Are You A Wanderlost Soul?
2020 has been a weird and difficult year for many. According to a survey conducted by Klook, we discovered that individuals across the globe are experiencing 'The Wanderlost Syndrome', a collection of wanderlust withdrawal symptoms that affects happiness in terms of work, family, and relationships due to the lack of travel. In the survey that involved 15,323 individuals in 13 different countries including Malaysia, we have uncovered some interesting discoveries including findings that 84% of Malaysians express that they're experiencing romantic dry spells due to the travel restrictions, and 80% admit that they've been reminiscing their travel memories by looking at past travel photos.
Photo Credit: @_amirafarhanaa || 📍 Snake And Reptile Farm
Although the pandemic is still at large, we believe there are still ways to fuel your wanderlust despite the travel restrictions and all that's going on. As we bid goodbye to 2020 and step into a fresh year, check out our list of 13 fun things you can try doing (all around Malaysia!) to add more excitement and meaning to 2021. Happy New Year everyone!
Fun And Meaningful Things To Do In 2021
1. Take Time To Unplug From Work
Photo Credit: @victoriayinyin
Photo Credit: @msweiyee
Based on findings from Klook's 'The Wanderlost Syndrome' survey, 85% of Malaysian respondents admit that they find it difficult to unplug from work completely without the ability to travel further in 2020. If you've not had a proper break last year, it's not too late to be kinder to yourself in the new year.
Before it's safe to go on more adventurous explorations, how about booking yourself a city staycation instead? Relax, recharge, and treat yourself to some much-deserved me-time in 2021 - from charming boutique hotels to luxurious 5-star establishments with amazing city views, you may find it tough to pick one from our lists:
2. Explore Underrated Small Villages And Towns
Photo Credit: @keiraseah
Photo Credit: @atirayusoff_ || 📍 Tasik Biru Bukit Ibam Muadzam Shah
Think you've explored most of what Malaysia has to offer? Think again. While you may have been to cities like George Town and Ipoh multiple times, Malaysia is still full of underrated gems that deserve more limelight. Take time to explore the smaller towns and villages around Malaysia that are full of distinctive cultures, sights, good food, stunning scenery, and friendly people. Say yes to spontaneous weekend road trips and off-the-beaten-track adventures in 2021!
Check out some of our favourite small towns in Malaysia:
3. Plan Meaningful Weekends
Photo Credit: @ahmiiiii
If you feel like you haven't done much in 2020, it's time to change things up in 2021. While spending time in bed with Netflix on a lazy weekend afternoon sounds great, there's so much more you can do out there if you'd like to try new things.
Try bouldering or sweat it out at the ESCAPE CHALLENGE Park, sign up for a pottery class, go art jamming, or catch up with your loved ones over high tea with stunning views of the city skyline!
4. Spend More Time In Nature
Photo Credit: @amyygan
Photo Credit: @alyssaazlan
It's easy to feel overwhelmed while living in the concrete jungle and waking up to skyscrapers, annoying traffic, and crazy crowds every day. Give yourself the chance to reconnect with nature more in 2021, especially when you're starting to feel the need to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
From white water rafting to fishing, camping, and hiking, you'll be surprised how easy it actually is to get close to nature even if you stay in the city. Check out our list of outdoor nature activities and nature getaways that are located just under 2 hours from KL:
5. Support Local Businesses
2020 has been unkind to most local businesses. Make an effort to show small local businesses your love in the new year - you have no idea how much your support means to those struggling to stay afloat.
Get a few packs of nasi lemak from the roadside aunty when your cravings kick in, tapao from the fishball noodle stall you've eaten from since young, and shop for clothes, gifts, and anything you need from local businesses whenever you can. When the situation gets better, plan your #CutiCutiMalaysia adventures before flocking to board the next plane overseas!
6. Visit A State You've Never Been To
Photo Credit: @billybella28 || 📍 Terengganu Drawbridge
Photo Credit: @royterachi || 📍 Fauzi Nasi Kerabu
There are 13 states in Malaysia, how many have you been to? Plan a trip to a state you've never been to in 2021 and immerse yourself in the local culture while you're there. Eat nasi kerabu in Kelantan, trek through the National Parks in Sarawak, and taste the difference between Johor Laksa and Penang's asam laksa! Oh yeah, there's also Laksa Utara from Kedah, Nyonya Laksa which you can get in Melaka, Sarawak Laksa, and Laksam, a popular dish in Kelantan and Terengganu. *winks*
7. Spend More Time With Your Loved Ones
Photo Credit: @elvinalaiqa
Photo Credit: @jingshyuan_
Many of us have been forced to spend much time apart from people we love in 2020. In fact, a total of 95% of Malaysians in our survey revealed that they are unhappy with not being able to create experiences and memories through travel with friends and loved ones in 2020.
Make up for lost time in 2021 by planning fun trips or weekend outings! Here are some fun indoor and outdoor group activities that are perfect for team buildings or weekends with friends or family:
More team building ideas:
8. Rediscover KL
Photo credit: IG @jazelle.loo
Photo credit: IG @nabilazirus
We often think that grass is greener on the other side without realizing that beauty can sometimes be right under our nose. With international travel put on hold due to the pandemic, Malaysians are finally exploring more of our beautiful home than before. While we still can't travel abroad as of now, it's the perfect time to act tourist in our own city.
Eventhough you've lived in KL your whole life, have you gotten a bird's eye view of Kuala Lumpur from the top of KL Tower? Have you climbed the 272 colourful steps of Batu Caves, gone on a city tour on a Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus, or stood in the middle of the Merdeka Square? If you feel like there's still a lot you haven't seen in KL, make time to rediscover the city you call home in 2021.
9. Head To The Theme Parks
Theme parks used to be full of happy visitors, laughter, and joy, except in 2020, when many were forced to be closed for months due to the pandemic. For those who've missed the adrenaline rush you get when you get on a roller coaster, it's time to show the theme parks in Malaysia some love and support in the new year!
Revisit some of your favourite theme parks or plan a visit to the ones you've never been to before. Scream your lungs out, splash around, and just focus on having some fun. Make sure you adhere to the SOP put in place to have a safe and fun visit.
10. Volunteer
Photo Credit: @hanamasduki
Photo Credit: @panda_peiee
If you're committed to being a kinder, better person in the new year, volunteering is a great way to start. With the world turned upside down due to the pandemic, there are a lot of communities out there in need of a bit of love, support, and help. Identify a cause that you're passionate about, and look for volunteer opportunities available for you.
Volunteer at the zoo or an animal shelter near you if you're an animal lover, sign up to volunteer at a soup kitchen and help distribute meals to those in need, find out what the old folks' home in your neighbourhood needs, help build houses for underprivileged communities, teach English to refugee children, help pick up plastic and trash from the beaches - the opportunities are limitless!
11. Head To The Beach
Photo Credit: @laptopvagabonds
Photo Credit: @yiyachua
Missing the ocean breeze and soft sand after being cooped up indoors for most of 2020? Head to the beach for some much-needed Vitamin D in 2021! #KlookTip: Steer away from the crowds and head to the more secluded sandy shores instead. There are also many underrated islands in Malaysia that remain under the radar of tourists - you may even get the whole stretch of beach to yourself if you pick your beach getaway destination carefully.
12. Get A Diving License
Photo Credits: IG @wayne_wayne23
Ever dreamt of exploring the diverse underwater world and swimming alongside brilliantly-coloured fishes, sea turtles, beautiful corals, and even sharks? Diving is on many people's bucket list, and if you've always wanted to get your diving license yet have been procrastinating for the longest time, it's time to check it off your list in 2021!
With an amazing list of beautiful islands across the country, Malaysia is a great place to get your diving license. In fact, you can even opt to complete most of your course in Kuala Lumpur before heading off to finish up the rest of your certificate completion at an island of your choice! Check out our complete guide to getting your PADI Diving License in Malaysia:
13. Do Something That Scares You
Photo Credit: @cherrydawn2501
Ever heard of the quote "do one thing every day that scares you"? The rationale behind the quote is that through every fearful experience, you'll gain the strength, courage, and confidence to conquer something even bigger next. New years are for trying new things and stepping out of your comfort zone, even if it may scare you!
Take a leap of faith from the bungee jump platform at Sunway Lagoon, dive with sharks at Aquaria KLCC, go skydiving in Langkawi, or do a Skywalk at the top of George Town's tallest building. The terror is real when you're conquering your fears, but the exhilaration you'll experience during and after will make it worth it.
Let Us Help You Soothe Your Wanderlost Syndrome
Photo Credits: @serene.cy
Say goodbye to feeling Wanderlost in 2021 with Klook! Keep an eye out for travel inspiration and great savings for you to fuel your wanderlust without burning a hole in your pocket. Check out our list of ongoing promos and deals here:
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