Journey form Sibu to Bintulu

9^th April 2018, weather in Sibu was sunny at that moment, I checked out from the hotel,  load my bike and fuelled up before proceed to Bintulu. But before that, I got phone call from a friend, he invited me to have a breakfast at one of the famous biker café in town. During my breakfast with the owners Mr Razak and his wife Mdm Helen, we all had some conversation along. As a biker themselves, they also shared their journey and experience moment with me, it was great to get along with this couple. Razz Choppers MC also an organizer to Sibu Bike Week, which will held this coming December 2018. This is a yearly event, surprisingly I only attend this event once back in 2013. Another warm hospitality was been given to me from the owner of Rafie café, they even give me some souvenirs to remember them by. Thank you so much Razz and family.

At 1130hrs, I was back on my bike, proceed out from Sibu. I will be covering at least 234 KM to Bintulu town itself. My journey start from Sibu heading to Selangau along the way, I was facing gravel roads, sandy and bumpy ride this is the main road I’m using the “Pan-Borneo” itself. 77KM along the bad roads, I finally reach Selangau Petronas station. I stop and check my bike in case there’s something missing due to the vibration, I was chilling at the petronas had some Kit-Kat bar. So there’s a group of 4x4 from Nissan stop by and we had a small chat too. So one of the drivers said, the road from Selangau to Tatau was pretty bad, especially when there’s a lot of trucks and it is dry, so the dust really blind you off. He would advised me to use the Balingian road instead.

So I headed out from selangau, and towards to Simpang Selangau-Mukah. Made my decision, I took left towards Simpang Mukah - Balingian. The road was good, and less bumpy. Again this journey I took, is off from the main road. 

55KM I reach into intersection of Mukah and Balingian. Continue my journey under the hot sun towards Balingian town, traveling at the speed of 120KM/h was not a good idea, it is a pretty bumpy ride. Even at 60KM/h, with that speed my bike flew when I hit the unseen bump. Holes everywhere and I found there’s a factory and power plant along the way, I figure it out that’s where the holes came from, and it was Monday.  It’s a working day, where I see trucks coming up from Balingian towards to the factory and the power plant, heavy traffic going up. 

31KM at the long journey I reach Balingian, it’s an empty area abit spooky to me. My GPS doesn’t work at that time, lucky enough I drew a map on a piece of paper, just like Dakar Rally. I learn this from an adventure rider Alex Wong, “When technology failed you, piece of paper and pen would work.”

Sungai Lemai Bridge 

I forgot to open my visor when I took this selfie

18KM from Balingian, I reach at an intersection of Kuala Balingian and Kuala Tatau, you don’t want to be fast here, honestly you could missed the junction. And watch out for the goats and cows too, yes they crossed the road. As I travel towards to Kuala Tatau the road is straight and less bumpy this time. Entering the village area, I always keep myself alert at all time, I do not wish to hit anyone's chicken on the road. 25KM along the road I came to another small town, and the new Kuala Tatau bridge, which link (Bintulu-Balingian-Mukah) by passed selangau and Tatau. Complete stop to have some refreshment and scenery at the bridge.

It says "SEMPADAN BINTULU MUKAH" 

That's the South China Sea

Kuala Tatau Bridge (It's not advisable to stop here) 

Again I forgot to open my visor

Back on my bike and off to Bintulu, I faced another bumpy road. At this time speed at 60KM/h I have to really slow down to face the bump. Horrible road it was, bumpy and un-maintained road along the 30KM roads towards to Jepak.

Gold Mines Gastro pub and this time I remember to open my visor 

At approx. 1540hrs, I reach the town of Bintulu. Stop by at one of the gastro pub and had some cold beer. It's great to be back home. 10 years left it behind, and I forgot the traffic flow in Bintulu town itself. Bintulu, I’m back home, my journey continues.

The View of Tanjung Batu Bintulu

The Petronas Office, the view that blocked my house. 

He saw my bike, and stop by to join me for a glass of Beer. Jason an old school mate. Last we met was on 2017 when he visited Kuching. Missing in picture Harry and Kelvin

Finally met her myself, after long awhile try to figure out who she was. Lovely pretty lady came to welcome me back home. Thank you Co!
Note: I'm still using my riding pants

Distance KM from every town and checkpoint : 

• Selangau - Mukah/Balingian Junction = 55 KM
• Mukah/Balingian Junction - Balingian = 31 KM
• Balingian - Kuala Balingian = 18 KM
• Kuala Balingian - Kuala Tatau = 25 KM
• Kuala Tatau - Jepak Junction (Bintulu) = 30 KM