Day 4 #B.E. Surat Thani - Chumphon - Hua Hin : 500KM Worth of Poorly Patched Roads

Today's ride is gonna be a longer one, with close to 500KM to cover from Surat Thani to Hua Hin, hence I was up an ready at the first light of dawn with my eyes barely half open.

My alarm sets off at 5:30am daily, but oh.. how tempting it is to hit the snooze button! I can't allow myself to say "5 more minutes" because we know, it's NEVER 5 minutes. LOL. The next time I really wake up, I'd wake up in shock because I'm darn late already.

Haven't we all been there before? Haha.

When you move off early, you'll reach your destination earlier. Also, you give yourself a bit of allowance for small detours to explore places that may not be in your planned itinerary.

I headed towards Hua Hin, passing Chumphon first.

It was a gorgeous morning, with flowers in full bloom that lined the smooth, well paved roads.

But this lasted only for the first 80KM.

Road condition started to worsen, with very uneven tarmac patches everywhere. Heavy duty vehicles travel a lot of this route, so much that their weight have caused the tarmac to sink in. There are quite a lot of cracked roads an pot holes too, some deep enough to potentially cause damage to the rims.

Credits to qnews

This was almost all the way to Hua Hin, which was about 420KM? Man, it was really uncomfortable. Though my baggage was tightly strapped on, all the non stop bumps caused it to shift and I had to stop to make sure it wasn't falling off.

At Amazon Cafe

The weather is hot and dry in Thailand, with today's temperature hitting 37 degrees. I only stop for refuel to save time, even skipping lunch. But around 2pm, I had to escape into the only place with air con at the gas station, which is Amazon Cafe, to cool down.

Or just chill under a big shady tree

And dream about jumping into that lake to cool off all the heat. Looks so inviting.

Ok better stop dreaming and continue on my way before it gets late!
On the way to Hua Hin, guess what signage did I see?

In Singapore, we see a left exit to Bishan or Tampines. Here, I see a left exit to Myanmar!
Way too cool that I HAD to take this photo.

It was around 5pm where the sun started to slowly set as I arrived at Hua Hin and rode to the historic Railway Station that is a must-visit for anyone that comes here.

Hua Hin Railway station is one of the oldest in Thailand and is known for the Royal Waiting Room that was designed almost exactly like the Maruekkhathayawan Palace. Want to feel like a royal family member? Step inside, because the waiting room was used to welcome the King of Thailand and his court when they visit the town.

After hitting against all that bumps on the patchy road, avoiding pot holes as much as possible, man, the discs of my spine felt reshuffled, like how you shuffle in Mahjong or something.

Checked into Baan Talay Dao Resort, a place that is surrounded with such lush greenery, and located right on Hua Hin's famous beach, where the Thailand Royal family built their very own villas there too. That was when Tourism here flourished ever since.

Time to unwind by the beach, again, with the sky painted nicely in pink, and two tall glasses of fruit smoothies to quench that thirst. Can't wait for all the activities happening tomorrow in, Bangkok!






[Singapore.Malaysia.Thailand.]
[Mileage Clocked: 2,002KM]
[Weather/Temperature: Sunny/37°C]
[Terrain: Road/Poor Tarmac/Patchy/Bumpy]


Next stop: Bangkok, Thailand

Day 3 #B.E. Hat Yai - Nakhon Si Thammarat - Surat Thani

Thailand time is an hour behind Singapore at GMT +7, and setting off early to promptly be on schedule as per my itinerary takes discipline, especially when it comes to waking up early at 5:30am everyday and moving off by 7:00am.

Hat Yai is a small city located nearest to the Malaysian Border which I crossed yesterday, where many bikers from Singapore stop over to rest before heading back or continue up North. Visited the Buddha situated really high on top of a hill, overlooking Thailand at Hat Yai Municipal Park.

So far, I didn't really have to use my GPS other than locating where exactly my hotel is because there are big road signs that shows clearly the way to go. More often than not, it's usually just either Left or Right. Haha so it's pretty straightforward. 

In fact at times, the GPS will cock up and bring you to holand (bring you round and round) so it's better to just follow the road signs.

 

The great thing about my Suzuki DR200 is that its fuel consumption is very efficient. My 11L tank can last me about 380KM including reserve. As advised by my local Thailand friends, it's best not to go to just any petrol kiosk because some of kiosks carry petrol which are hmm, not clean.

Looks like its UKM. 

Yep, this is the one recommended. I try to go to this petrol kiosk if possible. But if my petrol is left with only lasting me another 100 metres, I'd take even those petrol selling in glass bottles by the road side. Hahaha shit petrol is better than NO petrol. 

Crossing the bridge towards Songkhla

Haven't encountered any traffic jams so far, the roads are in reasonably good condition too. However, I've got to constantly look out for trucks and pick ups as here in Thailand, motorbikes are lowly prioritized, you've got to give way to them as much as possible.

When driving/riding especially in foreign countries, it's not so much of who has the right of way. It's about giving way all the time. Safety comes first, before pride. Remember that if you wanna stay alive ;p

Surat Thani in Thailand actually means "A City of Good People", a title given to the city by King Vajiravudh. Looks like this doesn't apply to bulls here :p Haha getting BULLied by this blackie with it standing in my way, refusing to move an inch. 

Let's take a wefie then! 

I don't even care that one side of my pants is up and the other down

Traveling alone, it takes quite a lot of effort to snap even just a simple photo. 

Each time I stop to take a picture, I sweat buckets. Find a safe place to stop, remove gloves, take out tripod, set up camera, adjust lighting, adjust angle, put on timer, run over to snap the shot, come back, check, picture no good, repeat the steps until the right shot is captured. All that in full gear under the sun.

So I always hydrate each time I stop, to replenish all the water loss. 

Covered close to 400KM today and arrived safely in Surat Thani. Some members from the Surat Thani Biker Club and TAT actually came down to my hotel to send their warm welcome as I shared with them why I was doing this trip over dinner.

Will definitely meet these Thai bikers the next time I ride to Thailand again! 

[Singapore.Malaysia.Thailand.]
[Mileage Clocked: 1,402KM]
[Weather/Temperature: Sunny/30°C]
[Terrain: Road/Average Tarmac]

Next stop: Hua Hin, Thailand

Day 2 #B.E. Malaysia - Hat Yai, Thailand

Sawadeeka!

Hello Thailand!

The last time I rode up here to Hat Yai on my Suzuki DR200 was in May last month, the dry run for THE trip happening NOW.

Previously I had my friends accompany me during the dry run to learn what goes on at the Malaysia-Thailand Sadao Border crossing.  This time, I'm on my own! Just me, myself, and 100% loaded up with all that baggage filled with everything I need for this trip.

1I had all the Custom & Immigration steps in my mind on repeat mode to ensure I go through it smoothly.

What You Need
Vehicle Log Card - Print from One Motoring or go LTA pay $10.70 for the True Copy with stamp
Vehicle Insurance - Purchased in Malaysia (18RM for 9 days coverage), at Bukit Ayer Hitam
Passport - Make sure passport is stamped at both borders. No stamp, you don't need to go home already. GG!!!

Checked out of The Crossroads Hotel and moved off from Kuala Lumpur at 6:00am, there was no traffic at all, so different from what is was the day before during peak hours. The best part about setting off early - It grants you really smooth access to your route and can save you a lot of time.

The bad part - Having to drag that ass outta bed, fighting the temptation of snoozing off.

I headed straight for Sadao Border.

At the Customs & Immigration Checkpoint, I knew I was gonna have a rollin' time in The Land of Smiles. Looks like these guys, who have not one, but two jet skis towed in for some fun too!
Looks damn dope. 

For long hours of endurance riding, it's crucial to hydrate. Sufficient water helps keep your body cool in such intense heat. Furthermore with all the gears I'm wearing, I sweat a lot each time I stop, be it for a toilet break or a petrol refuel so it's important to replenish all that water lost.

Told Sleeping Buddha I'll be back to see him when I was there on Labour Day last month in May, and here I am again! Rode over to see him first thing when I reached Hat Yai before checking into the hotel.

To my surprise, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) came to the hotel and greeted me! Much thanks to TAT Singapore, the Tourism Board of Thailand is aware of my trip up to Everest Base Camp and they have given their 100% support and are so filled with hospitality as I travel through Thailand.

Went to Sirada Seafood restaurant in Ko Yo where it was located out in the open, stretching towards the Songkhla Lake. Just 30 minutes from Hat Yai, this place was fully packed with both locals and visitors.

Isn't the sunset gorgeous?

Thailand enjoys long hours of day time in summer with the sun rising as early as 5:30am, and setting only at 7:00pm.

#nofilter

Ending off the day with a beautiful sunset by the bay and the cool breeze that relaxes my soul which I dearly need.

[Singapore.Malaysia.Thailand.]
[Mileage Clocked: 1,020KM]
[Weather/Temperature: Sunny/31°C]
[Terrain: Road/Average Tarmac]


Next stop: Surat Thani, Thailand

Day 1 #B.E. Singapore - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Crouching Tiger, Leaping Rider.

Trying to dodge the wind blast although my bike's cruising speed ain't fast at an average of 110kmh. For once, I won't have to worry about exceeding speed limits on North South Highway hahaha (limit is 110kmh).

Starting Mileage: 72754

Sorry for sucha bad picture. I was feeling too emotional during the flag off, I forgot to snap a picture of my starting mileage.. until I entered Malaysia's North South Highway. Hence, I shot this quickly while on the go with my HTC Re Camera.

Here's a better shot after my first roughly 150km, taken at Pagor's petrol kiosk.

Apart from protection, being in comfortable riding gears is important, especially when I'll be wearing it every single day, up to 8 hours a day or more, for a month. Man, it better be comfortable.

My concern was most all-weather touring jackets tend to feel a bit warmer especially when worn during summer or in the day when it's hot. Sometimes your body feels like it can't breathe.

But my RS Taichi Drymaster is really airy and light, with huge vents that opens up at the side and back, allowing pretty good air ventilation so far. Wonder how well it'll work when it pours or when temperatures dip! Guess we'll have to wait and see.

Credits to The Crossroads Hotel

After about 400km, I've reached Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and checked into cosy Crossroads Hotel. It's literally situated at major a cross junction. Hurriedly wash up and was excited because with much thanks to Ministry of Superbikes (MOS) and Motor Culture Malaysia, they've organized a mini press conference for me at the hotel's roof top bar.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Shining bright like diamonds, the iconic Twin Towers stands out at night.

MOS Video Interview

Was honestly a bit nervous meeting everyone with all the media and press around, but they were all so friendly and relaxed, which made me feel much better after a while. Many, whom personally wanted to know why I'm doing this trip and how did I go about planning for it.

It was great meeting the Malaysia press, sponsors and fellow bikers whom have all gave their very own words of encouragement for me to bring along on my journey. There's this warm feeling that I get receiving such support from even our neighbouring country.

I'm Singaporean, but you know it's such a wonderful feeling when Beyond Everest doesn't just involve Singapore. It's amazing when other countries like Malaysia and Thailand step forward with their support to be part of this too!

Speaking off which, my next stop: Thailand.

[Singapore.Malaysia.]
[Mileage Clocked: 401KM]
[Weather/Temperature: Sunny/30°C]
[Terrain: Road/Smooth Tarmac]


Next stop: Hat Yai, Thailand.

Day 1 #B.E. - IT'S OFFICIAL, The Flag Off

Oh, how time flies.

Looking back almost 6 months ago at how I first started off being unsettled and unsure, to how everything has fallen neatly into place now, I can never be more thankful for the amount of support and encouragement I've received for this solo trip that I'm doing.

I would sincerely like to thank the following because #BeyondEverest would not have been possible without you guys!

Liqui Moly Asia Pacific - Official Oil/Lubricant Automotives
Pirelli - Official Tyres
Hodaka Motoworld - Official Touring Gear
GIVI - Tourer Bags
Unique Motorsports - Official Motorcycle Service Support
Juzz Wheelzz - Official Decal Specialist
Aurosonics - Rockets, The Most Hardy Earphones Ever
Route 82 - Print Specialist
Tourism Authority of Thailand

And every single one of you that has been with me through (you know who you are), giving me all the advice I needed and supporting me in every way you could. 

Send off at 5am

The Send off

So yes, I'll be riding every single day for 6 - 8 hours, clocking over 7,500km in total, through 6 countries, from Singapore to Mount Everest North Base Camp in Tibet.

Credit to thelandofsnows

 
Is there a road that links all the way from Singapore? Yes! Road and Off road.
How long will this take me? About a month.
How am I gonna load up everything I need on my little Suzuki DR200? The power of Rok Straps and imagination.

Mm.. how am I gonna fit all these into ONE Givi Duffel Bag?

Preparations

From China/Tibet permit applications, to Chinese VISA, to vising embassies for support, to fitness and mechanical training, to insurances needed, to shipping logistics, doing up my bike both internally and cosmetically, getting all the necessary gears for extreme weather fluctuations, including bike aid and first aid kits, understanding how different border crossing works and being aware of the terrains involved, the list just never seem to end.

Friends who sacrificed their sleep to be there for me

After so much that has went on, I'm finally setting off on.. probably the ride of my life.
Still feels unreal.

Traveling at the speed of light.. like real. LOL

Gave all my friends and family a big big hug at the send off. Like every parent, my parents were worried sick and so unwilling to let me go. But I promised them I'd come back safe and erm, GLORIOUS? Hahaha which, didn't really help.

Nevertheless, gave them a huge hug and off I go!

First stop: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.