In this Journey with the Muslimah Solo Travelers series, Syifa ( @ItsAcipa  ) shared with us here Southeast Asia Solo Travel tales. Hear all about the different types of helmets and safety levels it gives you when in Southeast Asia, invaluable experiences in dealing with unpleasant situations like losing her purse, dealing with immigration when you’re on a flexible schedule (i.e. you have not yet bought a return trip back home), how to pack light as a Hijabi, deal with immigration when you’re on a flexible schedule, the allure of cross-cultural friendships from hostel life when solo traveling and sending postcards… From Thailand, to Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam, The Phillipines, and her hometown, Bandung Indonesia.. Syifa has a lot to share!

All the important know-how that can help Muslimah Solo Travelers to become savvier in their future trips in the Southeast Asian region.

As an Indonesian local who’s familiar with Bandung, a laid-back alternative to Jakarta, Syifa also shared the Muslim-friendly what and hows of the city, so you can experience Bandung to the fullest!

Activities MSTers can do post-trip:

1. Figure out what’s your souvenir to give for pen pals, friends or family.

Syifa loves postcard and its her way to keep in touch with her pen pals! Other souvenirs can be keychains, local figurines, etc

2. Have a backup plan even if you’re on flexible schedule!

You don’t want to be chosen at the immigration if they decide to do thorough check on whether you have onward tickets. Get travel insurance for worst case scenario. & remember to print out your proof of funds. Just in case!

3. Go for hostels that meet your comfort level / allow the opportunities for friendships!