BMW R18 Getaway.

Similar to the BMW R 18 Getaway in Costa Rica, the United States and Portugal, FS Adventure, in partnership with BMW Motorrad Malaysia came up with the R 18 Getaway Malaysia tour packages (https://www.fsadventures.com.my/tours/)

I was one of the lucky few motoring journalist picked to experience this tour and it turned out to be one of the most well-organized motorcycling tour I had.

We started early on day 1. Meeting up in a nice, quaint café in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur for our breakfast and at the same time given the safety and program briefing by our tour guides, Faizal and K.K. Wong. After signing the indemnity form, each of us received a “goodie” bag containing two (2) BMW R 18 Getaway T-shirts, a bandana, a sling bag and a nice BMW R 18 Getaway windbreaker. Our bags were loaded up into a BMW X5 with two supporting crew members following us throughout the journey. All five (5) media members were then “flagged off” by Sashi Ambi, BMW Malaysia head of corporate communications.

Riding out of Kuala Lumpur city in slight heavy traffic was a bit hairy as I was adjusting to the ride dynamics of this slightly under 350 kgs cruiser. The huge boxer engine “pushed” the bike in opposite sides horizontally each time you upshift or downshift. The memory and shock of me riding the GS 1100 for the first time came back. Looking down between my legs, the huge 1802 cc shinning boxer engine made me feel like I am piloting the Naboo N1-Starfighter in Star Wars.

Riding through a highway, a couple of towns and village roads, two (2) refuel stops with the X5 providing us with the much-needed cold drinks and snacks, we made it up to Cameron Highlands, 4,750 feet [1,448 meters] above sea level. We had delicious Pizzas for lunch, freshly made and out from a customized kiln. The place? Tiny Boutique café. This place also provides homestay https://tiny-boutique-habitat.business.site/. English styled, clean and has a beautiful garden.

We covered slightly over 300 kilometers on day 1. And checked in to a pleasant hotel after lunch. Got ourselves settled in, showered, took a short rest, then rode out in the chill of the night for our dinner at the famous smokehouse. Over a delicious western dinner, we were given a second goodie bag containing of deodorant, body wash and solid cologne from Alwis & Xavier https://www.alwisandxavier.com/. Then it is back to the hotel for a good night rest.

Day 2: Woke up early for a buffet breakfast at the hotel and a quick journey briefing by Faizal and K.K before loading up our bags to the X5. We also had a few group photos taken by the official photographer, who worked hard speeding up ahead of us on most of the journey to take snap shots of all the riders.

First part of the ride were downhill, enjoying the scenic route but dreading the heat that is coming up once we reached at the foothill. Then it is all highway to Penang Island. We felt really privileged to have a reserve parking in front of the famous Deen restaurant and to have a private air-condition room to enjoy the delicious “Nasi Kandar,” minus the long queues outside.

After lunch, we rode a short distance to our beautiful hotel. Quenched ourselves with the welcome drinks and checked in. In the evening, FS Adventure had arranged a brand-new BMW X7 to ferry us to south quay marina for a sunset cruise. The cruise was really a good break after 2 days of riding. Wind against our body and face, we cruised underneath the famous Penang bridge while enjoying snacks and unlimited drinks before heading back to south quay. Unfortunately, it was a cloudy day, and we missed the golden opportunity to take photos of the sun setting. Upon reaching south quay, we made our way to a western restaurant just a couple of steps away for our sumptuous dinner. Then it is back to hotel for rest and relax.

Day 3: Instead of the hotel breakfast that was provided, a few of us “sneaked” off to a well-known stall for local breakfast instead. How can anyone not go for Penang Island local delicacies and opt for hotel breakfast instead?

Before checking out, to our surprise, we were given another “goodie bag” which has a Cuban cigar, a nice cigar cutter and a good-looking cigar lighter. After loading up our bags and another quick journey brief, we were off riding out of the Island via the new highway (Bukit Kukus Twin highway) which is also the tallest highway in Malaysia. After a refuel, we detoured off the highway into Ipoh town, in the State of Perak for a delicious banana leaf curry lunch. After filling up our tummy, we continue our journey back to Kuala Lumpur but not before a final refuel, rest and relax. Along the way back, I am already hoping that this trip is not ending so soon. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey, the company, the cruise, all the food and most of all the ride!

Do check out FS Adventure web site https://www.fsadventures.com.my/tours/  for the tours that they are providing, and I heard right now, the packages are heavily subsidized by BMW Motorrad Malaysia and those deals are a STEAL!! Grab it before you regret it. I definitely will (both grabbing one and not regretting it)

Information:

Included in the 3 Day 2 Night Program:

• Support car 4×4 (technical and luggage support)
• BMW R 18 rental
• BMW Motorrad certified tour guide
• Accommodation; single occupancy
• Unique experiences & activities
• Sunset Cruise, Penang Bridge
• Food & Beverage (3 meals per day)
• Snacks and hydration in support vehicle
• Petrol
• FS Adventures T-shirt
• Welcome Kit

Requirement:
*Valid B full license or international riding license (for foreigner),
*Motorcycle riding gears;
i. Helmet
ii. Gloves
iii. Riding jacket
iv. Boots
v. Riding pants with protection

Credits : Photos courtesy of Justin & takeshiwann.  Content courtesy of Justin Hong