The vibrant and picturesque Slim Village in Southern Perak offers a unique adventure for cycling enthusiasts.
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Nestled about 124km from the Klang Valley, it’s accessible via the KL-Ipoh trunk road or the North-South Expressway.
This charming village is characterised by its elderly inhabitants, as many younger residents have migrated to urban towns to work.
Cyclists can explore a captivating route leading to the Ulu Slim hot water springs, a hidden gem run by the local council.
Starting from Slim Village, the journey, taking about an hour by bike, unfolds across seven kilometres of serene, traffic-free kampung trails with a dynamic, undulating terrain.
Before embarking on this adventure, it’s advisable to indulge in a carbohydrate-rich meal.
The old village square, surrounded by quaint food stalls, offers the local speciality – nasi lemak pulut (glutinous rice nasi lemak).
Adjacent to the main road, a line of traditional Malay warung beckons with a diverse selection of local breakfast fare.
The Ulu Slim trail, however, is not for the faint-hearted, with its numerous hilly stretches.
A bicycle with a variable transmission is ideal for traversing both Slim Village and Ulu Slim.
The Ulu Slim hot springs, a secluded attraction known to few tourists, might initially seem uninviting, with cows near the sun-baked mud.
However, it presents a unique photo opportunity.
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The trail progresses to historic mining pools and reaches Pos Bersih, an Orang Asli settlement.
Further along, the scenic Pulau Tibang rapids await, where a quaint resort offers weekend activities like a zip line and a suspension bridge.
This spot is a popular regrouping point for cycling day-trippers before their return to Slim Village.
For the most intrepid cyclists, the route extends to Pos Tenau, the last Orang Asli outpost near the Perak-Pahang border.
This remote location is beyond the reach of cellphone coverage.
The challenging 30km ride from Pulau Tibang to Pos Tenau features terrain so demanding it’s dubbed “hellish” even by veteran cyclists.
Successfully navigating this route without dismounting to push the bike is a rare accomplishment.
A round trip from Slim Village to Pulau Tibang and back covers approximately 49km, an ideal distance for a fulfilling day trip.
After the exhilarating ride, cyclists often enjoy a leisurely coffee break in the village before returning to the Klang Valley.
– TheStar