How many of you have been on a backpacking trip alone? Let’s put it in another context. How many of you have ever thought of going on a backpacking trip alone? Now, will I see more hands raised? The thing is, going on a solo trip is more than meets the eye. Yes, it is not something you would get to do on a regular basis when you are of course studying or working full-time like what most of us living in hectic societies are doing. Sure enough, we do have various aspirations or desires to travel, be it to go shopping at Bangkok, some getaway at Bintan or Phuket, and so on. But how many of us have really thought of going on a backpacking trip alone?

Backpacking is different from your usual definition of a holiday travel. No, it is not about how you organised a graduation trip with your mates to Europe, or how you decided to go on a cruise with your loved one. More often than not, backpacking, as the literal meaning of the word suggests, involves a backpack – where you carry all your barang barang. Some pros of backpacking include budget travelling, where you look out for cheap budget backpacking inns or accommodation to stay in.

We met Yvonne Seah, a young girl at the tender age of 16, who has recently gone on a backpacking trip alone to the Cameron Highlands. Sure, location wise, it might not be too far off the radar, but considering her gender, age, and for the fact that she was doing this alone, I would say, we were pretty intrigued to know what made her do that!

Here’s our interview with Yvonne Seah, the girl who could now proudly call herself a backpacker.

1) So the trip was impromptu. Why the sudden decision to backpack?
I needed a weekend getaway as my commitments were climbing up till my head. Plus the last minute decision made it more fun for the trip.

2) Why did you choose to backpack at Cameron Highlands?
It's near for sure. And I haven't been there yet. Besides, I'm one who loves nature, so I went there for the jungle treks.

3) What’s one thing you missed most at Cameron Highlands?
When I was there, I had scones and tea every single day. Furthermore, I could't get enough of the fresh air every morning. It's really amazing to breathe in gulps of fresh air once I stepped out of the room. But most of all, I missed the company I had from the backpackers I met there at Father's Guest House. The weather could get really cold throughout the day especially early in the morning and during the night. Yet with their accompaniment and the laughter I had with the stories we exchanged, the warmth I received totally surpassed the chill.

4) What are some of the items you could never go without for a trip like this?
My journal. to keep track of my activities and most importantly, my feelings and emotions that were triggered throughout the journey. Basically, it was mainly reflection on my own thoughts with side notes on what I did for the day.

5) Embarking on a trip alone as a girl, did you have any fears or worries?
Of course. Was worried that I might get robbed. Hahaha... not so much of that actually. Just that a girl will definitely have more disadvantages travelling alone compared to a guy. We couldn't hitchhike or coachsurf that easily compared to our counterparts. We could get duped easily and even have the danger of meeting molesters and rapists. And we have to carry more clothes too. :P . Oh, on a side note, I was worried I couldn't come back in time for my cousin's wedding as you know the train station was ending its service on 30th june. One of the reasons why I went to backpack was also to take the train one last time. (:

6) What are some of the preparation one should do before going for a backpacking trip?
Do research!. Find out about local customs and cultures. Beware of the pickpocketing tricks. Exercise. Go trekking. Try trekking from MacRitchie to Bukit Timah hill. That should be more than enough for a place like Cameron. But it might not be if let say, you're going to places like Negara or Mt Ophir. Packing wise, minimal is best. Backpackers going on a long trip usually bring enough clothings for at most a week and wash them while on the trip. Know where's the embassy is. Know your bank's number. And it will be even better to know a few basic words of the language there!

7) Are there any other destinations you would wish to go backpacking?
A lot! To start with, Asia would be a first. Like Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia over a month. After which, China, Hongkong, New Zealand, and of course, Australia! I hope I would be able to save enough for a backpacking trip in Europe too!

8) If you were to go backpacking again and can only carry one of these items (mobile phone, laptop, newspaper), which one would it be? Why?
Mobile phone. I would be practical about this. My mobile phone, HTC Desire HD could be my phone, laptop and bring me news as most of the guesthouses or hostel have free wifi.

9) Three words to describe yourself?
Three words aren't enough! But if I have to choose, I am a dreamer. I am adventurous. And I am blessed!