Singapore to Malaysia to Thailand- The Adrenaline Drive!

Two days of relentless travel and that too with a convoy of super SUVs does leave a team exhausted physically, but the zing of the journey, that is the ASEAN-India Car Rally 2012 tells you how to keep your spirits high!

To start with, we have, in the past couple of days, breathed in the air from 3 countries. You read right, THREE countries! From Singapore to Malaysia to Thailand tonight, the journey so far has been a frenzy of cars, roads, cultures, cuisines, music! Who will believe we have completed only 4 days of a journey of 26? Here’s more about our extensive travel, so far:

Singapore.

 

Short and sweet was a term probably coined by someone who, like us, passed through the entire experience of the country of Singapore in less than a day. When we landed on the night of the 27th, we were welcomed by a formal dinner, a press conference and a participant brief. The journey had been enjoyable yet tiresome, so we retired for bed soon. After all, we had a long way to go the next day.

The 28th dawned brightly on us and we set off for our next flag-off. The streets had children and adults waving at us with flags in their hands and smiles on their faces, which made us all feel great about our purpose. Music followed us here as well, with children playing drums jovially, as we drove off. Known for the Merlion, this country (or very, very large city) was a beautiful ride.

The 31 Mahindra XUV 500s were to be flagged off from the SingTel Formula One pit in Singapore.

Unbelievable, right? We couldn’t believe it ourselves as we drove to the pit. The clean air and the well-maintained roads made for a great drive, and as we entered the venue, confetti and more celebration welcomed us! The F1 pit had been set up especially for us, and it sure made us feel special!

 

As the convoy settled down, the stage set up for the ceremonial speeches and for the comfort of the dignitaries was abuzz with activity. Speeches by officials, emphasising on the significance of our arrival that day and good wishes, were bestowed upon us here as well. It was then that we were finally ready to leave Singaporean , after the short stay. The cars stood at the starting line of the F1 pit, ready for their next adventurous ride!

Malaysia.

A brief drive later, we finally arrived at Malaysia. Touted as ‘Truly Asia’, we were left astounded by the beauty of the country.

Our first stop was at Puttrajaya, venue of the Parliament. The rain gods showered their blessings on us, dampening the weather, but only brightening our spirits! The Parliamentary building took our breath away. We were officially welcomed with much ceremony and with a cultural programme. Beautiful Malaysian women and elegant men performed for us and we felt like royalty. Music kept our feet tapping and the company was familiar by now. Drivers from each nationality were welcomed heartily. It is an inexplicable feeling, to be carrying the flag of your country to other lands and holding it high!

 

We then had to leave for our next stop at Ipoh, almost 700 kilometres away. As we drove on, our mouths were wide open in wonder- every building around us was surreally beautiful. The rally passed by a mosque that was absolutely stunning. Countries of the world have so many architectural wonders to offer for visitors!

 

We finally reached Ipoh at 10.30pm. The tired drivers and ASEAN-India crew simply made for the hotel rooms, and slept their exhaustion away. The next day, that is Nov 29, we had to check out as early as 6.30 AM. Needless to say, we were all up for the challenge!

 

A formal breakfast in the morning, followed by speeches and glad tidings, wishing us the best for our travels, started our day. The 31 Mahindra XUV 500s looked as good as new, and with the kind of high that only those on the rally can relate to, we made off for our next destination. This was to be our last flag off in Malaysia- the country of beautiful sights!

Our next stop was at the magnificent Kullu Malai caves, which were inside a lone-standing monolithic structure, and had a temple outside. It’s stunning how much an Islamic country like Malaysia has in common with Indian mythology and beliefs. The idols and the depictions in art proved that to us.

 

We then left Malaysian soil for Thailand.
Thailand.
Thailand welcomed us quicker than we anticipated it to. As we entered from the Songkla border, we arrived at the venue, where colourfully dressed Thai nationals were waiting to serenade us with native flowers and music.

 

The day shall end with a formal welcome dinner, and welcome by Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior with the Governor of Songkla, at the Convention Centre. We look forward to this as well.

Hundreds of kilometres behind us, and thousands more to travel, the ASEAN-India Car Rally 2012 has only just started! We look forward to tomorrow, as the convoy will drive through the tourist city of Phuket, and the day after, through Chumphon.

It’s been a long two days, but when the travel bug bites you- no distance is too far!