My First International Ride - A Cross Border

Sadly, some dreams probably remain as dreams. Yes, I did dream about going to certain countries with a high powered bike. I thought of riding from Thailand to China, from Russia to Holland, etc.  However, as long as I belong to a middle class income group, I guess, money remains the biggest obstacle. 

But a few weeks ago, my joyride turned unexpectedly to an International ride. Our initial plan was to ride up to the border between Sarawak and Kalimantan Barat, Indonesia and take some photos to bring home. As we reached Biawak Custom and Immigration Quarantine (CIQ) Checkpoint, we tried our luck by asking the officers whether we can go a few steps further inside the border just to take photos of the Indonesia CIQ. Surprisingly, they allowed us to do so. 

After the photo session (under the watchful eyes of an Indonesian security guard), we had another surprised. The officers allowed us to cross the border and we were welcomed by the Indonesian Director of Immigration. He brought us to Aruk town in Kalimantan for lunch and a few minutes of chat with him was indeed very educational, particularly learning about their culture and country. 

Aruk town, may be small, but it is definitely bigger than Lundu. Our meal was fantastic and luckily they accepted our Ringgit to pay for the food.

At our conversation with the Indonesian Director of Immigration, we asked him whether we could go further into the nearest district, which is Singkawang. Unfortunately, he advised us not to, because we would need a passport and a vehicle insurance. So, our ride ended at Aruk town. 

Thanks to the hospitality and the safety assurance by the Indonesian authority, that after 2 hours of visit to Aruk town, we returned home safely. The ride may not be as cool as those who traveled around the world with their bikes, but at least, I can call it an International Ride. Yeha!

Logging off,

12.48 AM

17 February 2018