Championship No 2 - Bukit Kukus Bypass.
Bukit Kukus Bypass was opened to traffic on 13 January 2022. It is the highest elevated road in Malaysia. Measured at its highest point at 61.5 m, it succeeded its predecessor, the Rawang Bypass at 58.2 m.
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| 8321 Durian Plantation, Jalan Teluk Bahang |
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| Sunrise captured at 1 Gurney Drive |
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| Another view when the ball of flames escape the mists in the horizon |
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| Teluk Bahang Dam now allows pedestrians across the dyke |
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| View of the dam |
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| View of the dam |
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Rewarding ourselves with durians at 8321 Durian Plantation, just after the climb to the dam.
Note the durian caught by the net |
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| The surrounding durian farm. Note the stream which runs across the estate |
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| The stall set up by the roadside |
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| Road closure due to landslides. The sign actually said road is closed to all vehicles from 10 Julai 2023 and the reopening will be announced on a later date. However, since it was not manned, we managed to breeze through. |
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| Men at work repairing the slopes |
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| Since no vehicles were allowed on this section, we took the opportunity to lie across the road for a photo shoot |
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| We met Chin, a cyclist from Tawau moments after our epic photo shoot. He was visiting his daughter who lives in Penang |
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| Another durian stall on Jalan Teluk Bahang but this was closed, possibly due to the road closure as it is located after the barriers. Note the durians hanging over the road |
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| More landslides... |
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| ...and another one! |
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| While regrouping at the roundabout, we met a couple riding together. The man, from Philippines spoke fluent Mandarin. He told us he has been working in China for more than 8 years and met his Chinese wife there. |
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| Spectacular view from Titi Kerawang stall where we left our newlyweds to indulge in their durian cravings |
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| Tree pruning |
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| Cutting off overgrown branches is essential to maintain the health and structure of a tree |
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| We were trying out a shortcut which also leads to Teruna Dara Waterfalls ... |
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| ...but were deeply disappointed the area is a private property and is now fenced up |
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| Back on Jalan Teluk Bahang |
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| Houses built right to the edge of the canal |
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Houses built right to the edge of the canal
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| Lunch break at Kedai Kopi Kong Lean |
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| Homemade scones served with lemon curd and cream. The owner said an English cyclist gave him the recipe to the scones. |
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| Waiting for our hainanese coffee and charcoal toasts |
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| Fisherman boat marina |
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| Boats docked at the mouth of the river |
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| Balik Pulau gearing up for Penang's State Elections slated for 12 August 2023 |
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The climb to Bukit Kukus Bypass begins on Route P14's Jalan Tun Sardon @ 1.05 pm
The actual climb starts at the bridge right after Taman Mini Balik Pulau and ends at Anjung Indah, a total distance of 4.71 km with an overall 5.9% gradehill. It took Claudine 55 minutes including stops and regrouping!!! |
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| Henry arriving at the entrance to the temple |
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Regrouping at the entrance to the temple. At this point, we have clocked 2.39 km with a 5.3% gradehill. It took Claudine 20 minutes to get to this point @ https://maps.app.goo.gl/UiojfvexubLzafEr9
Directly after the temple, there's a crazy 17.9% gradehill but thankfully the length is only 0.76 km.
After this 17.9% battle is fought, another battle awaits 350 m down the road. At 14.9% over a distance of 0.71 km, is it not just a molehill? |
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| The last 500 m to Anjung Indah is considered easy when compared to the earlier crazy climbs. |
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| Route P14, Sunset View |
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| The actual view without the "smiley" |
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| Approaching the highest point on the Bukit Kukus Bypass |
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| What makes a great team is we regroup to finish together! |
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| The road behind us leads to Anjung Indah and Balik Pulau |
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| The final climb is easy... |
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| ...but we took our time! |
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| Even though there was a painted bicycle lane, it felt more like an emergency lane. The concrete pavement felt a lot safer! |
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| Check where you are going |
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| At the intersection |
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Bayan Lepas in the horizon.
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Note the tall pillars. The highest point is 59.4m from the pile caps or 61.5m above ground
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| On the way to Air Hitam |
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Mestilah Laksa dulu!!! You cannot say you have been to Air Hitam unless you have eaten a bowl of these noodles in fish broth
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Kek Lok Si Temple
After visiting the temple from afar, we rode back to Gurney Drive hence ending our Penang Half Island Tour |
