It all ends here. We traveled nonstop (with one bus change) from Bangkok to Kuala lumpur, a 21-hour trip. We stayed at Parham’s place for two nights, and mostly spent our time indoors. We were weary. I was missing home and I can’t wait to see my mom. I haven’t seen her for eight months, or maybe longer than that.
This six-week Southeast Asia backpack trip (around 6 countries) will definitely be a big chunk of our memories. We have trekked treacherous jungle trails, sauntered along crowded and pristine beaches, eaten countless bowls of mee goreng and nasi goreng, washed laundry in every guesthouse we stayed in (I brought Surf powder), devised our own Asian sign language, been bitten by bedbugs, ripped off by a Burmese mob, been familiarized with different 7-11 goods of each Asian country, ridden numerous buses (and other modes of Asian transport), and met an eclectic mix of interesting backpackers and Asian locals.
We spent P49,773.425 each for everything, including four plane trips. I have documented all of our expenses – even toilet admissions: Malaysia 20 sen, Indonesia 2,000 Rp, Thailand 5 THB, Singapore 10 cents. We were ridiculously frugal. A lot of times we shared one meal (I also brought instant noodles and a small portable stove with pan), and we once walked three hours just to save up on 100 THB each for a taxi ride. We would take overnight bus rides to save up on accommodation. If we arrive in the wee hours of the morning, we would wait for public transport no matter how long so we need not take a cab.
It was definitely no leisure trip, but we enjoyed it to bits. We’re poorer today but we’d definitely do it all over again!
