Tips for Ladies Driving Solo in Malaysia

Done!! I have driven along all coastal roads of the Malay Peninsular. Done most internl roads as well.

There are advantages and disadvantages on driving solo in Malaysia. Malaysia is a small country with good road system and generally warm and helpful people. Even then, when driving alone for days, there are certain precautions and preparation to be made. Deep inside I am just as scared as anyone else with lots of questions in my mind especially the 'what ifs'. But...

1. I banish the 'what ifs' from my mind. I think of possible solutions. I armed myself with maps, travel books,  information from internet and other sources, contact numbers, addresses etc. I have a simple philosophy of life ' If things are to happen, it would happen even if you are in your own bed'. So what's the point of worrying. It's imperative to have positive mind and firm goal to achieve. Fear is an enemy, though it's good to have as a caution, but too much of it will cripple you from moving forward and doing what you want to do.
2. I plan my route and places of interest which I want to visit. Most times I take chances and detoured to places I found enticing but is always aware of my surroundings.
3. Before leaving, I send my car to Perodua for thorough checking, making sure my car is in tip-top condition for long travel.
4. Every time I see the petrol level has fallen to three quarter tank, I make sure to fill the tank full again. Thank God there are many petrol stations all over the country, no matter how remote the place is.
5. I SMS and update my whereabouts to my daughters and son regularly so that they know where I am and with whom. I also send  a few emails to my friends telling them what I am doing and where.
6. I refrain from bringing a lot of cash with me. Malaysia has good banks all over the country. I have an account in Bank Simpanan Nasional with small savings. BSN bank can be found everywhere in Malaysia even in small town. Credit cards and ATM are a must.
7. I stay in good hotels (4 or 5 star hotels) even though expensive, they provide safety.

A lone guest at Merantau Inn Kuala Abang

Merantau Inn has seen better days. In dire need of a facelift.

Beautiful place for visitors but so neglected.

I took chances in Kuala Abang in Terengganu recently, staying in a resort as a lone guest. Cheap but there was no security guard and the room door was flimsy. I was too tired to drive on and prayed for my safety. I vowed I would not do this again.
8. I made sure I stop driving at 3 pm and find a good hotel and rest.
9. Generally, Malaysians especially in east coast, are friendly and helpful but there is nothing wrong with being alert. Never let a man gets into the car in order to show you the way. Just ask verbally and find your way. Some time ago, my friend and I had an unpleasant experience in Kota Kinabalu when a man volunteered to show us the correct way to our destination. We let him get into the car at the back seat. When we were on the right bearing, he refused to get down until we pay him RM20.00 which was ridiculous. Finally, we offered RM5.00 and he got down. No, no, never do that again.
10. If possible, travel with GPS. It makes life easier. Some Malaysian signages are quite hopeless but sometimes GPS cannot be relied too especially if you have an old map installed.
11. I made sure I have a working torch light in my car all the time.
12. Even though I drive alone, I don't offer a ride to anybody to anywhere, nor do I take an offer from kind individual who wants to show me the way by tailing his car.
13. Generally, I don't stop at lonely places to take photos but I did it at the outskirt of Gua Musang recently. I shouldn't get down. Sometimes carelessness can cost you, so I must not do it again.
14. Instinct is God given. Listen to what your innerself says. If I don't feel comfortable to any suggestion during my travel, no matter how sincere it is, I always decline graciously.
15. Last but not least, as a Muslim I prayed for Allah's blessing before I drive on a journey and always remember to recite some verses from the Quran especially Ayatul-Khursi. Syukur Alhamdulillah, so far I have enjoyed Allah's blessing.
So, if I could drive solo in a foreign country, why couldn't I do it in my own country. If I can do it at this ripe age, anybobody can.