SE Asia Bimble

[Mat the Splat]

Hi all


Things have come to a point, my job is not taking me anywhere, comfortable life in suburban England is boring me, have some money saved up, time to make a dream become reality....


I am an experienced rider and I have been thinking of Traveling/riding in SE Asia for a while now, i have never been to Asia so far and haven't traveled much outside Europe (i know i have a big shock coming). rough plan so far...


Fly out to either KL or Jakarta, buy a small bike (Honda EX-5, i love small Honda's) and explore Malaysia, Indonesia,Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam as much as i can (have no time limit, only money ) and if i have enough money left, ride it back to the UK.


Visa wise, i know i can get a 30 day visa for Malaysia or Indonesia at the border but would like longer for Indonesia for sure. I believe i will have to get a longer visa before i leave the UK for the country i'm heading to and i will be able to apply for the others that i will need, from which ever country i am in?


Will i need a carnet for travelling round these countries? on a local bike? would a Malaysian bike be better as i think they have an agreement with the bordering countries (no carnet)?


Are there people i can get in touch with that would help me find a bike, insurance and any other legal things i could need when buying a bike?


I don't have loads of money so i have been thinking to camp whenever possible, is this a possibility? i have read lots from people saying not to bother with camping but it will make a difference to my budget if i can even a few nights a week.


Sorry for the wall of questions.


Regards
Mat

 

[Lone Rider]

Indonesia Visa:

If you're travelling to Indonesia for tourism you can enter the country without a visa for up to 30 days at certain airports and seaports and you must also leave from one of designated airports or seaports. You won't be able to extend your stay beyond 30 days if you enter under this visa waiver scheme.

The visa waiver scheme is not available to British Nationals (Overseas), British Overseas Citizens, British Subjects, or British Overseas Territory citizens.

If you're visiting family, or travelling for purposes other than a holiday, you should apply for a visa before you travel, or get a visa valid for up to 30 days on arrival at a cost of US$35. You can extend this type of visa once for a maximum of 30 days by applying to an immigration office within Indonesia.

Source: Indonesia/entry-requirements

 

[Lone Rider]

Maybe this can help you also a bit with regard to buying a bike in Malaysia or another SE Asian country - see Buying-a-motorcycle-in-south-east-asia/

 

[Captain_Slash]

If you are from the UK Malaysia automatically gives out 90 day visas free of charge

 

[Mat the Splat]

Thanks for the replies, very useful info on buying a bike, thanks
Is there any problems with taking a Malaysian registered bike into Laos, Cambodia? i have heard that it has to be over 150cc?

I guess i will have to sell my bike if i want to go to Indonesia and buy one there?

Visa wise, does the 90 day visa cover crossing the land border? (crossing from Thailand into Malaysia?) or just airports?

Mat W

 

[recom273]

Maybe this can help you also a bit with regard to buying a bike in Malaysia or another SE Asian country - see Buying-a-motorcycle-in-south-east-asia/

We all know how much of a ball ache it is to get your own name on a bike here in Thailand - Malaysia would seem a better idea, and the blog offers good advice, but with recent changes .. is it feasible to buy in Malaysia and keep in Thailand for an extended time - Haven't the details changed, since the last Chinese New year when the motorhome invasion begins. I don't know the details, maybe 30 days maximum before a fine ?

Whereas if you buy in Thailand, then tour Malaysia, you will be given an ICP at the border dependant on the duration of your insurance purchased, you could probably get a 3-6 month ICP.

And - Mat - The process for Malaysia is real simple and free for brits, just 90 days on entry at any land crossing.

 

[Mat the Splat]

Thanks for the replies peeps. Really helpful.

Flight is booked for the 13th July to KL, Basically i have booked a week in a hotel in KL (came in a package with the air ticket) and in that time will have to buy the bike and anything else i need.
So the next bit of the puzzle is to try to find a shop or shops that speak English and are trustworthy, i can see KOK Motors form the blog linked seem to be a good bet but open for suggestions. Will be looking for a s/h small bike in the Cub / CG125 type mould.

Once again your help would be much appreciated