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What's new at Bicycle Adventures? The Bicycle adventures blog  will keep you up to date with the new and updated features regarding bicycle adventures so you don't have to search the whole site for new pages and updates. Cycling is an adventure, so I try to give you a glimpse of my biking journeys from Europe to Asia.

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May 16, 2013

Moniot Road heritage trails

Not a lot of people realize what a treasure the Penang Hills can offer. For example, the Moniot Road is part of the Penang Heritage Trails and ... few people ever take the time to explore!

Moniot Road Information

Continue reading "Moniot Road heritage trails"

May 15, 2013

Getting through KL

I am going to be flying into KL with my bike in July. As I have never done this before I am not sure how its going to go. a) Is it best to unpack my bike

Continue reading "Getting through KL"

May 14, 2013

Hiking to Crag hotel

This is a trail which for certain can not be cycled, not even by the best and most adventurous cyclists. There's some serious climbing to do, especially on an almost vertical hill not far from the long abandoned hotel. But there's more to tell. read more about this great trail.

Hiking Crag Hotel just before the last climb
Just before the last steep climb up to Crag Hotel

Continue reading "Hiking to Crag hotel"

May 13, 2013

Trails around the Botical Gardens in Penang

Although tourist do visit the Botanical Gardens in Penang, not many know there are some awesome trails to hike. Another example of how unknown has become unwanted.

I have been hiking several of these trails, here is what i found:

Botanical Gardens cascades in the hills

Continue reading "Trails around the Botical Gardens in Penang"

May 13, 2013

Nipah Guesthouse Pangkor

It's still my favorite guesthouse at Pangkor. Many travelers think the same as it was now twice chosen by Tripadvisor as a first choice too! Real travelers don't lie! Check it out.

Yours truly at Nipah Guesthouse Pangkor

Continue reading "Nipah Guesthouse Pangkor"

May 07, 2013

Biking the South of Thailand (10D/9N)

South Thailand is lesser known as a great area to cycle. It's quite unfair because there is a lot to see and it's just as spectacular as the north. Plenty of national parks, limestone karst mountains, terrific beaches and much more.

This tour offers a bit of everything.

Ao Nang beach

Continue reading "Biking the South of Thailand (10D/9N)"

May 06, 2013

Golden Triangle (including the Taj)

Walk through Old Delhi-Jama Masjid, Gurduwara, Chandni Chowk, Connaught Place. This is a great (albeit short) tour through an essential part of India!

Taj Mahal Agra India 

Continue reading "Golden Triangle (including the Taj)"

May 03, 2013

Meandering the Mekong by Bike (4D/3N)

The Mekong delta is very different from the rest of Vietnam and worth to spend a couple of days on the bicycle. Meandering the Mekong by Bike starts in Saigon towards the south you will how the Mekong dominates peoples everyday life.

On the way, you will find fruit orchards, rice fields, and Khmer villages on your way to Tra Vinh. The next day on to Can Tho, the Delta's biggest town, as you ride through the Delta with many traditional villages. On the last day markets will show you what the Delta offers the local population.

Life in the Mekong delta

Continue reading "Meandering the Mekong by Bike (4D/3N)"

May 02, 2013

Terracotta Warriors and Big Wild Goose Pagoda from Xi'an

Terracotta Warriors and Big Wild Goose Pagoda are two of the main attractions in Xian. You simply can't ignore both. Yet, the city offers more than these two. So this tour offers both of the main attractions with stops at some others!

Terracotta Warriors Xian
The Terracotta Warriors Xian, one of the wonders of China

Continue reading "Terracotta Warriors and Big Wild Goose Pagoda from Xi'an"

Apr 30, 2013

Prambaban, UNESCO World Heritage site in Java

Few placed impressed me as much as Prambanan. Angkor of course, the Great Wall and Bagan but further... no not even the Borobudur was less impressive than Prambaban, in my opinion. See for yourself.

At the Prambanan, Java Indonesia, left my bike outside though
At the Prambanan, left my bike outside though

Continue reading "Prambaban, UNESCO World Heritage site in Java"

Apr 28, 2013

Cheng Kon Sze (Ching Jee Chan) temple in Penang

Seen enough temples already in Penang and no desire to visit another? I can understand that. After all, not all temples are that much worth to visit. So what about this one, the Cheng Kon Sze?

In fact the name of the temple is Ching Jee Chan and the deity in the temple is the Cheng Kon Sze! But alright, that's not why you should visit. You could however visit because there is a beautiful antique oil lamp hanging.

But the main reason, imho, is to hike to the temple. It's a great little hike and here is where you can start and where to finish. Trust me, it's worth the effort.

Spectacular view from just below the Cheng Kon Sze to Penang
Spectacular view from just below the temple towards George Town

Continue reading "Cheng Kon Sze (Ching Jee Chan) temple in Penang"

Apr 24, 2013

Hampi, one of the many UNESCO World Heritage places in India

I don't know how many UNESCO World Heritage places India has but I know Hampi is one of them and it certainly deserves to be included! See for yourself:

temple ruins of Hampi Karnataka in India

Continue reading "Hampi, one of the many UNESCO World Heritage places in India"

Apr 23, 2013

The Hoge Veluwe in the Netherlands

The Hoge Veluwe is the green heart of the country. This is Hollands main national park, but the Veluwe itself is larger than the National park.

It's a must visit for all cycling enthusiasts and there is an excellent infrastructure for them including road markers with recommended routes to cycle and the local VVV (Tourism organisation) has great flyers and maps with these routes.

No bicycle? Or no desire but prefer to hike? Same story! great hiking routes and excellent material with the trails available. And bicycles can be rented.

The Veluwe
The Veluwe in autumn

Continue reading "The Hoge Veluwe in the Netherlands"

Apr 19, 2013

Hiking from Botanical Gardens (Moongate) to 84

This is one of the many trails leading from the Botanical Gardens in Penang (these gardens alone are worth to visit!) to Penang Hill.

This page tells about a particular interesting trail on the east slopes of Bukit Cendana (which you also can visit) to resting place 84, about halfway on the road. It's a great little hike and has quite a few challenges and surprises.

Moongate to 84, view to Paya Terubong

Continue reading "Hiking from Botanical Gardens (Moongate) to 84"

Apr 17, 2013

Hiking to Tiger Hill

The hike to Tiger Hill is a challenging one. It's not so much the difficulty but more the will to explore a part of the island few people ever visit. Some might have the fear to get lost in the wilderness. Others simply fear to loose the path.

During my first hike to Tiger I had that feeling despite very good descriptions where to walk. I KNEW I wasn't lost but ... I was in a valley all surrounded by hills and I didn't even know it existed!

So have a look at my Tiger Hill/Penang Hill hike and see if you are interested. Trust me, it's a beautiful trail, easy to find, challenging but not too difficult!

The main 4 way junction to Ngoh Han Hill Temple, Titi Kerawan, Air Itam, Balik Pulau and Tiger Hill

Continue reading "Hiking to Tiger Hill"

Apr 14, 2013

Hiking to the Ngoh Han Hill and Ngoh Han Hill Temple

This is a great 3-4 hours hike in the hills of Penang. It's also in an area not a lot of people ever come (contrary to Penang Hill, it's always quiet on the trails).

Bonus are the waterfalls on the way up to 4 Way Junction!

Last of the fall before reaching 4 Way Junction
Last of the falls before reaching 4 Way Junction

Continue reading "Hiking to the Ngoh Han Hill and Ngoh Han Hill Temple"

Apr 13, 2013

Hiking and cycling in Penang

Penang is known for the Batu Ferringhi beach, the UNESCO heritage area, the fantastic food but did you know there is a lot of beautiful nature to explore. Of course there is Teluk Bahang, the smallest national park in Malaysia but there is more. This page is an introduction into some of the lesser known trails to hike and bike in the hills of Penang.

My bicycle at Ngoh Han Temple with view to Balik Pulau

Continue reading "Hiking and cycling in Penang"

Apr 12, 2013

Cycling around Penang

Explore Penang on bicycle. No, I do not mean the city center, I mean the areas a bit further away. This page shows you how and where to cycle in Penang where a lot less tourists ever come:

Titi Kerawang waterfalls Penang
Titi Kerawang waterfall

Continue reading "Cycling around Penang"

Apr 09, 2013

Bicycle maintenance

When I am on the road and meet other cyclists, I can not wonder how some even can cycle. It looks like they don't car5e at all for their bike at all. When you're on the road, your bike is your best friend and, imho, you should take good care of it. Here are some tips how to maintain your bike in perfect condition so you don't need the bicycle repairman too much.

Continue reading "Bicycle maintenance"

Apr 05, 2013

My top 10 bicycle vacations

Making a top 10 of best bicycle vacations is difficult. In fact it is so difficult that I could every day make a list and every day it would be different. There have been so many wonderful places I have visited on bicycle. Anyway, here's a list ... from 10 to 1 .... click on the photo ...

Beaches at Sumba are of unimaginable beauty

Continue reading "My top 10 bicycle vacations"

Apr 02, 2013

Cycling in Malaysia: Kuala Sepetang

The west coast of Malaysia has a lot to offer to cyclists (and other travelers). Unfortunatelt many skip most of West Malaysia because they seem to think there's little of interest.

Take for example a little day trip from Taiping 15 km west to Kuala Sepetang. Foreigners seldom come here but it is certainly worth a visit. What to find? Spectacular mangrove forest and charcoal factories. A great day out.

Mr. Chuah's charcoal factory from the riverside

Continue reading "Cycling in Malaysia: Kuala Sepetang"

Mar 27, 2013

Hunza, north Pakistan

One of the most beautiful and spectacular places I traveled (and cycled, yes I did both by bus and a year later by bicycle). Hunza is one of those valleys you have to see to believe it...

Hunza valley, Karimabad

Continue reading "Hunza, north Pakistan"

Mar 23, 2013

Iran, a wonderful country to cycle

Iran is one of those countries with a bad reputation. And yes, politics suck here too. But one thing can't be ignored, the people of Iran belong to some of the most hospitable I have ever encountered. Absolute amazing. Read more...

Teahouse in Kerman, a former Turkish bath
The magnificent teahouse in Kerman, a former Turkish bath

Continue reading "Iran, a wonderful country to cycle"

Mar 21, 2013

Daishen, the man who cycled China with one arm and one leg

Daishen was a man who had only one arm and one leg and was able to ride his bicycle all over China. He wrote a book about it. The first time I met him was in the late 1990's in Dali only to meet him again 10 years later in Yangshuo.

One arm and one leg, ride your bicycle!
One arm and one leg, ride your bicycle

Continue reading "Daishen, the man who cycled China with one arm and one leg"

Mar 18, 2013

Brunei

Brunei is a little oil state in north Borneo with borders with Malaysia. There isn't much to keep you here for a long time but as an overnight stop it certainly has some things you want to explore.

Mosque in the centre of Bandar Seri Begawan

Continue reading "Brunei"

Mar 18, 2013

My Son ruins in Central Vietnam

These ruins are not as extensive or as spectacular as for example Angkor in neighboring Cambodia but they rival easily any other complex, including those around Nha Trang in beauty and setting.

Despite it's more remote location, this is a must see in Central Vietnam. It's easy by motorbike from Hoi An.

My Son, Champa kingdom city

Continue reading "My Son ruins in Central Vietnam"

Mar 16, 2013

Stung Treng and the road to the Cambodian and Lao border

North Cambodia doesn't see a whole lot of tourists but its increasing since the Cambodian-Lao border is open for international tourism. The road is on both sides in excellent condition too.

Some might disagree but I think it's a great road to cycle, pretty easy, very empty too. But I enjoyed it very much.

Pream Buorn Lveng Temple Khmer temple in Stung Treng, Cambodia

Continue reading "Stung Treng and the road to the Cambodian and Lao border"

Mar 03, 2013

Vietnam Tours

Few countries in Asia have a better infrastructure than Vietnam when it's about organized tours. The Vietnamese have, or so it seems, for everyone and everything a tour available. Here's a selection of tours you might consider:

Hanoi, a beautiful little temple in the heart of the city

Continue reading "Vietnam Tours"

Feb 20, 2013

Darshan, the entry village to Mt Kailash

Mount Kailash is holy mountain for Tibetans. Interesting the mountain has never been climbed to the top. Several climbers went up to close but decided not to reach the top out of respect for the Tibetan believes.

The kora, a great 3 days walk, is a wonderful experience which I did once in late November. Here is the story:

Mount Kailash from the plains

Continue reading "Darshan, the entry village to Mt Kailash"

Feb 19, 2013

Why would you consider traveling by bicycle?

There are many reason why you might consider taking your bicycle for a holiday or a long journey. Reasons can include your desire for adventure, getting off the beaten path or simply the desire to find wide open spaces without any other traffic than ox carts and farmers. This page explains you what other reasons there are to take a bicycle on holiday.

The West Tibet plains

Continue reading "Why would you consider traveling by bicycle?"

Feb 15, 2013

Sonargaon, the City of Panam (Panam Nagar)

One of the best preserved archeological finding in Bangladesh is the City of Panam (Panam Nagar). It's not far from Dhaka and can easily be done on a day trip. Here's what the old city looks like and I'll tell you a bit of the history.

the ruins of Panam Nagar Sonargaon

Continue reading "Sonargaon, the City of Panam (Panam Nagar)"

Feb 14, 2013

Gwalior Fort

The Gwalior Fort is one of the largest forts in northern India. Yet, many skip it "because we have no time to visit yet another fort"! That's sad as this particular fort is very interesting!

Gwalior Fort

Continue reading "Gwalior Fort"

Feb 13, 2013

Perak is much overlooked ...

Take for example the possible roads to explore from Taiping to Ipoh! Malaysia is much more than what Malaysia Tourism wants you to believe but you have to dig a little deeper yourself.

Taiping to Ipoh ... ask the locals and they say... nothing much... just highway. They're wrong... see for yourself.

Typical Malay houses on Road #1 from Kuala Kangsar to Ipoh
Typical Malay houses on Road #1 from Kuala Kangsar to Ipoh

Continue reading "Perak is much overlooked ..."

Jan 22, 2013

What kind of shoes are you going to use on the bicycle?

You can of course cycle with normal sport shoes or sandals in tropical countries. Not a problem. Many do so.

I however choose to use sandals with SPD system. It's very comfortable, gives more stability, especially in climbing. Some will claim shoes are better than sandals but that I find only true to some extend. Here's more about the pro's and contras of shoes versus sandals for cycling use.

The pair of Shimano sandals I am using now
The pair of sandals I am using now

Continue reading "What kind of shoes are you going to use on the bicycle?"

Jan 11, 2013

Prambanan complex, central Java

The Prambanan temples are World Heritage. The temples are such brilliance that it's even today hard to believe humans have build them. So what must people have thought in the past when they saw the complex? A gift from the gods, I guess... This is a must place to visit...

At the Prambanan, Java Indonesia, left my bike outside though
At the Prambanan, left my bike outside though

Continue reading "Prambanan complex, central Java"

Jan 05, 2013

Plaosan Temple Complex and Ratu Boko Palace

The Prambanan area has more to offer than Prabanan alone. Just north of the complex the smaller but no less spectacular Plaosan temples are worth to spend time. They're unrelated to Prambanan (strangely) and beautiful.

Just south of the Prambanan complex, the Ratu Boko palace is worth your attention. Although there are some temples, this was a civilian building. It's just 3 km south.

Ratu Boko Palace

Continue reading "Plaosan Temple Complex and Ratu Boko Palace"

Jan 03, 2013

Bicycle Tours in Cambodia

Get your kicks on route to Cambodia .... personally I think Cambodia is a beautiful country to travel on bicycle. True, most travelers see no more of Cambodia than Angkor Wat and the city of Angkor Thom. But Cambodia has so much more. And on bicycle you'll experience the "real Cambodia"!

Kratie, north east Cambodia
Kratie, north east Cambodia

Continue reading "Bicycle Tours in Cambodia"

Jan 03, 2013

Jaisalmar

It's named "The Golden City", in reality it's more a sandstone castle but what a castle! It's also a great starting place for some dessert camel trekkings...

Jaisalmer, the golden city

Continue reading "Jaisalmar"

Dec 31, 2012

Trekkings in Ladakh

One of the most spectacular provinces in India is without a doubt Ladakh. Here is a good set of potential trekkings with quality guides available.

Road to Ladakh
The road to Ladakh

Continue reading "Trekkings in Ladakh"

Dec 28, 2012

Traveling and Tours in Indonesia

The Indonesian archipelago is so big thta when you put the map of Indonesia over Europe and place the most western point of Indoensia on the west part of Ireland, the most eastern part is located on the Ural mountains in Russia.

Hence the tours I can offer you is limited. I can only give you a glimpse of what is possible and what I have traveled myself. So, here are the tours I can recommend:

Borobudur at Java Indonesia

Continue reading "Traveling and Tours in Indonesia"

Dec 27, 2012

Hong Kong Hiking Tour: Sai Kung East Country Park, Beaches and Hakka Villages

Hong Kong is a small place in size but it has a large amount of people living. Obviously these people like to have their fun too. Consequence is that there is a lot to do in Hong Kong. Take this great one day hiking tour and find some amazingly beautiful place you didn't know exist in Hong Kong!

Hong Kong heritage
Hong Kong heritage

Continue reading "Hong Kong Hiking Tour: Sai Kung East Country Park, Beaches and Hakka Villages"

Dec 23, 2012

Time to book your next years bicycle tour

December is usually a good time to think about next years summer bike holiday... so I offer you here a good site with all the great Asian destinations.

The 18km dust road to Thakhek
The 18km dust road (yup, still highway 11) to Thakhek, Laos

Continue reading "Time to book your next years bicycle tour"

Dec 22, 2012

The story of Jim, or how to choose your bicycle

The story of my bicycle which I named Jim. After almost 13 years, he and me have quite some stories told, but what is the story about the bicycle itself? In other words, this is the story how to choose your bicycle

Jim in March 2010, just before another journey to Indonesia
Jim in March 2010, just before another journey to Indonesia.
I've taken the front rack off as I do not use it at the moment.

Continue reading "The story of Jim, or how to choose your bicycle"

Dec 21, 2012

Cycling in Guangxi, south China

Guangxi is more than Guilin and Yangshuo (plus Liuzhou if you insist. I've cycled across Guangxi several times and was surprised how much natural beauty there is to explore. This page explores some of it.

Guangxi, the road to Pingxiang and Vietnam
The road to Pingxiang and Vietnam

Continue reading "Cycling in Guangxi, south China"

Dec 20, 2012

Tours in Myanmar

This is the best time of the year to visit Myanmar. Not too hot, little rain, much to see... but what to see? Have a look at what I recommend... and trust me, these tours are really, really good....

Floating market in Inle Lake, Iwama
At Iwama floating market

Continue reading "Tours in Myanmar"

Dec 19, 2012

Cycling at Langkawi

Langkawi is not known for it's cycling adventures but for the beaches. Still, you can have a couple of good bike rides around the island and visit some of the best beaches in your life. Langkawi and cycling go very well together:

Langkawi Malaysia

Continue reading "Cycling at Langkawi"

Dec 16, 2012

Cycling in Asia, what to do, what to expect

Cycling in Asia, what to do, what to expect. Difference in cycling in Asia for long distance cyclist and short holidayers

Continue reading "Cycling in Asia, what to do, what to expect"

Dec 16, 2012

Betong to Yala in Thailand

It's not a journey everyone does, in fact, in the 9 years or so I cycle this road regular, I have never met any traveler on this road. Why? There's some nice limestone karst mountains, a dam with a lake side and some more scenic beauty. But unknown makes unwanted. Betong has too much competition from Langkawi/Penang in Malaysia, I guess it will ever be popular. But if you are interested in finding some remote areas in Thailand, this is worth exploring... I've just done it a few days back... again... and again I enjoyed it very much!

A pretty snapshot of the artificial lake on the road to Betong

Continue reading "Betong to Yala in Thailand"

Dec 10, 2012

Cycling from Penang/Butterworth to Taiping

There are several possible roads to take out of Butterworth for going to Taiping. Most cyclists take the trunk road via Parit Buntar and Bagan Serai, an uninspiring busy road. There are alternatives... here is one of them:

Chinese gravyard near Kulim

Continue reading "Cycling from Penang/Butterworth to Taiping"

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