Mindanao Travel - Lake Sebu

There are few lakes in Mindanao, the biggest is Lake Lanao. Lake Sebu is located in the Province of South Cotabato, some 100 odd km from Cotabato. A good place to relax and enjoy the cool and green surroundings. The best part is, the fresh water Tilapia is yummy cooked in the traditional "Lumad" (Indigenous people) style. There are many small resorts that provide typical lake activities.

Kawasaki KLR 650 (Camel)

Bought Camel on Oct 9, 2008. Over that weekend I drove Camel covering 1600km, thus completed the engine breaking-in as recommended by the User's Manual. Phoow! Even Kapchai and Municipal Lorries overtook me. My thought was, at least Camel is ready now for more 'punishing jobs'. I have to temporary say Bye to Camel on Oct 20, 2008 as I parked him at Ah Kit's shop at Jln Kuchai Lama for safe keeping for another two and a half months while I am gone to continue my duty in Mindanao, the Philippines.
There is only few words to describe Camel during that breaking-in run - Awesome machine.

Mindanao pointers

On average, it is best to have 2 weeks to cover Mindanao. Whether you start from Zamboanga or Davao as entry and exit point there are places where you need to pass as quickly as possible or stay a little bit longer. I always feel excited to ferry your own bike from Sandakan to Zamboanga. The overnite trip is not so much happening. From Zomboanga you can ride to Pagadian some 300km distance apart. Pagadian is like Los Angeles , very undulating town. No wonder they improvised the tricycles in an inverted fashion. Very fun to ride one of them. Cheap cheap.



During the Monsoon season or when each passing typhoons (about 21 times a year), the road linking Zamboanga to Pagadian can be obstructed by landslides or collapse. Beware to make a detour or even long wait (common).



Road Zamboanga to Pagadian is mixed (part concrete and disconnected by gravel). You may wonder why? Done on purpose? Your guess is good as mine. So be careful not too excited with long straight road as you may suddenly hit gravel and pot holes. Go slow Brother! That my advise.

6 Oct 2008 - Mindanao Travel

Mindanao is a nice island, forget about the conflict which dragged the island 5-10 years backward in term of development and infrastructure. I lived and work in Cotabato for the past 13 months and I found home here. There are varied places and cultures to visit. For Malaysian travellers, the easiest entry point to Mindanao, aside from Manila, is Zamboanga city. There are regular overnight ferry services plying Sandakan to Zamboanga (to and fro). You can ferry your bike or car together.
Some tips when riding in Mindanao or the Philippines in general:
1. There is no traffic rules in practical terms
2. Most drivers owned their licenses through 'purchase' and no formal driving lessons
3. Horn is a must
4. You do not know when somebody going to turn or stop, regardless of others
5. Beware of tricycles and pedestrians - they rule
6. They give way if you persist
7. Road signs are meant just to be there

More to follow..

Ride a bike tour

This is the beginning of a life adventure for me. Still unsure why I am doing this but reading from many around the world who have done the RTW and other motorcycle touring, I am inspired

I do not have any experience riding a motorcycle outside Malaysia other than a short trip to Phuket few years ago. However have been riding since 1977 with a few years of lay off because of work commitments. The HU website comes real handy and useful for me to use as a reference manual ( some say 'Bible' and must read for potential motorcycle adventurers).

Thats a quick introduction of my adventure.

Still learning

Still learning to go about writing and managing my own site. Way to go.

Billy the Goat on top of a bus