You are welcome Frank. I had a web site started for blogging, etc but it has been put off for quite some time and I really need to get it done to share with everyone. I am hoping to find a generous web programmer/designer to help me. I have been posting lots of pictures and write-ups on Facebook in the meantime.
I actually shipped the bike to Malaysia and toured all the countries shown with the exception of Taiwan where I just backpacked for a month circling the island. I was able to use a friend’s scooter in some places in the South. I really loved Taiwan and it is a wonderful place and touring on a big bike would be a great experience. However, I am not sure what it entails as I considered it would be too much on this trip to have to re-crate and ship the bike again to Malaysia.
As for my bond here in the Philippines I was very fortunate and the Customs officer gave me a big break and allowed the insurance agent to value my bike at $700.00 which brought down the cost of the bond to only about 5000php for 6 months. I just renewed it again and will not get the money back when I leave. I would get this bond thing cleared first as for me I was a bit of a renegade how I came in through North Sulawesi and I think since I was in custody for 2 weeks that is why they gave me a break. (when I entered my Carnet was still valid also)
Both plans of yours should work fine as the ferries between the major islands in Indonesia are pretty straight forward and regular with the exception of the one to Sulawesi from Flores.
Going to Penang from Medan should be fine as this is the route many take in reverse.
Good luck and enjoy!