Why Malaysia Is Asia’s Hidden Gem for Road Cycling

jomVELO
Jul 22
3 min read

From jungle-clad climbs to quiet kampungs, here’s why Malaysia should be on every cyclist’s bucket list.

A place you haven’t ridden.... yet

Fraser's Hill offers some of the most amazing views

There are places that every cyclist talks about. The climbs of the Dolomites. The switchbacks of Tenerife. The café stops in Girona. But somewhere between the Alps and Alpe d’Huez, there’s a corner of the world that few riders know and fewer still have truly experienced.

Welcome to Malaysia.

It’s humid, yes. And sometimes unpredictable. But for those who live the ride, it’s paradise in disguise. A country where mist hangs over the morning road, jungle shadows dance across your handlebars, and a sleepy roadside stall offers you the best roti canai of your life. This is cycling in Malaysia. And it’s everything you didn’t know you were missing.

Why Malaysia?

World-class climbs, without the crowds

From the rolling hills of Hulu Langat to the iconic switchbacks of Fraser’s Hill and the cool pine air of Cameron Highlands, Malaysia is full of serious climbs, without the peloton traffic jams of more famous regions.

The roads are well-paved and winding, with gradients that test your legs and views that fill your soul. But the best part? You often have them all to yourself.

“We rode through a rainforest, climbed 1,200m, and saw maybe five cars all morning. Unreal.”

James, jomVELO guest from London

Every ride feels like discovery

Cycling here isn’t just about the road—it’s about what’s around it. One moment you’re gliding past waterfalls and rubber plantations, the next you’re waving at school kids in a kampung. It’s the kind of riding that makes you feel connected, not just to your bike, but to the place.

You’ll taste tropical fruit plucked from a roadside stall. Sip kopi in a wooden house on stilts. Roll past rice paddies, temples, colonial towns, and mountains wrapped in mist.

This isn’t just Asia. It’s the beating heart of it.

Tropical, but not tormenting

Worried about the weather? Don’t be. Yes, it’s tropical, but mornings are crisp and cool, especially in the highlands. Start early, ride smooth, and by the time the sun begins to flex its muscles, you’ll be wrapping up with a fresh coconut in hand.

Plus, the tropical climate makes everything feel… alive. The jungle buzzes. The air smells like earth and lemongrass. And post-ride recovery? A dip in a waterfall isn’t out of the question.

It’s not just the roads, it’s the rhythm

Malaysia rides to its own beat. There’s no rush, no race. Just smooth turns, long climbs, and good company. Here, cycling isn’t a numbers game. It’s a way to see the world.

At jomVELO, we plan our tours with this rhythm in mind. It’s not about max wattage or KOMs. It’s about riding through stories, finding stillness between revolutions, and sharing nasi lemak with a new friend.

Bonus: The food is absurdly good

Let’s be honest. No ride is complete without what comes after. And in Malaysia, that post-ride meal? Legendary.

Spicy, smoky char kuey teow. Satay grilled over charcoal. Coconut rice and sambal with a cold teh tarik. You burn it, you earn it and you’ll be dreaming of it long after your wheels have stopped spinning.

Ride it before the world does

Malaysia isn’t overrun with cycling tourism (yet). That’s part of its magic. You won’t find selfie lines at summit signs or overpriced energy bars in every village. What you’ll find instead is authenticity, warmth, and surprise.

It’s the kind of place you almost want to keep secret. But rides this good are meant to be shared.

Feel the ride. Watch the film.

If you’re still unsure, let the road convince you:

Watch our short film: Truly Asia on Two Wheels

Where we ride: