Malaysia on a Vespa

MALAYSIA ON A VESPA

After a hectic day preparing the Vespa for shipping from Indonesia and the trip to Kuala Lumpur, I arrive in the middle of the night, just in time before my visa expires. Kuala Lumpur intrigues me, and I decide to explore it over the weekend. I am struck by its modernity and cleanliness compared to Jakarta, while I also compare it to European cities like Milan and Rome, which seem more backward in terms of urban planning and services.

I meet Gianluca Alessi, a young traveler I met online, who is preparing his Yamaha for shipping to Australia. We are in a street food area, exchanging travel and life experiences. The comparison between generations does not seem to weigh, we share the same passions and difficulties related to bureaucracy and costs.

I explore the Batu Caves, located a few kilometers from the city center. The site, crowded with worshippers and tourists, is characterized by a long colorful staircase and an imposing golden statue. I watch a pilgrim kneeling up with an urn in his hand, a symbol of deep devotion. From above, the view of Kuala Lumpur is breathtaking.

I spend my last evening in the city with Birdo, the president of the Vespa Club Malaysia, who accompanies me around at night. The lights of the city and the Petronas Towers create a magical atmosphere. The next day, I go to Port Klang to pick up the Vespa, which I find intact after transport. I meet Stijn, a Belgian motorcyclist waiting for his BMW GS 1250 Adventure. Despite the differences in means of transport, we share experiences and travel plans. He will cross China to Kyrgyzstan, while I still have to define my route beyond Laos.

I leave Kuala Lumpur to head to Thailand, with recommended stops in Cameron Highlands and George Town. During the trip, I establish contacts with other Vespa enthusiasts. Cameron Highlands, located in the mountains, turns out to be a pleasant discovery, despite the pouring rain and some difficulty for the Vespa uphill. Here I meet Petu, head of the local Vespa Club, who organizes a barbecue in my honor. The welcome is warm, with exchanges of gadgets and travel stories.

I set off at dawn in a light rain, having difficulty driving due to poor visibility. After a few hours, I stop for breakfast and, in a moment of panic, I think I’ve lost my phone and Vespa keys. After a frantic search, I find them in a hidden pocket of my jacket. Relieved, I continue my journey.

I arrive in George Town in the rain, crossing a long bridge that leads to the island of Pinang. The city stands out for its mix of modernity and colonial architecture. In the evening, I meet Ray and Boon, representatives of the local Vespa Club, who have organized an evening in my honor in a pub in the city.

The journey continues with new discoveries, encounters and constant adaptation to the challenges of the road. The experience of traveling alone on the Vespa allows me to savor every detail of the journey, creating bonds that, even if fleeting, remain indelible over time.

MY MANTRA

…and the beginning of my book…available for purchase here

“I value the most precious thing I own, my time, as if each day were my last “

FOR WHO WANTS TO FOLLOW AND SUPPORT ME
To follow me in real time during my journey

Thank you very much