Bing Ang’s Journey Is Fueled by More Than Just Gasoline

Part 2: From jungle trails to shared meals with strangers, Bing Ang’s journey from Malaysia to London is powered by human connection and daily discovery.

From navigating jungle trails to navigating cultures, Bing Ang’s solo ride from Malaysia to London is more than just a physical journey, it’s a test of patience, resilience, and human connection.

When Taiwanese solo rider Bing Ang set off on his Yamaha Tenere 700 from Kuala Lumpur with London in his sights, he knew this wasn’t going to be a vacation. It was a full-blown endurance challenge. Riding across continents, cultures, and climates, all by himself, requires a deep well of strength. But how does he keep going, day after day?

Fighting Fatigue: “I Don’t Ride to Cover Miles, I Ride to Discover”

“For me, the solution has been to avoid riding long hours or covering too many miles in a day,” he said. Unlike many long-distance riders who push for 500+ km daily targets, Bing rides by a different rulebook. He slows down. He chooses small roads and quiet villages over high-speed highways, not just to save energy, but to soak in the life of every country he passes through. “This way, I get to experience the real lives of locals and discover something new each day.”

Staying in hostels has also become part of his strategy, not only to cut costs but to recharge mentally. “Meeting backpackers and other travelers helps. You share stories, struggles, and meals. It reminds you you’re not alone, even if you’re riding solo.”

This daily rhythm of intentional exploration and social interaction has kept him fresh, curious, and most importantly, far from burnout. “I’ve never once felt like giving up,” he says confidently. “Each day brings something new. That’s what keeps me going.”

The Reality of Planning: From Borders to Baggage

Behind the romantic image of a man and his machine lies a mountain of planning. Bing broke it down to four major areas:

1. Route Planning & Border Crossings

Bing’s journey stretches across dozens of countries, each with different rules and moods at their borders. “You have to be flexible. Sometimes a border is open on paper but closed in practice. Local news and overlander forums are key.”

2. Visa & Travel Permits

Land borders are stricter than airports, and Bing learned this early. “India’s e-visa works by air, but not by land. You have to apply in advance.” He treats visas as critical checkpoints in his journey planning.

3. Motorbike Registration & Documents

Bing bought and registered his Yamaha T700 in Malaysia, calling it one of the easiest places in Southeast Asia for foreigners to do so. “Unlike Thailand, Malaysia doesn’t require proof of residence, which was a huge help.”

4. Packing & Gear Selection

He opted for soft panniers: lighter, safer in crashes, and easier to carry, but with less security than hard cases. His riding gear includes high-quality armor, boots, gloves, and a modular helmet.

Navigating Language & Culture: From Translate Apps to Traffic Customs

Bing stated, “I download offline language packs and install local keyboards for every country.” He takes language challenges head-on with tools like Google Translate, but the bigger learning curve came with cultural riding habits. “When I first entered Malaysia, it was my first time riding on the left side of the road.”

From helmetless riders in Thailand to organized chaos in India, each place demanded quick adaptation. “I take the first day slow. I observe traffic before immersing myself.” Thankfully, his time living in Singapore for 2.5 years gave him a head start in cultural flexibility. “It’s not a shock, it’s a study. And that’s part of the thrill.”

Jungle Detour to Genuine Connection: How a Thai Rescue Became a Lasting Memory

Every adventure has its defining moment, and for Bing, it happened deep within Thailand’s Doi Soi Malai National Park near the Myanmar border. What began as a miscalculated detour through rugged off-road terrain turned into one of his most meaningful encounters with locals.

“This is one of my favorite questions because the moments I’ve shared with locals, especially in remote areas, have left the biggest mark on me.”

While trying to reach the mountainous ridge of Doi Soi Malai, Bing accidentally veered onto a trail too difficult for his heavy Tenere 700. After struggling for half an hour to free his stuck bike in the jungle, he made the decision to hike about 20 minutes to the nearest ranger station as night began to fall.

There, a local man, familiar with the terrain, stepped up to help. With exceptional riding skills and intimate knowledge of the area, he helped Bing recover the bike safely. Given the remote location and the park’s reputation for tiger sightings, the national park rangers insisted he stay the night for his own safety.

“They shared their food, gave me coffee in the morning, and even let me sleep in the same bed. I didn’t have much to offer in return, but I gave them a few hundred Thai Baht as a token of appreciation. They didn’t ask for anything, it was pure kindness.”

What could have been a dangerous and lonely ordeal became a reminder of the unexpected generosity that exists even in the most remote corners of the world.

From Sunset to Supper: A Remote Thai Village Welcomes a Solo Rider with Warmth and Song

Another memorable moment for Bing unfolded at Huai Kong Mun Viewpoint in Mae Hong Son, a secluded mountain village so remote that only 4×4 vehicles and motorcycles can access it. What began as a solo mission to catch the sunset became an unforgettable night of local hospitality.

As night fell and temperatures dropped, the villagers stepped in to help Bing set up his tent. What followed was a spontaneous gathering: home-cooked dinner, cold beer, laughter, and even a group singing around a fire. For a traveler far from home, it was the kind of warmth no map could lead you to.

The following day, Bing met a separate group of locals whose vehicle had broken down on a steep, sandy hill. Jumping in to help, he assisted them in finding a 4×4 truck to tow the vehicle out safely. Though they went their separate ways afterward, fate brought them together again at the base of the mountain, where the grateful group treated him to a hearty meal.

“It’s moments like these that remind me why I travel slow, so I don’t miss the real magic of the road, which are the people.”

What’s Next?

With the Middle East and Europe still ahead, the journey is only going to get more challenging for Bing, bringing him through unforgiving deserts, colder climates, and even trickier border crossings. According to his latest Instagram update, he’s now navigating the high-altitude terrain of Ladakh in India. We’ll continue to stay connected with him, not only to offer our support but also to keep bringing you this incredible travel series.

One thing is clear after 10,000 km: Bing doesn’t just get through challenges, he welcomes them with open arms.

Stay tuned for Part 3!

Got a question for Bing or want to send some encouragement? Drop us a message at media@imotorbike.com, your note might just appear in the next chapter!