We really loved the classic 1.1 tour. We were picked up by our bus at 7am, then after a 1h drive we met our hosts SJ and Princilla who gave us a good safety briefing and off we went. The tour goes for 31km but with lots of breaks along the way: visit an animal farm, a local café, a Chinese temple, learn how to make rice-based body lotion, a local house, a cottage business of palm tree tobacco leaves, a palm oil plantation, a wonderful home made lunch in the middle of rice paddies and at the very end: jumping into the ocean at a secluded beach. SJ and Princilla tell and show you so much throughout the day, this is much more than “just” a bike tour. This is really the perfect way to lean about the real Penang life. The tour requires a certain level of fitness because it does get really hot. However, water is constantly available and replenished and there are many opportunities to have a short break. This is a really fun activity if you are traveling with teenagers.

My partner and I had an absolutely fantastic time on this tour. The guides were incredibly kind and knowledgeable. We were fed more than we could eat and shown a wonderful variety of landscapes by bike.

Our kind and knowledgeable guide, Princilia, took us on a wonderful, varied, cycling tour through the countryside of Penang. We made several stops on the way; a farm, a fishing village and a beach. A very tasty hot lunch in the middle of the rice fields was included. We cycled around 35km’s on good, well maintained mountainbikes. After the tour Princilia sent us the photo’s and videos she made during our tour. Warmly recommended!

Really nice tour, many information and really nice guides. The whole day is wellmorganized. Thank you.

If you want to get a real feeling for the island beyond the clogged streets of Georgetown, you should absolutely spend a day with Princilla and SJ—it was the best tour we did in 3 weeks in SE Asia! We were picked up by a driver associate of Matahari for an hour trip over the mountains. After helmet fitting and instruction on the bikes, we launched into visiting villages, landscapes, while cycling at a comfortable pace. Princilla and SJ are passionate about sharing their love of the island with a good helping of commentary and comedy! Lunch is at an amazing secret spot you will absolutely love. You should totally go on this tour!!

We had such an enjoyable day exploring the hamlets & landscapes of Balik Pulau. We were collected @ our George Town hotel on time & driven to the meeting point (approx 50 minutes) where we were met by SJ & Princilia. Bikes/helmets were good & all set for us to head off. Princilia was our guide for the day & SJ our support...both were warm, welcoming & full of wonderful information. Loved also the great repour they obviously have with the locals in the hamlets we passed through. Our morning tea & lunch were delicious 😋 If you enjoy biking & would like to see rural Penang you will love this tour. I would totally recommend Matahari Cycle Tours

Amazing cycling tour through the countryside of Penang with extremely friendly, knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides! We rode through villages, farms, and a number of different landscapes whilst trying different foods and drinks along the way. What a wonderful experience, we would 100% recommend this trip!

We experienced an extraordinary bike tour trough the authentic Penang countryside and local culture. Through her intimate relationship with the local communities, Princilia gave us access to the diverse Penang landscape and rural living. We highly recommend this wonderful bicycle tour which inspired us and allowed for a healthy physical exercise at the same time.

A fantastic way to see the Penang countryside and experience some local life. Great for families and groups. Princillia, SJ and the team really looked after us and the kids. Very well organised and what special memories we all have of our Penang Cycle tour. Highly Recommend 👌

The bike was in great condition, adjusted perfectly to height and loaded with water upon arrival to the meeting point. Tour takes you through the gorgeous scenery and intriguing villages of the countryside of Penang. Princilia is highly knowledgeable of the area and provides a vast amount of information on the plants, animals and the activities of daily living of the locals. She helps you engage with the locals for a true cultural experience. SJ was also very supportive and always there to provide food and water throughout the trip from the support truck. Overall amazing day!

This full day cycle tour was one of my hi-lites of my Penang trip. Nothing could be faulted, from the condition of the bikes, to the guide and support crew, lunch, snacks and places visited. SJ went out of his way to make sure that each and everyone of us was ok and enjoying our tour. He is genuinely great and what he does and the fact he loves it shines through! Prinicilla was equally as fabulous being the support crew on the day - from bringing us lunch at such a stunning location. Making sure we had what we needed and were hydrated, and looking after any children on the trip like her own. They actually treat you like family! You really should do this tour, it is worth every cent and more. Thanks so much SJ and Princilla :) Sharon

We joined Matahari for a four hour cycle around rural Penang. Our trip Included fishing villages, local palm oil plantations and rice fields. We could not fail but to be impressed by the professionalism of this Company. The bikes were in excellent condition, clean and adjusted to suit. Our comfort and safety was of evident concern to our two guides. The tour was well planned, with informed commentary on what we were seeing. What we enjoyed most was the evident rapport our cycling guide, Princillia, showed with the locals, who were happy to share with us their way of life.

We did The Classic ride which was a fabulous combination of gentle cycling through varied and beautiful countryside ending with a swim in the ocean. Interspered with interesting encounters with individuals at work and in the coffee house. Coupled with a lovely lunch and charming company from Priscelia and SJ .....brilliant !

On the basis of an excellent experience with Matahari in 2018, I booked a 2 day, 1 night tour which took us through parts of Penang, Kedah and Perak. My host and cycling partner was SJ founder of Matahari. SJ has connected with local people and enterprises over the years to provide clients with superb experiences. Highlights for me were the salted egg works, the boat building yard and the charcoal ovens. SJ shares his wide knowledge of local flora and fauna and cultural sites. We had the benefit of the Chinese villages we cycled through in full celebration of Hokkien Chinese New Year. SJ has clients’ safety always in mind, pointing out holes or obstacles on the road and ensuring hydration. He is a listener and accommodated my wish to visit a particular museum, honoured my ice cream Sunday and kept his eyes open for a coconut water stall. I had asked that we speak only Malay during the trip and he helped me say things more correctly. Our accommodation was at an ATV Adventure Park in Taiping. The people there could not have been more friendly. I highly recommend Matahari for the care they take in programme and their clients.

Great guides (Princilia and SJ) who with great knowledge and humour catered for every level of cycling expertise, with a well judged and picturesque route, great commentary and fantastic food!