Dokkodo: Lonesome Road of Running

*General Info about this Trek

4/07/2026

DAY 40 George Town ~ Penang International Airport ~ Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)

Finally, I'm leaving George Town and heading to Penang International Airport.

Perhaps due to nervousness, I woke up before 3 AM.

In the morning, I disassembled and packed the buggy. It served me well again this time.

This time, it wasn't the buggy that was the problem, but my right knee. Even so, I'm fortunate to have made it this far.

I called a Grab ride-hailing service before 11 AM and arrived at the airport in about 20 minutes (RM24 = 960 yen).

The waiting time at the airport is always long.

I drink, eat, play on my smartphone, people-watch...

Especially in Malaysia, a multi-ethnic country. I almost forget I'm Japanese.

My flight to Kuala Lumpur departs at 9 PM.

And my flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kansai Airport departs tomorrow morning at 7:30 AM.

Self-check-in is available at kiosk terminals, where you print your ticket and baggage tags.

I checked in my luggage before 6 PM, and the excess baggage fee was about 16,000 yen. Even with budget airline tickets, baggage fees are always a significant expense.

The flight to Kuala Lumpur was delayed by about 20 minutes.

I arrived in Kuala Lumpur around 10:30 PM, and used my Trip.com points to use the VIP lounge for the first time.

Despite my bad knees, I had to walk quite a distance (about 1 kilometer) after getting off the plane.

I've been here once before for a stopover, and it's a very large airport.

The lounge has a cafeteria, a bar, and even a workspace.

I'm finally going home tomorrow at 3 PM. It felt long, yet the 40 days went by in a flash.

*Today's photo album

*General Info about this trek

4/06/2026

DAY39 George Town 3

Here I am in Georgetown, but only did a little sightseeing on the first day.

Today is essentially my last day in Georgetown.

My right knee is neither good nor bad; walking normally is a bit difficult.

I went to a local restaurant for lunch and dinner. The noodles were delicious.

I wanted to eat so many more things, but I only have a little time left to enjoy Malaysian cuisine. Maybe I'll have a chance to visit again someday…

After lunch, I went to a dim sum shop again and got two kinds of egg tarts to take away.

Unfortunately, my final run on the 7th was cancelled.

With my right knee in its current state, even walking is difficult.

Final goal was made in Georgetown on April 3rd.

Tomorrow morning, I'll disassemble and pack the buggy.

Although there was a broken spoke, I had no other problems with the buggy because I lightened my luggage. There were no flat tyres either.

I'll use the Grab ride-hailing app to call a car to the airport.

Tomorrow, DAY 40, my Malaysian journey will finally be complete. I've made so many wonderful memories here in Malaysia. Now all that's left is to return home.

I'll depart Penang at 9 PM on the 7th, arriving in Kuala Lumpur around 10:30 PM.

I'll take off Kuala Lumpur at 7:30 AM on the 8th.

I'm scheduled to arrive at Kansai International Airport at 3 PM (Japan time) on the 8th. It'll be 40 days since I last set foot on my homeland.

Just like in Vietnam and Taiwan, my cats seemed to have forgotten me when I got home.

My black cat, Ali, remembered me right away, but Chobin and Meow hid for a while.

I wonder if it will be the same this time?

*Total distance traveled from Changi International Airport: 741.3 km

4/05/2026

DAY 38 George Town 2 (Malaysia)

A mosquito got in, and I woke up in the middle of the night due to the itching. Since it's a tropical country, mosquitoes are active all year round.

I gave my right knee a thorough massage and stretch. The pain isn't constant, but it's best to rest it.

In the afternoon, I went out into town. It was Sunday, so there were quite a few tourists.

I had Chinese food for lunch. Basically, I eat one main dish a day, either at lunch or dinner.

On days when I don't run, I don't feel very hungry.

My right knee hurts, so I can't walk much. I only go out for shopping or meals around the hotel.

Time to reflect on the journey.

Now that the journey is nearing its end, it's time to switch from traveler mode to normal mode.

The memories of running the highway day after day are slowly becoming a thing of the past.

It was tough and painful at times, but it was also an incredibly exhilarating and truly enjoyable time.

I have no regrets about my travels or my life.

"I ran my best," "I survived"—those words are most fitting.

I'm looking forward to feeling that way again.

As dusk falls, the neon lights begin to illuminate George Town.

For the half hour or so that my laundry is being done at the laundromat, I wander aimlessly, letting the time pass slowly and leisurely.

Accepting the pain in my right knee, I dedicate myself to imprinting the memories of my time in this city into my mind.

I believe that the concept of "once-in-a-lifetime encounter" applies not only to people but also to places.

A young couple was chatting happily in a cafe.

An old man was enjoying laksa at a table in a local eatery.

A cat was sleeping on the roof of a car.

Everyone is living in this peaceful present moment.

Only one more day left in Georgetown.

I can't wait to go home.

*Today's distance traveled: 0 km

*Total distance traveled from Changi International Airport: 741.3 km

4/04/2026

DAY 37 George Town (Malaysia)

In the morning, while it was still cool and there were few people, I strolled around Georgetown.

I saw street art, visited mosques and temples, bought a tart, and returned to the hotel.

As expected, being a tourist destination, there were many tourists here and there.

It seems that Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, and George Town are the most popular tourist spots in Malaysia. It felt like a considerable number of tourists were flocking here not only from other Asian countries but also from Western countries.

There were also many cafes and restaurants catering to tourists.

Nevertheless, thanks to its tourist attractions, the city was vibrant and stimulating.

As a UNESCO World Heritage site, there are buildings that exuded a sense of history, as well as many colorful houses and shops that we wouldn't see in Japan. People are everywhere, moving around with smartphones and action cameras in hand.

For lunch, I went to Fu Yang, which I visited yesterday, and ate barbecue rice.

For dinner, I had beef soup noodle at a Vietnamese restaurant.

Within a 1km radius of the hotel, there are restaurants, cafes, food stalls, and food courts offering a variety of international cuisines.

This requires careful consideration of what to eat each day.

Penang Island (especially Georgetown) is a foodie's paradise!

Due to the strain of my previous efforts, my right knee has worsened (currently making walking somewhat difficult), so I may have to cancel my final run on the 7th (approximately 17km to Penang International Airport).

If that happens, George Town will become my final destination.

I'll wait and see how things go on the morning of the 7th.

*Today's distance: 0km

*Total distance from Changi International Airport: 741.3km

4/03/2026

DAY 36 Simpang Ampat to George Town (Malaysia)

Started just after 7 AM.

About 3 kilometers to get back to Highway 1.

There were several roundabouts, common in cities of British Commonwealth countries. Entering them on the buggy always required a mad dash.

The swarms of motorcycles were quite tricky.

While not as bad as Vietnam, they can move unexpectedly, so I got to be careful and watch for their action. It's problematic when a swarm of motorcycles on the opposite lane during rush hour comes from the opposite direction while I'm running on the left.

Entering Butterworth city, the number of shops increased.

The temperature was 31 degrees Celsius at 11 AM. I wanted to catch the ferry as early as possible.

To enter the ferry terminal, I followed a spiral path. There was a lane specifically for motorcycles and bicycles.

The end of my journey across the Malay Peninsula was here at the ferry terminal. Arrived around 11:30 AM.

The ferry fare was only RM2.50 (100 yen). I took the 12:00 ferry. It took about 15 minutes.

The ferry was relatively empty. There were about a dozen people on motorbikes.

I arrived in George Town around 12:30.

I had samosas and masala chai for lunch at a local cafe.

I was able to check into the hotel early. Both the front door and my room door had electronic locks with a code system.

I'll rest here for four nights, then head to Penang International Airport (about 17 km from the hotel) on the afternoon of the 7th, my final destination. All that's left is to return home.

I'm fortunate to have overcome the tropical heat and humidity, as well as my right knee problems, to make it this far.

I can't let my guard down yet, but it looks like I'll be able to successfully complete my 15th country, Malaysia.

George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Malaysia's top tourist destinations.

Its charm lies in its colorful shophouses, street art, colonial architecture, and street food, which are said to be among the best in the world, all blending Chinese, Indian, and European cultures.

This will be my last sightseeing spot in Malaysia.

* Distance traveled today: 19.4 km

* Total distance traveled from Changi International Airport: 741.3 km

4/02/2026

DAY 35 Bagan Serai to Simpang Ampat (Malaysia)

Started at 7 AM.

The road was mostly flat again today.

The usual heat returned. I frequently poured water over myself: head, back of neck, back, shoulders…

It's best to pour water over myself in the shade when there's a breeze. The evaporative cooling effect makes it feel much cooler.

15 kilometers nonstop until the first rest stop.

There are hardly any bus stops on the northbound lane, and even if there are, they offer almost no shade due to the eastern sun. This happens every day when heading north.

There's a fairly large town called Palit Buntar at the 15-kilometer mark, but since it's a few kilometers east of Highway 1, I didn't stop.

Passed through the towns of Nibong Tebal and Sungai Jawi.

Around 11 AM, entered Penang state from Perak state.

Traffic increased after crossing the border.

There was a large ship monument, but my iPhone overheated and shut down, so I couldn't take the important photo.

I'll take frequent breaks when my knee starts to feel unwell. Today, my knee has been heavy and aching from the very beginning.

The movement of my right knee joint isn't as smooth as usual. I feel pain when my foot lands on a downhill slope.

At 3 PM, I arrived at the hotel in Simpang Ampat.

It seems the cleaning wasn't finished yet, so I waited in the lobby for 20 minutes.

Whether I cry or laugh, I'll finish in about 40 kilometers. I'll have to rely on my right knee until then.

My room is on the 4th floor again today, so the view is nice.

It's a little far from National Highway 1, but I'll meet up again tomorrow.

For dinner, I had Indonesian food. It was incredibly spicy and greasy.

I think I'm fine with eating Asian ethnic food only occasionally.

*Today's distance: 34 km

*Total distance from Changi International Airport: 721.9 km

4/01/2026

DAY 34 Simpang to Bagan Serai (Malaysia)

Departed a little after 7 AM.

Initially, it was a light drizzle, but after about 13 kilometers, it started raining heavily.

Took shelter under the roof of a food stall.

The rain eased up, and I started running again, but then it started raining heavily again... I took shelter again... this repeated.

It was cool while it was raining. I didn't wear my rain jacket. Being wet was more comfortable.

The rain stopped before noon, and it became hot and humid again.

This weather reminds me of the August heat during my two cross-country trek across Japan.

The first time was in 2010. I think I was running somewhere between Ishikawa and Fukui prefectures. The temperature probably rose to around 38 degrees Celsius.

The second time was in 2012, when I was running from Soma to Minamisoma in Fukushima prefecture. I remember almost collapsing from the humid, muggy heat.

Even standing still, the sweat wouldn't stop. It was that kind of heat where sweat clung to my skin, hindering my ability to breathe.

The road was mostly flat. When the road surface was wet, water splashed from puddles after large vehicles passed.

I saw a water lizard, about 60 centimeters long, swimming in an irrigation ditch. For a moment, I thought it was a baby crocodile. I often see them flattened after being run over by cars, but this was the first time I'd seen one alive.

While sheltering from the rain, I ate a pao, and as it was getting hotter, I found a shake stand and cooled down with a mango shake.

Just before 2 PM, I checked into my hotel in Bagan Serai after running 29.8 kilometers.

Immediately afterward, another heavy thunderstorm hit.

What perfect timing!

Today's hotel is very nice. Being on the 4th floor, the view is also good.

*Today's distance: 29.8 km

*Total distance from Changi International Airport: 687.9 km

3/31/2026

DAY 33 Simpang (Malaysia)

A day off.

I woke up slowly and had breakfast.

I ate a banana, dried fruit and nuts, an apple, yogurt, a roll with blueberry jam, and hot coffee.

I organized photos and other data and edited my email newsletter.

Before noon, I went into town and had lunch at a local restaurant.

I had Nasi Kandar, a curry rice dish topped with fried chicken and some vegetables.

I stopped by a bakery with freshly baked bread and returned to the hotel.

I reconsidered my itinerary until my return home and decided to return about a week earlier than planned.

I canceled the return portion of the discounted airfare I had already purchased (no refund) and bought a new ticket from Penang to Kansai International Airport.

My run ends on Tuesday, April 7th, in the afternoon at Penang International Airport.

I will make a flight to Kuala Lumpur that night. I have about a 9-hour layover, and the next day, the 8th, I fly from Kuala Lumpur to Kansai International Airport.

I am scheduled to return home around 3 PM. This trek will end in about 40 days. The total distance traveled is expected to be 750 kilometers.

I think I'll be able to complete this tropical journey while adapting to the heat.

The trouble with my right knee is unavoidable, but I think I can overcome it.

I'll keep moving forward without letting my guard down until the very end.

*Today's distance traveled: 0 km

*Total distance traveled from Changi International Airport: 658.1 km

3/30/2026

DAY 32 Kuala Kangsar to Simpang (Malaysia)

Started just after 7 AM.

Headed west along Highway 1.

Along the way, there was a gentle uphill climb and a small pass.

In the latter half of Highway 1, where it runs parallel to AH2, the road and shoulder narrowed.

The heat today was tough after yesterday's cool weather.

A day with few intersections. The road occasionally widened to two lanes, and traffic decreased.

The road surrounded by quiet rainforest was pleasant.

There were no shops for 15 kilometers, and I finally managed to buy some supplies at a supermarket in Bukit Gantang.

Cold drinks quickly become lukewarm, so it's best to buy cold drinks at shops each time.

Arrived at the hotel in Simpang before 2 PM, but the door was locked as the owner was absent.

I bought a rojak (fruit salad) from a stall in front of the hotel and asked the vendor to call the hotel owner and have him come right away.

About five minutes later, the owner appeared and I completed the check-in.

For some reason, I was taken to a different hotel than the one I had booked, and checked in there.

My right knee isn't great (bending and straightening it is jerky), but I'm grateful and overwhelmed that I can even move forward.

Tomorrow is a day off for rest.

I drank too much water again today and my stomach is sloshing around.

*Today's distance traveled: 27.4 km

*Total distance traveled from Changi International Airport: 658.1 km

3/29/2026

DAY 31 Sungai Siput to Kuala Kangsar (Malaysia)

Departed just after 7 AM.

It seems a considerable amount of rain fell last night. There were puddles like ponds all over the road.

There were a lot of cars parked along the roads around the Chinese cemetery. Was it a day for visiting graves, like the O-higan in Japan?

It's a mountainous area, but there weren't any particularly steep climbs.

Because it was Sunday, there were quite a few groups of road cyclists.

They waved and called out to me as we passed each other.

I ran past Lion Hill, a mountain that resembles Mount Fuji. Its height is about 310-365 meters.

Looking closely at the abandoned buildings, I noticed a troop of monkeys living there!

I see monkey communities everywhere, but there must be about 100 of them here.

Today, the traffic was light, and I enjoyed a pleasant run.

Luckily, it was mostly cloudy, so I didn't feel the heat too much.

Usually, I'd be drenched in sweat, splashing water on my head and body while running, but today it wasn't necessary.

Routes like this, where I can feel close to nature, are great because I never get bored while running.

I took two breaks at bus stops.

I arrived in Kuala Kangsar and killed time by enjoying ice cream and canned coffee at a convenience store near the hotel.

I arrived at the hotel around 1:30 PM.

Although check-in was supposed to be at 2 PM, they let me check in early.

A relaxed, leisurely pace that left my mind and body at ease.

About half the distance I usually run. A journey and a life without rushing is truly wonderful.

*Today's distance: 23.5 km

*Total distance from Changi International Airport: 630.7 km

3/28/2026

DAY 30 Ipoh to Sungai Sipt (Malaysia)

At just after 7 AM, I set up the buggy and left Adamms' house. We went to a food court/market about 1 km away for breakfast.

I had two roast pork bao and an iced coffee.

This is where I said goodbye to everyone. Adamms accompanied me part of the way on his bicycle. He even took photos and videos for me.

It was a truly wonderful two days in Ipoh, and thanks to Mr. And Mrs. Adamms, I have another fantastic memory. I hope we can meet again someday!

I must never forget that my PEACE RUN mission is to make friends all over the world and share peaceful time and space with them.

After following quiet back roads for a while, I returned to Highway 1.

Today's route is 26 km to Sungai Sipt.

It was hot, but I mustered my strength and continued my journey.

The road was mostly flat.

While resting at a bus stop, I received some drinks as a gift.

The heat is more intense than usual.

Nevertheless, I'm making slow progress, frequently cooling down in the shade.

As long as I make sure to stay hydrated and replenish my electrolytes to prevent my body from overheating, I'll be fine.

With 9 kilometers to go, I ate Mie Goreng at a restaurant in Chemor.

I've been overeating for the past few days, so I'll stick to just fruit for dinner.

Around 2:30 PM, I checked into my hotel in Sungai Sipt.

Only about 160 kilometers left. Now, let's go to Penang for the final stage!

*Today's distance: 25.9 km

*Total distance from Changi International Airport: 607.2 km

3/27/2026

DAY 29 Ipoh (Malaysia)

Day off.

In the morning, I went to "Fo Shan," a dim sum restaurant in Ipoh, with Mr. and Mrs. Adams.

It was incredibly delicious! The artistic taste and presentation were amazing!

You could tell they were very particular about their ingredients.

The shrimp were plump and juicy. Even a man who doesn't know much about cooking could tell they used high-quality ingredients for the shumai and dim sum wrappers.

A feast from the morning!

Afterward, we went to Kin Loong Valley, a spot where limestone cliffs rise majestically.

Tasik Cermin Ipoh is a tourist spot commonly known as Mirror Lake.

This time, we participated in a tour where we rafted through the caves in a rubber boat.

It was a fun little adventure.

We became friends with a young couple from mainland China who were also on the rubber boat, and afterward, we enjoyed exploring Ipoh together.

We visited Kelly's Castle, a castle from the British colonial era.

A castle built by a Scottish man named Williams to achieve great wealth and prosperity.

However, construction began over 100 years ago and the castle was left unfinished.

It seems it was also used as a filming location for movies such as "Anna and the King," starring Jodie Foster and Chow Yun-fat.

And for lunch, chicken and bean sprouts at a Chinese restaurant.

I've been eating a bit too much since yesterday.

Finally, I visited a museum-like place called TT5.

Ipoh is a city that prospered from tin mining.

Various exhibits and explanations are provided to learn about its historical background.

In a way, Japan may have been saved thanks to Malaysia's mineral resources.

Thanks to Mr. Adamms' driving and his wife's English guide, I was able to learn a great deal about Malaysian history and culture – a truly valuable day.

While everyday travel is mostly about running and getting from place to place, these kinds of learning opportunities are limited.

However, learning about these things makes Malaysia feel much more familiar.

This is my first time in Malaysia, and it's suddenly become incredibly fun and interesting.

But my trek will soon be over.

There are still so many things to enjoy!

*Today's distance traveled: 0 km

*Total distance traveled from Changi International Airport: 581.3 km

3/26/2026

DAY 28: Gopeng to Ipoh (Malaysia)

Started at 7:30 AM.

Today's journey continues along Highway 1 from Gopeng.

Traffic increases as I approach a city.

Ipoh is Malaysia's third-largest city.

So I got to be careful, as freeways enter and exit this major city.

Shortly after departing, a tough-looking man got out of a parked truck. I wondered what he wanted, and he silently offered me a bag of tea. Don't judge a book by its cover! (laughs)

The tea wasn't in a cup, but in a plastic bag with a straw.

There was plenty of ice, which I appreciated.

Around 10 AM, the temperature rose sharply. It's only cool for a few hours right after sunrise.

Even while running, I often heard encouraging horns from cars.

Since passing Kuala Lumpur, I've been receiving more and more offerings. It seems like the atmosphere has become quite lively lately.

This area is mostly mountainous, with exposed rock faces in places.

Yesterday I managed to cover 38 kilometers, which was good, but I still had a dull ache in my right knee this morning.

I'm diligently stretching and massaging every night, but I can't let my guard down yet.

Sprinting at every green light at intersections is quite tough.

In the early afternoon, I visited Adamms, a Facebook friend, at his home on the outskirts of Ipoh.

His house is spacious and has a garden. His mother and wife welcomed me.

He apparently attended school in Japan when he was younger and can speak Japanese.

He treated me to lunch in Ipoh (a flat noodle stir-fry that's a local specialty).

And at night we enjoyed dinner at local Chinese restaurant. Then drove around the city of Ipoh. Adamms wife guided me in English as for the history and culture of Ipoh.

Ipoh is apparently a sister city of Fukuoka.

*Today's distance: 18.4 km

*Total distance from Changi International Airport: 581.3 km

3/25/2026

DAY 27 Tapa to Gopeng (Malaysia)

Started a little after 7 AM.

Leaving Tapah, there was a long, gradual uphill climb.

The weather turned ominous, and a sudden shower began.

It cooled down while it rained, but then the sun came back and it became humid and muggy very quickly.

Passed through several towns: Temoh, Kampar, and Jeram.

In Kampar, a man on a motorcycle gave me some food when I was taking a rest at a bus stop. When I told him I was from Japan, he said Japan seemed like a wonderful country and he wanted to visit someday.

After running for a while, a car stopped in front of me, and a man named David called out to me. He treated me to lunch at a food stall near a shopping mall just ahead.

There's a reason he loves Japan and Japanese people.

He's retired now, but he worked for Toyota and Mazda in Malaysia for many years.

He apparently also stayed in Japan for about five weeks for training.

He's a 4th dan in Kendo and still practices diligently. We connected on Facebook.

After we said goodbye, I kept running16 kilometers to Gopeng.

During the hottest part of the day, I felt dizzy and had to cool down in the shade many times.

34 degrees Celsius was quite tough. I think the perceived temperature was around 40 degrees.

37 kilometers for the first time in a while. My right knee held up somehow.

I didn't feel much pain in my right knee while moving.

Arrived at the hotel in Gopeng a little after 4 PM.

Tomorrow, finally, I'll be going to Ipoh.

*Today's distance: 37 km

*Total distance from Changi International Airport: 562.9 km

3/24/2026

DAY 26 Sungkai to Tapa (Malaysia)

Started a little late, before 8 AM.

The hotel I stayed at in Sungkai was across from the Chinese cemetery.

The road was a gentle uphill and downhill from the start.

It started getting hot after 9 AM, but the green corridors on both sides provided coolness. The tall trees blocked the sun.

I passed a town called Bidor roughly halfway through.

Ate an iced cafe latte and milk pudding at a FamilyMart.

Several young girls in hijabs came in later and I came across them making and eating instant noodles in the eat-in area.

There were quite a few Japanese songs playing in that FamilyMart.

Along the way, a car stopped in front of me, and a woman in a hijab gave me a 10 ringgit note as a donation. I didn't understand Malay, but I think she said something like, "Please buy something delicious to eat." I gratefully accepted.

I arrived in Tapah a little after 1 PM and had lunch at a Chinese restaurant.

For 6 ringgit, I got unlimited white rice and side dishes. I piled on chicken liver and various vegetables.

The restaurant owner asked me a lot of questions and took several photos of my buggy.

I arrived at the hotel a little after 2 PM and was allowed to check in about 30 minutes earlier than the scheduled 3 PM.

Tapah is a fairly lively and large town. Perhaps it's best described as medium-sized? Seeing that there are more than two of the same banks, convenience stores, and supermarkets, it's clear that it's a town with a decent population.

Tomorrow, I'll travel 38 kilometers to Gopeng, and the day after that, about 20 kilometers to Ipoh. Stage 3 will be completed in Ipoh. The remaining Stage 4 is 150 kilometers to Penang.

*Today's distance traveled: 21.9 km

*Total distance traveled from Changi International Airport: 525.9 km

3/23/2026

DAY 25 Slim River to Sungkai (Malaysia)

I started late in the morning.

Today, I continued north along Highway 1.

For a while, there were no shops or settlements.

There were only Hindu temples and Islamic cemeteries.

Malaysia is a country where people of various ethnicities and religions coexist.

Cemeteries, temples, and churches are all separated by religion.

Today's distance was 22.7 kilometers. The first bus stop for a rest was 15 kilometers away.

Today was the last day of the Hari Raya holiday, so the southbound lanes were congested.

Tomorrow, it will return to normal.

There was a monkey community, and a large group of monkeys greeted me.

There were dozens of them, and they all looked at me curiously without running away. The baby monkeys were quite cute.

I entered the town of Sungkai just before 1 PM, and finally, there were some shops.

I killed time until hotel check-in, and checked in exactly at 2 PM.

The stroller is stored in the room on the first floor.

I took a shower, hand-washed the clothes, and hung them to dry indoors.

I wonder when the last time I used the washing machine was?

My right knee is relatively stable. It doesn't hurt when I'm moving, but it starts to hurt if I push myself too hard on downhill slopes.

I seem to be able to manage 20 kilometers or so if I take a rest so often.

The temperature is 34 degrees Celsius again today. It gets hottest around 2 PM.

* Distance traveled today: 22.7 km

* Total distance traveled from Changi International Airport: 504 km

3/22/2026

DAY 24 Tanjung Malim to Slim River (Malaysia)

After taking a day-off, my right knee feels a little better, but I'm still far from being back to normal.

A mix of brisk walking and running. I still have trouble putting weight on my right leg.

Short distances today and tomorrow.

Started just after 7 AM.

Traffic increased as lunchtime approached.

Yesterday was Hari Raya, the end of Ramadan, so it's holiday season.

There are more passenger cars than large vehicles like trucks.

Highway 1 has some sections without paved shoulders, making it difficult to run.

Many cars show respect to the buggy, slowing down and passing at a safe distance.

By just after 10 AM, the sun was intense. It wasn't just hot; the heat felt like it was piercing my skin, almost painful. Bus stops were perfect resting places. It was quite cool in the shade with a breeze.

After a break at FamilyMart, an elderly woman wearing a hijab gave me a 5 ringgit donation in front of the store. I was very grateful.

Today's run was a short distance, about the length of a half marathon. I finished running a little after 1 PM and was waiting to check into the hotel.

I needed to take precautions against heatstroke and rest my knees, and while I had some leeway in my schedule, it was still a bit disappointing that it ended so quickly.

The hotel reception is on the second floor. Once again, I had to fold up the stroller and carry it upstairs.

The air conditioner in my room was so old that it was only blowing fan air. No matter how low I turned the temperature, the air was still lukewarm.

*Today's distance: 21.3 km

*Total distance from Changi International Airport: 481.3 km

3/21/2026

DAY 23 Tanjung Malim (Malaysia)

To allow my right knee to recover, I only walked around town a little for shopping and a meal.

It's also important to have time to do nothing and just relax.

On days when I don't use my body, I use my mind and body to the fullest. Feeling and thinking.

However, thinking too much tends to lead to negative thoughts.

I hope to create a good state of mind and body by eating delicious food and relaxing.

During the day, I got chicken curry buns to go from a popular shop in town.

In the evening, I ate mee goreng and chicken curry at an Indian restaurant.

It rains heavily with thunder almost every day around 5 PM.

Strangely, it stops after about 20-30 minutes. The cool air and refreshing feeling after the rain is nice.

I wonder if Osaka in August during the Showa era was like this too…

*Today's distance traveled: 0 km

*Total distance traveled from Changi International Airport: 460 km

3/20/2026

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

3/19/2026

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

3/18/2026

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

3/17/2026

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

3/16/2026

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

3/15/2026

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

3/14/2026

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

3/13/2026

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

3/12/2026

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

3/11/2026

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