On the way to somewhere else

On the way down

Getting from A to B can sometimes be a relentless day-after-day sweaty slog on a bike, particularly in 30+ degree heat and compounded by our love for unnecessary detours, climbs, off-road shortcuts and the ever present need to explore the mountains.

We have stayed in many “weeeeellll, at least it’s sort of in the right place” places in the name of climbing the biggest hill, seeing what’s over that way, avoiding main roads or sidestepping the tourist trail.

But his week, our route between the Cameron Highlands and Tamen Negara Pahang, although definitely hot and sweaty turned out to be more well appointed fun than slog.

Long sweeping downhill stretches interspersed with long but cycleable climbs earned us beautiful views, surprising pockets of history, great food, cold beer and a whole festival full of welcoming Hindus.

Kuala Lipis, the former capital of Pahang, is home to historic Mosques and temples all of which precede the remaining colonial buildings (reminiscent of George Town but without the hordes of tourists). In true Malay style, cultures, religions and culinary delights remain nestled in next to each other. If you’re cycling to the national park it’s well worth a visit.