While most tourists rely on travel agencies and public transport to explore Malaysia, a Taiwanese man decided to do it the old-school way, on a humble 125cc scooter.
His goal? To experience the real Malaysia.
Why he ditched tours & took the road less travelled
Instead of following a fixed itinerary or joining guided tours, Chang, a teacher from a Chinese school in Shah Alam, Selangor took a different route, both literally and figuratively, reported Siakap Keli.
Wanting to connect with the country on a deeper level, he set out on a solo trip that would take him across the entire Peninsular Malaysia, powered only by a small scooter and a big sense of adventure.
I began my solo journey from the school,” he shared in a Facebook post on The Solo Rider (Malaysia) group.
7 days, 6 nights, 2,640KM — All on a 125cc scooter
What followed was a 7-day, 6-night road trip that saw Chang cover a staggering 2,640 kilometres.
His journey wasn’t just about ticking off destinations, it was about taking his time, enjoying the sights, and letting the road lead the way.
The 125cc scooter isn’t fast, but it gave me time to enjoy the scenery at a relaxed pace. I prefer that freedom over getting to a destination quickly.”
Here’s how his route looked:
- Day 1: Shah Alam → Sungai Petani, Kedah
- Day 2: Kaki Bukit, Perlis
- Day 3: Kota Bharu, Kelantan (via Gerik)
- Day 4: Kuantan, Pahang (via Kuala Terengganu and Federal Route 3)
- Day 5: Kota Tinggi, Johor
- Day 6: Muar, Johor
- Day 7: Return to Shah Alam
The weather didn’t always help but it made the journey better
Of course, no journey is complete without its share of challenges and for Chang, it came in the form of unpredictable Malaysian weather and rugged roads.
But rather than seeing them as obstacles, he viewed them as part of the experience.
Feeling the wind, the sun, the rain and the surprises along the way was the best gift for me.”
It was this openness to uncertainty that made his journey not just memorable, but meaningful.
“Malaysians are so friendly”
Along the way, it wasn’t just the landscapes that left a mark on Chang, it was also the people.
He recalled several warm interactions with locals who helped him despite the language barrier.
Even though my Malay and English are limited, many people were patient and still chatted with me. That meant a lot.”
His sincerity touched many Malaysians, who flooded his Facebook post with encouragement, gratitude, and even stories of their own scooter trips including travels across Taiwan.
