I know, the next motorcycling road trip may seem far away but hey, you really never know when that window of opportunity to hop on a trip would arise.
Just like last year, for a short few months, travel bans were lifted for selected countries with the launch of Vaccinated-Travel-Lane (VTL) flights to and fro Singapore without the need for any quarantine. In such scenario where the travel regulations are so fluid, it can actually be difficult planning a trip months in advanced.
Many friends I know have had their travel plans severely disrupted despite booking their trips just 1 - 2 months in advanced. Having to change their flight dates, accommodation cancelled without refunds, additional COVID-tests required etc, it frustrated many.
So the minute I found time to travel, I jumped straight onto a VTL flight to Barcelona, Spain, despite planning the 3-week trip in just 6 days.
As someone who is quite used to spontaneous trips (cuz sometimes I wake up one day and I'm like, okay let's travel somewhere new!), I thought planning the itinerary, booking the accommodation and even vehicle rental would be easy peasy.
While it wasn't particularly difficult, what made the process a bit more tedious was having to check through all the COVID-travel regulations thoroughly to ensure any possible hiccup is minimised. This included booking ART, PCR tests in advanced, knowing where you can and cannot travel to, what are the COVID-regulations in the country of visit etc.
I found that it was really useful having a pre and post travel checklist so it helps you keep track on all the regulations you'd need to adhere to, and any necessary documents that is required.
I'm 100% positive that this pandemic will pass. It may pass like a kidney stone LOL but it WILL pass. Eventually.
Meantime, while we await patiently for that day of freedom to arrive, I've come up with a list of the Top 5 countries you might want to check out for your next motorcycle touring trip!
Whether you're a motorcycle touring newbie or a veteran, I hope you will find this carefully curated list of countries suitable to your riding preference!
When you have all the necessary information prepared and ready to launch your next two wheel adventure, all you have to do is just "click and fly" once the opportunity to travel freely arises again!
1. Lake Kenyir, Terengganu, Malaysia (Ride Your Own Motorcycle)
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| pc: travelmalaysia |
I'm sure many of us have been to our neighbouring country, Malaysia, before, be it riding from Singapore over or via plane. But how many of you have visited Lake Kenyir?
An underrated gem, Lake Kenyir is Southeast Asia's largest man-made lake that stretches over 260,000 hectares. One football field is approximately 1 hectare, so you can imagine how massive this lake is!
Before loading up your bags onto your motorcycle, make sure you've got yourself comprehensively covered by DirectAsia Insurance! Their plans covers you and your motorcycle up to West Malaysia (including Penang and other Malaysia offshore islands accessible by road), and even Southern Thailand (within 80 km from the border of West Malaysia) if you wish to venture on further! When you know you're well insured, trust me, you ride better in confidence.
Now, from Woodlands Checkpoint (I know, the name of our first link checkpoint sounds foreign already), it's approximately 620KM to Terengganu. Going via the coastal road, you can head towards Mersing for breakfast (140KM), and then continue onto Kuantan for a night's rest. (193KM).
Start the next day early and continue the road up North towards Terengganu (293KM) with some brief stops along the way, for toilet breaks and to hydrate.
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| pc: istockphoto |
Upon arriving into Terengganu, there are quite a few activities worth exploring over a day or two. From bouldering down waterfalls, to hiking through a sanctuary, even wandering through deep cave sites, you can check them out here. Don't forget to bring along some sports and swimwear for the activities that you plan to do!
Terrain: Mostly tarmac
Riding Experience: Novice
2. Sapa Valley, Vietnam (Fly & Ride)
If you're an experienced biker and you have the luxury of time, you can ride your own motorcycle from Singapore to Sapa Valley, Vietnam. A one-way journey will probably take you 2 weeks or so? Depends on how much mileage you clock per day.
While DirectAsia Insurance Motorcycle Insurance may not cover your Singapore-registered motorcycle when you're in Vietnam, their Travel Insurance covers Medical Expenses in the event you meet with an unforeseen circumstance while on your motorcycle road trip.
After all, it is a rather long journey from Singapore all the way to Sapa Valley, we're talking about a few thousand KMs here!
If you have just 6 - 8 days to spare, I'd recommend you take a direct flight to Hanoi from Singapore, rent a motorcycle there and dive straight into the Hoang Lien Son range of mountains, which includes Fan Si Pan where the country's highest peak sits.
The road from Hanoi to Sapa isn't exactly the easiest nor the most comfortable with various parts of terrain being off road, but the views along the way are so rewarding and absolutely worth it!
Motorcycle rental is available at Touratech Vietnam where they have a fleet of motorcycles to choose from. They have a branch in Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi too, just let them know where you plan to ride to and return the bikes to. Plus, the friendly chaps there may even offer you some helpful touring tips!
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| pc: vietravel |
From Hanoi, ride 260KM and you'll arrive near the province of Ha Giang. Have some Vietnam coffee or lunch here, try their local food fare and take a moment to recharge.
Along the way, you may find yourself having to dodge large trailers, go through some muddy off-road terrain that would result in the above color changing effect of your gears and baggage HAHA. That was what happened to me when I rode through the last time!
Slowly, gradually, you'll observe the landscapes around you change as you traverse deeper and deeper into the mountains. Take it all in!
Continue on and you'll come across the sign that says, "Lao Cai".
Before you know it, (actually you will know it because you'd be riding for hours by now and feeling a bit tired haha), you will find yourself being engulfed by surrounding forested limestone and granite mountains. Fatigue would silently fall behind as your breaths are taken away by the magnificent views!
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| pc: goasiatravel |
If you're lucky, you might be able to capture this scenery on a clearer day where the gentle warm sun rays would paint these padi fields golden brown.
Upon entering into Sapa Valley, it would be good to have at least 3 - 4 days here to explore this beautiful province. From hiking, to taking the cable car up to the highest peak Fan Si Pan, to soaking in the culture and vibe, there is just so many activities to explore here that would guarantee you a fruitful trip!
Riding Experience: Intermediate (Adventurous Novice can try)
3. Barcelona, Spain (Fly & Ride)
Having been on an all wheel drive in Barcelona just last November, I know it's a place I'd definitely want to tour around on a motorcycle! Friends who have been there done that recommended this cosmopolitan city too! Why?
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| pc: imtbike |
Firstly, the wide open roads there are in superb condition, traffic there is relatively light and there's so much to see and do!
From vast mountain ranges, to basking in the country's rich art and culture, to hopping through different Spanish tapas bar makes the whole travel experience such an enriching one.
The best part is, things here are reasonably priced so you won't have to worry about breaking your wallet to enjoy a motorcycle holiday in Europe! :D
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| pc: imtbike |
In Spain, motorcycle rental is available at IMTBIKE where they have adventure motorcycles like the BMW GS1200, to sports touring motorcycles like the BMW R1250RT.
Not only do they provide motorcycle rental, they offer guided and self-guided tours too. Personally, I'm always for the Free & Easy itinerary as I like to plan my trip according to my preference and perhaps that's something you could try too!
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| pc: imtbike |
Spain is huge and you'd probably need multiple trips to explore the whole country but for a start, how about riding up North where the the magnificent Pyrenees Mountains are at! This can be done comfortably in 9 - 10 days!
Starting from Barcelona, take a short ride of just 65KM to Montserrat where the it offers some pretty spectacular mountain views of Catalunya.
There are plenty of hiking activities to do along the way from Montserrat to Pyrenees which allows you to submerge deeper into the scenery around you if being on a motorcycle and riding through the ranges isn't enough.
Stretching more than 430KM between France and Spain, within the Pyrenees lies amazing asphalts and beautiful corners that you and your motorcycle can lean into. With barely any traffic around, the breathtaking scenery around is all yours, and you can almost stop whenever you like to capture the unforgettable moments.
On this trip, you can actually pass through 3 different countries in a day! They are Spain, Andorra and France because they all share borders. Each country has it's own charm and imagine being able to experience all 3 at one go! For the full itinerary details on this Perfect Pyrenees motorcycle tour, you can check it out here!
One helpful tip when it comes to renting motorcycles overseas is try to get a good comprehensive insurance with zero excess from the motorcycle rental company. It really helps to give you 100% confidence and assurance while you're on the roads knowing that if any unforeseen circumstances happen you are well covered.
Terrain: Tarmac, Superb Asphalts, Mountain Passes
Riding Experience: Novice - Intermediate
4. Shirakawa-go, Japan (Fly & Ride)
"I don't like Japan" said no one EVER. Everyone I know loves the country for it's extremely courteous and hospitable locals, the mouth-watering food, the pretty Sakura seasons, how clean the place is and basically.. EVERYTHING.
But hey, it doesn't hurt doing a motorcycle road trip here either! Especially when you want to explore the roads less traveled where they are situated in more remote areas.
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| Credits to passportchop.com |
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| Shirakawago Village |
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| pc: Japan travel |
Autumn would likely be the best season to carry out motorcycle road trips, but don't forget your winter gears as it can still get quite chilly especially when the sun starts to set.
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| Shirakawago Village |
Shirakawago is known for their houses constructed in an architectural style known as Gassho-zukuri (prayer-hands construction), that are all at least 300 – 500 years old.
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| pc: snowmonkey |
Things go at a much slower pace here in the village so take your time, sip on some Japanese tea, visit the local farmhouses and interact with the friendly locals to fully experience the Shirakawago culture.
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| pc: nippon.com |
There are beautiful temple and shrine visits that you could visit too, such as the Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine above. Interestingly, this shrine was founded between 708 - 715 before the Nara period of Japan's history, and apparently Sake brewing was long associated with this shrine because of the freshest water it collects from melting snow!
Sake anybody? Just make sure you don't drink and ride!
Terrain: Tarmac, Superb Asphalts, Mountain Passes
Riding Experience: Novice - Intermediate
5. Shimla, India (Fly & Ride)
India is incredibly beautiful and each time I visit different parts of that country for a motorcycle trip, it never fails to surprise me and leave me in awe. If you've never ridden here, I'd highly recommend you to do so at least once in your life!
Now that you have a list of motorcycle-friendly countries and the useful links on where to rent bikes, which touring route you can take, what's there to explore, you can start planning your next two wheel adventure!
And when that day comes where we can pack our bags and fly overseas for a motorcycle road trip, we can travel with a peace of mind knowing that despite being miles away from home, DirectAsia Insurance comprehensive coverages will keep your precious bikes safe and sound at home until your return!
Till then, let's ride this pandemic out safely together!