DAY 22 Kuala Kubebar to Tanjung Malim (Malaysia)

 

My hotel room was on the fourth floor, so just getting my luggage down to the first floor was quite a task.

I was impressed by the smiling farewell from the elderly Indian woman at the reception.

Downtown Kuala Kubu Bharu has the atmosphere of a small town in the Midwest in the United States.

There's one main street, and most of the necessary shops and facilities are lined up on both sides.

Everyone walking around the town seems to know each other and calls each other by their first names...that's the kind of town it is.

I returned to Highway 1 and headed north towards Ipoh.

There were several small towns along the way, and there were usually enough shops, so I didn't have any problems.

At small supermarkets, if there's a queue, you'll normally have to wait about 10 minutes.

The shoulder of the road narrows and widens in places, and there are still quite a few cars today, probably a remnant of the holiday rush.

Despite a decrease in large vehicles like trucks, there seems to be an increase in passenger cars.

Many Malaysians are surprisingly shy; I wasn't often approached for conversation, but many people honked their horns in their cars to encourage me.

I witnessed a troop of wild monkeys rummaging through a trash can. I wonder if the stray dogs, cats, and crows here are also comfortable eating the leftovers of spicy food?

I arrived in Tanjung Malim, my final destination, in the early afternoon.

I had lunch at Pizza Hut across from the hotel before check-in time.

It seems there's a public teacher training university in this town.

My right knee hurts when I bend and straighten it. It doesn't hurt too much when I'm running or walking, but I have to be careful of the impact when going downhill. I didn't have any major problems in Vietnam or Taiwan, so why is this happening now? I don't want to think it's due to aging.

I checked in after 2 pm. I folded up the stroller and left it in front of the reception on the second floor.

There are many shops and restaurants nearby, making it a very convenient location. I'll take tomorrow off to rest and recover.

It seems the holiday season after Ramadan begins tomorrow.

* Today's distance traveled: 22.9 km

* Total distance traveled from Changi International Airport: 460 km

*Today's Photo Albums

*YouTube Playlist

*PEACE RUN Official Site

DAY 21 Rawang to Kuala Kubu Bharu (Malaysia)

The hotel I stayed last night had no air conditioning, only a huge fan.

The wind was strong, but the noise was terrible. It cooled down in the early morning, so I turned the fan off.

I was surprised by the state of this provincial hotel, something unthinkable in the city of Kuala Lumpur.

It's unclear whether the sheets and pillowcases had been changed. 

There were also dead insects and garbage left as they were.

I sensed a lack of motivation from the owner.

I found this hotel through Booking.com, but the reviews clearly didn't tell the truth.

The only thing I can appreciate is the low price of under 2000 yen…

After leaving Rawang, there was a long, gradual uphill climb.

There was traffic congestion in places due to the holiday rush.

After running 12 kilometers, I took a break at Antara Gapi.

My right knee was bothering me from yesterday's downhill run.

Bending and straightening my knee felt a little strange.

My knees are stiff and a little painful on the downhill.

I'll take it easy and see how it goes.

I went into a Family Mart in Rasa at lunchtime, but the air conditioning was so strong it was almost too cold.

A father with a family struck up a conversation with me.

He said he'd seen me running with a stroller from his car.

He said he and his family were visiting his parents' home.

With 10 kilometers left, my iPhone shut down several times due to the heat.

Even though it was 33 degrees Celsius, the perceived temperature was much hotter. It felt considerably cooler in the shade.

How glad I am that I managed to finish today's run at 2PM!

The hotel I'm currently at is about 2.8 kilometers northeast of Highway 1, on Highway 55.

This is because there weren't any suitable hotels on Highway 1.

Tomorrow, I'll have to follow the same 2.8 kilometers back to Highway 1.

In the evening, I went into town. I got takeout food from the bazaar.

Fried chicken rice, sausage spring rolls, and douhua (tofu pudding) for a total of RM13 (520 yen).

I feel like I've been eating nothing but chicken every day.

If I want to eat a variety of vegetables, Chinese food is a good choice.

*Today's distance traveled: 30.7 km

*Total distance traveled from Changi International Airport: 437.1 km

*Today's Photo Albums

*YouTube Playlist

*PEACE RUN Official Site

DAY 20 Kuala Lumpur-Rawang (Malaysia)

Departed just after 7 AM.

Stage 3 is approximately 200 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh.

Will I be able to arrive in a week?

Heading northeast from downtown Kuala Lumpur.

Passing Central Market and Merdeka Square, which I visited yesterday.

Mainly running on Highway 1. There were many ramps and intersections, requiring a sprint each time.

While there are many sidewalks in the city, they aren't very reliable because of obstacles and dead ends.

Big cities have many people and shops, but the number of cars and motorcycles is abnormally high. Those in cars might not notice, but the exhaust fumes and noise from running on the highway all day gives me a headache.

Took several breaks at bus stops. Today's distance is short, so there's no need to rush, but I want to avoid the heat as much as possible. There will probably be another thunderstorm late this afternoon.

The last 15 kilometers or so involved a long, drawn-out climb over a mountain pass. At 158 ​​meters above sea level, it wasn't particularly high, but the heat made the several-kilometer ascent quite challenging.

Finally, the skyscrapers disappeared from view, and the familiar Malaysian scenery returned.

Ramadan is almost over, and it seems the rush of people returning home for the holidays is about to begin.

*Today's distance traveled: 30.3 km

*Total distance traveled from Changi International Airport: 406.4 km

*Today's Photo Albums

*YouTube Playlist

*PEACE RUN Official Site

DAY 19 Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)

I woke up suddenly in the middle of the night, it was only around 11 o'clock. I still have strange dreams, but most of them are about the various troubles and incidents that happened at the school where I worked as a teacher.

When will I ever be freed from this curse (lol)?

I had a light breakfast, finished my morning tasks, and headed out into the city.

My destination was Merdeka Square. A historical place where Malaysia gained independence from Britain 69 years ago.

At midnight on August 31, 1957, the Union Jack (British flag) that had been flying in this square was lowered, and the flag of the Federation of Malaya was raised in its place. This was the de facto independence of the Federation of Malaya, the predecessor of Malaysia.

Today, the Malaysian flag was fluttering in the wind at the top of the 95-meter pole.

Many tourists visit this place.

I suddenly found myself thinking about what independence really means.

People and countries that were under some kind of rule win their freedom. Similar situations have likely occurred many times throughout world history.

It's hot outside again today. On my way back, I strolled through Central Market.

Most tourists coming to Malaysia probably enter through Kuala Lumpur.

I entered the country through Johor Bahru. Kuala Lumpur is quite different from the impression I got of Malaysia when I first saw it there.

Skyscrapers tower everywhere. There are also many historical buildings.

Much has changed in Malaysia in the last 70 years or so.

The Malaysia of today exists because of its diverse past history.

For lunch, I ate something called Ghi Garam Tosai at an Indian restaurant near my hotel.

It's a Malaysian version of a pancake, crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.

It had curry-flavored potatoes inside. There were no spoons or forks, so I ate it with my hands.

It was almost amazing to be able to eat something so delicious for around 200 yen.

Dinner was Chinese food. Sword-shaved noodles with seafood. The light, salty flavor was delicious.

Tomorrow will be the 20th day since the start of my journey.

More than sightseeing, I hope to fully enjoy the various things of each country and place with all my senses.

Tomorrow marks the start of Stage 3. My next destination is Ipoh.

A Facebook friend who lives there will be there to greet me. I'm looking forward to it.

*Today's distance traveled: 0 km

*Total distance traveled from Changi International Airport: 376.1 km

*Today's Photo Albums

*YouTube Playlist

*PEACE RUN Official Site

DAY 18 Kajang to Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)

The cool morning hours are quite short. By 10 AM, the temperature is already in the 30s Celsius.

On humid days, sweat clings to the skin unbearably.

Take frequent breaks in the shade and stay hydrated.

Continuing to run despite the heat increases the risk of heatstroke.

As I left Kajang and approach Kuala Lumpur, the roads became more complex.

Every time the number of lanes increases, I'm forced to sprint at intersections and ramps.

There are many places without pedestrian crossings, so I have to go straight to avoid being hit by cars turning left.

Furthermore, I have to be careful of cars coming from the left and return to the left lane...it's a constant cycle.

I once got lost on a freeway while running in America, and it's a similar situation here.

As it's a big city, people, cars, and shops are all crammed together.

During the morning rush hour, motorcycles weave erratically between cars, trying to move forward as quickly as possible.

Many parents are dropping off their children at school.

Having run on the roads so far, I'd say Malaysian drivers aren't much different from those in Japan. Of course, there are some reckless drivers and those who drive selfishly.

However, there are also many careful drivers who yield the right of way and stop when crossing the road.

I use Google Maps to choose walking routes, and there's a new option for wheelchairs, which I haven't seen before. It probably avoids areas with stairs or other obstacles.

My buggy is wide, so naturally, I can't move forward when the sidewalk narrows. A common problem here is encountering utility poles or traffic light control boxes in the middle of the sidewalk; that's a dead end. At worst, I have to back up.

Traveling around Malaysia with a buggy is more difficult than in Vietnam or Taiwan. Especially in cities like Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur, there are many extremely dangerous spots.

Safety is paramount, above all else, to avoid being hit by cars or motorcycles. I must never forget that I'm running to protect my life.

I'm so grateful and moved that I was able to finish my run safely today!

*Today's distance: 28.1km

*Total distance from Changi Airport: 376.1km

*Today's Photo Albums

*YouTube Playlist

*PEACE RUN Official Site

DAY 17 Seremban-Kajang (Malaysia)

I left Seremban a little after 7 AM, while it was still dim.

The first half of the journey took me through the hilly area of ​​Highway 1, nestled between rainforests.

Highway B24 was a quiet country road, with several small settlements along the way.

The small general stores in these towns reminded me of the old-fashioned candy shops(dagashiya) of the Showa era, reminiscent of those found in Shikoku or Kyushu in Japan.

In the second half, as I approached Kuala Lumpur, traffic increased, and I began to see more high-rise buildings and residential areas.

Is Malaysia currently experiencing a boom? There are many areas under development for housing.

Japan has been stagnant for the past 30 years or so, but Malaysia seems to be experiencing economic growth comparable to developed countries now.

I ran almost continuously in the second half, covering 39.3 kilometers in just over 6 hours.

Under the scorching sun, my iPhone displayed a "high temperature warning" and shut down twice.

It's not good to expose smart phone to direct sunlight for extended periods when the temperature reaches around 35 degrees Celsius.

It's hotter inland than along the coast. It's better when there's a breeze, but there wasn't much wind today.

Tomorrow, I'll finally be in Kuala Lumpur. Just over 30 kilometers from here.

*Today's distance: 39.3km

*Total distance from Changi Airport: 348.1km

*Today's Photo Albums

*YouTube Playlist

*PEACE RUN Official Site

DAY 16 Rembau-Seremban (Malaysia)

Started at 7:30 AM.

There was a very strong wind blowing last night.

The noise and vibrations from the cars were quite noticeable in the room as I was sleeping in a hotel room near the national highway.

I headed north on Highway 1, and as I approached Kuala Lumpur, the amount of traffic inevitably increased.

I kept running silently, hardly talking to anyone.

I only spoke to shopkeepers, restaurant staff, and hotel staff, but today, while resting at a bus stop near the Patas Hot Spring Resort Park, two motorcycle police officers spoke to me.

I might have looked suspicious, but their expressions softened when I told them I was from Japan.

In the early afternoon, there was a passing shower. I took shelter at a bus stop, but it stopped after about 10 minutes.

At the entrance to Seremban, I went into a Chinese restaurant and ate wonton noodles, then had an iced latte at McDonald's, and arrived at the hotel exactly at 3 PM for check-in.

At McDonald's, there were many families, probably because it was the weekend. The peaceful scenes I see in any country are pretty much the same.

Seremban is a fairly large city. There's a food court near the hotel, and plenty of convenience stores and other shops.

*Today's distance: 27.3km

*Total distance from Changi Airport: 308.8km

*Today's Photo Albums

*YouTube Playlist

*PEACE RUN Official Site

DAY 15 Alor Gajah-Rembau (Malaysia)

The owners of the guesthouse in Alor Gajah once again thoughtfully brought homemade steamed buns and coffee.

Yesterday, during check-in, all we had was a brief conversation about being from Japan and traveling by running in prayer for world peace... I'm so grateful and touched by their kind consideration!

Started at 7:40 AM. There was a fairly strong headwind.

The ups and downs weren't too steep, but there were more gradual inclines in the latter half.

The shortcut route I took when joining Highway 1 from Highway 19 was interesting, like a trail.

There were hardly any people or cars. The atmosphere was nice and quiet, like a farm road.

There were several packs of stray dogs, and some bumpy, rocky paths reminiscent of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.

I took several breaks at bus stops. It was comfortable when there was shade and a breeze.

Since it was 23.4 kilometers, I arrived in Rembau by lunchtime, but I killed time at the bus stop until hotel check-in.

I was surprised to find so many things there – convenience stores, restaurants, McDonald's, etc. – when I thought it would be a barren town.

20km is definitely too short; it's better to run at least 30km.

I checked into the hotel exactly at 2pm.

The owner, a Japanophile, kindly carried my heavy duffel bag up to my room on the second floor.

*Today's distance: 23.4km

*Total distance from Changi Airport: 281.5km

*Today's Photo Albums

*YouTube Playlist

*PEACE RUN Official Site

DAY 14 Melaka-Alor Gajah (Malaysia)

It's been two weeks since I left Kansai Airport. According to the schedule, I still have five weeks left.

I've switched into traveler mode, but I'm still not fully accustomed to the tropical heat.

Today's run is a short 27.3km to Alor Gajah.

I left Melaka at 7am. I soon got onto Route 19, but there was a lot of traffic.

Exhaust fumes and noise were a constant nuisance.

The route was moderately hilly.

I ran non-stop for about 13km.

Once in Alor Gajah, I did some shopping at a large supermarket called Family Store.

There didn't seem to be any convenience stores or other shops near the guesthouse (the nearest 7-Eleven was 3km north), so I had nasi goreng ayam at a restaurant about 600m before.

As I was loading my luggage, a sudden, heavy downpour hit. Perfect timing!

Although it's a guesthouse, it's more of a private lodging system where I rent rooms.

It was nice to be able to use the refrigerator.

If I freeze some water bottles and put them in the cooler box, I'll have a cold drink tomorrow.

Finishing my run early feels refreshing.

Considering my previous journeys, I feel a bit guilty about ending the day with less than 40km, and it doesn't feel right.

No matter what, safety and health come first as I move forward.

*Today's distance: 27.3km

*Total distance from Changi Airport: 258.1km

*Today's Photo Albums

*YouTube Playlist

*PEACE RUN Official Site

DAY 13 Melaka (Malaysia)

Day off in Malacca.

When running in the heat, it's important to take frequent breaks.

I woke up leisurely, showered, and did laundry.

I left the hotel around 8am and wandered around town, encountering the city's colorful and diverse landscapes.

I wonder how photographers could have captured this beauty in the old days, when only monochrome (black and white) film was available?

Founded around 1400, Malacca was the capital of the Sultanate of Malacca and a historic port city that flourished as a transit point for East-West trade.

It has a turbulent history, having been colonized by Portugal, the Netherlands, and Britain, as well as being occupied by the Japanese military. Its streets, a fusion of Malay, Chinese, and European cultures, were registered as a World Heritage Site in 2008.

The atmosphere of Portugal, which I visited two years ago, is certainly in the air.

Japanese people are also good at fusing different things.

Tolerance and acceptance of all things fosters a peaceful image.

At 2pm, I had nasi goreng ayam (fried rice with fried chicken) for a late lunch at a nearby restaurant.

The temperature was 34°C at this point.

It was hot to walk, and even hotter to run. When the wind blew, it was warm, like the wind from a hair dryer.

If I had been pushing the buggy, I would have been more tense, but since it was my day off, I just stared blankly at the scenery, feeling listless.

Memories of the many times I've felt dizzy in the heat flash back to me.

It's a heat I'm sure I've experienced many times before, but there are also times when it has already faded from my memory.

My body seems to be gradually getting used to the heat, which Malacca is probably trying to make somewhat gentler.

*Today's distance: 0km

*Total distance from Changi Airport: 230.8km

*Today's Photo Albums

*YouTube Playlist

*PEACE RUN Official Site

DAY 12 Muar-Melaka (Malaysia)

Started at 7:00 AM, just before sunrise.

Headed north, using Route 5 as my base. The cool weather quickly ended, and by 10:00 the temperature was over 30°C.

Bought drinks at almost every convenience store.

My current enjoyment is ice cream and cold drinks.

I never drink pop soda such as cola in Japan, but when I'm traveling on foot, I really crave it.

I had a takeout mie goreng for a late lunch at the bus stop.

I couldn't finish it all, so I had some at the hotel in the evening.

Drank watermelon juice in Malacca city; 80 yen for 500ml was a real bargain.

It tasted like watermelon juice with sugar added.

I had several painful blisters on the soles of my feet. The high temperature and humidity inside my shoes were a problem.

I made good progress up to 30km, but the last 15km were tough.

Break breaks every 5km became more frequent, becoming every 2-3km.

The more water I drank, the more I sweated. Still, I couldn't help but drink fluids.

After 44km, I finished at a hotel in Malacca Old Town just before 5pm.

I feel like going more than 40km in this heat is a bit dangerous (lol).

Tomorrow is a day off. I want to keep the distance to Kuala Lumpur short.

*Today's distance: 44km

*Total distance from Changi Airport: 230.8km

*Today's Photo Albums

*YouTube Playlist

*PEACE RUN Official Site

DAY 11 Batu Pahat to Muar (Malaysia)

I left Batu Pahat around 7:10 AM. My plan for the day was to cover 50 kilometers to Muar.

I wanted to cover as much distance as possible during the cooler hours.

It was fun to watch the remaining distance on my GPS slowly decrease.

However, the temperature exceeded 30 degrees Celsius just after 10 AM.

It was 33 degrees Celsius by 2 PM.

I skipped a lunch break and instead took many 10-15 minute breaks. I rarely sat down.

Eating ice cream at a convenience store became a daily routine.

I gulped down pop soda (my favorite is A&W), which I rarely drink in Japan.

A little after 5 PM, I thought I'd reached my hotel in Muar, but realized it was the wrong hotel, so I frantically searched Google Maps again.

I arrived at my destination, my private lodging, at 5:30 AM. It was just over 1 km from the city center. I bought some food at a convenience store.

Finished with a total distance of 50.3km. My first distance of over 50km in Malaysia.

Refreshed after a shower.

The afternoon heat of 33°C, constant thirst, and soles of my feet hurt for the first time in a while.

Tomorrow, I have another 45km to run to Melaka. I'm pumped. I'm ready to show my true adventure runner skills.

*Today's distance: 50.3km

*Total distance from Changi Airport: 186.8km

*Today's Photo Albums

*YouTube Playlist

*PEACE RUN Official Site

DAY 10 Batu Pahat (Malaysia)

Day 10, a day off in Batu Pahat.

The high temperature was 33°C again today.

I would rather not walk around town in the scorching sun, but I took a morning stroll around the neighborhood.

I headed south along the Batu Pahat River.

I visited the market and tried out the food court.

Wherever I go, there are stray cats, quite a few of them just hanging around the area without being owned by anyone.

Their fur is messy, and some of them look quite ragged. It is just like the stray cats that are common in Japan in the past.

I am often forced to watch animals that has been hit by cars while running on the road, but while these cats have gained their freedom, they are always walking a fine line between danger and reality.

The markets were all lively and bustling. Being close to the sea meant there was a wide variety of fresh fish available.

For lunch, I had Vietnamese seafood pho at the food court.

I was surprised to find out that pineapple was used as a secret ingredient!

For dinner, I ate Fish Curry at a food court called New Traffic Light Corner.

Whether it's food or something else, it's nice to casually come across something interesting or wonderful while walking around.

*Today's distance: 0km

*Total distance from Changi Airport: 136.5 km

*Today's Photo Albums

*YouTube Playlist

*PEACE RUN Official Site

DAY 9: Pari Raja to Batu Pahat (Malaysia)

Left hotel in Parit Raja at 7:40 AM.

Today will be a short day just 23km to Batu Pahat.

Soon I join Route 5, along the coast, heading towards Muar and Melaka.

The shoulders of the road are now wider and relatively easy to run along, but I need to be careful when crossing the road or turning right.

To turn right, I need the same speed as a car or motorbike and start sprinting as soon as the light in front of me turns green.

It was also nice to see drivers chatting to me from their car windows and road construction workers waving at me.

For an early lunch, I had pork noodles at a Chinese restaurant, 7km from Batu Pahat. It was so delicious that I drank the whole soup.

The heat remained the same today.

Sweating profusely and drinking plenty of fluids stimulates metabolism and actually makes me feel better.

Eating and drinking too many cold foods or drink can make my stomach feel cold.

Checked into the hotel at 2 PM. Enjoy every day to the fullest.

*Today's distance: 22.6km

*Total distance from Changi Airport: 136.5 km

*Today's Photo Albums

*YouTube Playlist

*PEACE RUN Official Site

DAY 8 Simpang Renggam to Parit Raja (Malaysia)

Started at 7:40 AM. Before leaving, I was chatting with the man at the hotel front desk, and he became interested in my trek.

On this trek, I haven't had many opportunities to talk to local people so far, only making small talk with hotel staff and convenience store clerks.

It was going to be hot again today, with temperatures ranging from 23-33 degrees.

My journey on Route 1 ended in Ayer Hitam, and from there I headed north on Route 50.

I covered another 30 kilometers today. By 10 AM, the temperature was over 30 degrees.

While resting at the bus stop, I noticed a wild monkey climbing a tree in the forest behind it. I looked it up and it turns out to be a long-tailed macaque.

I stopped off in Ayer Hitam for ice cream and coffee. No matter how much water I drank, it quickly turned into sweat and was lost.

I also don't forget to replenish my salt intake. I have brought some seaweed salt with me this time.

Every town in Malaysia has monuments with words like "I LOVE (actually a red heart mark) XXX" or "WE LOVE XXX," suggesting a strong sense of community.

Today, as always, many cars and motorbikes honked their horns to encourage me as I ran along.

It was exactly 10 kilometers from Ayer Hitam to Pari Raja. The last 5 kilometers were the toughest.

The water I had with me quickly became hot. Even if I put it in a foldable cooler box, there was no ice, so there was nothing I could do.

With 2 kilometers to go, my iPhone displayed a "High Temperature Warning." This can happen if I charge it in the hot sun.

The first time I saw this was in the mountains of Andalucia, Spain. 

It was when I was trying to find a way out.

I had lost internet and GPS connection, and got lost in the mountains.

What would I have done if I hadn't survived?

I finished at a hotel in Parit Raja at 2 p.m. Today I'd gotten a double room.

I disassembled my buggy and carried it up to the second floor. Climbing the stairs was an ordeal. My room was on the third floor.

For a late lunch (early dinner), I had takeout from a nearby deli and ate it at the hotel.

Tomorrow I'm heading to Batu Pahat. It's about 20 kilometers. I'll have the day after tomorrow off.

*Today's distance: 30.1km

*Total distance from Changi Airport: 113.9 km

*Today's Photo Albums

*YouTube Playlist

*PEACE RUN Official Site

DAY 7: Kulai to Simpang Rengam (Malaysia)

Left hotel in Kulai just after 7:00 AM.

Today's route on Highway 1 was simple. Only a few sections had four lanes, and most were two.

Even though traffic was not so heavy, I needed to watch for traffic due to the large number of large vehicles and narrow shoulders.

The strong, black smell of diesel exhaust fumes seemed unhealthy.

I checked for large vehicles behind me in the mirrors, and when passing a large vehicle from the front, I made sure to move the buggy off the shoulder onto the dirt road.

Safety was my top priority. Fortunately, a motorcycle lane was added in the second half of the trip, widening the shoulder.

Took several breaks at bus stops. Because it was tropical, I was bitten by mosquitoes.

There were quite a few long sections along the way that were surrounded by dense, empty jungle.

A surprising number of cars honked their horns in support.

Temperatures ranged from 24 to 33 degrees. I was feeling a bit exhausted from the heat in the afternoon, so I tried to cool down in the shade as often as possible.

Arrived at hotel in Simpang Renggam just after 2pm, avoiding any evening showers.

I did some shopping and had a light meal. Since it was an odd time, I ate some nuts and fruit.

It took quite a while to replace the spokes.

I had experienced this once before in Taiwan, but the tire bead was stiff and it was difficult to mount the tire.

Afterwards I took a shower and did the laundry (by hand washing). 

Day 7 was completed without a hitch.

I had chicken rice for dinner at the restaurant next door. It was completely different from chicken rice that Japanese people imagine, which made me laugh.

*Today's distance: 30.0km

*Total distance from Changi Airport: 83.8 km

*Today's Photo Albums

*YouTube Playlist

*PEACE RUN Official Site

DAY 6 Johor Bahru to Kulai (Malaysia)

At 7:15 AM, I finally set off just when the sun rose.

Fortunately, it was a cool 24 degrees.

I followed Route 1, but even leaving Johor Bahru was complicated and involved many detours.

There were no crosswalks or anything to get onto the other side of the road. It reminded me of the freeways in Los Angeles.

It was extremely dangerous if I wasn't careful of cars entering and exiting the ramps.

Even if there were sidewalks, many were narrow. Where there were no shoulders, I risked my life.

It felt like a glimpse into the reality of Malaysia's car-oriented society.

I took two breaks at McDonald's and one at a convenience store.

A Chinese-looking man driving a local truck gave me a banana, bread, and two drinks.

Afterwards, a woman offered me mineral water bottle through the window of her car.

There were hardly any pedestrians, let alone bicycles, on the roads, so a traveler pushing a buggy stood out.

A sudden downpour hit just after 2 PM.

With only my luggage covered, I stayed wet, which was actually quite comfortable.

Even so, the number of cars didn't decrease; it only increased. Traffic jams raged in Kulai. The shoulders were narrow, so even my buggy got stuck in the jam.

A little after 3 PM, I ran 30.1 km to the capsule hotel in Kulai.

It was quite tough and hard for the first day, but I was so grateful and moved that I managed to finish safely!

I had Malay-style Chinese Char Kway (RM9.90) at the hotel restaurant.

*Today's distance: 30.1 km

*Total distance from Changi Airport: 53.8 km

*Today's Photo Albums

*PeaceRun Official Site

DAY 5 Johor Bahru (Malaysia)

DAY 5, second day in Malaysia, stuck in Johor Bahru.

In the morning, I did some grocery shopping. It was delicious, but even if I had no idea what I was eating, the AI ​​could help me figure it out.

Around noon, I had mie goreng at the food court inside Larkin Sentral Terminal.

It was similar to Japanese yakisoba(fried noodle) and wasn't too spicy. At 320 yen, it was great value for money.

I also visited the bazaar.

To learn about a place, you need to see it from the locals' perspective.

Even if you don't understand the language, you can often learn more by feeling than by thinking.

A country with cheap and delicious food is a blessing for a traveler. If the people are also warm and friendly, that's even better.

*Today's Photo Albums

*YouTube Movie List

*PEACE RUN Official Site

DAY4 Johor Bahru（Malaysia)

I took a taxi from Singapore city to Johor Bahru (SGP$60).

Immigration and immigration procedures were also very easy and smooth while remaining in the taxi.

If I traveled by bus or on foot, I would have to go up and down stairs, and if it was crowded, I would have had to wait 4-5 hours on weekends.

I disassembled the buggy, packed it up, loaded it into the taxi, and reassembled it at the Larkin Terminal.

The taxi driver (a man in his 70s) was very friendly and resembled Morgan Freeman. We chatted for about 40 minutes about the good things about Singapore and the current world situation. I arrived at Larkin Sentral in Johor Bahru.

I checked into the hotel at 11:00 AM. I folded the buggy again and took it to my room.

I had nasi goreng for an early lunch at a restaurant.

I did some grocery shopping and it was still cheap!

I was stunned by the difference in prices compared to Singapore.

I'll spend another day adjusting tomorrow, and the day after that I'll finally hit the road.

＊Today's Photo Album

＊YouTube Movies Playlist

DAY3 Day Off in Singapore

Woke up at 4am. Worked on my computer, then had breakfast. I packed my bags and checked out of the hotel around 10am.

It was hot again this morning. It's expected to reach 32°C during the day.

Tomorrow I'm taking a taxi to Johor Bahru, Malaysia, so I decided to check where the taxi stand is.

The fare is $15 per person for four people, but $60 for one. I can't wait until four people gather. And will four people even gather so easily? There's also a bus terminal next door. It should be cheaper to take the bus.

One advantage of taking a taxi is the ease of immigration. Apparently, I can easily enter the country by simply showing my passport to the taxi driver.

If I take the bus, it gets crowded, and I could end up waiting four to five hours.

In the end, in Singapore, I just traveled from the airport to the city. Malaysia is the main focus of this trip.

I occasionally cooled off in the shade. A cool breeze in the shade is more comfortable than an air-conditioned room.

I occasionally stop at a convenience store for a break. I enjoy a cold coffee and ice cream (Magnum is my favorite).

I check into my hotel on North Bridge Road at exactly 3pm.

I folded up my buggy and stored it in a corner of the laundry room.

It didn't rain yesterday. I wonder if the rainy season is coming to an end soon.

Wherever I walk in the city, there are tourists everywhere.

I can't wait to ride on the quiet country roads in Malaysia.

Today's distance: 5.1 km

Total distance from Changi Airport: 23.7 km

Today's photo album is here

YouTube video playlist is here

*PEACE RUN Official Site

DAY2 Day Off in Singapore

 

My second day in Singapore was a day off to get ready for the run across Malaysia. I woke up at 4 AM, but the sun rose around 7 AM.

Around 8 AM, I had breakfast of a banana, yogurt, and croissant I bought at a convenience store nearby.

After that, I headed to War Memorial Park and Merlion Park. There weren't many tourists early in the morning, but the crowds increased as the day progressed.

Even in this heat, there were many runners. Shirtless male runners were not uncommon.

Around 11 AM, the temperature exceeded 30 degrees. It must be difficult to run in the sun.

Around 2 PM, I headed towards Little India for a late lunch.

On the way, I passed Sultan Mosque. There were many souvenir shops.

At a popular restaurant called Three Meals a Day, their Egg Salted Chicken is a popular dish. They often have lines even after lunchtime.

A set with a milk coffee cost $9.80 (1,200 yen).

Even walking makes me sweat. Running is even more difficult.

I'll spend a few days getting my body acclimatized to the weather and preparing for my trek in Malaysia.

I'm planning to move hotels tomorrow, March 1st, and stay in Singapore city for another day.

The day after tomorrow, March 2nd, I'll take a taxi from the city across the border to Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

I'll stay in Johor Bahru for two nights, and then start hitting the road in earnest on March 3rd.  

Today's distance: 0 km

Total distance from Changi Airport: 18.6 km

Today's photo album is here

YouTube video playlist is here

*PEACE RUN Official Site

PEACE RUN Official Site

DAY 1 Changi Airport to Singapore City

I arrived just before 1 AM, but wandered around looking for a place to sleep. I don't like pushing a trolley loaded with a buggy and a 90-liter duffel bag.

The area behind the elevator on the second floor seemed quiet, so I decided to sleep there on a aluminum sheet.

Even though it was quiet, the lights were on all night and the announcements were loud.

I woke up at 4 AM and started PC work.

The airport was a little chilly because of the air conditioning.

I bought 1.5 liters of water, 500ml of orange juice, and two croissants at a convenience store for 1,400 Japanese yen!?

Singapore is said to be one of the most expensive countries in the world. It must be even more expensive because it's an airport.

I finished blogging and other work until 7 AM, and as it began to get light, I assembled my buggy and left just after 8 AM.

Pedestrians are not allowed to pass in front of the second-floor exit because of the express way. I asked the security guard and he told me there was a walkway on the first floor.

The airport is incredibly large. There are several terminals and numerous warehouses on the premises.

Soon after, I found myself on the Jurassic Mile, a dinosaur-themed promenade.

It felt like a recreation of the movie "Jurassic Park," and it was quite interesting.

It's about 20 kilometers from the airport to the city center. 15 kilometers of that is occupied by East Coast Park, stretching east to west.

There are numerous gazebos and restrooms, so I had no trouble finding a place to rest.

The road was wet when I set off, and it was drizzling on and off. But it wasn't heavy enough to require rain gear, and with the temperature at 27 degrees, it was actually more comfortable being wet.

The sun cleared up in the afternoon, and it suddenly became humid. But it was cool and comfortable in the shade. It was similar to the weather in Osaka in August.

However, I'm sure Japan was probably experiencing similar weather in the past (around the 1960s), when there was no air conditioning and only electric fans.

It seems like there are tropical downpours almost every day, but the rain didn't last long. It just got moderately humid.

I made slow progress, taking photos, having a drink, and eating something along the way.

Traveling from the airport to the city center, or vice versa, is usually a terrifying experience in any country, but this time I only took the road for a short distance.

Two years ago in Spain, I had a pretty scary experience getting from Seville city center to the airport on a expressway-like road.

Because of this, I make it a point to research routes in advance, and for similar reasons in Taiwan, I took a taxi from Taipei Airport to the city center.

Around 2 PM, I arrived near my hotel, but check-in wasn't until 3 PM. I had a late lunch of fish and chips and lemon juice at a nearby Indian restaurant (about 1,500 yen in total).

The convenience store didn't have much to offer. I miss the convenience stores in Taiwan that sold boiled eggs and oden.

The temperature rose to 31°C in the afternoon, making it quite hot. I experienced a phenomenon where heat builds up inside my body (I can't think of a better name to describe it). This caused me a lot of trouble when I was running through the northwest part of Taiwan, right at the start of my trek around the country.

I checked in at exactly 3:00 PM. It was a new, clean hotel. It was a dormitory, but it was only about 5,000 yen per night if I booked online.

I stayed in the city for three nights, and then left Johor Bahru on March 2nd to Malaysia.

I had planned to run overland, but pushing a buggy across from Woodlands Checkpoint to Johor Bahru is a bit dangerous, and I've heard that immigration takes 4-5 hours. I found out that crossing the border by international taxi is an easy way to pass through by simply showing your passport from the car, and it turns out that international taxis depart and arrive within Singapore city.

That means I only travel less than 20 kilometers in Singapore, from the airport to the city center.

I don't plan on staying too long because it's an expensive country, but most of my trek this time will be in Malaysia.

Since I splurged on lunch, for dinner I had tea and instant noodles from 7-Eleven. That alone cost 600 yen.

During Japan's bubble economy, a foreign student once said...

"Prices are so high in Japan that I eat potato chips for 3 meals."

This reminded me of that saying.

Today's distance: 18.6 km

Total distance from Changi Airport: 18.6 km

Today's photo album is here

YouTube video playlist is here

PEACE RUN Official Site

DAY0 KIX-SGP 2026: Day Of Departure

At 7:00 AM, Ryota drove us to Kansai Airport. My partner Piapi was with us.

The flight was scheduled for 6:40 PM, but I arrived at the airport 10 hours early.

There was a dedicated terminal for low-cost carriers.

This was my first time flying PEACH AVIATION. There was no in-flight meal, no movies, or other entertainment, just flying.

Checked in at 4:10 PM. Baggage check-in was no problem.

With the recent digitalization of immigration procedures, immigration has become extremely fast and easy.

Line waiting times have also been significantly reduced.

In addition, it's true that baggage check-in has become quite a hassle.

Apparently, restrictions on the number and capacity of power banks (lithium batteries) carried on board will be implemented, as will a ban on charging them on board.

Furthermore, with the recent weak Japanese yen, Singapore is likely to have the highest prices in the world, so I'll likely be faced with staggering prices for food and accommodation.

It's already been three months since my trek in Taiwan. What kind of trek will it be?

*PEACE RUN Official Site

*Photo Album Tosay

*YouTube Movies