Conclusion by Website Kang
The purpose of putting an effort to write this copy of ebook is to record what we had experienced and it could be a guide for our
own future adventure and also for those who might be interested to follow in our foot steps.
The whole expedition was a complete success with cost effectiveness, it was a case of " you do it now or you never do it at all". We
did enjoy our trip very much. " backpacking " is just a way of travelling that you have to combine your imagination and adventuring spirit. It requires good common sense, good planning, and perhaps a little bit of
luck. You see what you want to see, completely fee from the hassle of a commercial tour guide.
You are also forced to do some homework,like reading the " Lonely Planet " to decide what you really want. You need a certain standard of
language proficiency, and in the case of UK trip, English is important. A knowledge to access internet is a plus, though you could
use phone. Credit card is a " must ". " Don't leave home without it " is quite true!
1. Advices for the would be backpackers:-
1.1. You need to be physically fit, otherwise, it will be a burden to yourself as well as your team mates.
2. A checklist before you go:-
2.1. A pair of fork and spoon
3. Cost
For the currency exchange rate of 1 Sterling Pound to 7 ringgits.
3.1 Air ticket to London ( with return ) MAS 747 including airport tax = RM 1800 ( purchased in Matta fair 4 months ahead )
3.2
Accommodation of 20 days= Rm 2300
3.3
Food for 20 days = Rm 1000
3.4
Internal transport, air plane, ferry, coach, bus, and tube = Rm 1000
3.5
Miscellaneous = Rm 900
3.6
Total = Rm 7000
It is worthy for that kind of money to cover the 20 days trip in Uk. The accommodation fulfilled the basic need. Most hostels
were clean and had all the basic facility. Do not think that only young people stay in youth hostels, we met others
like retired government officers, lecturers,
and a tea plantation owner from India in the same hostels too. I have no complaint about the food
as I put on 3 - 4 kg after the trip and did not suffer from any stomach upset. The public transport system
is excellent. Having a Master backpacker Wong Sing Sung with us was definitely an advantage as we managed to cut corners to
economise and avoided many unnecessary mistakes or inconvenience.
I will consider backpacking to some other places in the near future.
1.2. But, if you have any minor ailment, like hypertension, diabetics or stomach ulcer be sure you bring along your medicine from your home doctor.
Pack your medicine in 2 or 3 packs in different bags so that when one is lost, there is a back up as the medicine purchased overseas may not be suitable .
1.3. Don't leave home without buying a travelling insurance which must cover hospitalisation and loss of luggages.
1.4. Get a minimum of two credit cards, put in different places so that there is a back up if one is lost. This is good for booking
accommodation.
1.5. Plan ahead, it saves you lots of trouble and money.
1.6. Bring some cash and travelling cheques and hide them in different places, e.g. money belt, wallet. A debit card is useful,
but we did not have it in our case as we were too old fashion to handle that kind of thing.
1.7. Bring more money than what you think you should bring as you may want to upgrade your level of requirement if needed. We
want value for our ringgit, but we need not to accept sub-standard accommodation and food.
1.8. And pack less thing in your bag than what you think you should bring as most of us packed unnecessarily 100% more except Sing Sung.
1.9. Get a membership of the International Youth Hostel at home as it is cheaper in view of the currency exchange rate.
1.10. In booking accommodation, preference shall be given as from YMCA, International Youth Hostel then to independent hostel.
1.11. Photostat your passport and put in a different bag. In case you lose your passport, you have the particulars to report. Look after your passport well like part of your body.
1.12. Keep a list of important telephone numbers, like credit card co, your bank, next of kins etc.
1.13. For Uk trip, it is good enough to carry a main bag with rollers, or with travelling trolley and a small backpack to carry sundries. It proves to be more convenient,
less tiring, less hurting of back and shoulders. size of bag: 10"x18"x 12" should be desirable so as you could put it
inside an average locker.
2.2. Nail clipper
2.3. Digital camera with 128 mb or more memory, and rechargeable batteries
2.4. Credit cards, travelling cheques, and cash
2.5. A pair of slipper and socks (2x)
2.6. Foldable umbrella
2.7. Cap
2.8. pen, small alarm clock/watch
2.9. passport & air ticket
2.10. Backpack or sling bag
2.11. Trolley bag
2.12. Sun glasses
2.13. Pad locks ( 2 or 3 )
2.14. Photo copies of documents
2.15. Dental fross
2.16. Pillow case
2.17. Sleeping bag, thinnest type, not so bulky
2.18. Neck support
2.19. Short pant (1x)
2.20. Handkerchief (4x)
2.21. List of contact numbers
2.22. Music player
2.23. Youth Hostel card
2.24. Passport photos (6x)
2.25. Compass
2.26. Plastic bags
2.27. Dry food, Maggie mee, biscuits
2.28. T shirts (3x), a jumper ( sweater )
2.29. Shorts (2x)
2.30. Windbreaker (1x)
2.31. Long pants (2x), jean type
2.32. Underwear (3x)
Please note: try to choose thin material for all clothings, for ease to wash and dry.
2.33. Tooth brush, tooth paste, soap
2.34. Towel ( thin type, easy to dry) 1x and a sarong
2.35. Soap powder( small pack ) 1x
2.36. Personal Medicine kit,- your usual Antibiotic, anti-diarrhoea pill, Panadol, aspirin for headache/fever, Antihistamine,
elastic-wrap bandage, Dehydration salt balancing body salts and water. Dehydration caused by dysentery can be serious.