Tandem Tour : Pengkalan Kempas, 185km
Pengkalan Kempas Tandem Touring 3d2n, 185km.
1–3 January 2026
We kicked off the New Year with a memorable adventure: four tandem bikes and AhLeng’s single bike, setting out for a 3D2N tour to Pengkalan Kempas. Guru Dirk Limann and AhPoh led the team as Captain and Co-captain.
Our journey began at Mango Tea Café, Pokok Mangga Street, after a satisfying bowl of delicious hu-kiao noodles. The off-road route was scenic and enjoyable, though it came with several muddy stretches.
Dirk skillfully guided us through a mix of taman roads and factory routes, cleverly avoiding the high-traffic trunk roads.
After Bukit Rambai, the terrain became noticeably rougher as we entered Bertam Ulu. At each mud pit, everyone took turns to test the ground and feel for traction. Most were firm and rideable—except one major mud pit, about 1.5 feet deep. No tandem could clear it due to the tandem’s long frame geometry, which made it difficult for the rear tyre to climb out of the slippery slope. One tandem went down in a soft fall—thankfully without injury. Unfortunately, the left Ortlieb pannier, already slightly damaged, took in a full load of muddy water. AhLeng also had a fall at the same area.
Still, none of this dampened our spirits.
Lunch by the seaside at Pengkalan Balak (Asam Pedas Pokok Besar) was a real highlight—fresh Malay dishes with incredibly fresh fish and vegetables.
By 2:30 pm, we finally arrived at our homestay in Pengkalan Kempas village, where Lady Laura Lai warmly welcomed us with freshly plucked coconuts. The coconut water and flesh were simply superb.
While Dirk and Jenny busied themselves washing muddy clothes and bags, AhLeng and the rest of us chatted with the homestay owner—three sisters and their mother. The sitting area was filled with jokes, stories, and endless laughter. The evening BBQ was outstanding, especially the huge, fresh big-head prawns, along with other delicious dishes.
With some beers flowing, the conversation carried on until 11 pm, before we finally called it a night.
Day 2
We started the day with another excellent breakfast at ReXin Kopitiam, especially the prawn noodles.
For context, ReXin is the only kopitiam still operating in the village, a true local treasure.
Fulfilling AhPoh’s request, we cycled 22 km to Kampung Linsum to visit the historic British-era hanging iron bridge,
making it a 45 km ride in total. The route was challenging, with many undulating climbs, but thanks to our strong stokers, the ride was thoroughly enjoyable—although I must admit I couldn’t catch AhLeng’s pace on his single bike. That’s the advantage of a solo ride!
We returned to the homestay by 2 pm for a home-cooked lunch prepared by Laura’s mother. Jenny was so happy to see her childhood favourite—Jiang Ju liquor chicken—and the rest of the dishes were equally amazing. Every bowl and plate was cleared.
Honestly, this lunch was the best of the entire trip, full of nostalgic, old-school flavours.
In the afternoon, we went boating along the Linggi River to the crocodile sanctuary. Cruising through mangrove-rich waterways, we spotted five crocodiles within the hour. We also saw many amateur fishermen catching big-head prawns.
Laura shared stories of how she and her boyfriend, AhChung, spent the COVID-19 period fishing for big-head prawns when travel was restricted.
Dinner was at Restaurant 168, where Laura generously treated us to her own farm produce: king frogs, giant big-head prawns, organic vegetables, and claypot fish—a truly enjoyable feast.
After cycling back to the homestay, some members went on another boat ride to see fireflies. Meanwhile, AhLeng, Wind, and I stayed behind chatting with Laura’s brother, a state-level badminton player and cousin to national player Chen Tang Jie. Once again, the night felt far too short.
Day 3
We wrapped up the trip with local chicken rice at ReXin Kopitiam, followed by a photo session to bid farewell to Pengkalan Kempas.
The short stop at Wind's mother in law place was nice, enjoyed the breeze at the seaside with a cup of nice coffee.
Guru Dirk assigned AhPoh to lead the return route, and we unanimously agreed to take the main trunk road near Trendak Camp. As expected, traffic was heavy. One unfriendly lorry forced AhPoh off the road and into the grass—an unfortunate incident that taught us a clear lesson: avoid this route in future rides.
Brunch was at a Sarawak noodle coffee shop in Sungai Udang—another delicious stop.
We then continued via kampung routes, with a refreshing break at Pulau Gadong XiaoMei Restaurant, enjoying super-fresh guava juice and fruits.
We reached home at around 3:30 pm, feeling deeply fulfilled.
Good food, good weather, a wonderful homestay, endless laughter, meaningful conversations, and above all, great company—a truly perfect way to begin the New Year.
Compiled by
TayKC
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