Life without working in the corporate world can be slow and comfortable. It is easy to slip into routine and become complacent. If I haven’t homeschooled my child or become a freelancer, I won’t have many goals to accomplish or to aim for. Then my existence is plainly for survival – to eat and sleep and repeat the routine. That to me is one dangerous territory that I never want to find myself in.
With the current pandemic situation, I found myself slowly but surely veering towards complacency. I couldn’t volunteer just yet because my organization (mainly made up of moms and young children) haven’t given the green light to go ahead with playgroup activities.
The freelancing business has been steady but slow. And the biggest push to make me do something really epic and challenging is that this year taught me to be grateful to be alive and healthy, that I have taken everything for granted: nature, freedom and relationships.
While I can’t cross the country border to go back to Singapore to visit my loved ones. I treasured the precious time I have with my loved ones in Malaysia but most importantly, I want to love myself.
With that in mind together with my goal to break my complacency status and in line with my aim to get in touch with both freedom and nature, I decided to take an epic adventure all by myself.
Epic Adventure, Here I Come…
Yup, you’ve heard it right. All by myself.
The last time I travelled by myself was in 2015. In 2015, I was single, travelling for business (expenses paid by the company) across China where I am fluent with both the language and the culture.
Read More: People’s Republic of China here I come
Forward to 2020, I will be travelling alone (on a budget) all night across Malaysia on a night bus where I don’t really understand Malay (I’m still learning). This is to achieve a tick on one of my long-standing items bucket list. I wanted to get my Advanced Open Water Scuba Diving license.
For those who don’t dive, for you to scuba dive, you need to obtain an Open Water license and that is the first step you take towards recreational diving. I have already taken that in 2012 and since then, I haven’t been back into the wetsuit, meaning I haven’t dived in 7 years. Scuba diving is a high-risk recreational sport however, when following proper safety procedures, risks can be minimised, even eliminated.
To sum it up, these are the odds stack against me:
- Female solo traveller
While there are plenty of female solo travellers these days, we cannot ignore the disadvantages and dangers that may present to us. Besides, I haven’t been travelling solo for 5 years, it is a big hurdle to cross for me.
Read More: Overcoming my Fear of Traveling Solo
- Travelling in the night
It was the most convenient and efficient (not the safest) way to get to Kuala Besut jetty as the journey is 7 hours bus ride. So I get up on the bus at 11 pm, slept on most of the journey and reach my destination at 5 am.
I didn’t want to attract anyone’s attention to the fact I’m travelling solo at night so I kept my profile low, made no eye contact and look nonchalant.
- Language Barrier
Although I have been living in Kuala Lumpur for 5 years now, I haven’t managed to pick up Bahasa Melayu (their national language). This is due to not actively communicating with people every day, holed up at home with my little one and working remotely with English and Chinese speaking clients.
Even though, Perhentian islands are a popular tourist spot (where English is a common language), getting into Kuala Besut (where the jetty locates) is a different story.
Everyone I spoke to in Kuala Besut only speaks in Malay so in spluttering Malay, flailing hand signs and throwing desperate looks, I managed to find the jetty, flag down a cab and get to my destination and confirmed my ferry booking at the local agency.
- I haven’t dived in 7 years
With no one I know in Perhentian, I did all the research I could via the Internet. Found a reputable dive centre (diligently comparing between TripAdvisor, Google and Facebook reviews). Watched more than 10 Youtube videos to refresh my diving memory and took a week to revise on my Open Water textbook.
At any point, I could have given up and just admit it is too hard a hurdle for me to cross. I could have chosen to stay dry, safe and comfy in my home with my family. I could have used any one of these excuses running round and round in my mind:
“I am not well equipped to travel alone.”
“I’m already a mother, I don’t need adventures.”
“I’m a wife and a mother, I can’t be selfish and take a trip on my own.”
“I can’t speak Malay, what if I run into trouble?”
“What if I get lost?”
“Single female travelling in the night is just asking for trouble.”
“Diving is a dangerous sport, I have a family now, why should I take unnecessary risks?”
“Am I sure I want to pursue an expensive sport that I haven’t touch for 7 years?”
No! With every one of these excuses, I countered with this: “Is this something you need to do before you die?”
March Forward, One Step At A Time
I persevered. Pushed away all negative thoughts. I told nobody (except my husband and daughter) that I am doing this trip because I don’t want anyone to discourage me.
I’m thanking myself that I persevered. I got my Advanced Diving License! I made a lot of new friends at the dive centre. Plus future plans to dive together in a group.
Read my TripAdvisor review on my dive centre here and you can totally tell that I am very happy when I wrote the review.
I have never felt so accomplished for a long time. Pushing my own limits is refreshing and satisfying. The joyous and proud moments as I recounted my story to my friends and family when I came back as I witnessed their shock and surprise that I could be so daring.
I reminded them of the old Kally they used to know. The Kally before marriage and child. The girl who relishes on creating epic adventures and rode tough challenges like she rides the waves. I left my home as a worried wife and mother but I came back as a free-spirited and rejuvenate woman.
Safe & Sound At Home
Today, I’m penning this article down and sharing with you my rewards. If there is something you have to do, do it. Don’t hesitate. If you hesitate, it means you aren’t desperate enough to want this. You have to want something so badly that you use this urge and turn it into strength to push through your boundaries. The boundaries that you drew yourself, that you said you can’t do it and you allow others to agree so.
So what is the next item on your bucket list?
Want to read more about my personal adventures? Check out these:
Why Traveling is The Best Thing to Do Now?
* New Updates * Lockdown from Covid-19: From an Expat’s Point of View
Relocation Blues I’m Having Right Now
Can’t get enough of MiddleMe? You can find me sharing my thoughts here as well:
Instagram @kallymiddleme
Twitter (MiddleMe_net)
FaceBook (MiddleMe.net)
LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/kallytay
Best things in life are meant to be shared, start spreading MiddleMe around, after all, sharing is caring.
MiddleMe 
your writings are exemplary.. Yes pandemic ha brought complacency and one has got confined to the four walls . it appears we live to die only.
your fears on travelling solo in any way is drought with dangers as the world is more sexy ,criminal and honesty gentlemanliness have taken back seat.
would be following.
try to visit my site , some lovely poetry prose and everything.
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Thank you for your comment! Popping by your website now.
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thank you for popping by my webside now.
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You’re most welcome!
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Enjoyed your adventure story,it’s really great to see your perseverance and hard work for your targets to complete ,your courage and enthusiasm for scuba diving is also praise worthy.Best wishes for all your future adventures.Thanks for sharing.Take care.🌹👍🙏
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Thank you for telling me that you enjoyed reading my adventures. I always believe that it is in your hands to create change in your life.
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Certainly ,most welcome.🌹👍🙏
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Because of pandemic, the life is struggling for existence. Jobless people are strolling everywhere.
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Like you I haven’t done scuba diving in years, and now having read this I suddelnly miss the whole new world feeling when diving. Thank you for sharing!
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Ah.. the sea is calling. Time to dip those toes into water. And yes, it is a whole new world! Where are you based? Perhaps you can join the FB group ” GirlsThatScuba” to get you inspire!
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I’m based in the Philippines. Thank you for the tip on the FB group, Kally, I have requested to join.
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I read that some girls have been diving in Anilao! Such a dream dive site.
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Thats where I go! 😀
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Ooooo! Lucky you! I’ve heard about the beauty of Anilao.
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Congratulations on your solo adventure. There will always be reasons to hold back, but your heart encouraged you to go and you listened. Your self confidence shines through in your post!
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Thank you, Rainey. I have never felt so good in years. The last time I felt so accomplished was when I gave birth to my daughter 3.5 years ago.
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Bravo! You did it! 👍🌷
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Thank you, Krista! And yes, I did pump the air with my fist!
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Nice post
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Thank you!
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Glad you have done this trip. You were right not to tell anyone as everyone would have said you are crazy. Good that you went ahead, sometimes you have to do things on your own, as you say it gives you more confidence and it gives you in life more than just the adventure bit, and your experience will last a lifetime. It builds you up and gives yourself much more than just a travel experience. I’m happy you are back safely though and congratulations to your diving licence. The message is so clear, yes do what you really want to do and don’t hesitate. Big hug and well done. ♥
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Big hugs and thank you, Ute! I knew you will understand why I need to go and do “my own thing”. Fortunately, I have a very understanding husband who is willing to take time off work to babysit for me to explore the adventurous bit of me.
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Yes, Kally you are lucky, but this what a good relationship is about. We need to stay individuals and need to have also our own space some times. Even when you have children. A relationship like this is the best and will last.
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Well said, Ute. I couldn’t put it better than you did. We all need our individual time to grow as a person and also grow together with our partners.
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😮 ok ok.👍
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Thank you, Sharath.
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Well done for taking the plunge, so to speak, Kally. I bet you feel wonderfully fulfilled now!
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Oh yes, I did the trip in mid July and one month later, I am still pumping my fist in the air! Lol! I can’t believe I did it.
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You go, girl! Just remember though, not all sharks are in the water.
Have you carried any sort of deterrent in your previous travels?
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Thank you, Gregory! I do have my usual pepper spray with me but most importantly, my wits have save me a couple times from stranger danger. When in doubt, don’t engage and run. I really need to learn self-defence.
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You inspire me🔥 Thanks for sharing your wonderful adventure🤗
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Awww… You’re most welcome! Go forth and do whatever you want!
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Hi
You are also in my list of nominees for the liebster award
Just an appreciation for all your hard work👏
https://journeyinfindinggod414907732.wordpress.com/blog-2/
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Thank you so much for your generosity and kindness. I am so honored to be nominated by you, Blanca.
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It is only a pleasure
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Hi
You are also on my list of nominees for the liebster award
Just an appreciation for your hard work👏
https://journeyinfindinggod414907732.wordpress.com/blog-2/
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Wow!
Just wow, honestly!
Taking off that Corporate-Kally attire to go on an adventure of a lifetime is certainly something I didn’t expected to read today 🙂
I’m very much surprised and totally happy for you.
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Thank you, Hammad. It does take a lot from me to throw it out there and follow my guts. Now this trip has become my epic adventure story to tell!
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What an inspirational post! Kudos to you for getting out of your comfort zone and returning home rejuvenated.
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Thank you, Magarisa! Now that I read all these comments, I want to do another trip again! Lol!
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You’re welcome!
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Thanks for the inspiration, Kally! So many challenges you overcame! You make me want to be a little braver. Thanks!
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Your blog is exceptional with both heart content and brain content. Keep the good work going.. 😊✌️
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Thank you, Jimmy!
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Well done with the new advanced certification and going for it!
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Thank you so much, Barron!
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We will not hold our head down because of pandemic. We have to strategize. Thanks for sharing
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That’s so true. Thank you, Kingsley.
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You’re welcome ❤️
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I travel alone too and am also a diver. However, like you, I haven’t been diving in years. I find that if I just act normal and like I am enjoying where I am, all will be good. Just be aware. It is hard to be with people right now and that is sad but you did well!
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Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us, Kathleen. I am alert and aware. I’m planning for my next trip, hopefully bringing along joy to others.
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Way to Go Kally!
This proves that sometimes GUTS are better then brains.
Proving OURSELVES is an excellent way of proving ourselves to others.
God BE with you Kally,
Patrick
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Thank you, Patrick. I do really go with my guts this time.
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It’s late at night and I’ve spent another day doing the same-old-same-old: waking, wanking, walking, working and wondering when my life is going to begin (one if those isn’t true). After reading what you and Gottried have said today I realise that I need to stop waiting for life to happen to me and seize it by the throat and, well, you know – get on with stuff. Thanks for the timely reminder, Kally. 🙂
Kindness – Robert.
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Thank you, Robert for sharing your thoughts with us. Yes, you may wait for the right time but time waits for no man.
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Simply wonderful, Kally. Your post brought a smile to my face 😊
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I’m glad you love the post, Sean.
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I love your story
Congratulations on your adventure
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Thank you so much, Luisa! Take care and stay happy.
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❤
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You’re very brave, Kally. Liked the pictures of your fantastic trip😸Pawkisses for a Happy Tuesday🐾😽💞
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Thank you so much! Returning your pawkisses for a wonderful week!
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Wow. This is a blog I can’t say I won’t follow. Really nice. Weld one Kally. Very brave
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Thank you so much and welcome to MiddleMe! I’m glad you enjoy my journey.
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You’re welcome Kally
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Wow, this post really inspired me. Thank you for sharing your adventure. You are right, complacency easily creeps in during this lockdown and it can be hard to shake off because it is so comfortable. Lots of respect to you for prying yourself out and making the most of your time. It really looks like so much fun!
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Thank you so much for the encouragement and support. Yes, it was very fun and I can’t wait to plan another solo trip.
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Envy you so much. It is still very much restricted here that travel is not possible.
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Which part of the world are you now at? Could you at least do interstate travels?
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Currently in The Ph at our tiny house. No domestic travel here. At all.
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Awww.. Big hugs. Its for the greater good and your safety. Hopefully, everything comes under control and you can get to travel domestically.
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Fantastic! And so gratifying to come out the other side, right?!
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Totally! I can’t wait to do another solo trip. I’ve been bitten!
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I think as mothers we forget we had a whole other life!😘
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Both hands up in agreement, Pam!! As much as I loooooove being a mother to my little girl, I missed my old self so much. This trip is timely to remind myself that epic fun daring personality is still in me.
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Now you need to keep that until she’s off to college so you can dive back in (pun intended) again and again. My youngest is halfway through college and I am already in the process of reinventing myself!
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Haha! Good pun! And awesome of you reinventing yourself! I don’t have to wait until college, I’m inspiring her so that she’ll want to come and dive with me when she’s 8. Just 5 more years to go to have my personal dive buddy!
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Nice!!👍
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An Open Water license sounds like fun! I hope the process goes smoothly and you can start new adventures soon. 👍
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It is fun! I’m now holding a license to dive down to 30 metres.
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Wow. The scuba diving part got me wowed. I love that you are taking the steps forward and you had a great time too. 😊
Keep being the brave and adventurous you, Kally. 🤗
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Thank you, Herry. I thought I couldn’t do it but brave women like you gave me the courage to push on and take on challenges.
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You are welcome, Kally.
Wow. Glad you did though. 🤗
Smiles. Aww. 😊
I really wish I was that brave. 😊 I don’t know how to swim just yet. 🙈🙈
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Ah it’s not about bravery. Perhaps swimming has no interest to you. Because if you really really want something badly, you’ll make it happen one way or the other 😊
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I think this was a fantastic experience, Kally. Traveling is always good and you managed to get your advanced diving license and have some fun times. Also, it’s especially good to see a fellow ethnic Han person go on a solo adventure. I enjoy solo traveling a lot, even though a lot of Asians, especially ethnic Han including Taiwan and HK, find it strange.
I guess this also shows Malaysia is not too dangerous if you can take an overnight bus to a rather remote place. And it’s nice to see a part of Malaysia showcased that isn’t too well-known (I’d never heard of the Perhentian Islands).
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In Kuala Lumpur, it is very well connected with the buses especially night buses that can bring you even to the Thailand and Singapore. It is really productive since a bus ride is a lot cheaper and you can sleep most of your journey there and wake up in a new location!
Perhentian Islands are awesome. The waters are clean and clear like in Maldives but wayyyy cheaper like a backpacker’s paradise.
I used to do solo traveling in China too. I haven’t done solo traveling in Taiwan or HK but I can imagine both places are easy for solo travellers since they are cities.
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I wonder how long an overnight bus to Singapore from KL will take. I’ve taken an overnight bus once, and that was in Myanmar. In general, I prefer a train since you have more space.
I guess the Perhentian Islands must be quite popular with Malaysians.
I have done solo traveling in China too, and I had several good experiences. HK is definitely an easy place to visit and get around, though some expats hardly even do that, ha. Taiwan is easy to travel around though it is definitely bigger than a city.
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From KL to Singapore, an overnight bus will usually starts around 11pm and reached Singapore at 5am. Since Singapore is pretty safe, you won’t have to worry wandering around at 5am and you probably able to find places at opens for breakfast to rest until dawn breaks.
Perhentian Islands are one of the popular islands. It is beside Redang which is another popular tourist destination. There are quieter islands scattered around, you just have to ask the locals.
I have done some solo traveling in Chengdu, Chong Qing, Xi’an, Beijing, Suzhou, Shenzhen, Ningbo and Dongguan when I was living in Shanghai.
My regrets were not doing enough exploring in China although I did a lot of exploring within Shanghai. Hence, now living in Malaysia, I hope to get out of KL as often as possible to explore other places in Malaysia.
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Six hours from KL to Singapore by bus is not too bad. It’s shorter than I expected.
I wouldn’t feel unsafe in Singapore; I think it’s safer than HK or Taipei.
I haven’t heard of Redang either. It’s nice to have beautiful islands close to the country to visit, especially if it’s not that built up or crowded with tourists.
I think traveling around one’s country, or the country one is living in, is always great. I don’t do it enough in Taiwan but I recently visited the Southeast coast as I mentioned, and it was great. I hope you travel to more places in Malaysia. There are so many choices (Cameron Highlands and Taman Negara forest are two places I’d consider if I ever visit Malaysia again) and then you have Borneo too.
I actually used to enjoy visiting China and when I worked in Beijing, I visited several places as well. I’ve been to Suzhou, Shanghai and Ningbo on a tour and family visit, as well as Xian, Huangshan, Huashan, Datong, and Guangxi as a solo traveler. But with the declining political situation, I haven’t been there since 2017 and I’ve resigned myself to not going back anytime soon, even if the coronavirus pandemic clears up.
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The flight from KL to Singapore is even shorter (45mins). The Malaysian islands are definitely beautiful with white sandy beaches and clear seas that won’t break the bank like Maldives.
I’ve been to Cameron Highlands many times, it’s around an hour’s drive from KL. Love the tea plantation and strawberry farms.
For Taiwan, I did Taipei, Kaohsiung, Taitung, Taichung, Tainan, Yilan, Green Island on top of my head. I’m pretty sure I went lots of small towns too, just couldn’t remember now.
Malaysia just announced that they will keep the borders closed until end of this year. Oh man, I won’t be able to see my family this year. This sucks. 😩
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That’s such a short flight, even shorter than I’d expected as I thought it’d be over an hour.
When it comes to SE Asian islands, it seems Thailand and Indonesia (Bali) get a lot of the spotlight. I guess that’s good for Malaysians though since they can enjoy their islands for themselves. I don’t really swim and I can’t dive, so I am not really an island person when it comes to holidays.
I’ve heard many good things about Cameron Highlands and I know Ipoh, which I have visited, is usually a stopping-off point for going there.
You’ve visited a lot of places in Taiwan. Were you studying or working there, or did you just go there several times? I have been to those places but not Green Island.
I sympathize with you about not being able to go back to Singapore this year. It’s strange because Singapore seems to have gotten control of their outbreak so you’d think by November or December, it’d be safe for Malaysia to open up its borders with Singapore.
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True, Phuket, Pattaya and Bali get lots of spotlights and I am glad. This keeps the tourists away. The loud Hawaiian shirts and equally loud obnoxious behaviours. Lol!
This also keep the prices low and affordable so I can dive, eat and sleep to my heart’s content. Malaysia have plenty of places that you can visit besides Ipoh and Cameron Highlands. We went to Sekinchan (Kuala Selangor) to see fireflies, blue tears and sky mirror. Google “blue tears kuala selangor” and “sky mirror kuala selangor” to see the awesome pictures.
My extended family love Taiwan so every year, we will have a big family outing to a few specific locations in Taiwan. Taiwan is very elderly and children friendly so it is the best location for everyone. For me, I just tagged along for the food. Haha!
Green Island is a quaint little island with the most awesome hotsprings and the scariest haunted buildings. Intriguing, eh?
I know Malaysia is trying to keep her citizens safe by being strict with the borders. I am grateful for that and I shouldn’t complain when I have my family and my health. Oh well, 4 more months to end of 2020. It seem that time stand still for us in 2020.
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Ha, yes, it’s good Malaysian islands don’t get those kind of tourists. I guess Malaysia in general has a more conservative approach to attracting visitors.
I didn’t know about Kuala Selangor before. The “sky mirror” and “blue tears” look amazing. I’m surprised these aren’t more popular, though I guess that is a good thing.
That’s really cool your family goes to Taiwan every year on a joint holiday. You’re right, Taiwan is really good for the elderly and children.
Green Island is definitely intriguing, especially as it was once a political prison during the martial law era. I guess those are the scary haunted buildings? If yes, I shudder to think of what went on in there.
Yeah, health and family are the most important things. I hope the coronavirus pandemic subsides by 2021, but I had previously hoped it would be close to over by now and I was very much wrong, ha.
2020 is terrible, but I worry about 2021.
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The next time you hop over to Malaysia, do drop by Kuala Selangor, it is only 1 hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. Just nice for a day trip. Malaysia have lots of hidden gems like Kuala Selangor that weren’t widely advertised. I only got to know about it through the locals.
If you like historic places, try hitting Malacca and Penang. We just went to Penang War Museum in July, saw the barracks that the British used during the WWII. The place is eerie yet amazing at the same time. Once again, it is not really advertise.
2020 is speeding by. I felt like I haven’t done much in 2020 but in fact, I did. Hopefully, 2021 we can all try to recover and pick up the piece. And by 2022, life will be more or less normalised like the way it was before. But this year is going into history as one of the epic years.
How’s life in TnT?
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One hour away is indeed good for a day trip. Nice to know this is another place mainly locals know and thanks for sharing with me.
I have visited Malacca and Penang, and I enjoyed both places. I really like the big, red Stadthuys building and its museum in Malacca, and Jonkers Street/Chinatown was nice. Penang was great; I enjoyed all the heritage buildings and I also went to the national park and trekked through to the beach. I didn’t see the war museum as I didn’t even hear about it. It sounds very impressive so I will leave that for my next visit, if I ever get a chance.
I hope your timeline comes true. I think there will be recovery in 2021, but given the trends in world affairs, I feel like there might be some new crisis, most likely involving China. You can see already they have fought brief conflicts with India this year, and then there are major concerns about Taiwan. I do think that Malaysia and Singapore will be alright. As a native-English speaker who will find it hard to return to HK, I am wondering whether Singapore might be a decent option in the future for work or study.
Trinidad was doing well up until July with less than 120 cases, but then a second wave hit and it now has over 2000 cases. It’s so scary how quickly cases can ramp up. I know there was a lockdown in April-May and I think there is another one now. I am in Taiwan but I keep up with developments there from the news and family there.
This is one of my posts on Penang.
https://hcyip.wordpress.com/2018/12/09/malaysia-travel-penang/
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Singapore has decent options to work and study however, do be mindful it is an expensive city to live in, much like Hong Kong and Tokyo. Rental, transportation and food are really expensive. In exchange for peace, it is a small price to pay actually.
Recently, just days ago, there are some changes to the rules of foreign employment in Singapore. They are making it stricter for foreigners to get a work permit. So you might want to look into that before you decide.
Other than Singapore, there are plenty of options for you to move in South East Asia. Like Malaysia or Thailand or Indonesia.
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Yes, I saw the news about Singapore raising the salary levels for foreigners. It seems the economy has been affected (as have many other countries of course) and it’s understandable that locals will be prioritized for jobs.
I think housing in Singapore is still much more reasonable than Hong Kong. I have worked in HK so housing prices elsewhere is one thing I am ok with. I also think Singapore is spaced and laid out better than HK so neighborhoods and sidewalks are not as crowded.
Malaysia is an interesting choice too, though I wonder how they feel about ethnic Hans coming from abroad. Have you experienced any sort of discrimination or racism due to being ethnic Chinese?
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Housing in Singapore is definitely spaced out and more affordable than Hong Kong properties.
For the 5 years, I’m here in Kuala Lumpur, I haven’t experience or seen discrimination or racism. In fact, KL has a lot of foreigners living in different areas. I lived in a half local half expat area, most local here are ethnic Chinese Malaysians. If I don’t open my mouth and talk, people usually though I am one of the locals. Once I talk, my accent will give me away because my Mandarin sounds like China Chinese, the tonation is too exact. Lol!
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Sounds like you’ve had a very good experience. I know Malaysia is a multicultural place but I’ve heard about policies that favor Malays and about ethnic Chinese moving to Singapore. But from your experience, I guess at the personal and communal level, things are quite good.
Speaking to Chinese Malaysians was very interesting as I was able to use Cantonese in Ipoh and Mandarin in Penang (I can’t speak Hokkien). I know Malaysian Chinese have a distinct accent, but so do I, ha.
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Yeah, it is true that there are policies that favor the Malays over Chinese and Indians however, these policies impacted the locals much more than the foreigners. Some companies may even favor promoting the Malays but these kind of career discriminations and bias are everywhere, not only in Malaysia.
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It’s good that these policies don’t impact foreigners and expats so much. I have heard of preferential policies in things like business ownership and civil service places. I do think that it’s unusual to have affirmative action policies for the majority decades after “independence,” though I know the historical reason for having them in the first place.
That’s true that company promotion bias usually favors the locals or the majority in most countries.
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Most government will favour her citizens. That is pretty much expected. Malaysia is very much like Singapore in terms of multiracial diversity and inclusive but in other areas like safety, GDP, traffic, public transportation, Malaysia still have a long way to go.
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Yes, most governments will favor their citizens over foreigners. However Malaysia’s Malay affirmative policies favor one subset of its citizens over others so it’s unfair to the others. At least people get along normally, as your experience shows, and that is a positive thing. I do admire that about Malaysia and Singapore, because Taiwan is very homogenous (over 95% being ethnic Han).
I didn’t know traffic was bad in Malaysia as it’s a relatively spacious country. Are there a lot of traffic jams or is the road safety a problem?
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Traffic jams are bad but not as bad as in Jakarta. You’ll learned to avoid certain times or even certain days. Cars are generally affordable here in Malaysia vs Singapore so in Malaysia (with their horrible public transport system), it is common to see every family have 2 or 3 cars. I don’t drive so I take Grab (Uber left Malaysia) everywhere. I also avoid going out if possible. Actually a good thing because I don’t feel the impact of a lockdown as much as those who goes out so often.
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Malaysia sounds like a very car-based society. Having to avoid certain days sounds really tough. It reminds me of Beijing where cars can only go on the roads every other day due to restrictions. I suppose that Malaysia being an oil producer and having a relatively sparse population are factors.
I remember taking the bus in Ipoh to places on the outskirt of town, and as it only comes once an hour, I had to take a taxi to come back.
In KL, I was a little surprised by how small the public transit subway system is compared to other Asian cities like Taipei, HK, and Singapore. I know there’s also the city train, which I did take to get to Batu Caves.
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Malaysia is a car-based society because their public transportation isn’t well planned and connected. You’ll find yourself taking train from A to B but no bus for you to get to C unless you take another bus that goes to D and walk for another 15 mins to get to C. Confusing, isn’t it? And KL’s weather isn’t suitable for walking.
Compare Singapore, KL, Taipei and HK, in my opinion (I may be wrong) – ranking the best connecting public transportation: 1st Singapore, 2nd HK, 3rd Taipei and last will be KL.
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I agree, it doesn’t sound good at all. In a way, it sounds like the US, as I have heard they have similar problems with cars and lousy public transportation.
I can see you definitely favor your hometown/country, ha. Singapore’s subway is very extensive and has many lines, but I did find it was a little slow in terms of time between trains. I prefer Taipei’s over HK’s public transportation as it’s newer, less crowded, and it has expanded a lot – for eg, there is a direct MRT line from the airport into Taipei.
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Haha. You’ll be surprised that I actually prefer staying in Malaysia than in Singapore now. I guess it depends on what goals you have at the moment. I love Singapore when I was working in the corporate world because Singapore offers a balance and equal workplace as well as safety for females. You worked hard and smart, you get rewarded.
But now that I am a mom, I prefer what Malaysia have to offer. A simple laid-back lifestyle that I can focus on my daughter and not join in the rat race to achieve a certain social status hounded by peer pressure.
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That’s good you prefer staying in Malaysia to Singapore, and I’m not that surprised. In my previous comment, I was referring to your MRT rankings as you had Singapore in first place. For living, I know Malaysia is much bigger and more laid-back than Singapore. I even saw a Singaporean family on a TV news show that live in Johor and commute to Singapore for school and work. The family, who were Singaporean Chinese, had 5 kids, so it’s not surprising cheaper and bigger homes were the main reason the parents gave for moving. I agree with you that it depends on your goals. That’s the same reason I like staying in Taiwan – it’s laidback, convenient, and the healthcare is very good; but for working, other places are better.
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I agree that for working, Singapore and Hong Kong are much better, have better prospect and rewards. I’m not so sure I want to jump back into the rat race. Still prefer to have life experiences rather than money in the bank.
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Well, HK is no longer so good anymore. I think it’s perfectly fine to not jump back into the rat race if one doesn’t need to.
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I think this time is the best time to rethink your plans and perhaps make major changes to your life and career path.
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Yes, this really is a good time to do that and decide on big life and career changes if necessary. Unfortunately this “time” might stretch on for a lot longer than we might prefer.
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Sometimes just have to dive right in, for a heart to know accomplished. Sometimes you have to take a deeper dive, to know how to truly breathe in depth, of what you can accomplish! A wonderful share!
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Thank you so much, Warren. You are so right on this one.
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You’re welcome!
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