How it Happened?
It was my coffee break during first week of October at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, preparing for my CA final Exams to be held in November 2018. After a few talks with new few friends at Cafeteria about "Kaise Chal rahi hai padhai?", those few friends went on their phones browsing through Instagram post and WhatsApp messages. To avoid awkward situation where those new few friend were on their phone and I sitting, looking at their faces, I also took out my phone, but had nothing to browse through as I was off my social media accounts. With sleepy eyes, I opened and just started browsing through Sky-scanner App, entering From "Mumbai" and Travelling to "Anywhere around the world". Suddenly I was awakened with my eyes sparkling at the screen. For a second, I thought "Should I be doing this?.. I shouldn't be concentrating on these distractions as I have my exams due in a month". I was about to close the app but then suddenly I checked, "after fees and taxes price" of the great deal on flight tickets from Mumbai-Kuala Lumpur-Mumbai. Thoughts started wandering on my mind a lot. That evening I left early from library and reached home to search and see if my BLANK passport was still valid and hadn't expired. I also checked my Bank account.
Tickets Booked
I had no plans of travelling alone, but knew that I would be wasting a lot of time at this crucial exam period asking my friends and cousins, which wouldn't be worth if they were to be cancelled and altered like most of the previous plans. So at approximately 01.30 AM, I checked again the after tax prices of Mumbai-Kuala Lumpur-Mumbai for 8 days trip after my exam date (the price had increased by Rs 1500) and at 02.19 Am after much much random thoughts and not able to take decisions, I entered my debit card details and successfully booked my flight tickets Mumbai-Kuala Lumpur-Mumbai from 17th November to 25th November 2018 for Rs 13,192 after all promotions and discounts from MakeMyTrip.com.
Mistakes I realized after booking flight tickets
Mistake number 1- Didn't read the terms and conditions of the Budget Airline- AirAsia. The ticket was non refundable!! Secondly only 7kgs free baggage allowance as hand baggage was allowed. Check-in baggage was chargeable at extra prices. Malaysian airlines offered 30kgs check-in baggage allowance for just extra Rs 1500 above my Airasia flight tickets price.
Resolution- Ignored the mistake and decided "Dekh lunga aage kya hota hai"
Mistake Number 2- Didn't search for the VISA requirements to Malaysia. Totally forgot about VISA requirements while booking tickets
Resolution: Browsed for approx 30 min for VISA requirements. Online self application was available through Malaysian Gov Website for eNTRI permit which is 15 days, single visit for USD 30 which is approximately Rs 1500-1800 but then I thought a lot of time would be wasted so outsourced it to "Musafir.com." It was so easy. Forwarded the scanned copy of my passport, my flight tickets and passpoert sized photos on email, made payment of Rs 2,000 and bingo the eNTRI VISA was on my email ID within 5 days.
Mistake Number 3- Completely unaware of the places to visit, things to do in Malaysia, food and accommodation, travelling around Malaysia..Didn't even know about the local currency of Malaysia.
Resolution: Couldn't afford to research about the same and waste time as exams were due in a month. (My first dream international destination was always Iceland, so had no idea and knowledge about travelling to other countries. Malaysia just happened)
Mistake number 4 Didn't inform in office about my leave which was going to be extended for further 8 days.
Resolution: Ignored and decided "Dekh lunga aage kya hota hai, sir ko last exam ke baad phone karke batadunga :P!"
That night I couldn't sleep because I was feeling very excited, guilty and a bit scared. The first thing at morning 5.30 Am handed over my Ticket, phone and laptop to my mom. She was confused and surprised seeing me getting up so early in the morning. After some awkward silence, cold looks and lectures I promised her I wouldn't think/search about it till I am done with my exams.
Fast forward to a day before Departure day
Final exams got over on 16th November 2018 at 5 pm. Called my senior in office for leave extension, chatted for a while and finally drafted and sent a mail for leave extension approval. Slept for almost an hour did some food and toiletries shopping. Had a nice haircut and beard trimmed. Browsed on the internet about the places to visit, things to do, searched a few options on accommodation through booking.com, AirBnB, requested few couch-surfers, saw some YouTube videos...packed my borrowed backpack and chatted with mom and dad till midnight.
Departure day- 17th November 2018
Finally the D-Day arrived. Too excited and nervous. My flight was at 22:50 and due to the excitement and nervousness, I reached airport at 20:00 hours. Got to the counter of Air Asia for boarding pass and baggage weight check.As per the T&C of Air Asia only 7kgs free hand baggage was allowed on budget airlines. Due to excess food packed by my mom, it turned out to be 13 Kgs. Somehow convinced the staff to let me allow and was successfully issued the boarding pass without any charge.
Security check ✓
Immigration and few exchange of smiles with officer✓
Roamed around the beautiful airport for a while.
After almost an hour later, there was an announcement that my flight had been delayed by 2 hr. I checked my boarding pass to see which seat was I allotted. Nervousness again kicked in as I had to travel for a five hour journey with Seat F42. The seat allotted was middle row, middle seat! What a start to my first journey...
After overthinking a lot about my delay and seat allotment, finally it was the time to board the flight. Butterflies in stomach I entered the flight and greeted the air hostess. My eyes first went on the leg space between seats and I was shocked and again started over thinking if I would land in Kuala Lumpur without any back pain or sprained legs. I started walking towards my seat which was at the end and met this steward and just mumbled and smiled saying to him "The leg-space seems to be very less."He gave me a smile and I continued walking towards my seat.
I sat on my middle seat, middle row. On my right was a middle aged uncle fidgeting with his bag and on my left a pretty girl same as my age of some foreign national also fidgeting with the magazines. I started thinking about mistakes I made and should have instead booked Malaysian airlines. To take my mind off overthinking, I decided to strike a conversation with the pretty girl besides me:P
As I was about to strike a conversation and exactly 5 minutes before the departure the steward came to me (Bad Timing) and told me that "there was a seat going vacant on flatbed and if I would like to shift." I inquired whether it was chargeable or complimentary. The steward smiled and said "complimentary!" The pretty girl and the uncle both gave me a smile and I rushed to the Flatbed. (Kuch Paane ke liye kuch kho diya!:P)
Kuala Lumpur
Landed in Kuala Lumpur at approx 8:05 Am (KL time). Got refreshed at the KLIA washrooms.(They are super clean and huge!).
Collected some free tourist guide maps from the tourist information centre, used free WiFi to talk to mom and inquired about getting to the main city KL Sentral.
Since I wasn't carrying any local Malaysian Currency called (Malaysian Ringgit), I had to get it exchanged. Inquired a few currency exchange kiosk at the airport and they quoted me net effective rate of exchange as 1 RM = Rs 18.19. Instead of getting exchanged through kiosk, I used my indian debit card for withdrawal of cash from ATMs at airport and net effective rate of exchange charged by my bank was 1 RM = Rs 16.129 thus saving approx Rs 1000 for RM 500.
Took a bus at approx 11:25 Am to KL Sentral (Cost RM 12). KL Sentral is the largest railway station in Malaysia and an intermodal transport hub along with an inbuilt shopping mall. It connects almost all public transport of Malaysia (Metros, Mono rail, Express, Intercity transit, Airport transit, RapidKL buses, GoKL free buses etc)
I browsed for some really good hostels from booking.com and filtered down the same to "Submarine Guest House" using free airport WiFi. I took a train from KL Sentral to Pasar Seni
Pasar seni is located near to Central market and China Town. After almost an hour roaming around in sun, following directions from locals, with no internet connection to use google maps and coming back to the same location where I started, I finally arrived at my hostel. It was a complete maze and I was exhausted. Got refreshed and after a nap, I started exploring city.
Cost for stay for 1 night = RM 22 approx Rs 355
Most of the places in Kuala Lumpur I visited were through GoKL free buses (Red line, blue line,green line and purple line)
https://www.gokl.com.my
1) KL Tower- (420 meters, 1381 feet) (Ticket to observation deck- RM 52)
If you have never been at such a height, it worth an experience to see a 360 view of city from the top. Definitely a yes when you are in KL.
2) Petronas Twin Tower at KLCC
The most iconic twin tower is definitely a visit. For visiting the observation deck and the connecting skybridge (RM 80-90) you have to make a prior booking since the tickets for the day are almost sold out by noon.
There is also a beautiful fountain show in the evening and the place is huge and lively always.
3) Kasturi Walk
A flea market located right next to central market is a paradise for people who want to shop good stuff at cheap prices.
P.S Do not be ashamed to bargain, "Bargain like a gypsy but pay like a gentleman!"
Since it was raining a bit heavily, most of the shops on the walk were covered with plastics!
Batu Caves
Woke up a bit late since met some amazing people at my hostel and conversations continued till 2-Am.
Checked out of hostel at 12:00 pm since the following evening I was going to hosted by a couch-surfer.
The best part of staying in a hostel is you can check-out but keep your luggage for the whole day and roam around the city. Once you are back in the evening, boriya bistar uthake nikal sakte ho without any charges! So you don't have to worry about early check-outs and carrying your luggage everywhere...
I took number of Go-Kl free buses to reach KL Sentral Station. From KL sentral there is a direct train called KTM Commuter which cost around RM 2.6 for one way and approx 30-45 minutes.
Batu Caves are a limestone caves in selangor area of malaysia which is 400 million years old. Its religious, has temple caves, many monkeys and one could go for cave exploration.
It is always sunny and hot day at Batu caves- Be sure to carry an extra litre of Water, a hat/cap and sunscreen.
I also did cave exploration at the top which is a guided tour on different types of cave formations,different types of bats, insects and organisms living in the dark. It was fun but hot and tiring- RM 35
Overall Recommendation
A bit tiring, boring and can be skipped.
Some of the pictures of Batu Caves
There was a shooting going on for some Tamil film the day I visited.
Bukit Bintang
One of the city's shopping district, has many of the major malls located in the area- Berjaya Times Square, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Star hill gallery etc.
Wanna purchase a watch- It has Rolex, Hublot, Bedat & co etc.
Other brands include Luis Vuitton flagship outlet, Christian Dior, Kenzo and Valentino can be found here.
Do visit the Starhill Gallery and Suria KLC- probably the ritziest and most luxurious mall in the whole Kuala Lumpur.
Spent rest of the day exploring the Petaling street (Another flea market) near to my hostel and roaming around the city in free GoKl AC Buses.
At evening around 8 p.m, I collected my luggage from my hostel since that night I was hosted by a local Couch-surfer. Took a train from Pasar Seni to Jelatek Station (RM 3)- the place where I was going to stay with my first CouchSurfer.
I was very excited as I was going to meet this totally unknown person in Malaysia and was going to stay at his home.
Reached Jelatek Station and waited for almost a considerable amount of time thinking my host would arrive soon to pick me up as per our conversations earlier that day. I had no local sim card or nearby wifi hotspot to call or text him.
Explained my situation to a person who was also waiting for someone and requested him to allow me to make a phone call through his phone. Called my host and he was there in 10 minutes.
To sum it up, the most amazing person I met in Kuala Lumpur where we exchanged our thoughts and ideas and made my first couchsurfing experience and incredible one
Travelling to Cameron Highlands
Since this was a totally unplanned trip, and after recommendations from my host last night, I decided to visit Cameron Highlands.
Took an early morning train from Jelatek to KL Sentral (RM 2.6)
KL Sentral to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan(TBS) (RM 2.7)
TBS is the main long distance bus terminal in Kuala Lumpur and covers most of the long distance buses.
Bought a local sim card from TBS bus terminal after last night bad experience- Digi Sim for around RM23. It has good coverage all over Malaysia.
P.S Be cautious of the local sim dealers and always take receipt for the amount you have been charged. I had been cheated by an Indian store keeper who charged me RM 50 for sim card but issued receipt for RM 23 (actual cost) and somehow after arguing got my balance money back.
TBS to Cameron Highland (Tanah Rata Bus terminal)- RM 35
Approx after 215 kms, 3 hours comfortable journey and sleep, I reached Tanah Rata in Cameron Highlands..Probably a place with coolest climate in Malaysia with breathtaking views and greenary all around.
Visited some nearby hostels I had filtered using booking.com and finally checked in at "CH Travellers Inn" (RM 25ight). Amazing,neat and tidy place- made some coffee and bread jam for myself, freshened up and went to explore the neighborhood. You can collect a local map and go for a short nature trail on your own.
I had registered for a guided half day tour (RM 45) of Cameron highland which would cover most of the places in Cameron highland like tea plantation and factory, trekking in mossy forest, Butterfly farm etc. It started at around 8 am in the morning and ended at 2.00 pm-( Not recommended/worth at all). Instead rent a scooter and visit these places on your own- most of them are free.
But i did meet some of the amazing people from different countries and had a good time hanging out.
Cameron highland does not have much places to visit, but one can have a peace of mind and cool climate when in Malaysia.
Travelling from Cameron Highland to Georgetown Penang
I had decided to travel to Penang the same day realizing that there was not much to see in Cameron highland although the place was peaceful and relaxing. After the guided half day tour got over at around 2.00 pm, I booked my tickets for Penang. (RM 40) It was the most uncomfortable journey of my trip since it took 7 hours to reach Penang although bus service agency claimed it 4 hours journey. The fifth day hence was wasted full in travelling. Reached Penang at 9 pm. I couldn't take any decisions and being super tensed, I directly checked in to my hostel "Sunny side" (RM 19) reserved through Booking.com on my way in the bus.
Browsing through the free Wifi for places to visit in Penang the next day and making plans on visiting Langkawi Island, I was still unclear and finding it hard to make decision on whether I should visit the same?, as I had my flight back to Mumbai from Kuala Lumpur on 25th Nov and I was super tensed, "what if I couldn't make it from Langkawi Island to KL?". The first time I felt travelling can become hectic/tough sometime.
Exploring Georgetown, Penang
Georgetown is the capital city of Penang and has many street art, cultural UNESCO world heritage sites and also famous beaches.
Just opposite to my hostel was a travel agent. Visited him first thing in the morning and inquired about travelling to Langkawi Island the next day. He suggested me to take a direct ferry departing at 8.00 am from Georgetown ferry terminal 10 min walking distance from my hostel.
I booked the ferry for 23rd Nov which cost me RM 70.
I also booked direct flight tickets from Langkawi Island to Kuala Lumpur for 25th Nov which costed me RM 120 approx Rs 2000. It was a great deal, I got luck by chance and saved me 10 hours which I could use exploring Langkawi Island. Its weird how once you are super tensed about tomorrow and everything becomes fine the next morning.
Visited Batu Ferringhi, some street art works, museums, heritage site and malls
Travelling to Langkawi Island- The best part of my Malaysia Trip
Morning ferry at 9Am, I reached Langkawi Island at around 12.30-1.00 pm. Langkawi Island has no public transport system and one has to either use taxi, uber, Grab or rent a scooter. I had reserved a hostel named "Backstreet Monkey Backpacker Hostel" located near Cenang beach through Booking.com. Pantai Cenang beach is approx 20 kms from Ferry point.
I inquired about places to visit in Langkawi, things to do, mode of transport in langkawi island at the tourism of Malaysia office located right outside the ferry terminal. They give unbiased information and suggested me to rent a scooter.
Renting a scooter was the best part of exploring Langkawi Island. I rented a Yamaha scooter from ferry terminal which costed me RM 50 and a RM 100 as deposit for a day. Isn't that cheap? Petrol in Langkawi is super super cheap. A litre of petrol costs just approx Rs 30-35. YESSSS! You pay first at the petrol station and fill up the tank yourself!
I proceeded towards my hostel first using google maps(got lost but who cares, its an island and I had a scooter with full tank!). Finally i reached my hostel at around 2-2.30pm, freshened up a bit and met two amazing people from Kolkata-Sayan and Rakesh. We chatted for a while and then we were off to explore Langkawi Island.
Langkawi is the most happening and lively place in Malaysia. Beaches, Restaurants and Bars, Malls and shops are open for 24hrs.
I got myself registered for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling for the next day which costed me RM 300. There are many Companies/Individual providing snorkeling and Scuba diving around Pantai Cenang area. I got myself registered with East Marine Company. The guy first quoted me RM 380 and after much bargaining he came down to RM 300. Thinking it was a good deal, I registered only to know that there were other registered companies providing the same services for RM 250.
SCUBA DIVING AND SNORKELING DAY
Next day, I had to return my bike at the ferry terminal which was also the pickup point for the Scuba/Snorkeling activity. Early morning bike rides at an island are the best things. I returned my bike and hopped on to the ferry towards an exotic island named "Pulau Payar Island." It is an hour from Langkawi Island.
The most amazing experience and a tick off my bucket list.
Shopping time- DUTY Free shopping.
Langkawi is a duty free zone! Yesss! An island with duty free shopping!
Bought 6 bags of Hershey's Dark chocolates and kisses at unbelievable cheap rates (RM 15-20/bag), KitKat green tea flavored (It is really amazing) and some other local brands... Shopping done! :P
Bye Bye Langkawi
Langkawi island was the best thing to happen in my Malaysia Trip
I highly recommend anyone to stay for at least a week on the island itself whenever you visit Malaysia.
The most amazing two days I spent on an island with many ticks off my bucket sleep and practically no sleep. How I wish I could settle on this beautiful cute island.
BYE BYE MALAYSIA-
After spending 5 hours at Malaysia Airport doing practically nothing, I boarded the flight with this look ,recollecting the last 8 days of my good, bad, emotional and adventurous experience of my first ever solo international
Final Notes
1) Since being a pure vegetarian it was very difficult to find veg food in Malaysia. I heavily relied on 7-11 chain of stores all over Malaysia to buy ready to cook meals like maggi, prepared my own sandwiches and oreo shakes , home made theplas (Thanks mom, first time I felt I am really a Gujju and super proud of our theplas), amazing organic fruits and lots of Hershey's dark chocolates.
2) Total Cost of full trip(practically everything) and including bank charges for currency conversions - Rs 29,826.
3) Traveling solo is really an amazing experience and cannot be described in words. You meet a lot of amazing, good people with whom you have good and bad experiences. Teaches you a lot of thing in life. Making friends and connecting with people is so easy when you travel.
“Loving life is easy when you are abroad. Where no one knows you and you hold your life in your hands all alone, you are more master of yourself than at any other time.”
Frequent Searches Leading To This Page:-
places to see in malaysia in 5 days, places to see in malaysia in 2 days, places to see in malaysia and singapore, malaysia holiday packages from india, malaysia trip packages from india, malaysia trip package from delhi