Malaysia

Although the temperature had moderated a little as we moved south, the humidity was reaching completely new levels. Within fifteen minutes of getting on the bike each day we were both drenched and dripping sweat.

Clothing, gloves and shoes became saturated and stayed that way all day. Malaysians are lovely, friendly and good-natured, and remarkably tolerant of strange foreigners trailing puddles of sweat through their shops and restaurants.

It was unfortunate that we allowed so little time to explore Malaysia, with our flight booked, we were on a mission to reach Singapore by April 22nd and it didn’t leave us much time to spare.

Once again, the food looks like being a highlight, offering the best of Indian, Chinese and Malay cooking. We are prepared to forgive pretty much anything else, just so long as we can eat well.

We decided to head for Kuala Lumpur, mainly to catch up with Dave, a friend from the Simpson Desert race who is now living there.

Leaving KL we made a bolt for Malacca, on the west coast. It is monsoon season now so we get going early, trying to reach our destination before being engulfed in the afternoon downpour. We are not always successful and sometimes end up splashing our way along suddenly flooded roads in the midst of a fantastic thunder and lightning show.