From Desks to Destinations: Sutapa's Review for a Solo Trip to Malaysia
'Every solo trip is a love letter to yourself, written in the ink of new experiences.'
As I sat at my desk, the weight of targets pressed down on me.The glare of the laptop screen felt blinding and the ringtone for video calls felt deafening. I took a long look at the travel brochure that I tucked in my drawer long ago - Malaysia, my dream destination since childhood.
The beaches, the culture, the food - I thought, my heart racing at the idea of traveling. “You always wanted this trip, Sutapa. It’s about time that you started living your dreams.”
Fueled by a renewed sense of determination, I reached for my phone. “Here's to the childhood dream,” I thought and asked the Thrillophilia agent to send me the payment link.
Malaysia, Here I Come!
With a brand new luggage trolley, trendy clothes, and upbeat music playing through my earphones, I boarded my flight from India, overflowing with joy. But, as the hours passed by, in the quiet ambiance of the flight, at a height of around 35,000 feet, it struck me. I suddenly felt a sense of hesitation and fear:
What if I run into some trouble when I'm there?
Who am I going to reach out to?
What if I get homesick and want to head back?
Will I be able to sleep in a hotel room?
So I took a deep breath and reminded myself that it’s in the moments of doubt, that I usually find my strength. I've dreamt of this trip for so many years, and now that it's happening, I can't long for a comfort zone. I took another deep breath and with that, I was prepared to embrace the trip with all my might.
Awkward Beginnings to Epic Discoveries
In Kuala Lumpur, my solo adventure started with a visit to the KL Tower and Petronas Twin Towers. When I looked at the marvelous views of the stunning city skyline from the top, I felt it...the exciting rush of freedom. Each site deepened my sense of exploration and joy of traveling solo.
I was initially a bit reluctant towards the food since it all felt very new to me, but that's what traveling is all about - exploring new possibilities.
So I tried some of the street food including Char Kway Teow, which are stir-fried rice noodles served with vegetables. "God! What would I not do, to get my hands on these back home!" I thought to myself.
Along the way, I even met some friendly vendors who shared unique stories about Kuala Lumpur. With each delicacy and encounter, I felt more at home in Malaysia.
How Malaysia Broadened My Horizons
"A bird in a cage may sing, but it’s in the open sky where its true freedom takes flight."
I truly understood the meaning of the quote that I once read, when I tried the Awana SkyWay Gondola Ride in the Genting Highlands. A fellow traveler told me that it's listed among the longest and fastest gondola rides in the region. A ride in the sky - is how I like to describe it to my friends back in India.
Since I had not had enough of the natural beauty of the Genting Highlands, I went for a stroll along the scenic trails. As simple as it may sound, it was a truly liberating experience for me. It's not every day that you wander in the mountains of Malaysia, all by yourself, without having to worry about project deadlines.
I also visited the Batu Caves, the climb to the top was a bit challenging, but the views from the top were worth the effort. While looking at the town from above, it made me realize how everyday troubles are so small from a larger perspective. How a trip to a place you've never been before, can turn off your stress switch.
Speaking of stress-busters, how could I not mention the Langkawi Islands? I took the Langkawi SkyCab to the summit (Yes! another cable car ride), and relived the joy of a ride in the sky. Moreover, I found visiting the cultural complex at the bottom of the mountain equally exciting.
There were so many shops, food joints, and exhibits, that I couldn't help but try some of everything. So I bought Batik Art outfits, tried Cendol (a Malaysian dessert made with coconut), and watched a live performance by local artists.
Tips for First-Time Solo Travelers
Being a solo traveler can be both daunting and exhilarating. Here are some things that I learned on my trip to Malaysia that'd be helpful for fellow solo travelers like you:
- Trust Your Gut: At times, I felt overwhelmed at places but trusting my instinct helped me make spontaneous decisions, like leaving the sightseeing tour to explore a nearby cafe.
- Connect with Locals: There are many ways in which locals can help you out - from food recommendations or exchanging jokes about a bystander, these connections improved my experience.
- Try New Things: From trying local delicacies to joining the locals in festive events, staying open-minded to new experiences will make your trip wholesome.
- Stay Safe: Always keep your safety on top-priority. Remember to share your itinerary with someone you know back home, and keep emergency contacts on your speed dial.
Hoping that you'll be able to transform your solo trip into a journey of self-discovery, just the way I did in Malaysia. Happy travels!
Read More: Thrillophilia Malaysia Review