Cycling Langkawi Round Island and Gunung Raya

Cycling Langkawi Round Island and Gunung Raya, this  was our itinerary on Day 5.

After submitting Gunung Raya, my energy level already depleted 50%! But the team self-motivates each other to clock extra 60km to “loop” Langkawi.

I will be sharing our Langkawi Round Island, and ferry roro experience in this blog post.

You may checkout the photos of our 6D5N Klang to Hatyai epic trip at this link https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16sGu1beLm

6D5N Klang to Hatyai itinerary

Day 0 Van to Klang
Day 1 Klang To Teluk Intan
Day 2 Teluk Intan to Ipoh
Day 3 Ipoh to 大三脚
Day 4 大三脚 to Langkawi
Day 6 Langkawi to Hatyai
Video : Cycling Langkawi Round Island and biking up Gunung Raya
(Do pop by to end of page for our 6D5N Klang to Hatyai playlist videos too.

In short, Langkawi Round Island (RI) and climbing Gunung Raya statistics

12km climb up, estimated 800m elevation
90mins to submit, 30mins to descend.

Langkawi Round island should be between 70-80km.

It would be relatively easy to just do RI, but my enthusiastic friends love challenges, and Climbs.
There are many 8 to 9% segments up Gunung Raya, and at least two 14 to 15% inclines. Many dogs and monkeys would greet you along the way.
The first 2km would already made you sweat!
Strava cycling Langkawi
Just change to smaller chain ring and pedal up slowly.
Do take the note the road can be very bumpy, some uneven segments.
This would require your full attention when you go downhill.

There are few petrol stations or convenience stalls early in the morning. We settled our breakfast at a roadside mamak stall.

Trailhead photos, and smiles. Before the suffering 🙂

Right from the start, you will already hit 4,5% gradients.

How high is Langkawi Gunung Raya

 

We need to respect the mountain. Soar 800m over 12km is serious.

Once you see this “Gunung Raya” sign, you are around 7,8 km mark, 4,5 km left.

A few km up, you will spot an empty plot on your left. This offers a vantage point to admire Langkawi horizon.

The last 200m will burn your quads and calves, expect elevation above 10 ,11%.

Success, Congrats to all. Photo time.

Cycling Langkawi Round Island

 

After submitting Gunung Raya, we knew a huge patch of rain was approaching.

We could jolly well rush back to hotel and rest. But this is group 3S, and they do not need easy routes 🙂

Anyway, we went chill mode to tick off checklist of Langkawi round Island. I remembered it was a pretty warm day.

Celebration with nice food, cake and beers in the evening.

Part 2 – Sharing our Roro experience (From Kuala Perlis to Langkawi)

Take note there is only one ferry roro service per day! (unless Holidays)
This is unlike the passenger ferry. Roro is meant for cars, bicycles and other loads..

As of 2025 Dec, ferry ticket for bicycle and passenger is RM68 and RM42 respectively (return). Online tickets booking at https://ticket.langkawiroro.com

The ferry terminal is actually 12 km away from the main ferry terminal at Kuah. (refer the map distance here)

By now, you should realised that you can only fly or ferry to Langkawi, there is no  bridge from the main peninsula.

Video: Taking the Ferry to Langkawi

Cycle towards Ferry Terminal “Roro”.

Buy your tickets, and roll up the Roro (ferry).
Loading will start 60mins before departure, you do not want to be late!

There is no specific corner for bicycles, we were directed to park under the staircase. Just secure your bikes with bicycle hooks.

Bicycles on Langkawi Roro ferry

Ferry ride is slow, take a nap.

Or enjoy the scenic views.

After reaching, we cycle to our hotel. Expect some rolling slopes.

Photos below from our return trip

 

Langkawi Roro Ferry terminal

Vehicles loading up Roro ferry at Langkawi

Next, Hatyai.
We are so near to ending our 6D5N epic journey.

Refer to our 6D5N Klang to Hatyai playlist  (6 videos)

If you are keen on Penang, do pop by our Betong to Penang Roro experience too https://youtu.be/OimjfQ8RbjM?si=0nmhV4Ixj5SOUO6

Cycling in KL – Bukit Tunku and Carfree Sunday

Cycling in KL, Bukit Tunku and Carfree Sunday.

This was how I spend my Sunday morning in KL, Malaysia.

The day before, I tried something new too. I brought my roadbike on a MRT from KL to Putrajaya. Novelty for me, refer to link for the MRT Bicycle post.

YouTube: Cycling in KL – Bukit Tunku and Carfree Sunday Video link

 

Part 1 – Sunrise at Bukit Tunku

Woke up early, and hit the road before the vehicles and motorcycles roam the streets. My plan was to catch the sunrise and skyline at Bukit Tunku, before heading downtown for a 5km Carfree Sunday route.

From previous experience, I know the distance would be short.
However, I never underestimate KL road navigation or road traffic conditions.

You must always expect to miss a junction or an exit!

Slope infront. I have also shared with my peers, always expect SLOPES in KL.
Kuala Lumpur is not Flat.

I took a detour to a popular photo spot. This is where cyclists stand and cycle up the brutal slope, for their perfect Pose. Do Google this spot “Jalan Tunku Putra Lookout Point“.

Bukit Tunku lookout point is less than 2km from this spot.
Just take note Bukit Tunku is about 20-30% tougher than Singapore’s Mount Faber.

Expect the last 200m to be 9-11% elevation.

Otherwise, both Sunrise and Sunset offers spectacular view!
(Paranomic view from my video)
This is my third Bukit Tunku submit.

Part 2 – Join Carfree Sunday.

Some segments of KL center is closed to traffic every Sunday, either 5 or 7km.
This is very generous, families and communities were out in force to enjoy some activities.

You can cycle, jog, or walk. Anything which makes you happy.
Most of us were soaking in the SUN! (It had rained non-stop just a few days earlier.)

I did not take a lot of photos here, but my Insta360 captured the vibes. (Video link)

I went two loops of 5km before I headed back to our hotel.
When you are in KL next round, do hook out with the local cycling community for some adventures.

Carbo load time. KL is never short of good food, cafes and street delicacies.

Tips:

1) Not exaggerating, but I suspect my train and bike combination might be faster driving.

Besides skipping KL jams, I do not stress over finding carpark lots too.
Local cyclists do not even need the trains, they memorise the streets like Grab drivers.

If you think driving in KL is stressful, try cycling :p

2) Reading the map while you cycle is also taxing.
I prefer to stop safely, confirm my coordinates before proceeding.
If you rush and miss an exit, it might mean a long U-turn.

Image below is roundabout.
Cars are ok, but motorcycles will be coming from all angles.

Exiting from Roundabout is a skill, just put up your hand and signal your intention.

3) If you are keen to bring your roadbike onto KL’s MRT, do visit my blog post (Url). Love the commute experience.