Crossing into Malaysia: A New Chapter on Langkawi Island
Hello, this is Hiro, cycling around the world.
November 16th began with a mixture of excitement and a little sadness. My tan lines had become so sharp they were almost embarrassing, but more than anything, today marked the end of my time in Thailand and the beginning of my journey in Malaysia.
Farewell to Thailand
Leaving meant saying goodbye to the host family I had spent so many precious days with. From morning until night, we shared laughter, meals, and simple daily life. These are the kinds of moments that become permanent treasures in memory. Parting was not easy. My heart was full of gratitude—for the warmth, the generosity, and the sense of family they gave me even far from home.
I set out toward Tammalang Bay, where I would catch the ferry. The road from Satun to Tammalang was surrounded by untouched nature. Riding my bicycle, I took one last deep breath of Thailand’s green landscapes. Mangroves stretched along the water, and if you looked carefully, you could sometimes spot monkeys moving among the branches.
In just an hour, I reached the ferry terminal, the place where Thailand would officially see me off.
Preparing for Departure
The process of leaving a country always comes with small tasks. First was purchasing my ferry ticket. Then I filled out the necessary departure form online, which took about ten minutes. My bicycle was parked beside the immigration counter, waiting patiently like a silent travel companion.
Next came the ritual of spending the last of my Thai baht. I found a smoothie stand nearby and ordered one final Thai smoothie. Sweet, refreshing, and full of nostalgia. When I counted the coins left in my hand afterward, there were about fifteen baht remaining. Somehow, it felt just right—like I had closed my time in Thailand neatly, without waste.
Finally, I exchanged yen for Malaysian ringgit—about 10,000 yen’s worth. Travelers bringing bicycles onto the ferry are required to pay 15 ringgit on arrival, so it was important to be ready.
Just then, a familiar face appeared—the man I had met yesterday at the museum. With a smile, he handed me green mandarins. They were a little sour, a refreshing taste to mark the end of my Thai journey. We chatted for about an hour until departure time came.
The Crossing
When it was time to board, I loaded my bicycle onto the ferry, securing it behind, and took my seat. My heart was heavy with farewell, but also filled with joy. Thailand, thank you—for every encounter, every taste, every road.
The ferry ride took about ninety minutes. By the time we approached Langkawi, the Malaysian flag came into view, bright and proud against the sea. At that moment, I felt the thrill of stepping into a new country—my fourth since beginning this journey.
Immigration took longer than expected, mostly because of the mountain of luggage I was carrying. But eventually, I set foot on Malaysian soil. A new chapter had begun.
First Impressions of Langkawi
Because of the time, camping wasn’t possible that night. I headed for a hotel instead, making sure to choose one with reliable Wi-Fi. At check-in, I was reminded of something I had forgotten: in Malaysia, foreigners must pay an additional tax when staying in hotels. It’s a small expense, but for a long-term traveler, it quickly adds up. In the end, I knew it meant I would be camping even more often during my stay—a thought that strangely excited me.
When I explored the area nearby, I immediately felt the tropical character of Langkawi. The island carried a strong sense of the south—lush, humid, alive. Monkeys were everywhere, more common than dogs, darting across roads and climbing trees. The mangroves stretched endlessly, thick and vibrant. Cycling through such scenery was pure joy.
A Night at the Food Stalls
As night came, I discovered a row of food stalls I hadn’t noticed earlier. The aroma of grilled food filled the air. I ordered skewered chicken, smoky and tender, followed by a dish I had never seen before—massive beef wrapped in eggs. The flavors were rich, different from Thailand, yet equally satisfying.
That night, sitting at the food stall with my plate of new flavors, I realized how exciting it was to be in a completely new country. The simple act of eating becomes an adventure when every dish is unfamiliar.
Tomorrow, I must decide—should I spend another night here in Langkawi, or head to Alor Setar on the mainland? For now, I let the question rest, enjoying the rhythm of island life under the night sky.
