Day 946 21st February 2019
51 miles (Muar to Melaka) Average speed 10.8.mph Top speed 29 mph
I got up early at 6.30 and had brekkie of omelette sarnie with delicious coffee flavoured with hazelnut I think. Then said goodbye to Susan and Bart, but made the mistake of asking for change of 50 note when I should have left it to cover some of last nights dinner as I owed 35 for beers. The next hour of cycling I was thinking how petty it was to ask for £2 change when lily had laid on such a delicious spread, but it was really for Susan’s leaving do and I was just another hungry mouth to feed and I consoled myself with the fact that at least I had washed up!
I took a side road to avoid the highway, but took one too early and ended up in a dead end. I soon backtracked and found the right road, which was great and quiet. Eventually it took me back to the highway, but not for long, as I turned off onto the coast road number 5 which runs parallel with highway and is the old road. It was much better with a good shoulder and lots of places for a drink. I stopped at an Indian cafe and had tea where the waitress asked me lots of questions about my trip and I carried on.
I dreamed of a cheap hotel deal I’d seen on booking.com which had a pool, but when I tried to check in they said no bikes in the room and I would have to park at the back with motos. Although it had a camera I didn’t feel comfortable leaving it there so went in search of an alternative. Back at the hallmark hotel I stayed in before, I used their WiFi to find this place which is on the road out of town. I checked in and although it said that I could get the room for 28 ringgit on line, he said it was 38 for walk-ins. I offered to book online, but then he said I could have it for 28 to avoid Booking.com. It was very hi tech inside and I have a capsule with aircon and usb chargers and the showers were very clean.
Sleeping pod
There are lots of codes to remember but it is really nice and reception is very well decorated with swing chairs and good artwork.
I showered and went in to town to find food but with lots of tourists I was lucky to find a good spot on the river for mee udang. I was disappointed to only get one prawn for my 8 ringgit! After a ride around town I went to the beach for a beer in the sun but it was so hot I found some shade. Then I went to a hawker centre for more beer and food, this time a delicious fish curry. It was next to a fairground so I went to have a look around but after so much food didn’t dare to try the rides.
Fairground
Hostel swm 28 ringgit for a capsule. I feel like an astronaut!