Friday, December 20, 2024

Belawei Ride with Mamat (25th December 2021)

One of the place that I really want to ride to is Belawei. Before the ride I only heard about it, how fascinating the place is. So I made a riding plan with Mamat (as always) to ride to Belawei & as usual the ride started at around 4 am. 

Yes I was here! The weather is good, there's a lot people during that time since it was festive holidays. It was during Christmas time if not mistaken. 

Mamat and his never ending useless action camera. I have never seen any of the clips come out from that camera. 
One for the world! & the rest is history! 
Signboard never lies! 

The ferry we took at Sungai Maw, in between Sarikei (close to Bintangor) & Sibu. I called it the ferry of death considering the tumbling motions if the ferry once taking off and also the ferry is only using one engine at that time. This is the short cut to Belawei, meaning we don't have to enter Sibu to get there.
And as always to save some money, we stayed at Sarikei at my in law's house & and the next day we ride back to Kuching. 

Monday, December 16, 2024

The 1st Kapit Ride With Mamat (30th October 2021)

As usual we started the ride at around 4 am in the morning. As long as I recall the weather was perfect all the way from Kuching to Kapit town. Also this is the first time I'm using topbox on my Honda RS150 & during that time I realized that having a topbox is very extremely helpful & useful for all riders especially when we are talking about a long ride. 
Using a top box on a motorcycle offers several benefits, making it a popular accessory for riders across different styles of riding. Here are some key advantages:

1. Increased Storage Capacity
A top box provides additional space to carry essential items such as helmets, clothing, tools, or groceries, enhancing the practicality of your motorcycle.

2. Weather Protection
Most top boxes are waterproof or weather-resistant, ensuring your belongings stay dry and safe in adverse weather conditions.

3. Enhanced Security
Unlike soft luggage or backpacks, a lockable top box provides a secure place to store valuables, reducing the risk of theft.

4. Improved Aerodynamics
A well-designed top box can streamline the airflow over the motorcycle, minimizing drag compared to side panniers or bulky backpacks.

5. Balanced Weight Distribution
Mounting a top box on the rear of the bike helps distribute weight more evenly, which can improve stability compared to carrying a heavy backpack.

6. Convenience for Long-Distance Riding
For touring or long-distance rides, a top box eliminates the need for frequent stops to access items, as it’s easily accessible and organized.

7. Passenger Comfort
Some top boxes come with padded backrests, offering additional comfort and support for pillion riders.

8. Versatility and Customization
Top boxes come in various sizes, designs, and features, allowing riders to choose one that best suits their specific needs and riding style.

9. Quick Detachment
Many top boxes feature a quick-release mechanism, enabling riders to easily remove the box when it’s not needed or for off-bike portability.

10. Reduced Strain on the Rider
Using a top box eliminates the need for carrying a backpack, reducing fatigue and strain on the rider's back and shoulders during extended rides.

On one of the bridge before reaching the destination! This is a very long & tall bridge, so it attracts me so much to take pictures on it before moving forward. 

Mamat & his blue colour theme RS150. That was his 2nd cover set. 

Jabal An Nur Mosque, Kapit. Stopping by for Zohor prayer. One beautiful mosque that made me want to take pictures in front of it. It's a very big mosque up on a hill, once you enter Kapit you'll never miss seeing this magnificent building. 

Mamat's turn to pose! 

At Kapit Town Square, very near to the mighty Rejang river. If you noticed, there's a Shell petrol station at the back & Petronas petrol station side to side. At the back of both stations is Rejang River, famous for its vicious crocodiles & legendary stories. 

With a long lost friend, Sapiq Jaguk. He's from Kuching, married to an Indonesian gal, got a couple of kids & decide to stay in Kapit since his work is in and around Kapit area as a land surveyor. 

Kapit waterfront muddy steps, just look how big the river is, truly amazing! Kapit always having speed boat races and this is where the main event held.

Boats have been the main form of transportation to Kapit people for many years. Now the road is completed people in Kapit can move around at any time they want to almost any places that has pavement roads too. 

I found this part of the road is very interesting & decided to stop here to take some pictures. This is on our way back to Sarikei the same day. Amazing river & mountains!
I called this bridge as The Twin Bridge! 

I remember that we stayed at Sarikei that night at my in law's house, that's why not much pictures taken. We rode to Kapit on Saturday & on the same day we rode back to Sarikei & we arrived at Sarikei at around 6 p.m. The next day which is Sunday we rolled back to Kuching at around 10 a.m.
Riding a motorcycle offers a unique sense of freedom and satisfaction that few other experiences can match. The open road, the wind rushing past, and the feeling of control over the machine create a deep connection between rider and environment. Each ride brings a sense of accomplishment, whether navigating a challenging trail, cruising through scenic landscapes, or simply escaping daily stresses. The thrill of adventure, combined with the meditative rhythm of the ride, makes motorcycling not just a hobby but a source of genuine joy and personal fulfillment.

Saturday, December 14, 2024

Binyok Beach Ride & Camp with Mamat & Arif (December 14th & 15th 2024)

Riding and camping in the wild is the perfect blend of adventure and serenity, offering an unmatched connection to nature. Riders traverse scenic landscapes, from dense forests to rugged trails, with the thrill of the journey only matched by the tranquility of the destination. After a day on the saddle, setting up camp under the stars brings a sense of accomplishment and peace. The experience is about self-reliance, simplicity, and immersion in the elements, whether you're enjoying a meal by the fire or listening to the sounds of wildlife. This combination of riding freedom and nature's embrace makes wild camping an unforgettable adventure.

We left home at around 2 pm. It took only around 20 to 30 minutes to reach the entrance to this place & from the entrance that's where all the challenges started. And from the entrance it will cost you more time, maybe up until an hour because the trail is quite harsh & hard especially for my PG1 and especially when the bike is carrying things for the one night camping.

From my place to the beach! 
That's the exact location of Binyok beach. 

Muddy road once you started to ride towards. 

My sporting pillion! 
He even carry his own small creatures container. 

First hill is the most challenging one. it's because the hill is very steep, 76 meter elevation according to wikiloc. Another thing is I need to dodge the drain like paths while climbing & at the same time choosing which path is the safest to reach the top. The drain structures are caused by the rain that slided fast down the hill. So for this task I asked my son to step down from the bike & walk up the hill by himself so I can control the bike better without having extra weight on my back.

Up the hill. If you are driving a 4WD I kinda think that you can drive further up maybe very near to the beach but can't never place your vehicle at the beach itself as it is way steep down. If you are driving only a regular car (front wheels drive) I don't think you can do it and one thing that you can do is to park the car nearby the entrance and hike all the way up. Hiking may take you around 30 to 45 minutes. I kinda see that it's really safe to park down here as not many people really pass this place by very often. 

A selfie for the world! 
This is the limit of the trail, there's no way I can ride further because it's a slippery downhill, very impossible for me to climb up later. 
 
One for the road! 
 
This is what I mean by slippery. We are lucky today the ground was a bit dry due to hot weather so there's a good grip all the way down.
 
My little helper! (also little explorer)

There's no way I'm riding down this part to reach the beach, we rather walk down & carry all our stuffs! 

Just a little bit further! 
 

 
Almost there, a bit more! Arif likes what he sees!
 
Yeah we are here! And just look at this little man's face expression!
 
A happy boy is a happy father!
 
Unloading first before anything else! 
 
Straight to the main business!

Another selfie for the world! 
 
This is where this guy staying for the night! Sorry I can't take you below bro! 

His first thing, go explore!!
 
Setting up the tent. Mamat's tent can fit up till 4 people in it while mine can only fit 2, bought it from Decathlon for a very good price and I'm really glad that I can put it to valuable use especially in creating memories together with my kid.

Awesome location just under the trees so we can have some shades & protection!
 
Balanced boy! 
Night time! 
Arif can't wait to test his head light!
 
Setting up the campfire! We gathered the dry woods & sticks earlier after done with the tent. 

Of course, Arif favourite thing! 

The fire is getting bigger! 

"I need to lie down for a while, my head is feeling dizzy" Arif said. Explaining why he didn't finish his favorite noodle that I prepared. 

One for the night! 
One for the good food & the nicest weather! We talked about stuff here and there, this & that. Communication is the key especially when considering we have been good friends for a very long time, since 2011 to be exact! We always ride together to many places and Sabah ride (2 times, August year 2020 & December 2023) is the most memorable.

The foldable mini table that I bought from shopee is put into good use. I prepared 2 cups of hot chocolate for me & my son but since he's not feeling good I left the other cup for Mamat. 
We went to bed at around 10 pm because Mamat said that he felt very tired after doing some hiking today. To be honest the trail is quite challenging for hikers especially when you need to carry a lot of camping stuffs like Mamat did and I respect him for the spirit!

Good morning world! 

Looking forward for more sea crawlies!
 
One for the beautiful morning & the rest is history!
 
My favourite shot of the day!  
 
Arif trying to see the writing (carving) on the rock! It says something on a year right there (seems like 1998 or something like that & some Arabic calligraphy)
 
That morning we decided to explore another part of the beach. This weird looking rock formation caught our attention, at one side it looks like a van or a mini bus & when you look at it this way at this angle it looks like the head of a giant turtle! Very fascinating & mysterious! 

Maybe a place for fisherman to transit or to put stuffs. 

A small dam just beside the house where a small river flows, freshwater from the nearby jungle on higher ground. I took 2 bottles so I can use them to wash things at our tent later in case. The plan next time is to stay near this area.

A very nice smelling flower from the tree above our tent area. Soon after we started packing all our stuffs because it's time to go! 

It's time to leave, back home where we belong! 

One for the beautiful morning! Thank you Binyok beach, we'll see you again in the nearest time! 

Hiking back! 

"I need to rest!" Mamat said just after 5 minutes hiking up!

So far so good! 
Bring your garbage along with you! (in the black plastic bag) That's how we take care of nice & beautiful places like the Binyok beach! Respect & love the place & it will respect & love us back! 

Last but not least, back to where we started! What an amazing moment for the 3 of us especially for me & my son Arif!