Why You Should Travel Alone At Least Once In Your Life

The first destination that I travelled alone was Yogyakarta, Indonesia. I still remember the first time my flight landed on Indonesia. The airport is called Adi Sumarmo International Airport. By the time my foot stepped on the airport, everything seemed to be so different to me. The people, the Malay accent, currency and bank notes, public transportation, letter on the signboard and almost everything were totally different. I was damn scared especially when the locals found out that I am a foreigner. Some of them might take advantage of you and cheat on you about the price, but some of them might help you and treat you like a best friend. Hehehe

I have learnt a lot from my solo backpacking experience to few countries such as Indonesia, Myanmar, and China. I felt like I'm the only one survivor in the jungle. I did everything by own. Renew visa, booking flight ticket, make a room reservation, rent a bicycle, ride a motorbike, finding halal food, read the map, learn local language and communicate with the locals and so on......

Frankly speaking, travelling alone could be troublesome if you do not take precaution steps. It's been my third time I travelled alone, so far I found myself easily adapt with different environment. So, I think travelling alone is not bad as I ever thought before. I could be so fun , challenging and exciting. It really makes me want to travel more and more. My journey of thousand miles was actually began with single steps.....

Finally, I already reached my goals in 2013 which is........ travel to 5 countries in a year! Thank you God for giving me such an amazing energy to travel to 5 countries non-stop.

What really inspired me to travel is actually the people. And I hope one day I could inspire other people to travel more. Indeed, it was such a wonderful experience by travelling alone. Therefore, I would like to share with you guys this article (from thoughtcatalog.com), why you should travel alone at least once in your life :

1. You will meet amazing people.

While traveling with friends or a significant other can be a lot of fun, traveling solo for a certain amount of time can prove to be one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do because of the great people you’ll meet.

When we travel with friends or a partner, we tend to stick to that little group of familiar faces and even though you’ll meet new people, the dynamics and interactions won’t be as deep and fulfilling. While you’re on your own on the road, you’re much more eager to meet travel buddies, team up with other travelers and generally reach out more in order to socialize.

2. The overwhelming sense of absolute freedom.

When you travel on your own and you start meeting people and making awesome friends, you’ll probably team up with travel buddies and end up expanding your travel plans. You’ll probably change your plans once you hear about that amazing waterfall, that incredible desert beach, the opportunity to bungee jump from a high bridge, or taste a special delicacy you’ll only find off the beaten track.

When you’re traveling, you’re open to change and you’ll welcome it with open arms. The great thing is that you don’t have to fit into a group’s agenda, give explanations or disappoint anyone, you can follow your rhythm, desires and move like the wind.

3. Traveling alone challenges your fears and insecurities

This is a big one, especially if it’s your first solo experience. I remember the first time I traveled when I was 18 and moved to London on my own for 3 months to be an au pair and live with a local family. I was terrified of the unknown, but if I would have surrendered to that fear, I would have never get to know the strong, courageous and adventurous side of me. I was scared, but I did it anyways and by the 3rd day, I was really proud of myself. From then on I never let fear stop me. 16 years and many adventures later, I still have a little voice inside my head, asking: “What if something goes wrong?” “What if you get into trouble?” This is normal and perfectly human; fear exists for our own protection and boosts our awareness. But we shouldn’t let it control our lives.

Safety can be a great comfort, but common sense is the key. Read and research a lot before you travel, check out hostel reviews, and research feedback from other travelers in forums and blogs. Respect the local culture and I guarantee you’ll be fine.

4. Fall in love.

Everyone wants to find their better half and much is said about failed relationships while on the road. It doesn’t have to be like that! We find love when we meet someone who shares our interests, dreams, and goals. While traveling solo you’ll meet so many people from all walks of life that falling in love might just happen. Whether it will be a great summer love or end up at the altar, no one knows, but there are many people out there with amazing stories.

If you already have a partner, this time away can boost your passion and once you’re back, you’ll appreciate each other’s company more.

5. You can take the time to nurture yourself.

If you have a stressful life back home, either studying hard or working too much, traveling on your own can be the time to take some time off and nurture yourself.

Whether you’re a backpacker traveling cheap or if the sky is the limit as far as your budget goes, you can use this time to pamper yourself. Indulge in rich and delicious local meals which will boost your energy and health, take long walks on the beach by sunrise, or get a massage. Do some yoga and relax a lot. Enjoy all the wonderful things you deserve, and understand that happiness is a birth right, not a privilege.

6. You’ll have a chance to recreate yourself and be who you want to be.

While traveling solo, you can leave your grumpy, tired old self behind and start to be a new you. Explore parts of your personality you are not very comfortable or familiar with. When on the road, you might be challenged by unexpected factors and be positively surprised how well you respond to them. Empower yourself by unleashing the wonderful, irresistible and intelligent person you are, but whom you’ve neglected in your everyday routine.

7. You can finally take time to leave everything else behind.

Just disconnect from the world for a while. Turn off your mobile, “forget” to check you emails for a few days… don’t think about the bills, the responsibilities, the duties and problems. Leave them behind.

Some of the most intense creative times or the ones where we find the solutions for all our problems are actually the moments when we disconnect and stop worrying. Have you ever tried to remember a name or a date and you just can’t spit it out, but after you quit trying it pops out? It’s the same for the rest of life. Sometimes our brains need to get rid of old thoughts in order to be able to create space for new ones, better ones. So just disconnect yourself from everything and you might be amazed by how fresh you’ll feel once you get back home

Mengembara secara solo ke Yunnan, China

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Asal Usul Bangsa Melayu

"Tak akan Melayu Hilang di Dunia?"

Anda semua mungkin familiar dengar perkataan "Tak Akan Melayu Hilang Di Dunia". Bila aku nak pergi solo backpacking trip ke Kunming bulan disember 2013 tak lama lagi ni, aku terdengar respon daripada budak office aku cakap bahawa ada bangsa melayu yang tinggal di Yunnan, China! Mengikut katanya , ada masyarakat  di kawasan sana yang pakai baju melayu sama macam Melayu kat Malaysia. Terdetik hati aku nak kaji serba sedikit pasal asal usul melayu. Yang paling aku excited baca ialah keturunan bangsa melayu juga berasal dari Nabi Ibrahim. Search google, aku terjumpa artikel ni. Artikel ini pernah post kat facebook  group Saya Sayang Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad .:-

Asal Usul Bangsa Melayu 

oleh HELMI AFFENDI

Kebanyakan para pengkaji sejarah pasti bersetuju dengan saya bahawa asal usul yang paling pangkal bangsa Melayu ialah daripada keturunan Nabi Ibrahim. Rekod sejarah mencatatkan bahawa Nabi Ibrahim pernah berkahwin untuk kali ketiga dengan seorang gadis misteri yang bernama Keturah.

Daripada keturunan Keturah ini, lahirnya bangsa Melayu. Ibu Attir dalam kitabnya Al-Kamil fi Al-Tarikh berkata umat Nusantara termasuk Melayu bersalasilah secara terus dengan Ibrahim melalui zuriatnya dengan Keturah ini. Ada juga sejarawan seperti Ibnu Yusof yang mengatakan bahawa nama Melayu itu datangnya dari Malai-Ur, nama sebuah Kerajaan Chaldea, kerajaan tempat asal usul Nabi Ibrahim.

Bagaimana orang Melayu boleh sampai di Nusantara? Terdapat teori yang menarik yang saya mahu kongsikan. Berdasarkan rekod Bani Israrel, dikatakan bahawa Nabi Ibrahim mengarahkan keturunan Keturah, Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak dan Shuah ke sebuah tanah yang dijanjikan tuhan di timur jauh, iaitu "Promising Land" yang dicari oleh yahudi pada hari ini.

Keturah masih didebatkan oleh sejarawan pada hari ini. Ada yang mengatakan bahawa terdapat kekeliruan para sejarawan menafsirkan tentang seorang isteri yang hidup bersama Nabi Ibrahim selepas kematian Siti Sarah. Mereka mengatakan bahawa Keturah itu sebenarnya Siti Hajar dan anak-anak Keturah itu bilangannya sama dengan anak Siti Hajar.

Daripada arahan Nabi Ibrahim, maka berangkatlah keturunan Keturah ini mengembara mencari tanah yang dikatakan. Pengembaraan yang panjang dialami oleh keturunan Keturah. Dalam perjalanan, mereka berasimilasi dengan bangsa-bangsa yang mereka temui dalam perjalanan.

Kerana itu, kita dapat menemui banyak jejak bangsa Melayu di merata dunia. Sejarawan yang menemui peninggalan bangsa Melayu di Yunnan, terus melabelkan bahawa orang Melayu berasal dari Yunnan padahal bahasa penduduk Yunnan bukannya dalam kategori Austronesia seperti mana bahasa Melayu itu sendiri.

Ada sejarawan yang menemui keris di dasar laut Jepun terus menidakkan teori dari Yunnan. Mereka mengatakan bahawa orang Melayu berasal dari suku asli penduduk kepulauan Jepun seperti suku Ainu. Namun, ada juga sejarawan yang menemui keris tanpa hulu ditemui di Russia pada tahun 1999 oleh para arkelogi.

Sesungguhnya, asal usul bangsa Melayu ini sangatlah rumit untuk dijejaki berbanding asal usul bangsa lain di dunia. Orang Melayu berpindah randah dari satu tempat ke tempat yang lain, meninggalkan jejak bangsa mereka di situ sehingga sukar dikenal pasti asal usul mereka. Selepas ditemui 'promising land' ini, mereka tidak lagi berpindah randah. Mereka kekal di situ buat selama-lamanya.

Hari ini, promising land itu dikenali dunia dengan pelbagai nama. Pernah dilabel sebagai "Semenanjung Emas" oleh orang Yunani. Srivijaya dan Melaka sekadar nama kerajaan hebat yang ditubuhkan oleh bangsa yang lahir dari keturunan Keturah ini.

Malayo-Polinesian Dan Austronesian (Rumpun Melayu)

Orang Melayu pada hari ini dikelaskan oleh para pengkaji dalam kumpulan Polinesian dan Austronesian. Dalam erti kata lain, istilah saintifik itu lebih kurang sama maksudnya dengan Rumpun Melayu. Serumpun maknanya berkongsi budaya dan bahasa. Orang Batak misalnya berbeza dengan orang Melayu tetapi masih serumpun.

Melayu terdiri daripada ratusan etnik seperti Sunda, Jawa, Bugis, Melayu Kedah, Melayu Kelantan, dan banyak lagi. Mereka berbeza etnik tetapi masih dalam rumpun yang sama. Sebab itu saya pening kepala dengan orang Indonesia. Acap kali dikatakan kita mencuri budaya mereka.

Saya mahu bertanya kepada rakan Indonesia kita, apakah kami orang Melayu di Semenanjung ini ialah bangsa asing yang tiba-tiba mencuri budaya kalian? Tidak! Kami berasal dari nenek moyang yang sama dengan kalian juga. Kita pernah sama-sama dahulu, sebelum dipisahkan oleh penjajah membina kerajaan-kerajaan hebat bangsa kita seperti Srivijaya, Melaka dan Majapahit.

Tetapi, kenapa kamu seakan-akan dirasuk menuduh adik beradik kalian sebagai MALING? Apa kamu ini dibutakan oleh media kalian sheingga tidak nampak perkaitan serumpun antara kita? Fahamkan bahawa budaya itu milik BANGSA bukannya NEGARA. Sebab itu orang India dan China dari negara mereka tidak pernah marah orang India dan Cina di Malaysia mengamalkan budaya mereka di Malaysia. Mereka faham sesuatu yang orang Indonesia tidak pernah MAHU FAHAM!

Dulu tiada BANGSA INDONESIA atau BANGSA MALAYSIA tetapi NUSANTARA atau RUMPUN MELAYU!

Sifat Bangsa Melayu

Orang Melayu ini mempunyai satu sifat yang masih diwarisi sehingga hari ini. Iaitu mereka mampu survive dalam lautan sejarah walaupun bangsa yang seusia dengan mereka sudah lama pupus seperti Bangsa Qibti yang membina Tamadun Mesir. Seperti bangsa Mayan, Aztec dan Olmec di Amerika Tengah.

Walaupun orang Melayu telah dijajah oleh banyak kuasa dunia, namun bangsa ini masih liat berdiri hari ini. Kenapa? Kerana orang Melayu suka berkerajaan. Kerana melalui kerajaan, orang Melayu akan survive dalam lipatan sejarah. Sebagai contoh, ketika Srivijaya jatuh, maka orang Melayu pantas mendirikan kerajaan Melaka.

Acap kali ada kerajaan Melayu yang tumbang, maka orang Melayu akan cepat-cepat menubuhkan kerajaan yang lain kerana sifat mereka yang suka berkerajaan. Sebab itu hari ini, kita dapat melihat bahawa orang Melayu mempunyai banyak raja sedangkan bangsa lain di dunia hanya mempunyai satu raja.

Hebat bukan?

Orang Melayu juga merupakan seorang pelaut yang hebat. Mereka suka mengembara dari satu tempat ke satu tempat yang lain membawa barangan dagangan. Kerana itu Asia Tenggara sehingga ke Kepulauan Pasifik kembali ke Madagascar digelar sebagai Benua Melayu oleh pengkaji.

Jejak bangsa Melayu boleh ditemui di sekitar kawasan itu. Di Madagascar, rumpun Melayu iaitu Malagasy walaupun bukan penduduk majoriti di situ namun merupakan pemerintah dan raja. Kerajaan-kerajaan yang didirikan oleh orang Melayu bersifat maritim.

Pernah dengar nama Awang Hitam aka Enrique? Dia ialah orang Melayu dan merupakan manusia pertama yang mengelilingi dunia, bukannya Magellan. Lautan bagi orang Melayu merupakan mainan sahaja.

Living in a fantasy life

Honestly, when I was a small kid I wish to be like Peterpan. I really want to keep playing and flying, don't want to grow up as an adult . As I grow older, I slowly realize that I'm no longer a kid.  But somehow, I can still live in the fantasy life and make kids happy and laughing by becoming a Santa clause.  Hehehehehehehe Have a great december everyone!