Adam’s Journey Through Malaysia: peninsular Divide with Palta
‘Peninsular Divide’, Malaysia. Asphalt route, with elements of off-road. 1500km 22000m, from south to north.
I don’t often join races, but when I do, it’s for a meaningful reason. This time, it’s about discovering Malaysia, its culture, and its people. Winning isn’t the priority—it’s all about the experience and the journey. So, here I am with my trusty Basso Palta, ready for this exotic adventure. Andiamo!
I’m joined by Katrin, my friend from Iceland, with whom I’ve shared many cycling moments across Europe. She’s my partner for this Asian journey, and we’ll spend the coming days immersing ourselves in Malaysia.The idea for this event was spontaneous. Friends in Kuala Lumpur invited me to visit, and when I saw an ad for the first edition of the Peninsular Divide, it clicked. It’s not a typical race but an event with the motto “Rise to the challenge”. That suited us perfectly—we prefer enjoying the ride, soaking in the sights, and meeting people rather than racing through the night.
We landed in Singapore after a grueling 17-hour journey, greeted by heat and humidity. After assembling our bikes at the airport, we rode 20km to our hotel, delayed by a sudden downpour. The next morning, jet-lagged but eager, we headed to the port for a 1.5-hour ferry to Malaysia.
A short 25km ride later, we arrived at a hotel near the race start, ready to acclimate over the next three days.
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The route wasn’t particularly challenging—mostly flat sections with some hills, short steep climbs, and 2-3 longer ascents. The highest point, at 1600m, was the scenic Cameron Highlands tea fields. We encountered three long gravel sections, but despite the mud and puddles, our 32mm tires handled them well. Navigating 3-lane highways filled with speeding trucks and scooters was far less enjoyable. Coming from the quiet, cyclist-friendly roads of Europe, the chaotic traffic felt overwhelming.
Adjusting to left-hand traffic added to the challenge, with Kata frequently reminding me to stay on the correct side. The weather was relentless: constant heat, high humidity, and torrential rain. Thirst was a constant companion, as water turned lukewarm within minutes. Frequent stops at roadside shops and stalls became essential for cold drinks and meals. Asian cuisine, though simple and delicious, was a spicy ordeal for me, just as it had been during a bike-packing trip in Thailand years ago. The combination of heat and spicy food left my stomach struggling for much of the journey.
The warmth and hospitality of the people were the first things that struck me. In the provinces, despite having little, locals were eager to share everything they had. Smiles greeted us everywhere—people waved from the roadside, and truck drivers and scooter riders honked in greeting as they passed. We felt welcomed and respected. Cycling seemed to be a rarity in Malaysia, where motorbikes dominate the roads. Many locals marveled at our determination to ride in such intense heat, offering their appreciation.
One memorable moment came after a grueling stretch of gravel; exhausted and out of supplies, we were invited to share a meal with palm oil plantation workers. Malaysia’s lush, vibrant nature also left a lasting impression. Endless palm trees and dense jungle surrounded the route, creating the feeling of riding through green tunnels. The remoteness of some stretches added to the adventure. Sadly, apart from monkeys, we didn’t spot any wildlife—though others in the race reported encounters with elephants.
Crossing the finish line in northern Malaysia just two hours before the cutoff, we felt a deep sense of accomplishment. The experience had exceeded all our goals: we completed the route within the time limit while fully immersing ourselves in this beautiful and unique country.
One day, I’d love to return—not for a race, but to explore more of Malaysia’s incredible culture and wilderness.
Bike Specs:
Basso Palta – White Poseidon
Wheels: Microtech RE 38 + 32mm tires
Group-set: SRAM X01 Eagle 40/10-52T
