Kuantan Weekend Ride 

 22-23 May 2010

As usual, the local weather cannot be accurately predicted. Even the metrological website cannot give spot on forecast. We originally planned to ride to Rompin, Johor. Difficulty in getting a hotel confirmation forced us to change the destination to Cherating. Even though it was not a long holiday weekend, popular resorts were running at near full houses. Perhaps, the local were flocking local holiday spots to save some bucks. We ended up picking Beserah Beach near Kuantan as our over-night destination

The morning sky was threatening enough to warrant myself and Anne to suit up for wet riding. True enough, we encountered some light rain on route to the meet up point. With the twisty Ulu Langat to Kuala Klawang route as the starter, we anticipated some brisk riding before breakfast. Turned out the light rain and wet roads forced us to ride cautiously. The pace was more like trotting along. With two previous overnight rides ended with Ben and Ivan falling off the bikes respectively, it was better to treat the wet road with respect. The light rain came on and off annoyingly till we arrived Kuala Klawang. We had breakfast at one of the food stalls along the main Kuala Klawang trunk road. We ordered simple nasi lemak and roti chanai to fill up the empty stomachs before resuming the ride to Temerloh via Triang. Another federal b-road with a fair few bends and long straights, it is a better motorcycling road compared to the super straight East-West Expressway. With the rain stopped momentary, we raked up some speed on route to Triang which was some 80 odd clicks away. Traffic was pleasantly light.  Compared to a few years ago, the road is actually in better shape with less hastily filled patches and potholes.

We pretty much exceeded our non-stop riding limits when we reach Temeloh. Our butts were protesting. The bikes needed refuelling anyway. As it was already noon and the weather turned sour again with dark clouds threatening to break loose again, we decided to hit the highway instead of continuing riding on the b-road to Gambang. The decision proved wise when we hit rain again on the expressway. Frankly, it was no fun riding in the rain. It was not so much about getting wet but rather riding with little traction and grip was no fun at all. I preferred to set up my bike’s windshield to the most upright and highest position to maximize wind and element protection but the position left little wind getting into my helmet causing my shield to fog up whenever it rained. Dammed.

We reached Restaurant Zaman in Gambang for our lunch. Zaman is probably the most popular restaurant in the area. Their specialty is the lasi-lemak (we had nasi lemak for breakfast) bungkus or packed coconut milk rice. The sambal is excellent as they cook the fiery chilli gravy with plenty of belacan (dried shrimp paste) and ikan bilis (anchovies). Afterall, Kuantan is famous for its dried sea products. The weather was relentless in making the day soaking wet and miserable. It continued to pour as we chomped down our lunch.

Suited up to ride in the wet again, we slowly fought Kuantan traffic lights to reach our hotel at Beserah Beach. It was already 3pm when we finally parked our bikes.

Amazingly, 7 years had passed since I last visited the resort with David and Cheev. Then, it was called French-sounding Le Village Resort. Nothing changed much really except they dropped the name. Fact is that the current Duta Village Resort is a little run down especially the kampong themed wooden chalets. Coincidentally, we were given the same twin-chalet we last stayed 7 years ago! And resort management gracefully gave us a free bed again. Talking about déjàvu. I could still vividly remembered my beloved Kawasaki GPZ500s aka chilli-padi which unfortunately took a tumble when park on the soft sand leaving a broken left fairing and a two pieces brake lever. Again, who could forget Cheev whom was bitten by a 4in centipede that crawled into his boot and ladies man David having an unforgettable night at the neighbor resort’s pub.

As we were unpacking our gears, the rain stopped. The resort's small pool was not very spectacular but it was at least decently maintained. Thankfully, the resort management decided to come to senses that the pool is for people that don proper swim wear. Admitly that the Muslims ladies would need to cover up even in swimming pool, but there are plenty of halal swimwears for them. We were pleasantly surprised that the main pool was off limits to those wearing t-shirts and shorts. A portion of the children’s corner was reserved for those without proper swim wears. In my previous visit, the pools were like a free for all where everyone in any attire including fully dressed in pants and t shirts were enjoying dips in the pools. It caused much discomforts among those who came for a nice proper holiday by the pool. In fact the lack of proper swim-wear enforcements were loudly commented in many internet travel sites and majority found it a big turn-off.

It felt nice to soak in the pool to chill our bodies down. The mild sea breeze blowing from the sea helped added a sense being in a tropical sea resort. The swaying casuarina trees nearby completed the effect. Never mind the resort was not five-stars rated and the facilities were not exactly maintained in pristine condition. We were having jolly good time.

Ivan Mohan could not resist washing his bike especially when he managed to find a hose attached to a water tap. Never mind the water flowing out was outrageously punny. I, myself hesitated moving my bike which was already parked securely on firm ground. I was not keen on a repeat of what happened to my GPZ500s seven years ago.

Alor Akar Seafood Restaurant at Jalan Alor Akar was the unanimous restaurant choice for dinner. Well, if the diners could bear the ever over crowding diners and the long wait for food, the food is excellent and cheap. It is hard to find anything ‘cheap and good’ these days but the restaurant certainly qualifies. As anticipated, we had a wonderful dinner.

It was still too early to call it a night. The resort we stayed was basically a dead place as far as any entertainment was concerned. The only option left was to hop over to Swiss Garden Resort's pub located practically next door. It was a Saturday night and something ought to be happening. When we stepped into the resort’s bar and lounge, the pub was deserted saved for a table with a couple drinking and enjoying the 3-piece pinoy band. Frankly, the band was really bad in both singing and playing and as much as they tried, they could not evoke any response from the crowd .. us. The beer was over priced, the peanuts, though complimentary, tasted like they had past their shelf life. So, it was not too surprised to see the place devoured of people. Hire a better live band, drop the prices on the drinks and I am pretty sure the place would be filled up. I pitied the ladies, though singing crappy songs, playing to a perpetually empty crowd.

The resort’s accommodations consists of regular hotel rooms and kampung-style chalets. Room rates are still decently competitive . The hotel manager granted us some fantastic rates. Breakfast at the poolside restaurant was a simple buffet affair consisting of fried rice, char-koay-teow, Chinese-style porridge, microwaved hot-dogs, bread toasts plus an egg (cooking) station serving any style of eggs. Enough variety to fill up the tummies for the ride back to KL.

I proposed the group detour to the outskirt side of Sungai Lembing on route back to KL. Most notable attractions in the area are Panching Falls, a popular picnic area for the local folks and Gua Charas, a cave that houses a Hindu temple and a Buddhist temple. In the Malay language the word 'Gua' means cave. Formed millions of years ago and carved out by the forces of nature these caves offer an interesting sojourn to visitors and worshippers. The main cave was originally used by a Thai Buddhist monk seeking seclusion many years ago. Since then, a shrine dedicated to Lord Buddha was constructed with generous help and donations from local worshippers. A Hindu temple was constructed in the cave some 15 years ago making the cave an unique multi-cultural experience to tourists. To access the cave’s entrance, visitors would need to ascend 80 feet via a combination of concrete and metal staircases and paths. Interesting enough, the stars of the cave are some albino snakes although they are hard to spot. The single-lane estate road leading to the towering limestone formation was littered with cow dungs. The cool shades offered by aging palm trees gave temporary relief to the mid morning heat as the sky was devoured of any rain clouds, a stark contrast to the day before. We spent a good 45 min at the Gua Charas site before proceeding to Temerloh.

As the day progressed, the ambient temperature rose. My bike's thermometer registered a 38 deg air temperature. The air trapped inside my jacket was probably a good 5 degrees higher.

As suspected, everyone wanted some speed and we chosen the long straight East-West expressway to get to Temerloh. The first pack with Zamin, Rashidi and Azmi quickly disappeared into the horizon. They were probably riding at 180km/h. With check-stops, we were able to ride our own speeds and reached our pre-determined destinations safely.   

We regrouped at Temerloh toll before zipping to the town center for lunch. The river that flows through Temerloh is rich with the famous silver catfish or patin. Our 'ikan masak tempoyak' was simply delicious. Same went to some other half a dozen of dishes. With the sun in full glory (read: hot, hot, hot) and our stomachs filled to the brim with food, riding back to KL was not exactly a good thing . We reluctantly suited up to ride back. 

We had a wonderful two short days of comradeship. The weather on Saturday and Sunday was a stark contrast to each other. We rode in the rain and under pure hot  tropical sun. We got the opportunity to sample good delicious foods along the way. By any means, it was an excellent motobiking adventure. 

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