Kota Kinabalu: A group of 45 motorcycle riders from Indonesia and Brunei completed their Sabah 360 Tour after a 10-day journey across Sabah on Monday, reaffirming that the State is becoming a popular destination for bike tourism.
“Motorcycle groups do contribute to the State tourism industry, as they enjoy our local delicacies, including fruits and souvenirs. It is favourable to our hoteliers too,” said Harley-Davidson Kota Kinabalu (HDKK) Executive Director Datuk Angus Wong.
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“This time, they come as bikers to explore. They like it here, they will come back with their family,” he said at the welcome dinner hosted by HDKK for the riders at the Harley-Davidson headquarters here, Monday.
The convoy was assisted by riders from Brunei’s Veteran Motorcycle Club.
They rode 2,700 kilometres, starting from Pontianak, Indonesia, and entering Malaysia through Sri Aman, then crossing Sabah from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu.
Wong, who is also H.O.G Kota Kinabalu Director, said Kota Kinabalu regularly welcomes international motorcycle groups and has forged deep brotherhood with clubs from Australia, England, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Korea.
He estimates that over 1,000 bikers visit Sabah each year with groups ranging from 40 to 100 riders, adding that another international motorcycle group is scheduled to visit Sabah in February.
The Harley-Davidson community helps visiting riders with route planning, accommodation, local guides and round-the-clock technical support.
“As long as they are in Sabah, we will assist, including mechanics, trailers and backup vehicles,” Wong said, adding that technical support is managed by HDKK Managing Director cum H.O.G Kota Kinabalu Manager KS Lee, who ensures all mechanical issues and safety concerns are addressed promptly.
“Proper club management and adherence to international brand standards help promote responsible riding, including respecting other road users, safety practices and good character among members,” he added.
Meanwhile, Brunei Veteran Motorcycle Club’s Muadz Abd Hamid, who helped lead the convoy, said the trip showed the strong friendship among bikers.
“Brotherhood is like family because wherever we go, all riders help each other. In Borneo, people are very friendly and supportive,” he said.
The route included coastal roads, gravel paths through palm oil plantations and new roads. One highlight was a side trip to Teringai Beach, which required riding 25-30 kilometres on rough dirt roads.
However, Muadz pointed out some problems for foreign bikers. Finding petrol stations that sell non-subsidised fuel needed for foreign-registered bikes can be difficult.
“We hope the Malaysian government will make sure every station has non-subsidised fuel. Now we mostly go to Petron stations at RM2.15,” he said, noting they sometimes have to travel far to find these stations.
The two-week permit under an agreement between Malaysia and Indonesia also limits how long riders can stay to explore Sabah.
Meanwhile, Norman, a lawyer and assistant team leader from Indonesia, praised Sabah drivers for being polite and patient.
“What surprised us most was how respectful other drivers are. When we wanted to overtake, they would move aside to give us way. Traffic in Sabah is very orderly compared to Indonesia,” said Norman.
He said Sabah drivers were patient with the 40-plus bike convoy and did not honk or flash their lights even when slowed down by the group.
The visiting riders’ club plaques are now displayed at HDKK headquarters alongside plaques from motorcycle clubs worldwide.
The Indonesian group will visit the Indonesian Consulate before riding back to Pontianak, completing a round trip of about 4,500 kilometres.
