Leaving Langkawi: A Journey of Timing, Mistakes, and Gratitude
Hello from Langkawi, on November 18th.
Today was the day I finally left the island. Yesterday, while walking near the hotel, I discovered a stylish terrace space I hadnāt noticed before. I promised myself I would use it next time I return.
With that thought in mind, I set off for the ferry.
The Early Start
The ferryās departure was scheduled for around 9:30 in the morning, but I left my hotel at 7:30. Itās a habit I canāt seem to shakeāthis instinct, as a Japanese person, to always arrive early and prepare in advance.
Ten minutes later, I was already at the ferry terminal. Cycling around an island like Langkawi allows for a much slower pace, but this time, I had to move quickly. As I stood at the pier, I promised myself that if I ever come back, Iāll give myself more time to explore at leisure. Thatās the only way to truly enjoy and understand Langkawi.
The Ticket Counter
To travel to Alor Setar, tickets must be purchased at the counter labeled āKuala Kedah.ā Passports are required for this step, so I showed mine and paid the fee.
Afterward, I moved toward the domestic ferry boarding gate. With some time left before departure, I opened my computer and began working. But then I noticed something unsettling in the distanceāa sign that read: No Bicycle.
My heart sank. Did this mean I had to disassemble and bag my bicycle? I hurried to confirm, and yes, it was true. Boarding with a bike required it to be packed into a carry bag.
The problem? Boarding was in only 15 minutes.
A Race Against Time
In a rush, I started dismantling the bike and preparing it for transport. My travel bag was too small, a mistake that made everything more complicated. I realized my error: the larger bag I once owned, I had given away to a young cyclist I met during my first bicycle trip in Vietnam.
It was a rookie mistake not to prepare properly. Still, I had no choice but to adapt. In just minutes, I managed to stuff the bike into the undersized bag, holding it together with straps and determination.
I was in such a rush that even my camera couldnāt focus properly when I tried to take a picture. Somehow, I made it just in time.
But when I finally boarded the ferry, I realized there had been no need to rush at allāthe departure was delayed by 20 minutes. The relief was overwhelming.
Small Acts of Kindness
As I stood there, sweating and exhausted, the ferry staff noticed my struggle. āThat looks heavy,ā one of them said, and they stepped forward to help me carry my luggage.
Moments like this are priceless. They remind me how much small acts of kindness mean when youāre traveling alone. I felt deeply grateful for their helpāit turned what could have been a stressful experience into a memory of generosity.
Arrival in Alor Setar
After the ferry ride, I finally arrived at Alor Setar. But my work wasnāt finished yet. The bicycle had to be reassembled.
This part is always a challenge, but also a strange kind of joy. Unlike when flying, I didnāt have to worry about deflating the tires or following strict airline rules. I simply focused on reattaching the parts, tightening bolts, and making sure everything worked.
Fifteen minutes later, the bike was standing again, complete. Another ten minutes, and my bags were packed, ready for the road.
With a deep breath, I set off once moreāthis time into the streets of Alor Setar, ready to discover what the city would show me.
