My Singapore/Malaysia (Virtual) Vacation – Solo/Escorted Solo Travel Tour

This year was the most monotonous year of my life; I had a work internship in place of developing new job responsibilities and hardly had any free time to spend some time on my virtual vacation to Singapore and Malaysia. Still, I need more opportunities rather than being duplicative. Luckily, since I took a break, I have time to work on the travel story about traveling to Singapore and Malaysia if the pandemic were not happening.

I energetically have time to involve the knowledge of what it was like to travel abroad solo again in 2021. Therefore, despite not knowing everything about solo travel, I participated in qualitative research (my experience), put in my work, dedication, and effort, and transformed it into the finished product.

It took me 18 months to write this story report because I needed expensive knowledge and information. Nevertheless, that hard work pays off superbly.

Here is my 2021’s Singapore/Malaysia story report with altered solo travel tips (I will travel in 2023 with a different itinerary and step out of my comfort zone, known as Opportunities).

Note: Be careful when downloading this story report, as it may contain viruses and malware.

Since I coveted to travel to Singapore/Malaysia solo in 2021 (virtually), I am writing more about my annual trip. I could have gone last year if the pandemic did not happen. I also had a virtual meeting with the new girls to chit-chat and share their travel stories and tips on Instagram, thanks to @onegirlwandering. She has participated in solo travel and offers small group trips to Japan, Ireland, Italy, Costa Rica, etc. I gave her credit for her with applause.

I have also followed solo travelers creators and educators on Instagram and social media. I persist in learning and practicing in place.

I have expanded my knowledge of solo travel tips, tricks, and warnings to the public.

Last year, I had a good reputation for what it is like when traveling to Taipei on my solo trip. So you can read between the lines here.

In August 2020, I created the definition on my own based on the travel definition and the 5 scenes based on the travel experiences I initiated. You can refer to the text for more information. 

Virtual vacation helps you learn more about the country you want to visit and prepares you to travel dashingly after the pandemic ends.

In 2021, here is the itinerary I thought of (in the file):

Arrival and relaxation in a hostel in Singapore start on page 208.

The 1st day was a little tiring from the long flight.

But, I organized the itinerary daily based on a revised itinerary that fit my favorite activities. 

Day 0: Learn from Itinerary, the Basics

• Haji Lane 
• Kampong Glam Park
• Chinatown
• Walk on Ann Siang Hill Park

Day 1: Singapore River Walk + Merlion Fun (Part 1)

• Walk on Clarke Quay 
• Visit the Merlion Park
• ArtScience Museum

Day 2: Merlion Fun (Part 2), Sole Tour

• Gardens by the Bay
• Cloud Forest
• Singapore Flyer
• Time Capsule

Day 3: Orchard Road + Speculator Garden Visit

• Walk and Shop Spree on Orchard Road (ION Shopping Mall)
• Singapore Botanic Gardens

Day 4: Dreamy, Greeny Epic Places

• Fort Canning Park
• Toa Payoh Town Park

And I was off to Malaysia, a story from Chapter 12 (Wanderful – Part 2), on page 264. 

Day 5: Off to Langkawi for a Fun-Filled Solo Traveler’s Tour

And I was off from the short flight to Langkawi for a fun escorted girls’ tour. The tour started at around 7 in the evening with a welcome dinner. 

Day 6: Langkawi Day

• Langkawi Sky Bridge with a Cable Car Ride
• Langkawi 3D Art Museum
• Kilim Geoforest Park

1st and 2nd day of the escorted solo travel tour in Langkawi, ready to meet new people worldwide.

Then we went on the boat to the private bus to Penang, Malaysia, an air-conditioned bus with clean, comfy seats. 

While 23 went sailing the islands of Langkawi on a luxury catamaran with a BBQ buffet dinner, I decided not to go. Unfortunately, I was not alone; only 11 participants had our choice. 

Day 7: Sailing to Penang

• Georgetown UNESCO Historic Site  
• Street Art and Temple

Day 8: A Free Time in Penang + Cameron Highlands

• Penang Little India
• Restoran Taman Apple Cameron Steamboat & Grill

Day 9: Cameron Highlands experience + Off to the Capital, the KL

• Cameron Adventurous (Kuala Terla Tea Plantation)
• Petronas Towers Observation Deck
• Free evening as a group

Day 10: Free time in Kuala Lumpur + Batus Caves

• Batu Caves with a guided tour
• Free afternoon/evening in Kuala Lumpur with a buddy system

The next day, we only hung out with some girls I met at the Batu Caves and introduced a buddy system in Malaysia. 

Day 11: A “Weeeeee,” Short Flight back to Singapore

After 7-day of a fun tour with the girls, we were on the morning flight back to Singapore. We spent an entire day together, spending a final night with a farewell breakfast.

• Clarke Quay, Chinatown, and Gardens by the Bay as a group

I also extended for 2 days at the Aqueen Hotel and checked in at the hostel. 

And I spent a few days before heading home after extended 2 nights at Aqueen Hotel Little India. 

Day 12: Farewell + Little India + Specialized Gallery

• Little India and Tekka Centre
• Singapore Mobility Gallery

Day 13: Sentosa and Farewell Day Trip

• Sentosa Island via Cable Car
• Mount Faber

Day 14: Farewell + Return Home

• Fly back to the USA and,
• Was delayed until late in the evening and arrive at my hometown in the morning

In the story, you can experience how a virtual vacation can only experience by using the 5 senses: 

1. Sight
2. Smell
3. Hear
4. Taste
5. Touch/Experience 

Virtual vacations will change people’s travel. Also, I hope the virtual travel experience went well after the pandemic. 

But virtual vacations may not help with the real-life experience, which is why people travel next year because they want more opportunities.  

More opportunities mean more benefits and, finally, lead anywhere you want to achieve. Without opportunities, the future doesn’t exist. There are 3 ingredients:

1. Step Out of Comfort Zone
2. Education
3. Take Positive Risks

For example, writing this Singapore/Malaysia Trip Story is an opportunity to grow. The 2023 Solo Trip is another one. 

~Just never give up the opportunities~

Also, I am looking forward to the 2023 solo travel abroad after I save up my money and take on responsibilities. It will be a once-in-a-lifetime trip opportunity to join a women’s travel group. Overall, I and society will be happier, healthier, and better than the pre-pandemic life. More opportunities, including travel opportunities, lead to better life quality.

Any guesses about your opportunities?