Category: Stories

My buddy, a plush tiger, sitting on the hotel bed.

My Memorable Hong Kong Quarantine

Sonia October 22, 2021 18 Comments
As soon as my check-in is over, I feel an incredible relief. I know that leaving Malaysia gets real now and I'm yet another step closer to starting afresh in a new country. All the pent up tension starts to slowly dissolve in the excitement of flying towards new beginnings. Fresh blood pumps into my veins and I can barely stand the weight. But there's one more obstacle on my way to freedom - the...

Enemy in Tioman aka Don’t Believe All Strangers Who Act Like Friends

Sonia September 20, 2020 28 Comments
The minute I set my foot on the island, I'm in awe. Lush greenery, steamy jungle anywhere you look, friendly vibe in the air and pristine sea. 'This is a paradise,' I tell myself. The ride from Tekek village to Juara only accentuates my impressions. Ejoy, the manager of the resort and a very nice guy, skillfully manoeuvres his 4x4 through the hilly terrain, serpentines, and narrow paths. 'This...

Phu Quoc Bicycle Frenzy

Sonia May 21, 2020 20 Comments
  My time on the island is limited and so far I have only seen dirty beach. But I am resolved to do better than that. So, I start frantic search online. It looks bad as reviews of supposedly pristine beaches contain dozens of negative comments on dirt, rubbish and murky waters. ‘Seems there won’t be any beach then,’ I tell myself disappointingly when Google suddenly shows me something...

Cebu Complot aka Worst Tour Ever

Sonia April 3, 2020 7 Comments
I have been in Cebu for a day already and I'm not impressed. It’s so uneasy on the eye, unwelcoming, unalluring, unattractive, unappealing and plenty of other ‘uns’. It’s just gritty. Now before coming to Cebu, I’d seen out of this world photos and advertisements about island hopping, diving and other sea activities in the area. So I have logically created an assumption - you can’t...

How I got scammed in Bangkok – Part 2

Sonia October 13, 2019 18 Comments
Part 2 The next day I decide to do the same routine. Go to the same crossroads, ask the same man and take another 20-baht ride. This time though, since I have learnt my lesson, I will be smart about it and negotiate. I will have the guy take me to places I want to, and maybe some shopping places if necessary, just for the sake of it. Naïve me! Yes, in hindsight I must admit there was nothing...

How I got scammed in Bangkok  – Part 1

Sonia October 6, 2019 4 Comments
Part 1   So I am in Bangkok. The first morning I wake up 6ish, surprisingly. My hotel being at a stone’s throw from all the Bangkok buzz, I spent the whole night roaming around Khao San Road just to soak the atmosphere up. Resolved to profit from the early rising and explore the city to its core, I set off right after delicious breakfast. When I reach the first crossroads, suddenly...