When planning a cycling tour in Malaysia, the first thing to decide is which landmass to head to: Peninsula Malaysia or east Malaysia on the island of Borneo. They’re both amazing in different ways…
Where to go in Malaysia
As a result of its location and the influence of Chinese entrepreneurs, Indian traders and European colonisers, Malaysia is a fascinating place to visit; from places like Penang and Malacca on the Malaysian Peninsula to Kuching and Kota Kinabalu in Borneo, it’s a dynamic melting pot of cultures, languages, food, architecture, landscapes and biodiversity.
On the Malaysian Peninsula, you can explore lush jungles abundant with orangutans, clouded leopards, pygmy elephants, and flying squirrels. The northern part of Peninsula Malaysia is also home to the world’s oldest rainforest, the Royal Belum-Temenggor; here you’ll find rare species like wild Indian elephants, sun bears, tapirs and Malayan tigers.
Borneo also has its fair share of endangered creatures, including orangutans, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys and pangolins. Head to wild havens in Sarawak and Sabah and armed with a degree of patience and good luck, you can encounter these fascinating animals.
The country’s 4,500 kilometre coastline, as well as its increasingly well preserved culture and traditions, are also major reasons to visit.
Cycling in Malaysia
But what is there for those of us that love to discover a country by bike? After all, as we cyclists know, the best way to really get under the skin of a country is by cycling it. Cycling is popular amongst locals in Malaysia, but it can feel a little daunting to those on the outside.
We haven’t yet had the opportunity to cycle in Peninsula Malaysia, but we loved our Borneo cycling holiday; this article shares all the details. You can discover more about the Sarawak region of Borneo here.
Please support Epic Road Rides
A huge amount of time and effort goes into the article you’ve just read, all with the aim of helping you!
If you found what you’ve read useful, I’d really appreciate it if you dropped something in the tip jar here.
It’s a way you can say thank you and help us carry on creating top quality content with no annoying ads and no pay wall.
Looking for an organised cycling trip?
If you want someone to help you plan and book your cycling holiday, fill out this form. We aren’t a tour operator/agent but we work with lots of people who are and will do our best to put you in touch with someone that can help (within 24 hours where possible)!The contents of this website are provided for general information purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on it. You should carry out your own due diligence and risk assessments and take professional advice. Views expressed by interviewees or other users of this website do not necessarily represent our views. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that the content on our website is accurate, complete or up to date. If you use any information or content on this website, download from, or otherwise obtain content or services through our website, it is entirely at your own discretion and risk. Epic Road Rides Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on the information and content on this website. Find out more here.