Travelling

Reflecting back, I realise that I would never have been so confident and carefree and enjoyed myself as much travelling on my own if it had not been for several things that I had done previously. First was my trip to Sarawak with Jac, Chris and Kevin in 2004. Then, we travelled around Sarawak, staying with priests and meeting the indigenous Iban. This gave me a clue as to what to expect staying with priests and meeting other cultures.

Next was my decision to go with the ODAC on a mountain climbing expedition when I was in CJC. I learnt there how fun it was to backpack and live on a budget and explore on your own. Because of that trip, I brought Loretta to Tioman and after diving we trekked from Berjaya resort all the way to Salang beach up north, through jungle and hill, beach and rock. Even the villagers told me there was no path but I was fairly confident there was a way. It was such an adventure and I loved it so much! We then booked and took a ferry back on our own, and managed to get the last tickets for a bus to Johor. We explored the malls and came back on our own, without actually pre-planning the way.

Finally, and I only realised this just, I had read a book by the founders of Lonely Planet. I read about how they travelled Asia and the world on motorbike with a few dollars. What was my little trip compared with what they did! All together, these things gave me the courage and confidence to head out on my own for this trip. There was no hesitation or fear actually on my part. Call it naïve, but I felt I knew what I was doing.

What I learnt:

• There are actually things in our life that we do without knowing, and that show us who we really are. Without my being conscious, the books I read and the paths I took led me towards something more. Some may believe in providential guidance, but I choose to see it as how our innate natures manifest themselves subconsciously...
• So, if there is something that you always found yourself wanting to do, just go ahead and do it.

Back: Part 3: Travelling Manila