Bringing a bike from Port Klang (Malaysia) to Indonesia

[Lunyggo]

Hey all, I’ve been crunching the numbers and looking into options for moving my X-ADV. As you some of you might know, buying a bike in Indonesia means paying over double what I’d pay in Thailand thanks to that steep luxury tax. I’ve heard that back in the day Mr. Lim used to sort out bike transfers from Malaysia without needing a Carnet, but since he’s retired, I’m wondering if anyone’s found an alternative workaround or reliable service for this.

I’m not new to the process—I’ve done my homework—but any insights on the current routes, paperwork, or even a heads-up on potential pitfalls would be solid. Appreciate any pointers or experiences you can share.

Cheers!

 

[Snakeboy]

I have shipped a bike (norwegian plated) with Mr Lim back in 2015 from Penang to Belawan - and a Carnet was certainly needed!
Indonesia is 100 % a Carnet country.

There is a «new» onion boat running. A german guy used it some 1-2 years ago…

Or you can put the bike on a roro from Port Klang to Kota Kinabalu or Kuching, but you will need to fly yourself.

Check out the Facebookgroups:

* Indonesia Overland Network

* Overlanding Malaysia-Indonesia-Australia

 

[Snakeboy]

Also - buying a locally made bike in stead of import bikes does make Indonesian bikes quite cheap.

I rode 3,5 months and approx 13 000 kms in Indonesia in 2015 and I can assure anyone that a big bike is not needed! The average speed was probably around 40 km/h. 300 km a day is long days ride! And a 400 km day ride is a 12 hour ride!
Riding in Indonesia is not comparable at all to riding in Thailand, Laos, Cambo etc.
The amount of traffic, vehicles is just insane! Just think about the island of Java - it has more than twice the amount of inhabitants compared to Thailand on only 1/4 of the areal!
Also most petrol stations sell only the 87 octane fuel. 92 octane fuel only in bigger towns and cities - thus complicated and high compression engines will suffer.

I got a tip from an indonesian overlander that stayed with me last summer - the Kawasaki Klx230 are made locally in Indo, and a good option for Indonesia.

Just my 5 rupiah…

 

[Lunyggo]

Thanks for the information Snakeboy! I've been living in both Java and Bali, so I know what I am getting myself into with this type of bike

I heard about what you said "bike on a roro from Port Klang to Kota Kinabalu or Kuching". I would be totally fine with flying there myself and waiting, but my main concern is just, will I have big issues crossing the landborder?

Do you know anyone who might have info on this? I know a bit of money and goodwill might help, but I am looking for some solid advice, so I feel confident about that before going on that tour

 

[Lunyggo]

I read that areas such as Serikin near Kuching, Bario, and Sapulut in Sabah are known for "informal" crossings.

 

[Snakeboy]

There seems to be 4 land border crossings between Malaysian Borneo and Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo)

Indonesia–Malaysia border - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

And many informal/local crossings - but anyhow it shouldnt be a problem crossing into Kalimantan from malaysian Borneo.

 

[Lunyggo]

Seems like that is the way to go. People say Serikin should be quite easy.

Now my main concern is finding Roro/Ferry that will bring the bike with only Greenbook and insurance?

 

[Snakeboy]

There seems to be possibilities now from Port Klang to Sumatra.
There are passenger ferries from Port Klang to Tanking Balai - that can sometimes take a bike if you talk to the right persons and pay some money. An agent seems to be neccesary.
Also there seems to be a «new» vegetable boat between Malaysia and Sumatra.

Information is all on the Malaysia Overland Network - Facebook-group.

I sm sorry but for some reason or anotherI cannot link directly to that forum here….

 

[Lunyggo]

Thanks Snakeboy! Big help

Is it OK I send you a DM, so you can send me the Article, maybe it will work there.