Trip to the border - illegal or legal

Malaysia have 4 neighbours which we shared  border lines.

a. singapore - we have maritime border zone at our south states - Johor
There are two border crossings which are physical structures across the Straits of Johor, namely the Johor-Singapore Causeway and the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link (known officially as Tuas Second Link in Singapore, Linkedua in Malaysia). Besides the two road crossings, there is also a sea crossing between Pengerang in Johor and Changi in Singapore.

b. Thailand - Four Malaysian states shared the border. They are (from west to east) Perlis,Kedah, Perak and Kelantan. The four Thai provinces which abut the border are (again from west to east) are Satun, Songkhla, Yala and Narathiwat.

The following list names the Malaysian town/immigration post followed the Thai town or post.

• Wang Kelian/Perlis - Wang Prachan/Satun Province
• Padang Besar/Perlis - Padang Besar/Songkhla Province
• Bukit Kayu Hitam/Kedah - Ban Dan Nok/Sadao District/Songkhla Province
• Pengkalan Hulu/Perak (previously known as Keroh) - Betong/Yala Province
• Bukit Bunga/Jeli/Kelantan - Ban Buketa/Waeng District/Narathiwat Province
• Rantau Panjang/Kelantan - Su-ngai Kolok District/Narathiwat Province
• Durian Burung/from Kuala Nerang, Kedah - Ban Prakob/Na Thawi/Songkhla Province

c.  Brunei - Brunei and sarawak shared total length of the land border of 481.3 km.

The following are major border crossings into Sarawak, Malaysia, with the Malaysian border town/checkpoint in brackets:

Sungai Tujoh/Sungai Tujuh

Main road boundary crossing between Kuala Belait and Miri, Sarawak

Kuala Lurah/Tedungan

Main road crossing between Bandar Seri Begawan and Limbang, Sarawak

Puni/Pandaruan

Main road crossing between Temburong and Limbang. Previously the crossing had to be done by vehicular ferry across the Pandaruan River. However, a Malaysia-Brunei Friendship Bridge had been constructed and opened to vehicular traffic on 8 December 2013.

Labu/Mengkalap

Main crossing between Temburong and Lawas

d. Malaysia - Indonesia - The land boundary has a length of 2,019.5 km and stretches from Tanjung Datu at the northwestern corner of Borneo, through the highlands of the Borneo hinterland, to the Gulf of Sebatik and the Celebes Sea in the eastern side of the island. The boundary separates the Indonesian provinces of North Kalimantan, East Kalimantan and West Kalimantan, and the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak.

so among the overseas trip i make before i can afford a real overseas trip, are illegal cross border trip to foreign country. hahahaha in this case.. Thailand.
From Kelantan, malaysia - thailand are connected by bridge at Rantau panjang, separate by river called Sungai Golok , Golok River.

I used to cross the river at 12 midnight to go to the other side : Thailand
Actually people in Kelantan used 'sampan' to cross the river to Golok. From there , they will go to Yala, Narathiwat and Tak Bai. This mean was a norm, not without a knowledge of Police, Immigration or custom officer but its become a tradition.
for me , its damn exciting to do that just for fun and visit night market in Golok. 

Same goes when u in Padang Besar and Bukit Kayu Hitam, the tendency to look at other side are very high and you willing to do that for an hour trip with motorcycle. 

Most people who stay within the borders normally still have relatives at the other side. Through them we can 'be smuggle' for good intention ! Only in Malaysia !
As long as no harm intention.

So my visit to thailand , was via illegal border crossing, by sampan in 1980'. i still can feel the excitement... the adventures..

My first passport - Passport Terhad Singapore

1979 followed school trip to Singapore and my mum's trip with women association of Kg Nakhoda by bus.

Our departure in Midnight and arrive Tambak Johor at 5 am for passport check up . we have to walk about 1.05 km from Johor points to woodlands singapore point.

My mum's trip always related to shopping and her business trip. I will be her bag carrier with small wages to buy chocolate, fruits and laici.

School trip were very exciting, 1-2 school busses and 50 pupils from SM Selayang Baru. I will pose the photo later.

I dont remember the name of the places we visited, but must be theme park because i remembered we rode roller coaster, swing, merry go round and few more. (Sentosa park)
We stay at the school hostel .

that was 13 years old me. First overseas trip was Singapore.

10 Reasons Why Traveling Makes You A Better Person by Scott Percelay

If you have the opportunity to pack your bags and go, do it. 

Go alone if you have to.

Don’t do it for vacation. 

Don’t do it for luxury. 

Do it because it will make you a better person

1. Learning to be alone.

Have lunch with yourself. Sit with your thoughts and be okay with them, whatever they are. Love yourself whole-heartedly, especially in times of solitude. And when you think you can’t sit alone any longer, order coffee and a dessert

2. Relying on the kindness of strangers.

Foreignness does not prevent random acts of kindness. Accept them. Give them. Appreciate them.

3. Learning to live with less.

This does not mean claiming hardship. Let this manifest in small ways. Recognize your fortunes. Be humbled.

4. Learning that plans change and you will have to adapt.

Itineraries are guidelines, not rigid measurements of experience. The best experiences are often not scheduled or anticipated. Expect the unexpected and learn to love it.

5. Enjoying the moment.

Forget the missed bus and enjoy the culture that can be experienced in one hour waiting at a bus stop. Stay in the present.

6. Forces you out of your comfort zone.

Practice speaking that language you learned. Try the cow tongue. Make new friends.

7. Learning to be patient.

Don’t rush through the museum. Don’t rush through your meal. Don’t bounce your leg up and down or roll your eyes. Don’t yell at anyone for reading the map wrong and getting lost. Don’t worry, you’ll get there.

8. Learning you can’t assume. 

Try looking at things a different way. Ask questions. Let this open up a new realm of thought and possibility.

9. Missing home.

Appreciate family, friends, and loved ones. Appreciate the comfort of mundane routines. Find a new found respect for the life you often wish to escape.

10. Goodbye is not forever, life has endless possibilities. 

Family becomes more than just blood. Never say goodbye to the people you meet and the places you see. Cherish the new families and homes you’ve gained. Keep in touch and look back with fond memories from time to time.

Moscow and St Peterberg 15 May 2008

Travel Tips 5.

5. Most important you read a lot about the destination you are about to go. Find the information via travel blogs, forum, and friends. Join the group online such as malaysia backpackers, travel buddy and ladies group. Find out where to sleep, where to buy souvenirs , where to get information and assistance . Get all the important number of malaysian embassies, Military attache, TDC and etc.

6. Book your accommodation at Youth hostel or BB (more expansive). This is because they have kitchen facilities so that you can cook. If you dont mind you can always share a dormitory and that really save a lot of money.

7. Discipline . This also very costly if you don't have one.
When you travel to the places that have 4 seasons, be aware of their sunrise and sunset timing. You may want to watch the sunrise and sunset which mean sometimes u have to wake up at 4 am. Example Nepal, NZ, Swiss , austria And scandinavian countries.  If you late , u miss the magical scenery.
This also must be calculate with u have to cook yr breakfast, lunch pack, washing and check out at early morning.

Be punctual so you wont miss the train.

Be early so you wont waste the time if you already pay for the ticket. Make full use of the time.

If you going to cold places, you can also opt for buying second hand jacket from: friends, group, bundle . Anyway u only going to use it for 1-2 times.

i have  lots of jacket, u can always borrow from me. But it was very old fashion and not fashionable at all.

8. For ladies traveller.
Dont be afraid but be careful.

Put all your money in separate places. Shoes, bra, pockets, small beg, between shirts etc. Never ever ever bring handbag.(unless you are jet setter traveller)

I've lost 3 begs. (money) London, amsterdam and madrid.
They were good. You wont realized their hand taking yr begs.

Used credit card are the best way.

#Travel only with confidence.
#travel with less style - be ugly, be dirty and comot. ( especially in Italy, Madrid, Amsterdam,east europe) they aiming the stylo and look rich tourist. ( errrkkk ...i am not okayyy! just being inlucky)
#go places that lots of tourist in right time. Dont go alone during odd time.
#learn local language. (just to express yourself) i.e help, please, i want rice.. i m hungry (hehehhe)
#always be in group
#keep small change a lot, when paying use it (look poor)

ok... i think thats for all

happy travelling

How to travel cheap - Tips 4

This is going to be the last post about the tips. I am going to post my experience during my journeys and adventures travelling some countries.

So herewith, some of the tips for travelling cheap : Now Anyone can Travel !

4. Plan your trip in advance, so you can have the following cost cheaper:
   
a. Air fare - by travelling with low-cost airlines , you need to plan your     destination in advance. i did in 1 year in advance. How?
       
        (1) during the air-fare sales campaign, standby with your few                 gadgets, laptop, ipad, smartphones and few extra hands will be               helpful.
         Stay awake the whole night, try to get the best date for your                  desire destination.  Yes , you have to try few time and fast. As                example : Krabi - May 2016 - type day by day till u get the                      advertise price : RM29 which normally during weekdays. so u can            try departure Thursday and return on Sunday/ monday. You can              save your leave for 2 days .

     b. Get your friends to join you ;min 3 max 4 if your want to share accommodation and transportations expanses. Be ensure that they were same head frequency , to avoid unnecessary stress during your holiday.

    c. Plan your trip itinerary carefully.
Based on trip advisor, forum and lots of blogger informations. Its really helpful , so you don't waste your time going to popular but not worth to visit, in terms of time, money and interest . For example, for those who like to visit museum, make sure u know what type of museum there are. some only exhibit "patong" or statue, mural and art, for example Myanmar.. i visited 2-3 museum all the same ; BUDDHA statue and history. Plan where to go and how to go. Some ticket are cheaper when you buy online and early and by group. If you want to travel by car, prepare to do international license, read about the rules and type of car , either left or right side of road , etc.

      d. Plan your finance - travelling  can be costly and many unexpected expanses. for example, if you plan to go to NZ, you may think autumn is less cold season, but dont under estimate, always check their daily temperature. so you need to prepare extra money to buy glove, fleece, before or during your stay. when you decide where to go (as para c), prepare to purchase ticket online by credit card, and some you have to pay on site. cost of accomodation, buy tru AGODA, booking.com which offer free cancellation. Stay as near the city as possible to avoid transportation cost during your trip but if too expansive stay outskirt but near to bus station.

     e. Prepare your halal food in pack.
As muslim , some place are difficult to find halal food or kosher food. bring maggi, Brahim, rendang paste, asam pedas and serunding will be helpful. But check the visiting country , some are very strict and not allowing you bring loose food. Buy the proper packaging and show them that Halal logo.

     f. Medicine - bring some pills and tiger balm or minyak cap kapak.
its really comforting when u have this with you. also supllement pills, calcium since u need to walk a lot. ( ages factor)

 sorry got to go. will continue tomorrow.

Tips 3 - How to travel cheap

After left your school,  university time are the transaction between childhood and adulthood. Most of us already gain freedom from parents to travel with university mate and under university programs.
Take advantage of it, because some of us will (or too) quick to enter marriage life. Obviously very rare that the couple got the chance to travel  since the wedding expanses will haunt both of you and later  having babies make travel seems to be more expansive.

You can join organization to fight  for civil liberties and human rights.
 Or do your interests run more to anime or kayak fishing? 
Wherever your passions lie, you’re sure to find a match among universities' hundreds of  organizations, fraternities and sororities,leadership programs and other groups.

• Academic/Professional
• Activities Funding Board
• Event Leadership
  • Council of Ethnic Organizations
  • Frontier Fiesta
  • Homecoming
• Greek
• Leadership
• Student Government Association
• Student Video Network
• Volunteering

You also can search the student organization database for even more types of groups, such as

• Hobby/Recreation
• Honors
• International/Ethnic
• Political/Social Action
• Religious/Spiritual

which every group will organized a trip to execute their activities. Please join and enjoy your trip as bachelor.

Go join hiking, mount climbing, marathon, charity and give free tuition . You will be surprise how this character building through real life experience will make u better employee. Make u better person and later better leader.

Some  of Charity event which i exposed my children 

“The world is a book and those who do not 

travel  read only one page.” 

― Augustine of Hippo

How to travel cheap - Tips 2

Always... always make friends.
Never..... Never make enemy

While you in school , during school activities or university exchange program, take advantages of your friendship: for a good reason - right purpose.
While you travel , you can always drop by to meet your friends at their places. Of course being Malaysian they will offer you a place to sleep.

For student from boarding school, you are most lucky if you know how to take care of your friends.

As a local Kuala Lumpur girl, i am a host to a lots of my hostel mate, which came from all over the country. And my mum, who is an angel then, always invite them to our home during weekends and short school holiday. At one time , my house would accommodate to 10 peoples and everyone enjoyed the company of each other at home.

So during my travel time, i have no problem to find a shelter for 1 day or 2. In fact, my adventures during my study time was very minimal cost. almost only for bus fare. and the bus should be "bus berhenti-henti" not express bus. its cheaper and more fun because u can stop any where u want.

And of course you have relatives and cousins. Always visit them during school holidays, and bring something from home. (not only salam)
This is more fun, beside you taking care of family relationship, you also learn about family history, like how your father and mother met, and how they courting in their younger days.

To travel locally, a maps, pencil and note book are must bring items.
Take note of your family history too.

Oh ya...camera.. cheapest possible. (worry to lose  it)

This is my late grandmother's sister . She stayed in Kota Bahru. During school holiday in 1970s, i will visit her and stay at her house. From there i met all her grandchildren, my cousins and we were very close until now.
If you have 4 grand aunt, and each have 8 grandchildren, imagine how many blood friends you actually have. and believe me, this networking are really close knit.

Some of my friends here are from same hostel with me 30 yrs ago. they are very familiar with my house. Now we shared almost same ages children and taking care of each other children so that where ever our children goes, we know someone we trust can look after them .

Appreciate your friends, take care of them, one day someone will take care your children. Thats KARMA - GOOD KARMA

enjoy your friendship

how to travel cheap : Tips 1

first we must thanks #Air_Asia. Travel Life is much better with them in the industry. Holiday mood through out the year. At the moment my momentum is 3 or 4 break a year. I missed the NZ trip when AA decided to terminate  their route to NZ. They compensate with South East Asia countries as alternative which mostly i have covered geographically.

I started travel from my primary school. with bicycle i ventures all kampong in Gombak area, Kuala Lumpur and selayang baru and lama.
All waterfall, river and Lombong (tin mine lake) were my favourite destination. from 10-15 years old , 10 friends always follow me, we TRAVEL frequently on the two wheel.

By 17 years old, i have travel the whole Peninsular Malaysia, by road and train. How? the tricks and tips i will share with my reader.

#Tip 1

Always be an active student in school or University.

Sport
Play all the games you need to play, the chances you to represent your school at least 1 games. Participate in training, friendly matches, talent camp and tournament. My Every school holiday always full with sporting activities. My first trip to penang was "Hockey Penang Open Tournament" and followed by all MSSM, SUKMA and Open and 7 aside events.

Penang 1981-82

By the time you are 17 yrs old, at least you will cover 3-4 states in Malaysia.

School Association
Join Uniform Co-curriculum like Scout, Girl Guide, St John, Police Cadet and other academic association in School. This will bring you out from school and expose you to learn about survival .

Volunteer Team
When you are in University / College the chances for you to participate in charity event are very high because  volunteer are very much needed .
Join and always ready to be assigned to tragedy area.

My last community service activities were during #BanjirMalaysia2014 or #malaysiaflood2014 to Jerantut .

We visited Kg Sentosa Pulau AIr Tawau, Kg Feri, kg Durian daun, kg Taman Ria . This places are so outskirt , which you go there if you were not from there. Tragedy bring us there, and we were very touched not by how bad were the damages but by humble and strong faith by the people there. TRAVEL can teach you many things, HUMANITY is one of those.

Jerantut 10 January 2015