Grace Said.: Kruzer: Banding-Cameron-Frasers 2012 (Day 1)

While most welcomed the weekends with gatherings, parties or the comfy couch, a group of Kruzers headed out to Belum Rainforest Resort at Banding some 700km+ away.

But just so you know, 700km isn't a stone's throw away. Located at the far north of Peninsular Malaysia, Banding is about 40km+ away from the borders of Thailand, and that, my friend, is very far away from Singapore.

Which is why this trip requires about 12 hours of riding; inclusive of several food and fuel stops in between.

But for such long trips, we are not like most, who travel in the day, and arrive at their destination at night. Instead, we prefer to travel in the night as it is more cooling, and with lesser traffic on the roads. Furthermore, by doing so, we get to arrive at our destination before noon (or by noon), and have the afternoon to nap a while before moving our lazy bums for some leisure activities.

According to the itinerary, we were supposed to move off at 11pm. But thanks to yours truly and the BF, who somehow mistook the move off time as the meet up time, we arrived at 11:15pm looking flustered and terribly embarrassed.

Without further delay, Isaac quickly gave us a short briefing and we moved off from GP Esso at about 11:30pm.

After traveling for 150km thereabouts, we arrived at Pagoh R&R for our first fuel stop. Most of us remained alert and awake, engaging in conversations with a can of Nescafe, Red Bull, or 100 Plus in our hands.

But an uneventful fuel stop ended up in smoke when we noticed trails of smoke (literally) arising from a fellow Kruzer's bike.

However the problem was quickly resolved and we continued with our journey thereafter.

At our second fuel stop at NKVE Petronas, most of us started showing signs of fatigue, and our late-supper-cum-early-breakfast Mcdonald's meal really didn't help.

But after adequate food, minimal digestion, and some shut eye, we rode off to our next destination.

Arriving at our third fuel stop at Tapah Petronas, most of us were tired, and it was obvious that some of us needed more than Coffee or Red Bull.

So after refueling, the sleepyheads found their comfy spots to catch a nap, while the others entertained ourselves with more lively conversations.

Leaving Tapah Petronas at 5+ am, it wasn't long between we arrived at Kuala Kangsar exit. Glancing at our info tag, it seems like we are right on schedule!

Not far from Kuala Kangsar turn off, we arrived at bridge where Isaac signaled us to stop. Immediately, I knew why.

Glancing at the misty view of the surrounding lake, this location was a perfect photography spot for those who would like to capture the surreality of the place.