Diary of a Twenty-Year-Old's First Backpacking Trip Abroad – Singapore and Malaysia

Entry submitted to the 'Explore Freely – Your Way' travel writing contest by Nguyen Thi Yen Nhi about her 20-year-old backpacking journey in Singapore and Malaysia for 4 days and 3 nights.

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Youth is about travel, about steps filled with life experiences. Every trip is a chance to learn more, to broaden horizons, and to understand the cultures of different regions or places. Backpacking sometimes means conquering rugged trails with a backpack, but it's also about self-guided trips where all you need is to pack your suitcase and go!!!

Youth is about travel, about steps filled with life experiences. Every trip is a chance to learn more, to broaden horizons, and to understand the cultures of different regions or places. Backpacking sometimes means conquering rugged trails with a backpack, but it's also about self-guided trips where all you need is to pack your suitcase and go!!!

Singapore may be a small country, but it's incredibly beautiful and modern. Therefore, reading reviews online about the difficulty of entering Singapore, especially for women, made us quite anxious. We were afraid of being denied entry by Singapore customs because we had never entered Singapore before, and as two girls traveling independently, our English proficiency was limited. Hence, when booking accommodations, I avoided the Geylang area because I heard that if you book there, customs will hold you back for questioning even though hotels and guesthouses in this area are cheaper than others.

Arriving at the MRT station, we found ourselves perplexed about which exit led to street level. After some wandering and inquiries, we managed to navigate our way and snap a photo of the city map. Eventually, we made it above ground and after a brief stroll through a couple of intersections, we reached the hostel. Upon presenting our booking confirmation, a deposit of 20S$ was required, but all we had left in our wallets was 2S$, along with US$ and ringgit.

The locals in Singapore are undeniably charming, from the customs officer to the hostel owner. With only 2S$ left in our pockets, the owner graciously accepted it as the deposit. It was sheer luck; we hadn't even figured out where to exchange currency since we had just arrived! With that settled, we checked into our room, each getting a bed and a lockable compartment in the dorm. Despite being a dormitory, it was equipped with all the necessary amenities and surprisingly peaceful and private. This being my first dorm experience, I found it even more satisfying than staying in a hotel, truly embracing the essence of budget travel! Then, we each took a nap until around 4 p.m. before embarking on our exploration of Singapore. Both of us meticulously studied the city map we had captured at the front desk and researched the various MRT lines color-coded in green, blue, yellow, purple, and red.

First things first, we needed to get properly dressed and exchange some currency. We heard that China Town was the place to go for currency exchange, so we hopped on the MRT to head there first! Shopping districts are usually located underground or near MRT stations, but once we emerged above ground, we were completely disoriented! We asked around, even approaching police officers, and finally found a currency exchange. With our money matters sorted, we took the MRT to Bayfront station.

According to our pre-planned itinerary, we were supposed to visit Gardens by the Bay this evening. As night fell, the place would illuminate beautifully, offering a vibrant and colorful atmosphere—an absolute must-visit in Singapore. We had booked our tickets for Gardens by the Bay in advance through Klook back in Vietnam, only costing around 361,000 Vietnamese dong per ticket, much cheaper than buying directly in Singapore and without the hassle of waiting. Just present the electronic voucher, and you're in, quick and easy!

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After indulging in some picturesque moments and sightseeing at Gardens by the Bay, we hopped back on the MRT to China Town to relish in the delectable Chinese cuisine, renowned for its affordability and deliciousness—a perfect match for independent travelers like us. With numerous MRT lines and platforms, it took us a while to navigate and determine our current location and destination. China Town was bustling with activity and aromatic scents of various dishes wafting through the air, intensifying our hunger. Unable to resist, we opted for some noodles, each bowl costing just a little over 2S$, offering authentic Chinese flavors at incredibly affordable prices. In total, we spent less than 10S$ for both food and drinks!

Having finished our meal, it was already past 8 p.m. We decided to take the MRT to MerLion Park. The night view was breathtaking, with lights illuminating the water and lively light shows. Though we wished to capture the evening with our smartphones, the night shots wouldn't do justice. Instead, we savored the moment with our eyes and planned to return early the next morning.

Since we only had one night in Singapore, after returning to the Busar MRT station near our hostel, we didn't head straight back. We wandered around until nearly midnight, enjoying the serene ambiance of Singapore's golden-lit streets. Despite the late hour, the gentle breeze and sense of security allowed us to stroll freely, feeling as liberated as birds in flight.

Arriving in Singapore for the first time, I immediately fell in love with the culture and lifestyle here. Unlike back home, it's rare to see people wearing masks when walking on the streets, especially at night. Even while casually browsing on our phones, there's a sense of safety and security, with no need to worry about theft. One thing I truly appreciate about Singaporean culture is their pedestrian-friendly roads; whether there are crosswalks or not, drivers always yield to pedestrians, allowing us to cross before they proceed. Singaporeans are truly delightful, and their kindness is ingrained in their culture.

The next morning, despite setting our alarms for 5 a.m., our late-night escapade meant we didn't stir until after 7 a.m. After hastily getting ready and grabbing breakfast in the lobby, we explored a nearby area reminiscent of Little India. The Indian quarter here resembled the traditional architecture of Hoi An in Vietnam, with vendors openly selling their wares, including gold jewelry. Though less bustling than Chinatown, the Indian enclave boasted unique architectural marvels. However, with a scheduled coach to Malaysia at 10:30 a.m., our time in Little India was brief. We had to check out, book a Grab car, and rush back to Merlion Park to capture more photos before heading out. (Since we didn't have enough on our MRT cards, and booking a Grab each time cost around 8-9S$. )

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Returning to Merlion Park during the day, I must say, the scenery is just as stunning as it is at night. The blue sky, white clouds, and towering skyscrapers paint a picture of a modern city. Every corner here is picturesque, prompting us to snap away until almost 10:10 when we finally booked a Grab.

Somehow, we got caught in traffic, but our Grab driver was incredibly kind. Sensing our urgency, he skillfully navigated through less congested routes and whisked us to the bus terminal like the wind. Thanks to him, we made it just in time. The ride only cost 9S$, but we handed him 10S$ as a token of gratitude. Upon arrival, we rushed to the office to check in. Luckily, the bus hadn't departed yet, so within minutes, we were on board, ready to embark on our Kuala Lumpur adventure in Malaysia!

In less than 30 minutes, we reached the Singapore-Malaysia border. The customs queue was unusually long, but a customs officer directed us to a nearby checkpoint for expedited processing. He was quite friendly, smiling constantly and even saying, “I am kind with you.” After scanning our passports and taking fingerprints, we received exit stamps for Singapore. Though the stamp was digital, each one would serve as a memorable souvenir.

After successfully exiting, we struggled to locate the coach we were supposed to board, as our luggage still had tags on them. We sat waiting, unable to recall which bus it was! Luckily, my friend had captured the bus's license plate earlier, so when it pulled up, we recognized it and hopped on.

Next, we crossed the border bridge between Singapore and Malaysia, preparing for Malaysian immigration. Immigration in Malaysia was relatively smoother compared to Singapore's, and we carried our own luggage through. Despite successful entry, transitioning from Singapore—renowned as the cleanest country in the world—to Malaysia felt like a slight shift in atmosphere, as Malaysian culture bears resemblance to Vietnam's.

After waiting for a while, we couldn't find the original bus with the matching license plate. The staff from the bus company instructed us to board another bus. Unfortunately, our ticket, which we later found in our passport, had been left behind. We only had the booking confirmation from Vietnam. Nevertheless, the new bus took us to Kuala Lumpur. Around 1 p.m., the bus made a pit stop, and we disembarked to grab some snacks for lunch. Surprisingly, when we purchased snacks like cornbread and drinks, it totaled 77 ringgits. However, the vendor mistakenly returned 77 ringgits to us, despite us handing over 100 ringgits. Though budget travelers, we value honesty and hard work, so we returned the excess and insisted they give us back only 23 ringgits.

By 4 p.m., we arrived in Kuala Lumpur, a sprawling city where we hadn't decided which station to stop at. Eventually, we alighted at the terminal station in front of Ceria Hotel, across from Plaza Berjaya shopping center. With Malaysia's expansive roads and unfamiliar MRT routes, we opted for Grab rides for all our Kuala Lumpur travels. Only for the journey from the terminal to the hotel did we resort to a taxi since several Grab bookings were canceled due to drivers' inability to locate us.

Arriving at Joy Inn Hotel on Jalan Thambipillay for check-in, we realized we had forgotten about the hotel deposit requirement. My wallet only contained US and Singapore dollars! The hotel owner here wasn't as accommodating as those in Singapore, so we had to wander around asking for a money exchange until we found one to deposit 50 ringgits and 10 ringgits (MYR) for taxes. After checking in, we took a brief rest before embarking on our itinerary.

First things first, we needed to fill our bellies! If yesterday in Singapore was about exploring Chinese cuisine, today in Malaysia, we immersed ourselves in Indian-style dishes. We booked a Grab to Little India. On the ride there, we had a Grab driver whose wife was Vietnamese. He mentioned it was an Indian festival day, though our limited English left us confused until we met an Iranian traveler on the return trip. He clarified that it was an Indian festival day. It was a fortunate coincidence to experience the Indian festival, indulging in handpicked Indian delicacies and witnessing the vibrant festivities, with bustling markets adorned in a myriad of colors from vibrant reds to radiant yellows. That night, we explored Little India until almost midnight before returning to the hotel.

Another day began, and after breakfast at the hotel, our ride arrived around 9 a.m. With minimal traveling planned for the day, we dedicated it entirely to conquering Genting Highlands. However, due to Malaysia's complex terrain and our pre-planned itinerary, we opted to book a one-day group tour to Genting Highlands via Klook for just over 500,000 Vietnamese dong per person. The tour provided door-to-door service, allowing us to enjoy a scenic journey on the Genting Skyway, the longest and fastest cable car route in Southeast Asia, reveling in the crisp mountain air and cool temperatures atop the hill. Upon arrival, we explored the casino at the Casio, but our preference leaned towards admiring the scenery and savoring the atmosphere at Genting Highlands, so we skipped the gaming experience. The entire day spent on the group tour had its own charm, allowing us to engage with more people and saving us the hassle of navigating ourselves.

Around 5:30 p.m., we returned to the hotel, rested, freshened up a bit, and then headed straight to the Aquaria Kuala Lumpur City Centre – one of the five largest aquariums in Asia, boasting a diverse array of fish species. At the aquarium, I pre-booked vouchers on Klook for a more affordable price, just under 250,000 Vietnamese dong per voucher. Within the Aquaria KLCC complex, there's a long pathway surrounded by large aquariums, vividly displaying the colors of the ocean. It's truly stunning, captivating at first sight, although the photos didn't do justice, experiencing it firsthand was breathtaking enough to make us forget about dinner. As the gates closed at 7 p.m., we returned to the hotel to relax a bit before calling it a night.

By 8 p.m., the KLCC aquarium had closed, and we began our quest for dinner! Tonight, we booked a Grab to Nu Sentral shopping mall for pizza and coffee, followed by some souvenir shopping! Since Nu Sentral wasn't far from the hotel, we walked back and soaked in a bit of Malaysian culture. Malaysians are also very friendly and hospitable, but I still prefer Singaporeans, even culturally.

While in Singapore, all cars would stop when you crossed the road, in Malaysia, even if you crossed on the white lines, cars would continue as usual. Malaysia is a culturally diverse nation, hence it shares some cultural similarities with Vietnam, doesn't it!

Our trip is coming to an end, as we're still students and lack extensive experience in independent travel, we opted for a short trip to save costs and get back to studying. On our last day in Malaysia, we didn't venture far. After breakfast at the hotel, we only briefly stopped by China Town, but since it wasn't bustling in the morning, it was quite deserted and peaceful, so we snapped a few photos and then headed to the Petronas Twin Towers. Quite an experience! We spent quite a bit, but changed money too little, why is it that we always seem to run out of cash in our wallets?

That morning, we planned to head to the Twin Towers to exchange currency, but the money exchange counters only opened at 10 a.m., and by 10:30 a.m., we had to check out of the hotel and head to the airport for our flight. So, we took some selfies outside the towers, making the most of it. Luckily, some lens sellers nearby agreed to exchange money for us, albeit at a higher rate than usual, but given the urgency, we went for it, exchanging Vietnamese dong instead of US dollars. Afterwards, we went inside the Twin Towers for a bit of sightseeing and exploration. It was truly beautiful inside, the shopping center was bustling, but we couldn't explore it all, which was a bit disappointing.

It was time, so we booked a Grab back to the hotel and checked out. The memorable experience didn't stop there; since the airport was quite far from Kuala Lumpur and we were used to booking Grabs, taking public transport like buses or the MRT would have been unfamiliar and time-consuming, so we booked one last Grab. It took us over 45 minutes from the hotel to the airport, costing about 85 Malaysian ringgit. The traveler's dilemma struck again; we had just exchanged money a few minutes ago and only got 50 MYR as the hotel deposit, but it still wasn't enough to pay the Grab fare at the last minute. We gathered all our coins, but it only amounted to 43 MYR, 7 MYR short! The driver was just as friendly as the previous ones, so we told him we were short 7 MYR, and even though he refused to take US dollars, he gave us candies and insisted on taking only 7 ringgits. What a sweetheart! But we felt guilty because he's also earning a living driving, so when we got off the car, we gave him 43 MYR and 2 US dollars, telling him it's a token of appreciation and a souvenir. Our journey ended there, then we checked in, boarded the plane at 12 p.m., and headed back to Vietnam.

After this self-planned trip, I learned so much, from the culture to the people of these two countries. For two young girls traveling independently abroad for the first time, besides the initial unfamiliarity and novelty, we were fortunate to meet such kind people on this trip and the convenience of pre-arranging flight tickets, hotels, as well as sightseeing vouchers, and 4G SIM cards on Klook.com was not only quick and easy but also affordable. And most importantly, I still prefer independent travel over tours because it's more cost-effective, I can plan my own itinerary, and visit places I like without being rushed like in organized tours. If given the chance to travel independently again, I'd want to spend more days in another country to explore and discover its culture and people, gaining more experiences and life lessons to make my travel diary more exciting and my youthful steps even steadier.

Flight tickets = 2,247,000 VND (HCMC -> Sing) + 1,300,000 VND (Malaysia -> HCMC) (for 2 people)

Bus tickets from Singapore to Malaysia = 720,000 VND / 2 tickets

Central 65 Hostel = 561,000 VND for 2 dorm beds

Joy Inn Hotel = 250,000 VND for a double room

4G SIM in Singapore and Malaysia = 500,000 VND for 2 SIM cards

Gardens by the Bay = 361,000 VND for 2 tickets

KLCC Aquarium = 445,000 VND for 2 tickets

Genting Highlands Tour = 530,000 VND for 2 people

Food + shopping = 1,500,000 VND

Transportation (MRT + Grab + Taxi) = 1,500,000 VND

Total: 10,530,000 VND for 2 people => 5,265,000 VND per person for 4 days and 3 nights

After reading this post, how many of you want to pack your bags and head to Singapore – Malaysia right away?

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