Amoi rides in the kampungs: November 2020

At Stadium Sultan Ibrahim

In support of JDT team

Right after the construction site

Torn tarmac to the TM Tower

A great relief to be out from the jungle

After our ride to Rengit and Benut last week, Chooi requested for an off road, MTB ride. Thus, hoping to fulfill her request and at the same time on the lookout for some shorter rides around the neighbourhood with a possible hill climb for our year end “When East Meets West” training, Claudine chanced upon Bukit Resam MTB route. The TM tower on google maps looked too familiar and upon checking with Paul Eddie and Joseph, Claudine thought she had hit the jackpot! It was rated as easy with some caution thrown over 2 stretches.

Hence, when we ventured into the trail after visiting Stadium Sultan Ibrahim, we found we were enjoying the ride too much. Other than a short bounce over a construction site, the route to the TM tower was nothing more than broken asphalts and donating blood. In fact the views at the top of the hill and the bridge crossing which traverses the Second Link Highway made up for all the shortcomings.

Besides the main TM tower pinned on google location, the whole area is filled with similar communication towers. We also passed by Bukit Jelutong’s service reservoir.

The stretch of broken asphalts comes to an end at the TM tower. Following that, a 800 m hiking / MTB trail succeeds! The initial 20 m of trail was impossible to ride or even hike down! You will definitely find your shoes losing grip as you slide down the 40% drop!

Thereafter, a combination of bush bashing and slides awaits. Some sections of the trail is so narrow and so close to the edge of the hill, you find yourself walking on a tightrope with a bike instead of a long pole! Midway, the trail disappears completely and you are overcome with a sudden fear that you may be lost.

So thankful to have met Asmui who led part of the way

Possible to ride section

Notably, there are 2 rideable sections on this stretch, both totaling not more than 50 m. The latter section though, requires weaving between trees and ground torn up by wild boars.

It was such a relief when we sighted rooftops! When the road finally came into view, we were so eager to ditch the trail, we didn’t mind jumping 6 feet down.

Technically, we did not get to the trail end. Never mind the DNF title, we were just glad we made it out!

Once on proper road, we rode past Tenby International School and SJKC Pai Tze before returning to a single track trail. Initially beautiful, we soon ended up at a dumpsite before a factory area. Our turmoil ended as soon as we crossed the Second Link Highway once again and returned to tarmac!

The team with Kamsol Warjan, the brain behind KW Caravan Park and Cabin Stay

At Sungai Pontian Besar enroute to Restaurant Rengit

Rengit Coffee after the noodle making affair at Restaurant Rengit

At Chi's coconut factory enroute to KW Caravan Park and Cabin Stay

The promise of a 1 kilometer gravel route...

...extended to many kilometers !

An interesting afternoon chat with En Kamsol

Rengit’s handmade noodles and Benut’s KW Caravan Park and Cabin Stay have long came under Claudine’s radar. She had first seen the noodle making process through Leo’s posts but it was Susanna’s recent visit that reignited her desire to check out the place. Meanwhile, KW Caravan Park has often been discussed favourably amongst local and foreign tourers. Touted as a complete caravan park and campsite, the place is the brainchild of Kamsol Warjan, an avid world tourer who has put his travel experiences into its inception. In fact, quite a few of Claudine’s friends had stayed there and raved about it.

Despite what he told Chi, Ah Hou was actually waiting for us to arrive before he began his dough making!

Kneading the dough

The dough are then rolled up into logs and allowed to rest

This is not the correct way....

This is the traditional way!

After the beating, the dough is cut into strips

Old machine

New technology

Dusting

The restaurant has been around for more than 50 years. Managed only by the 2 old folks, Ah Hou is temporarily helping out since he lost his employment due to the Covid 19 pandemic and unable to return to Singapore.

On the morning of the ride, we rode furiously to Rengit taking only 5 minutes water stops every now and then knowing very well our noodle artisan will not wait for us. Our efforts paid off as we arrived just on time to see the whole action in full.

Simple traditional noodle

No nonsense meal with basic sauces

Drip coffee famously found in Vietnam is copied here

The gang at Rengit coffee

Rengit Coffee

After learning the art of noodle making and trying them out at the same time, we downed Rengit’s famous drip coffee before taking the backroads to visit Chi. Unfortunately, it was an off day at his coconut factory and thus there were not much action for our searching eyes.

Farm house near Rengit Coffee

Gravel road to Chi's coconut factory

Family house

The office

Some of the coconuts are imported from Indonesia

The production line

The by products, coconut husks

With so many distractions along the way, we were an hour late for our appointment with Kamsol at his caravan park. Feeling apprehensive, Claudine’s fears were quickly wiped away by his warm and easy going personality. Upon our arrival, he arranged for us to park our bikes near the pantry and was quick to point out the water dispenser knowing cyclists are always thirsty.

Observing that we had finally settled down, he then brought out curry puffs to welcome us. Such a touching gesture from him and his wife who had labored in the kitchen and kept them warm for us!

Kamsol can only be faulted for his generous nature. Warm beverages at his pantry are free for all visitors! This kind soul had even opened up a cabin to a French couple who were stuck in Malaysia during the first MCO; declared on March 18 and extended to May 3 before a more relaxed order of CMCO took place. This couple stayed rent free for almost 3 months!

Besides a generous nature, he also has a trusting nature. A kitty placed at the top of the fridge allows patrons to slot in payments for cold drinks taken from the fridge. One wonders if anyone will dip their hands into the kitty and empty them out instead!

The van is actually a 4WD campervan imported from Japan. Todate En Kamsol has owned 7 such vehicles though some have been disposed off

The interior of the van

Comes with a built in sink

This black water tank is on a RV trailer. Note the chemical / enzyme indicator which treats the feaces and break them down.

Grey water / White water valves

We had a wonderful afternoon learning from this man who had travelled the globe. Claudine would have preferred to stay longer but unfortunately we had a long ride home. Thanking the stars for the friendship made, we will certainly meet again if the time permits.