October 28, 2011 at 12:27 pm
A traveller once said that what really makes a journey truly memorable was not where you went, but the people you meet and travel with. We learnt the truth of this statement during the Kembara Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia to Perak trip recently. We learnt that a grand palace filled with the finest finishings is nothing but a hollow meaningless artifice without the man who gifted it to his people as a museum; that a simple humble lunch turns into a joyous feast when affection and warmth are its main ingredients; and a simple media trip to Perak brings with it a trove of treasured memories just because of a bunch of complete strangers.
And so we would like to share some of those memories with you, our readers, in hopes that you will find them as special as how they are to us.
We will start with the people who actually made this trip possible – Gaya Travel Magazine. As the organisers of the Kembara Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia to Perak 2011, they were more than mere hosts, their dedication and effort were equally matched with their warmth and sincerity. Their energy was infectious, and their carefree personalities set the easy-going, happy-go-lucky atmosphere throughout the trip. Although young, this team performed professionally, handling every challenge that came along with a welcome smile and a cheery remark. If we seem like we’re singing praises of them, it’s not because we want to be invited for upcoming trips, but because they’re just such a fun bunch to be with. Especially Ed.
To be really honest, the most memorable part of the trip that everyone will NOT admit outright, was the fact that we loved being treated like royalty, thanks to Malaysia’s men in blue. This time around, we were accompanied by five dashing police officers from the Royal Malaysian Police. They made sure we were safe and, most importantly, that we got to our destinations on time. They may look stern, but they are actually very friendly, approachable and upright individuals. Thanks a lot, abang polis, because of you guys, we now know how VIPs feel when they travel. Trust us, that in itself, is a wonderful feeling.
At Kampung Beng, you will discover why the annual pilgrimage home known as balik kampung is something many Malaysians hold dear to their hearts. Here they wait, warm sincere smiling faces, waiting to greet complete strangers and welcome them into their homes. Willing to share everything they have, no matter how little or simple it may be, asking nothing in return except that we leave with fond memories of them and their village. Sememangnya syurga terletak di telepak kaki ibubapa – truly, paradise lies at the feet of our parents.
And what of Perak? The state is a beautiful place, surpassed only by the many lovely people who call it their home. The Tourism Malaysia, Perak Office welcomed us with open arms, and through them we realise that the best that Perak has to offer are its people, so many colourful and interesting personalities, and that they are what makes the state such a special place. Thank you, Puan Norshamshida, you and your staff made Perak so welcoming for all of us.
The best kind of journey you can ever take is one where you all begin as strangers and end as friends. With that we would like to end this little stroll down memory lane by sharing some of the fun times we had getting to know our fellow travellers, no longer strangers, but kindred spirits and sincere friends. It was great spending time with all of you, we hope you enjoyed it too!
To our readers, we hope that your journeys will be filled with as many great memories as ours.
To see some more photos of the trip, make your way to the photo album on Facebook here.
Tags: Kampung Beng, Kembara Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia Perak, Perak, Tourism Malaysia