An Enchanting Journey Through Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand

As Vijaya Dashami of 2081 approached, I felt a restlessness stirring within me—a slight unease that I couldn't quite place. Seeking clarity, I visited Dr. Ashish, my regular consultant. He suggested that a trip to a new place, perhaps even abroad, might uplift my spirits.

Given the floods and landslides affecting our country, traveling within Nepal wasn't feasible. After discussing with my family, we decided to explore new horizons by visiting Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand through a package offered by Guru Travels in Kathmandu.

According to the travel agency's plan, we departed from Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport on October 14, 2024, at 8:55 PM aboard Batik Air flight OD 0181, heading to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Our flight landed twenty minutes earlier than scheduled at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, which was impressively vast. Navigating through the grand airport took us about half an hour to reach immigration. After clearing immigration and getting our passports stamped, we collected our luggage and stepped outside.

At the taxi stand, a friendly Chinese driver was waiting for us. He confirmed our identities by showing the photos we'd sent earlier. Once everything was settled, he drove us to our hotel—a journey of about 45 minutes. We arrived at the Citin Hotel in Masjid Jamek Square at 5:45 AM. Since we arrived early, we paid an additional 5,500 Nepali rupees for early check-in and settled into our room on the fifth floor, room number 504. We freshened up, had breakfast provided by the hotel at 7 AM, and rested for about two and a half hours due to the fatigue from our overnight journey.

At 10 AM, a taxi picked us up from the hotel and dropped us at Times Square. There, our travel agent grouped us with other tourists for a half-day city tour. As we began our exploration, we were greeted by a light rain—a common occurrence in Malaysia, especially during October, November, and December. While waiting for our tour bus, a security guard from Dhading district in Nepal kindly offered us three umbrellas. When we tried to pay him, he politely refused. His gesture warmed our hearts.

Our tour included the old royal palace, which reminded me of the ancient palaces in Kathmandu's Basantapur and Bhaktapur. We visited a traditional chocolate factory where many tourists bought locally produced chocolates; I purchased some as well. We then proceeded to a museum and finally arrived at the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. Numerous photographers with iPhones were ready to capture perfect shots of tourists with the towers in the background. We paid 5 Malaysian Ringgit to a photographer who took individual photos of each of us.

The 102-story Petronas Twin Towers, built in 1997, have an 88-story section connected by a skybridge. Looking up from the base, the tops of the towers seemed to touch the clouds. Malaysia appeared to be a land of towering skyscrapers, with most hotels reaching for the sky. I realized that the Malaysia I had imagined was quite different from the reality. In January 2024, Malaysia inaugurated the world's second-tallest building, the Merdeka Tower, standing at 678.9 meters. Visible from our hotel, this building surpassed all others except Dubai's Burj Khalifa.

Our first day in Kuala Lumpur concluded amidst the drizzle. We returned to our hotel around 6:30 PM and had a simple meal of lentils, bread, and vegetables at a nearby Punjabi restaurant. Despite going to bed at 9:30 PM, I couldn't sleep. Thoughts of the towering structures built with the hard work and sweat of Nepalese workers filled my mind.

The next morning, at 9:30 AM, we headed back to Times Square and from there to the famous

Batu Caves, a revered South Indian temple. Nestled within a hill, the temple dedicated to Lord Kartikeya was awe-inspiring. Devotees, mainly from Tamil Nadu, India,

 performed special prayers there. Climbing the stairs to the cave temple, I couldn't help but think of the natural caves in our own country. If only we promoted them, Nepal could be recognized for its natural wealth. Again, the realization of Nepalese labor contributing to foreign landmarks stirred emotions within me.

After visiting Batu Caves, we proceeded to Genting Highlands to experience the cable car. Established around 1975 by Chinese businessman Lim Goh Tong and later modernized in 1997, the cable car ride offered breathtaking views. Located about 51 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur, Genting Highlands also boasts the world's largest five-star hotel. The complex featured multiple underground floors, entertainment options, and throngs of people. We spent about two hours there before returning to Times Square and then to our hotel by 6:30 PM. That night was our last in Malaysia.

The following morning, after breakfast at 7 AM, we departed from the hotel at 9:30 AM to journey to Singapore. After our two-day exploration of Malaysia on October 15 and 16, we headed to Singapore on October 17. At Times Square,

we met a security guard from Khotang district in Nepal, who told us that nearly 70 Nepalese work as security personnel in the 45-story building.

Our bus to Singapore, scheduled for 10:30 AM, arrived around 11 AM. My husband, sister, and I settled in for the journey. The route was lined with palm oil and rubber plantations, and the smooth roads were a stark contrast to those back home. We made a stop for lunch at Johor Bahru, where we met more Nepalese workers. After lunch, we proceeded to the Malaysia-Singapore border.

Crossing the border involved exiting Malaysia's immigration process at Johor Bahru and then entering Singapore's immigration. Once formalities were completed, our bus took us over the sea bridge connecting the two countries and dropped us at Golden Mile Tower in Singapore. A local taxi then brought us to the J8 Hotel on Townshend Road. The famous Little India market was just a ten-minute walk from our hotel.

After settling in, we visited Little India, where we were warmly welcomed at the historic Arya Samaj Temple on Syed Alwi Road by

preacher Kamalakant Bahuguna. Founded in 1927, the temple has a rich history and was even visited by India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, in 1937. The temple is preparing to celebrate its centenary in 2027.

We explored the Mustafa Centre, a well-known shopping destination, where we purchased some items. Feeling safe and comfortable, we returned to our hotel around 10 PM. Singapore felt exceptionally secure, especially for women.

The next day, after breakfast, we visited the Singapore Flyer, a giant Ferris wheel offering panoramic views of the city.

The sight of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel—a trio of 57-story buildings topped with a structure resembling a ship—was particularly striking. Completed in 2010, the hotel features a rooftop infinity pool and offers stunning views, especially at night.

We also visited the Merlion Park, home to the iconic Merlion statue with

water streaming from Lion its mouth. While it was smaller than I had imagined, it was still a delightful experience. We strolled through the Chinatown market, where many tourists bought chocolates and souvenirs.

At noon, we received tickets to Sentosa Island via cable car. The 15-minute ride offered scenic views, and the island itself was a haven of entertainment and relaxation. With various attractions and free transportation within the island, it was easy to spend hours there. After about three hours, we returned to Little India, did some more shopping, and headed back to our hotel.

Singapore's strict laws contribute to its cleanliness and safety. Littering can result in a fine of 300 Singapore dollars. The country is especially safe for women; inappropriate behavior towards women can lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment.

After two enriching days in Singapore, we checked out of our hotel at 12:30 PM and headed to Changi International Airport. The airport, surrounded by lush greenery, boasts four terminals and runways. After completing check-in and immigration formalities, we awaited our flight to Bangkok.

Our Thai Airways flight TG 414 departed at 3:30 PM local time, covering the 876-mile distance to Bangkok in about two hours and twenty-five minutes. The flight experienced some turbulence over the South China Sea, but we arrived safely at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport around 5:30 PM. After clearing immigration, we met our agent from Wat Thai Company, who drove us directly to Pattaya. We arrived at the La Verne Hotel after a one-and-a-half-hour journey and settled in for the night.

The next morning at breakfast, we met Nepalese waiters from Burma (Myanmar). Due to internal conflicts in their country,

many Nepalese from Burma seek employment in neighboring Thailand, which doesn't require them to have a visa.

At around 10 AM, we headed to the famous Coral Island. Thailand capitalizes on its beautiful sea to offer various water sports and activities, attracting numerous tourists. A 12-minute speedboat ride from Pattaya took us to the island, bustling with visitors, mainly from China and India, with a few from Nepal as well.

After spending two nights in Pattaya, we returned to Bangkok on October 20. Along the way, our guide showed us the

 Golden Buddha and Marble Buddha temples.

We checked into the Princeton Hotel around 2 PM.

Our last day in Bangkok was reserved for shopping. After breakfast, we visited the nearby Platinum Market and Indra Square, where we bought T-shirts, money bags, and chocolates. We returned to the hotel by 2 PM to pack for our departure.

Our flight from Bangkok to Kathmandu was scheduled for 10:15 AM the next day. To reach the airport three hours early, we woke up at 4 AM, checked out of the hotel by 5:30 AM, and left for

Suvarnabhumi International Airport. After completing the necessary procedures, we boarded Thai Airways flight TG 319, which took off fifteen minutes later than scheduled. The flight covered the 1,383-mile distance to Kathmandu in about three and a half hours.

Reflecting on our ten-day journey through Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, I was filled with a mix of emotions. Thailand, though slightly less modern and a bit untidy compared to the other countries, has successfully attracted tourists. Agriculture, salt production from Sea water, fishing, industries, trade, and even the adult entertainment industry contribute to its economy. While the mention of the sex industry might seem unpleasant, it has, in some ways, reduced incidents of sexual violence and provided livelihoods for many.

Thailand holds its monarchy in high esteem, with grand images of the king and royal family displayed prominently throughout the city. It is also home to some of the world's largest and most golden Buddhist temples.

Conclusion

Our journey was more than a mere vacation; it was an eye-opening experience that broadened our horizons. Witnessing the blend of tradition and modernity in these countries, seeing the contributions of Nepalese people abroad, and exploring new cultures filled me with inspiration and gratitude. The world is vast and varied, and there's so much to learn and appreciate beyond our familiar surroundings. This trip reminded me of the shared humanity that connects us all, regardless of borders. I returned home with cherished memories, a rejuvenated spirit, and a heart full of stories to share—a journey that will inspire me for years to come.

Ganga Devi Upreti / गंगा देवी उप्रेती ।
guprety2010@gmail.com