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.
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