Cycle Legs to London

Highlights of this ride with AllTrails

2011 Itinerary Highlights:

Leg 4

BALI - In spite of many changes caused by the rapid development of Bali's economy and tourism, the island of Bali in Indonesia is year after year voted by the readers of all major travel magazines the most enchanting travel and holiday destination in the whole world. Bali's wide variety of attractions, the physical beauty of the island, and the year-round pleasant climate make Bali a place regarded by many visitors as the "Ultimate Island".

JAVA - Of all the 17,000 islands that make up Indonesia, Java is king. It may not have the beaches of Bali, the jungles of Kalimantan, or the remoteness of Papua, but it’s the heart of the country, a heart with more drive and energy than any other island in this vast archipelago. With 130 million people crammed into an area half the size of Great Britain, Java is the most populated island in the world. With such unfathomable human resources, it’s no wonder that the nation’s political and economic past, present and future are decided within its shores. For many, Indonesia quite simply begins and ends with Java.

Leg 5

SUMATRA - Anchored tenuously in the deep Indian Ocean, this giant island is still as wild and unpredictable as the Victorian-era jungle-seekers dreamed. The rugged mountains and fertile valleys are fed by near-constant rains, colouring the jungles of the Mentawai Islands and the rice terraces of Bukittinggi many shades of green. Sumatra is an adventure, the kind of demanding ride that requires a dusty knapsack and tough travelling skin. Sumatra is still visibly diverse, with more than 52 tribal languages and the full spectrum of societal organisation. In a few remaining pockets, hunter-gatherer tribes collaborate with the jungle for survival. Other tribes have sewn together the expectations of the outside world with their own customs. This is truly the adventure of a lifetime.

Leg 6

MALAYSIA is a country founded upon diversity and fusion. The Chinese and Indian emigrants who moved to the country centuries ago coexist with the indigenous Malays, preserving ancient traditions while forging new customs out of the country's new cultural milieu. This philosophy also extends to Malaysian cuisine, which offers not only a fantastic array of cooking from across Asia, but also unique styles which are the result of traditional flavours blending together in a new environment. Malaysia's landscape is similarly diverse. Snow white beaches sit just outside of deep, ancient rainforests teeming with wildlife.

SOUTHERN THAILAND - Lush tropical islands, palm-fringed beaches, coral reefs teeming with colorful marine life, picturesque fishing villages, remote national parks, forested mountains, cascading waterfalls, ubiquitous rubber estates, and the juxtaposition of temples and mosques clearly define the region's visual appeal.

Leg 7

NORTHERN THAILAND - The north of Thailand contrasts greatly with the busy city of Bangkok and the high energy beach resorts of the south. The main destination is the ancient capital of the northern kingdom of "Lanna," Chiang Mai. The city recently celebrated the 700th anniversary of its founding. The original city is still defined by a square perimeter wall surrounded by a moat. Within and without are a number of temples, some of which date to the city's founding. Chiang Mai is home to many factories for the manufacture of silks, lacquerware, silver and other traditional crafts. A wide variety of goods may be purchased at the city's famous night bazaar. Along the route up from Bangkok there are a number of other enchanting villages and towns that capture the essence of the region.

Leg 8

LAOS - After years of war and isolation, Southeast Asia’s most pristine environment, intact cultures and quite possibly the most chilled-out people on earth mean destination Laos is fast earning cult status among travellers. It is developing quickly but still has much of the tradition that has sadly disappeared elsewhere in the region. Village life is refreshingly simple and even in Vientiane it’s hard to believe this sort of languid riverfront life exists in a national capital. Then, of course, there are the hundreds of saffron-robed monks that move silently among centuries-old monasteries – as romantic a scene as you’ll experience anywhere in Asia.

SOUTHERN CHINA (YUNNAN PROVINCE) - Yúnnán has some of the most magical and diverse scenery in all of China. From the south’s tropical rainforests, to Kunmíng, the provincial capital, that has a flavour a world away from Beijing. Despite the rapid economic growth, Kunmíng, ‘Spring City’, retains an individuality that has earned it a reputation for being one of the more cosmopolitan and relaxed cities in the southwest.

Leg 9

SOUTHERN CHINA (NORTHWEST YUNNAN PROVINCE) - Northwest Yunnan is simply a beauty. Sure, like anywhere in China there are others about, but here you might be glad of the company, perhaps to remind you that you haven't entered a dream-world of plunging gorges, misty mountain lakes and remote monasteries. Lijiang the centre of the local Naxi minority has a crowded, but fascinating old town made for wandering about in, and Tiger Leaping Gorge is a magnificent trek especially on the high path, where the views down to the Jinsha river (2,300-km section of the Yangtze River ) are breathtaking.

Please note: Every effort has been made to ensure this information is completely up to date and accurate however sometimes conditions change due to circumstances beyond our control. Please ensure you clarfiy the details listed here when making a booking.