Kng’s journey to Machu Picchu is an adventure in itself. — KNG PEI HAN
In celebration of International Women’s Day today, we shine a light on the journeys of two adventurous Malaysian solo female travellers.
For Kng Pei Han, 30, incorporating adventure and outdoor activities into her solo holidays is a must. Since she started travelling on her own about a decade ago, Kng has visited more than 45 countries around the world, and plans to do more.
One of her wildest endeavours was a “budget-friendly” expedition to Machu Picchu in Peru. This included taking a van to the popular hydroelectric power plant, Hidroelectrica, trekking 11km to Aguas Calientes, and then climbing up the historical Incan landmark.
Kng has travelled to over 45 countries around the world and visited many famous landmarks, like the Rainbow Mountainin Peru. — KNG PEI HAN
She also conquered the Rainbow Mountain while in Peru, which proved to be a demanding trek. The mountain’s altitude of 5,200m above sea level made the journey “torturous”.
“Every step felt like a struggle,” she said.
To make matters worse, Kng was struck by altitude sickness halfway through the trek. “There were moments I genuinely thought I wouldn’t make it, but somehow, I pushed through.”
On top of her three-month adventure in South America, Kng has also gone on a month-long trip that covered five countries in South-East Asia.
However, for those who wish to embark on their own solo travel, she recommends “starting small”, choosing destinations that are easy to navigate. She says that this can help build your confidence in exploring unfamiliar areas at your own pace, while minimising the chances of getting lost.
Kng also advises new solo travellers to do their own research on the intended destinations before their trip. For example, when she planned her way through the Colombian capital, Bogota, Kng made sure that she researched the area thoroughly.
“I took necessary precautions before going ahead with my plans,” she said in an interview, adding that travellers should also be aware of the local customs.
Kng also runs ultra marathons.
Self-discovery and her desire to explore the world on her own terms were what inspired her to travel solo.
Whether it is scaling a rugged mountain trail or wandering the streets of a new city, for her, adventure is about “embracing the unknown” – with an open heart and an eager mind – and breaking free from the familiar.
“It has shaped my approach to challenges, both personally and professionally,” she said.
What made Kng’s journey of exploration even more exciting was the people she met along the way.
“A strong support network can greatly empower women who want to ‘chase’ their adventures,” she shared, adding that one should not underestimate the power of connecting with solo travellers on social media, as “... they often share their experiences and useful travel tips that can enrich your own adventures.”
To make her travels more interesting these days, Kng has also started to include running into her itinerary, and even joined marathons, some of which took place overseas. Her latest marathon took place in Sekinchan, Selangor, where she completed her very first ultra marathon, covering 100km.
According to her, the race was nothing short of gruelling, pushing her limits for nearly 13 hours. “This was my first time running for such a long distance,” she shared.
She joined the ultra marathon to prove to herself that she can shatter both physical and mental barriers. This has also fuelled her passion for solo adventuring even more.
“Running helped me clear my mind, to stay disciplined,” she said, adding that running marathons is now one of her favourite ways to discover new places.
Among other races that she participated in were the 2023 Taipei Marathon, 2024 Bali Marathon, and Sydney Marathon.
There are many good spots in New Zealand for hiking, according to Zahirah. — Photos: ZAHIRAH YASMIN
Adventure-filled life
Avid hiker Zahirah Yasmin, 27, fell in love with nature at a young age and has since climbed various mountains and camped in many parts of the world.
She typically embarks on her mountainous pursuits alone, preferring multi-day hikes. For instance, Zahirah has scaled Mount Rinjani, the second highest active volcano in Indonesia, where she spent three nights sleeping in the forest.
Other highlands Zahirah explored were in India’s Kashmir, the famous Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal, and Fiordland in New Zealand, where she studied. It was also during this time that Zahirah began her solo adventures, especially in the wild.
“Hiking is a good activity for students on a budget,” said Zahirah, who funded her travels by taking on part-time jobs on weekends back then.
Hiking solo means you have to set up your own tent and cook your own meals, Zahirah says.
One of her favourite hiking spots is in New Zealand – Milford Sound in the Fiordland National Park.
“I pitched my own tent, cooked my own food, all while accompanied by the peaceful surroundings,” she said, adding that she has hiked there on several occasions.
The beautiful mountainscape as well as the diverse collection of flora and fauna make the journey all the more rewarding.
“You will not encounter animal predators or venomous creatures in New Zealand, instead the real danger lies in the weather: It can shift dramatically from a sunny day to gnarly winds and freezing temperatures.”
Zahirah advises travellers to check the weather conditions of the place they are planning to go to, so that they can pack the right clothes and gear. For example, in a place like the Fiordland, Zahirah said that one would need to bring a personal locator beacon, a device used to alert search and rescue teams of your whereabouts, in case you get lost.
Solo travelling goes beyond merely exploring a destination – it provides great learning opportunities too. “I’ve gained countless important lessons, and more significantly, I’ve learned to maintain a positive outlook on my surroundings.
“It doesn’t matter how others perceive me, what truly counts is how I see myself and the love I have for who I am,” she proudly said.
Positive outlook
Zahirah’s parents were initially sceptical about her lifestyle, as she travels at least once every few months. However, despite their concerns, they have always encouraged her to pursue her dreams.
As for Kng, she said that her mother has been really supportive of her decisions. “She travelled extensively in her younger days but was later restricted by traditional expectations after becoming a parent. Hence, she always encourages me to chase what I love,” she explained.
However, Kng still has to deal with detractors who criticise her for her frequent travels and for going on these trips alone. “Some of my relatives who are quite conservative believe I should focus more on family,” Kng revealed.
The common misconception about women travelling on their own is that it poses too great a danger. Kng said, “This mindset is often held by the older generation. ... I believe in challenging this misbelief by showing through my experiences that women are just as capable of exploring the world solo.”
Of course, one needs to always be wary of one’s surroundings when travelling on your own, and taking all necessary precautions is very important.
“I’ve been questioned about safety and independence. While the risks exist, just like in any other situation, taking the right precautions can make solo travel very safe.
“Regardless where you are, you must always be vigilant. If something feels amiss, do not hesitate to trust your instincts and get out of the situation as quickly as you are able to,” Kng advised.
She emphasised the importance of having a list of emergency contacts who are easily accessible, and to always let people you trust know where you are. Whether you need to reach out to a loved one or alert local authorities, being prepared can provide a peace of mind.
Having heard other travellers’ distressing experiences, Zahirah advises other women to act decisively when faced with worrying situations. For instance, immediately seek help from the public or local authorities.
Zahirah in Sri Lanka. — ZAHIRAH YASMIN
“Be assertive and if possible, move to a safer area. Depending on the gravity of the situation, consider filing a police report.
“Your safety should always comes first. Share your location with friends or family so they know where you are,” Zahirah emphasised.
Using reliable transportation like verified ride share services or female-driver options can also increase safety, Kng said.
When it comes to accommodation, she recommends picking places with more good reviews than bad ones, “preferably in central areas”.
Always plan ahead and organise your itinerary, Kng explained. Doing so is not only vital for a rewarding (and safe) travel experience but it can also help stretch your budget. At the same time, have a backup plan as a safeguard against unforeseen problems. Carry a spare credit card for emergencies, for example, so you don’t have to rely on strangers.
Solo travel may not be for everyone, but it does leave one with lasting memories. Time to set out on your own solo journey.
