Malaysia - Out of Thailand

I am back on the move again after spending an extended period of time exploring mainland Indochina.  The cross into Malaysia was relatively simple. The carnet (a promissory bond to assure the motorcycle leaves the country), as always is the case, was an issue.  Not so much from a legislative point of view, but how to actually fill out the form.  This has been an issue for a number of countries, but especially a challenge for Thailand.  Every crossing I have made out of the Country has been significantly delayed because the form was incorrectly filled out by customs coming into the Country.  Apparently. they do not get many people here on Western registered vehicles.   With regards to Malaysia, they too require a carnet, but I was passed through without going through the carnet process.  Sounds great at first, quick crossing and all, but when trying to leave the country without a valid carnet, it can mean an impact ranging from not being permitted to leave, to the confiscation of the motorcycle, and everything in between.  So, in an attempt to avoid the potential ugliness, I had to track down the customs agent to fill out the carnet.  It was no big deal, and the Malaysian customs are extremely friendly, so all was good.  A friend of mine went through without securing a valid carnet; the result was he could not leave with his motorcycle as no shipper would take the bike, which included the ferry to Indonesia.  He rode back to the Thai/Malaysia border and had one issued, so all worked out, but it was 20 hours of extra touring he was not planning. 

The roadway infrastructure in northern Malaysia is quite good.  It is clear that the Government has invested allot of money, and the roads look the part.  The store fronts along the road are still a bit dilapidated, but that will come improve as their economy grows.  The first destination in the Country will be Penang and I am lookiing forward to it.  

Leg Distance:  756 mi (1,220 km)

Total Distance Traveled by Motorcycle: 37,664 mi (61.591 km)

Countries/Territories Visited: USA, Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Uruguay, Canada, Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Gibraltar, France, Monaco, Italy, Vatican City, San Marino, Slovenia, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland, Ukraine, Transnistria, Moldova, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Kosovo, Macedonia, Greece, Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, China (for 20 seconds), India, Nepal, Burma, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia