06/03/2026

FRIDAY | MAR 6, 2026

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LYFE

S OLO travel is no longer just a cool Instagram hashtag. It is a movement, reflecting a broader shift towards more independent and purpose-driven journeys. In fact, according to the 2024 Solo Female Travel Trends and Statistics report, women now account for 70% of hotel website visits worldwide, underscoring their growing influence in travel planning and booking decisions. Closer to home, Southeast Asian women are saying “yes” to solo adventures more than ever – 2.6 times more in 2022 alone! In conjunction with International Women’s Day this Sunday, RedBus is highlighting five solo-friendly destinations, making it easier for Malaysian women to take that first step – whether through a gentle domestic escape or a cross border adventure. Ipoh, Perak Nearest bus stop: Amanjaya Bus Terminal – 12km away If the thought of travelling alone makes your heart race, let Ipoh be your “soft launch”. Ipoh is like that cozy friend who never lets you down. Think pastel streets, nostalgic murals and vintage nooks waiting for you to explore. Solo date activity: Book a window seat on a bus to Ipoh and head straight for a “heritage cafe crawl.” Uncover Ipoh’s best kept coffee secrets, including Kedai Kopi Nam Heong, where authentic white coffee makes for a simple yet indulgent solo ritual. Once you have had your caffeine fix, take a short stroll to the Yasmin at Kong Heng Museum. Spend an hour journalling there. It is a low-pressure way to enjoy your own thoughts and company amid the echoes of the past. Kuala Lumpur Nearest bus terminal: Bus Terminal Bersepadu Selatan – 13km away Sometimes, the best getaway is right in our own backyard. For the city girl who wants to see the capital through a fresh lens, KL offers a surprisingly deep well of culture – if you know where to look. With the 2026 “Stamp Hunting” craze, the city’s public transport system has been transformed into a giant, rewarding scavenger hunt. Solo date activity: Hop on the LRT or MRT and start “stamp

Celebrating yourself yourself o Five solo-friendly getaways Malaysians can take this International Women’s Day

Tea plantation in Cameron Highlands is a scenic location for those who prefer quiet travel.

Cameron Highlands and Mossy Forest Half-Day Tour directly, allowing you to sit back while a local guide takes you into the heart of moss-choked forest that was ranked fifth place in the Lonely Planet’s List of Most Instagrammable Forests in the World. The tour also stops at the famous Boh Tea Centre (Sungei Palas Garden), where you can visit the tea plantation factory and shop. After soaking in the views, continue your solo date by indulging in the sweet flavour of freshly picked strawberries and delicious desserts at a local strawberry farm – the reward after a morning of exploration. It is a seamless way to enjoy the highlands while staying in your “main character” energy. Johor Bahru, Malaysia to Batam, Indonesia Ready to take your solo status across the border? The route from Berjaya Waterfront (Johor Bahru) to Batam Centre is an easy international travel. In under two hours, you can swap the Malaysian skyline for a vibrant Indonesian island experience. Solo date activity: Secure your ferry ticket and head to Batam for a dedicated “Self-Care Day”. Upon arrival at Batam Centre, walk over to the nearby Mega Mall for a budget friendly but luxurious spa session. Indulge in a traditional Indonesian cream bath or a full-body massage before treating yourself to a fresh seafood lunch by the water. You will be back in Johor Bahru by dinner, with a new stamp in your passport and the undeniable glow of

Cameron Highlands offer the ultimate sanctuary. It is the spot to “unplug” and let nature do the talking. The cool air and rolling green hills of the tea plantations provide a natural backdrop for reflection and rejuvenation. Solo date activity: If the idea of navigating mountain roads alone feels daunting, leave the planning tension behind and opt for a curated experience. You can book a

hunting.” Collect artistic stamps from Central Market, RexKL and The Zhongshan Building. Feel accomplished, creative and like the only adult who actually loves a scavenger hunt. Cameron Highlands, Pahang Nearest bus terminal: Tanah Rata Bus Terminal – 5km away When the city noise becomes a dull roar, the misty peaks of

a confident solo international traveller. Langkawi, Malaysia to Koh Lipe, Thailand For the woman who wants to truly “get away”, the journey from Kuah Jetty in Langkawi to Bundhaya Beach in Koh Lipe, Thailand, is nothing short of magical. This is the “advanced” solo date, a transition from the familiar shores of Malaysia to the crystal-clear “Maldives of Thailand.” Solo date activity: Upon arriving at the Bundhaya Beach ferry terminal, check in at your chalet, and start your afternoon by heading to a beachfront cafe for a fresh coconut. As the day winds down, the calm and shallow waters here are ideal for a solo dip or a quick snorkeling session right off the beach. Afterward, head to the nearby Walking Street to browse through stalls of handmade jewelry and various local Thai cuisines. End your day at a beachfront bar with your toes in the sand, watching a fire dance performance as you realise you navigated an international sea border and a different time zone all on your own. Your adventure, your terms Solo travel is not just a trip. It is proof you can write your own story, sip your own coffee and make your own memories – all without waiting for anyone else. Whether it is a nostalgic afternoon in Ipoh or a sunset in Koh Lipe, your seat is waiting. Where will you take yourself first?

Central Market in Kuala Lumpur is for those who love a little bit of culture and shopping. – ALL PICS FROM 123RF