If you import a vehicle into Malaysia you only need to call Clasquin and ask for Yep. Yep, that’s right. Give her the papers she want, and then do something else for the two weeks it takes to process the import permit. During the wait you will miss the long, hard rides from dusk till dawn. But don’t worry; in Kuala Lumpur there are ways to compensate.
If you import a vehicle into Malaysia you only need to call Clasquin and ask for Yep. Yep, that’s right. Give her the papers she want, and then do something else for the two weeks it takes to process the import permit. During the wait you will miss the long, hard rides from dusk till dawn. But don’t worry; in Kuala Lumpur there are ways to compensate.

C’mon, ride that skunk, yes, yes…

I had to sleep too, and booked a room at Equator Hostel. They target overlanders at their most vulnerable – grimy, tired, and desperate to watch DVD movies - and I was sucked into a whirlpool of easy living. I tell you, I became a heavy user of their facilities. Its true, I showered every day. It was crazy!!! But know this: If you ever drive through Kuala Lumpur you’d be an idiot if you didn’t stay there. They have neat and clean facilities in a super-central location, top service for overlanders, and breakfast and lots of smiles included. They know where to get new parts and skillful repair for your bike, and across the street is an indoor motorcycle parking lot guarded 24/7. You’ll find your KL palace here: www.equatorhostel.com . Enjoy!

Hady and Phillip run the Equator. Watch out, they might make you wanna stay forever.

In younger years the Kuala Lumpur name was synonymous with a primordial place far away, but nowadays they have the superurban Petronas Twin Towers and a futuristic monorail. While you wait for the next train you are entertained by Beethoven, and in grocery stores you hear jazz, making banana shopping pleasant. Indeed, you hear calming music everywhere. However to move around in this western oriented capital can still be a nerve blasting experience. The locals walk extremely slowly, and on narrow pavements your inner tempo is seriously challenged. The same happens when you want to get off a train, and can’t because those waiting on the platform decides to board the train first, thus blocking your exit. Not to mention the sluggish and narrow escalators where the person I front of you just stand there. It it wasn’t Beethoven but Dimmur Borgir on the speakers… Still you have to love everybody. Give any person a smile, and you get a big smile back. In Oslo they would consider you a lunatic.

Arrival at Port Klang: If your original bike breaks down en route, do not despair; get a new one shipped from home.

In Port Klang I had a wonderful goodbye lunch with Yep and her assistants, and soon I hooked up with some friends I hadn’t seen since Pakistan. More to come…