delicious food to the friendly people to the amazing scenery throughout her journey (and some unfortunate moments as well). This is a book you cannot miss if you love traveling! Plus if you're planning to start a biking trip you might as well read this book first.
Anyway, this is a very awesome story of two Malaysians, cycling around West Malaysia. Sandra pretty much wrote everything she encountered during the trip, from the delicious food to the friendly people to the amazing scenery throughout her journey (and some unfortunate moments as well). This is a book you cannot miss if you love traveling! Plus if you're planning to start a biking trip you might as well read this book first.
November 21, 2013
Just a story of what happened during the cycling adventure. Couldn't find any significant value.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews