PADANG BESAR: For many Muslims, the journey to Makkah to perform umrah or haj is a lifelong aspiration.
This dream is no different for taxi driver Abdul Halim Mat, 52, from Batu 20, Padang Besar.
A motorcycle enthusiast, Abdul Halim often uses his classic Honda C70 motorcycle to explore every corner of the country.
This time, however, he has chosen a different path, deciding to cycle to Makkah for his pilgrimage.
A single father of two daughters, aged 18 and 21, Abdul Halim said that he committed to this journey a year ago after completing several solo motorbike trips across the country.
"I've travelled widely across Malaysia on my Honda C70, and after these journeys, I felt inspired to take on a new adventure. This time, it's a solo journey to Makkah on a bicycle.
"This trip will be unique, as I'll be riding a touring bicycle I purchased earlier this year. Initially, my daughters were reluctant to let me go because we're very close.
"However, once I explained my intentions, they understood and gave me their blessing," he said at the send-off ceremony for his journey to Makkah.
Abdul Halim chose a solo bicycle journey as he found the cost of travel to Saudi Arabia is high, and cycling offered a more affordable and reflective pace.
"I realised that a trip to Makkah requires considerable funds, so I opted to cycle. I'm not particularly a cycling enthusiast. I've always preferred motorbikes for my journeys.
"But I challenged myself to buy a durable touring bike, and I estimate the trip will take around five months, hopefully arriving before Ramadan next year," he said.
As a preparation, he trained by cycling around Perlis in a relaxed manner.
"This journey is entirely self-funded, without any sponsorship. I've sold various items to cover the costs, which have already reached around RM15,000.
"I'm constantly following updates on the countries I'll pass through. Initially, I'll ride to Bangkok, then fly to India. I'll bypass Myanmar due to ongoing conflicts and border restrictions.
"From New Delhi, I'll cycle through Pakistan and Iran, then take a ferry from Iran to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) before continuing on to Saudi Arabia, where I'll stay for a month before flying back to Malaysia," he added.
He also acknowledged the challenges he might face, including potential bicycle issues, political instability in each country, and weather conditions.
"For this journey, I'm bringing essentials like a sleeping mat, food, drinks, and minimal clothing to keep things light. As for sleeping arrangements, I'll rely on mosques, prayer halls, or budget hotels along the way.
"My main concern is the cold weather, particularly during the stretch between India and Pakistan. I'm placing my trust in Allah for this journey, hoping that it won't complicate my travel," he added.