Route 1 Kajang - Tampin - Melaka

Gurdwara Cycling Tour 

Route 1 : May 7

Kajang - Tampin - Melaka

Intro ↗️

The Gurdwara Cycling Tour (Route 1) took-off successfully on 7 May, 2022. Two amateur cyclists from Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Gurdev Singh (GS) and Jack Chan (JC) pedalled with their trusted and durable folding bicycles. Our journey started from Gurdwara Sahib Tampin and we cycled all the way to Gurdwara Sahib Melaka. The journey took us through some scenic routes (mixed) and difficult terrains (uphill +7.8%). The entire route was 50km in distance.

Just before boarding the KTM Komuter.

Kajang Komuter ↗️

Both of us met earlier at the Kajang Komuter Train Station, which is located 20 minutes by car from Bandar Tun Hussein Onn, Cheras. We boarded the first train at 9.30am to Tampin, sometimes also known as Pulau Sebang (a small busy town) to some. It's was a hassle free check-in (parked our cars overnight at the Komuter station). We moved foldys easily to platform 2 via the lift (the only platform available).

    In the train from Kajang to Tampin.

JC having a short nap.

The train to Pulau Sebang.

Eat Breakfast Like A King ↗️

Before boarding the Komuter Train we decided to cycle towards the Kajang Old Town (appx 10 mins) to enjoy some Chinese breakfast. GS had some noodles while JC ordered Prawn Chee Cheong Fan. Apparently, I was informed by Chan that the stall sells the best Prawn Chee Cheong Fan in town. Looking at the manner he was enjoying his meal, I think he was right!

      Having breakfast in Kajang Old Town.

A Woman With Attitude ↗️

After our sumptuos breakfast meal, we cycled back to the station and a little confusion ran through at the station before boarding, due to the poor signages displayed. (KTM please look into this matter more seriously. More RED INK please). However, a friendly Malay lady whom we met in the morning (a frequent traveller) at the station advise us to board the train which displayed the digital sign "Pulau Sebang" at 9.30am. If we missed the weekend train then the next one arrives at 11.00am. The station master was pleasant and told us to park our bicycles inside the last coach. The ride to Pulau Sebang was a pure comfort.

A friendly Malay lady.

Pulau Sebang ↗️

We reached Pulau Sebang at 11.00am and alighted to the first floor using the lift and exited from the station without any problems. We assembled our bicycles within minutes and quickly rushed to Tampin Gurdwara. A good friend by the name of Dalbeer Singh was looking forward to give us a royal welcome and sent off with his Harley Davidson but sadly we had arrived late (so this did not happen). Imagine a convoy of 100 Harley Davidson bikers exploding the sound of their bikes simultaneously rocking the town of Tampin. This kind gesture would have been memorable and fun.

Tampin Gurdwara ↗️

Upon reaching Tampin Gurdwara (it was a short ride from the Komuter Station) we met the President himself and his committee members. I must thank them for their patience while they waited for us. We took the opportunity to explain our objectives which were three fold: firstly, to encourage the elderly and youth to start cycling as this encourages a healthy lifestyle, secondly, to convey a message to the younger generation to stay away from vice, drugs, smoking & gambling and thirdly, to promote a multiracial harmonious pluralistic Muhibbah Malaysia.

Tampin President & Committee.

Importance Of Punjabi Language ↗️

So before we started the ride, I did an interview with the President asking him on how could we (Sikhs) attract the younger generation to the Gurdwara for prayers and highlighted the importance of Punjabi language which is taught currently at some Gurdwara's nationwide and sometimes privately (home based tuition). Also the high priest Hardip Singh performed an Ardaas for us so that the prayers kept us protected for the duration of our cycling journey (Yatra in Punjabi). By the Grace of God.

With Gianiji Hardip Singh Ji in the middle.

The late Gianiji Harcharan Singh Ji of Melaka Gurdwara.

JC Gets Attention ↗️

So after having our light bee-hoon and some currypuffs and hot char at Tampin Gurdwara we then rolled out our bicycles at 12.30pm to begin our adventurous journey called the Gurdwara Cycling Tour from Tampin to Melaka. We knew the sun will show no mercy on us but with our jerseys and uv protected clothing, we will be able to absorb the sun rays. But just before leaving, our bicycles (not mine) had caught the attention of the committee members. JC was busy explaining to them on the importance of riding an e-bike.

    Interview with Tampin Gurdwara President.

The Man Who Cycled Malaysia ↗️

An e-bike has many advantages. Besides JC, another friend of us Pepper Lim (PL) cycles an e-bike often and I also had an honor to do an interview with him in regards to his cycling mission around Malaysia that he recently accomplished in two weeks and at the same time helped raise some RM20,000 for charity under the Lion's Club. PL spoke on his challenges and probably after watching this video interview, you may decide if an e-bike suits you. You may purchase a 16 inch DOHIKER Brand from MyKayuh, located at seksyen 16 in Petaling Jaya.

Interviewing Pepper Lim.

Orang Asli Village ↗️

And so we set the sail and off we went cycling through the Tampin town, it was clean, and looked a little busy on a Saturday afternoon, cars were double parked and some motorcyclists who were emerging from every corner. We took care and were always on alert. We cycled carefully and passed the town and JC being the navigator led the journey. Just as we started we took a wrong turn into some industrial area and then managed to get back on track. JC took us through an Orange Asli settlement "Kampung Orang Asli Bukit Sebang" and he was confident that the route will bypass some notorious hills but as we scalled through some hills in this settlement, we reached a road that had no tarmac, bumpy, stones and some places muddy. Well, not a very good idea to explore this route further and so we made a U-turn, and headed back to the main road. From here, we cycled towards Alor Gajah (Route 61) and then the notorious Durian Tunggal (Route 19).

       Friendly Calf's.

Hunger Strikes ↗️

From the main road, another short hill greeted us. I cycled midway and then had to push my Dahon IOS 9 Foldy, marching with my bike I started whispering to myself, that this is gonna be a tough day for us. I remember asking Pepper Lim on this route once (which he cycled before), "Dev, there are no easy routes to Melaka". Well, that says that we are definitely going to get our thighs sore (luckily it did not happened to me) and we cycled all the way and then suddenly our stomach starts to speak to us, "I am hungry".

Spirit Of Muhibbah ↗️

Chan brought along some biscuits and chocolates but that didn't fill my belly and also not enough to provide us with the required energy to pedal further. At this point after passing the Alor Gajah intersection we took a 15 minute rest and Chan pointed a new route to me through a village that will lead to "Kampung Kubang Gajah". As the name suggest, we did not encounter any elephants but instead encountered some very interesting village folks who carried the spirit of muhibbah and boleh-land with them.

Tempat Makan? ↗️

Midway through this village, we were hoping to see and make a stopover for lunch but then we were cycling during the Hari Raya holidays but unfortunately no food stalls nor restaurants were opened. From a distance we saw some people gathering and were having food. Chan was happy as he cycled inwards the house compound thinking it was a restaurant and shouted, "Is this a tempat makan?" I saw surprised faces looking at us and I felt awkward and suggested Chan to leave.

    We had lunch at Zains residence.

The School Teacher ↗️

Just about to move out from the house compound, an elderly Malay gentleman came out and asked where we were going and we explained to him our cycling plans and objectives. And he lamented, "Ini jalan banyak susah punya. Respect you guys." I looked at Chan when I thought the hills were done but soon we were going to encounter the deadly hills of Durian Tunggal known to every cyclist!

With Mat Zains & his wife.

Rezeki ↗️

The Malay guy who is a school teacher together with his wife knowing our hunger and tiredness did not hesitate to invite us to sit with their family for lunch. The meal consisted of Chicken Rendang, Ketupat, Kacang Sause, Oxtail Soup were some dishes that were cooked by Mat Zains wife. We enjoyed our lunch and before we left, took a picture and thanked them from the bottom of our hearts. Mat Zain said in Malay, "Ini rezeki Gurdev dan Chan untuk makan bersama keluarga saya". Well, that touched our hearts ❤️

Durian Tunggal ↗️

Ask any cyclist about the Durian Tunggal route and they will say it's a tough one. Many of them avoid this route but we were excited (before starting this journey) so had to pay a heavy toll especially on my thighs that started accumulating a burning  sensation but it was still bearable. To overcome it, I had to pedal slowly upward and got down to push my bike several times when the hill was too steep. Chan had no issues since he was cruising along nicely with his e-bike. The Durian Tunggal route had a stall so we stopped for some ice lemon tea. We continued our journey towards Melaka.

Melaka ↗️

This historic city had always fascinated me. Sometimes I feel I had a connection with the year 1511, hard to find the words but it is an intuitive feeling that hovers around me. In Sikhism, we believe in reincarnation. Could I have been the mighty Alfonso D'Albuquque the Portuguse warlord? Only God knows! However, when we reached the Melaka border it was close to 7pm and I asked Chan the remaing distance to reach the Melaka Gurdwara, he says 12km. So, another hour of cycling which we finally reached our destination. But by 8pm all the Harley Davidson Sikh bikers who were looking to meet and greet us left for their homes. We were late for the second opportunity as we took our time gracefully to pedal and as the famous saying that goes: Go Slow, See More!

Last Supper ↗️

From Melaka the roads leading to Gurdwara were straight and pedalling the last 12km was a relief after encountering the hilly terrain of Durian Tunggal. Will we return to this route? Yes, once I get my e-bike. Sardar Pannu Ji waited for us patiently and greeted us when we arrived as he spotted us easily from a distance with our bicycles flickering lights. He looks in his mid 30's with a stout build physical structure. He displayed respect and mannerism to us and we were impressed with him although from India origin. He invited us for a meal and immediately after our last supper we retired to our rooms. We took our shower and jumped onto our mattress and went into deep sleep. The following morning we continued our journey back to Tampin and Kajang.

Having our dinner Gurdwara Sahib Melaka.

     Sewadar Pannu.

      Early morning prayers.

Conclusion ↗️

This ain't a trip for the faint hearted or new comer. Some experience in cycling is required. Any type of bicycle will be suitable for this route. People were friendly and most importantly we completed our Route 1 safely. We thank our Creator for looking after us and we count our blessings. To those who have been with us on this journey, helping us, feeding us, we thank all of you from the bottom of our hearts. We are grateful. Till we meet again. Our next Route 2 will be from Seremban Gurdwara to Port Dickson Gurdwara. Sat Sri Akaal. Amen.