Start of school holidays (unofficial...hehe), a strategically placed Deepavali that created a 3 day long weekend, a need to stretch the muscles on my bike, a familiar riding buddy. Plus a last minute 'yes' by my dear to go along with me. This are the ingredients that created my virgin trip to Thailand in my 'new' bike, and also a virgin trip for my dear to Thailand.
Set off on Friday night. To be frank, it wasn't an ideal time because I have no time to rest at all. Cleared the slight jam at Tuas, reach GP Esso at 2300. Set off at 2330 for the 700 km journey.
All photos here: http://www.pbase.com/snowparang/betong
We only needed a total of 3 stops: Ayer Keroh, Rawang and Sg. Perak but due to the cold wind, tiredness and as well as an urgent need to pee by my riding buddy, we stopped at Simpang Pulai too.
As mentioned, I didn't not have sufficient rest and was dozing off as I ride along the boring NS highway. The cold mist after Rawang only fueled by desire to sleep. After a long struggle, we decided to stop at a restaurant along route 76 (towards Gerik ) for breakfast and some recharging.
Cleared the Thai border with ease though I was highly amused with this weird 'warning' sign. Checked into hotel at 1000 hrs, rest, massage, lunch, rest again.
Betong is a small town just 7 km from the border. After 2 days here, I understand why is there even any tourists or visitors to this place:
- Attractions, such as a hot spring and a historical site featuring tunnels and artefacts from communist guerillas that used to station here.
- Language is not a barrier. Many can speak Cantonese, Chinese or Melayu.
- Man (mainly malaysians I guess) looking for cheap booze, hotels and women. Quite a number of PRC 'mistress' accompanying these man though. Wow, China is even competing with Thailand in this selective trade....
Betong hot spring.
Some flower garden. Not impressive at all.
Entrance to the tunnel
Inside the tunnel.
The red thing in the background is the world largest mailbox....
Some say this is the longest tunnel in Thailand. Approx 100 m....
There are of course some interesting stuff that may go unnoticed by many except by weirdo parang here, such as....
...nice mountain roads leading to the tunnel...
...giant millipede, and
...thousands of birds that will rest on ALL the electrical and telephone cables at evening time. And decorating the cars parked below them.
No photos of the vice trade and PRC mistress though...my gf with me lah!