Hatyai, Thailand 18.7.09

What I like about going for rides even though it may be far up north is the chance to explore Malaysia and occasionally, even to cross over the border since we are already at the edge of Kedah.

If you were to ask me if I was interested to drive to places like Sg. Petani or Kulim as a tourist, I will give you a head shake stating no interest. And yet, these are some of the places that my friends and I have travelled to and I am not surprise if one day the trip includes taking a flight overseas, all for the thrill of mountain biking.

Last weekend was no different. We were already going to travel 8 - 9 hours by bus way up north to the edge of Kedah for UUM XC Race, why not cross the border into Thailand for some sight seeing in Hatyai.

Bukit Kayu Hitam, the border town exit to Sadao, Thailand

Our plan to Hatyai town was detoured to visit this temple where a monk who died some years ago is kept in a glass coffin.

The picture of the monk

What was fascinating about it is that the body that has not changed much since he died and the mysterious reason that it did not decay.

Our ECC members praying for luck in their personal lives and some, for fast ride and good poll position in the race

Low buying a pendant casing in Hatyai town for the amulet received at the temple

Fried large prawns for any hungry tourist

Taking the opportunity to visit a local bicycle shop to see if there are bargain bike stuffs to buy

Mei among the Trek bikes

When we went to Betong in June, I was surprised how small it was when I found out there were no fast food outlet and shopping mall. One of the "things to do in Thailand" is to eat something that is not found in any fast food outlet in Malaysia due to religious reasons.

The juicy Samurai pork burger in McDonald's

It was a short day trip to Hatyai. Going in at 8am and out by 4.30pm

Melaka cycling and food trail

Lee CH and I played host to Wooi YT, his wife and 2 friends from Penang last Sunday 5th July. They were in Melaka for a company seminar and took the opportunity for a holiday.

We met them at Newton food court beside Dataran and although we have never met them before, it wasn't hard to spot them as they were in cycling jersey and with bicycles. After the formalities of hand shakes, we took them on the kampung road that led to St. John's hill.


Lee CH suggested giving them a taste of cycling amongst the graveyard of Bukit Cina and we were about to cycle in when one of the friends bike had a pit stop to change tubes.

We hope they enjoyed this trail as this is one of my favourite trails when we cycle at night!

I was worried the joggers will not be happy to see us as Bukit Cina trails is famous as a jogging site. So far no problem and we thanked them when they gave way to us.

This is probably one scenery that you hardly get on St. Paul's hill. Tourist with mountain bikes.

Well, since we're up here, might as well take the opportunity for a photo with my daughter, Michelle.

The statue of St. Francis Xavier with his missing right hand. There is a reason for it. Come to Melaka and I will tell you the story.

After that was the ride along the Melaka river. Another cycling trail that I am proud to bring guests.

This is one of the best projects Melaka has done to promote tourism.

Sam Poh temple at the foot of Bukit Cina.

I am not sure if our Penang friends had drunk the water from the well and legend has it that the person will sure to return to Melaka if they drank it.

We went for an early dinner at Ole Sayang for Nyonya food. Thanks to our friends for the treat. It's off to the 2nd part of the river ride.

Cycling on the boardwalk with the Eye of Melaka in the background

The night ended with us going to this "food stall" as Wooi mentioned they want to eat food that has shells.

Sometimes, the best kerang can be found at the back lanes.

We hope our friends from Penang enjoyed the short 6 hours ride along the streets of Melaka and we welcome them back for another ride, perhaps during the Burung Hantu Night Jamboree in October.

Pesta San Juang & San Pedro

If you are planning to visit Malacca, the Portuguese community will be celebrating the Saint John's & Saint Peter's Festival from 23rd - 29th June. There will lots of traditional dancing, talentime competition and other interesting activities. Venue: Portuguese Settlement, Jalan Ujung Pasir.