Kuantan to Mersing (29th April - 3rd May)

Kuantan to Pekan
Distance - 50km
Average - 20.7km/h

After having a super big brekkie of roti channai and toseh we set off on a medium distance ride to Pekan.

The first 20km or so were pretty easy, with a nice flat road. Then we came across some men and women waving down cars off the road. Our first instinct was that they had broken down and needed a bit of help (of which we were of no use on a bicycle). Then we saw that a car was on its side in the ditch. We quickly stopped and saw that two younger men had managed to get out of the car, but there was still another girl inside. Nick put his senior first aid training to use to look after the girl when she was removed from the car. The two guys had minor scratches and were a bit shaken up, but the girl (who was about 15) was in a lot of pain but little blood.

So Nick spoke to her in Bahasa Malayu (with the help of a dictionary) and found out that it was mainly head injuries. He made her lie down and looked after her until the ambulance arrived. It was interesting that heaps of other vehicles stopped to see what happened, but not a single one tended to the victims. I dont know whether it was a cultural issue, or that they were simply untrained to help. But these three young people were extremely grateful for Nick helping them while waiting for the ambulance. They were more in need of support than people staring at them.

After the ambulance took them off to hospital, we hopped back on our bikes and felt glad that we could be of some use.

Our destination of Pekan was an ordinary Malaysian town and for us just a place to rest our legs for the journey further south.


Pekan to Kuala Rompin
Distance - 95km
Average - 19.0km/h

The ride today was a challenge as we were both quite tired. Kuala Rompin was another simple Malaysian town. After the ride our afternoons seem to consist of find hotel, shower, washing clothes, lunch, internet, read, dinner, sleep. So nothing to really report on here.


Kuala Rompin to Mersing
Distance - 66km
Average - 19.2km/h

We were both looking forward to Mersing as from what we had read, it seemed like a cute little town that serves as a jumping point to the famous Tioman island. We decided not to go to Tioman as we previously saw beautiful beaches along the coast without needing to get on a three hour boat to see more. Also taking bikes on the boat would be a bit of a challenge. This choice seemed to suprise most locals, as they see Tioman as their little gem. But we love Malaysia anyway without having to go to a resort filled, over rated island. So instead we stayed in Mersing for three nights.

Our first accommodation choice was a bit odd as you check yourself in (no one is there) and someone comes in the evening to collect the payment. The next day we moved a little further out of town in a garden filled bungalow guesthouse. While the garden was beautiful, as was the communal areas, the whole place was mosquito filled, damp and with very unclean bathrooms, so we dont rate the guesthouse highly at all.

But otherwise it was nice to relax in Mersing for a few days. We mainly did extensive research into further Europe and India plans. And we came to a conclusion. Be back in NZ to start 2008 uni year. When we get to Europe in July, cycle round for 4 months then fly to India and cycle round India for two months. Then fly to Aussie and cycle from Brisbane to Sydney over a month to catch up with family and friends (yes that means you Jane, Anita and Chris). Then back to NZ in Feb. All of this means we need to buy camping gear for Europe so we decided on a Macpac tent and a few other accessories that we will need to buy over the next few months. We are both excited about camping in Europe, and seeing India, but also it will be nice to be back in NZ for 2008.