On a magical boat ride

About 3 years ago today, I embarked on my first ever backpacking trip. This was one experience I still remember ever so clearly and will never forget!

It was raining. We got on a local boat to a secluded place. This tiny boat was the only way the locals used to transport raw food and groceries. These seamen looked like regular housewives and normal men. Little did we knew that this innocent looking boat wasn't so innocent after all... 20 mins into the open ocean, the boat suddenly stopped. These seamen started smoking. However, it smelled different; not the typical cigarette smell. Within just a few minutes, the whole boat was engulfed with smoke. We were the only foreigners, seated right in the middle of the enclosed boat, in the middle of the ocean. Trapped!! 

Once they were done and all seemed so weirdly happy, we continued our journey.

Unfortunately, things got even worse! About 5 mins in, something from the engine somehow broke apart!
It was so hilarious looking at how these seamen attempted to repair the engine. They stumbled, tripped, slipped. Some even fell into the sea. Everyone was laughing and there was absolutely no signs of panic. HAHA!

After awhile, the boat somehow got partially repaired and we managed to land safely. All still smiling...  #adventuresofyanparker #yanparkertravellogue

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Knowledge. Cultures. Diversity

I often hear people ask me, "Why do you go to Country X? What's there? It's so boring." Every time I venture overseas, I often come back tired. So tired I usually take MC the following day just to sleep in. 

My purpose of backpacking/travelling is to open my eyes to other cultures, beliefs and practices, their way of life and its simplicity. And most importantly, to appreciate the good life we have in Singapore, Alhamdulillah. Every place has something new to offer no matter how 'boring' it seems to be. These are experiences we can't find here in Singapore and these experiences are ever so invaluable.

 "Travel for the sake of knowledge. Pursuing knowledge is ibadah." 📷: @_aniq_

#adventuresofyanparker#yanparkertravellogue #rgn2k15

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Circle train? Circular train??

Probably the most colourful train ride I've ever taken. The 3hr ride costs 20cents and it showed me the diversity of the Burmese people and how they go about their daily lives. In this picture, the guy in green/sarong beside me was openly promoting (complete with pull up posters) his tongkat ali and some pills of which I'm clueless of. Probably I should use his style to promote my cycling tights too. Lai lai!! ✌

😂 #adventuresofyanparker #rgn2k15#yanparkertravellogue

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On Foot!

On our typical adventures overseas, we usually clocked about 20km on foot daily exploring the areas, finding halal food, learning different cultures, and also errr.... getting lost! Maps, GPS, motivation and big sets of balls are essential tools to ensure we do not get extra mileage on our foot. Haha 📷:@_aniq_

#adventuresofyanparker#yanparkertravellogue #southeastasiantour#coolkids #rgn2k15

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Rangoon City

After trekking volcanoes at Mt Bromo and Ijen, we're back to exploring cities and off beaten paths. Visiting Rangoon City was an eye opener to say the least. I never thought Myanmar had a multi racial society as well. 

To me, the laws created are comparable to Singapore's. Muslim food are super easy to come by. There are plenty of Indians. It is a super safe city. Everyone was very welcoming and friendly. Many of the men wore tattoos. Heck, even Singapore itself is a brand!! And so so much more... 

I wouldn't have known all these if I didn't have the opportunity to visit Myanmar. Alhamdulillah.

#adventuresofyanparker #coolkids#yanparkertravellogue#southeastasiantour #goal2015

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Dreams - Introspeksi 2015

I had sleepless nights prior to last Friday. I kept on dreaming that I was backstage doing my job. Some were nightmares. Some were very pleasant. Guess that happens when I'm fully focused on achieving my lifelong dreams.

Many of you know me as this sports person who love travelling. Its well documented. Not even my closest ones know that there's this part of me which is into the artistic scene as well. Throughout my life, performing was a thing. From being part of an classical ensemble to rock band to kompang and nasyid. Even video making, silat, angklung and dikir barat as well.

I love watching plays. I was gutted not to be part of Gentarasa 2015 due to my work n school schedule. However, Allah swt presented me with the opportunity to fulfill my lifelong dreams. One of my many bucket lists; to actively be part of a theatrical production.

My heartfelt gratitude goes out to those who made this possible most importantly, @simcms as a whole. They provided me this opportunity to fulfill my dreams.

Thank you.
Bucketlists  no 10✅

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Sulphur gases of Ijen

This is probably one of the things I will never attempt again. Climbing down to the sulphur pits of Ijen and dancing with super hot sulphuric gases. Oh. The emerald yellow liquid you see is molten sulphur. Yep. It was super hot. After taking this pic, I can't breathe well; I was choking. My eyes were red and teary. My body felt uncomfortable. 

For a moment, I thought I was transforming into a real-life mutant. A superhero.

#adventuresofyanparker #coolkids#yanparkertravellogue #ijen

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