4-11-2023 (SINGAPORE) Singapore to China and back – an impressive journey undertaken by Able Wang, all in the comfort of his trusty BMW hatchback. This 11,000km odyssey may not sound extraordinary until you consider the mode of transportation.
Able Wang shared his remarkable feat with the Facebook group MY SG Road Trip – Your Malaysia Road Trip Guide on October 31. His adventurous road trip spanned 27 days, taking him through various climates, from freezing zero degrees Celsius to scorching 35 degrees Celsius.
In his post, Able recounted his journey, which included driving through thunderstorms, snowflakes, challenging roads, and splendid highways. He embarked on this epic drive starting from Singapore, travelling through Malaysia and Thailand, ultimately entering China via Yunnan province. The scenic route took him through stunning valleys en route to Yading, Sichuan, before making his way back to Singapore.
Able’s goal was to prove that it is indeed possible to drive from Singapore to China, although he strongly advises contacting a tour agent unless you’re an experienced overseas driver or thoroughly familiar with China’s geography. To embark on this road trip, one should gather travel companions and ensure you have essential documents like driving licenses, passports, log cards, and road taxes ready with the help of a tour agent.
Able, with prior experience driving in Thailand, devised his itinerary for the Singapore-to-Chiang Khong leg. For the China section, he joined a Thai adventure group, emphasizing the value of travelling with a local convoy leader despite potential language barriers.
Singaporeans drive on the left side of the road, while in China, vehicles drive on the right. This can pose a challenge for inexperienced drivers. Despite the occasional frustrations, Able considered the 27-day journey an overall joyful experience, urging others to seize the opportunity while they are young and healthy.
Able wanted to dispel the myth that such a long trip necessitates an SUV. His BMW hatchback proved more than capable for the adventure. As for driving tips in China, he cautioned against using Google Maps, which is often “useless” in the country due to its failure to display new roads or establishments. An alternative app to consider is Baidu Map.
