First impressions usually count towards a country. But I’m going to let the chaos and issue I had in Dumai, my point of entry, go by the side. Despite a smelly, dirty foreigner on a bike turning up, I have only found people to be helpful and kind. Once, I got through the complexities of visa on arrival, getting cash, money exchanged, and a mobile contract it was time for my first night in a hotel. It turned out good, more than I expected and a lot cheaper. The only issue was they allowed smoking in the rooms, the lingering smell is hard to put out of your mind.
Again, I allowed Komoot to design the majority of my route and as usual, I regretted that decision! I found myself on a few dead-ends and then heading into the middle of a palm tree plantation which I would spend two days in before getting out! However, as with many of these odd routes, it brings a surprise in meeting people and the usual communication barriers. My first day ended at a mosque where the Imam allowed me to stay.
