Solo travel is no longer just a cool Instagram hashtag; it’s a movement, reflecting a broader shift toward 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, redBus highlights five solo-friendly destinations that make it easier for Malaysian women to take that first step, whether through a gentle domestic escape or a cross-border adventure.
Ipoh, Perak
If the thought of travelling alone makes your heart race, let Ipoh be your first solo trip. Ipoh is like that cosy friend who never lets you down. Think pastel streets, nostalgic murals, and vintage nooks waiting for you to explore.
Book a window seat on a bus to Ipoh and head straight for a heritage cafe crawl. With the redBus Food Map in hand, you’ll 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’ve had your caffeine fix, take a short stroll to the Yasmin at Kong Heng Museum. Spend an hour journaling there – it’s a low-pressure way to enjoy your own thoughts and company amidst the echoes of the past.
Nearest bus stop: Amanjaya Bus Terminal ~12km away
Kuala Lumpur
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 this year’s “stamp hunting” craze, the city’s public transport system has been transformed into a giant, rewarding scavenger hunt.
Hop on the LRT or MRT and start “stamp hunting”. Be creative and collect artistic stamps from Central Market, REXKL, and The Zhongshan Building.
Nearest bus terminal: Bus Terminal Bersepadu Selatan ~13km away
Cameron Highlands, Pahang
When the city noise becomes a dull roar, the misty peaks of Cameron Highlands offer the ultimate sanctuary. It’s the perfect 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.
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 Cameron Highlands and Mossy Forest half-day tour directly through redBus, allowing you to sit back while a local guide takes you into the heart of the moss-choked forest.
The tour also stops at the famous BOH Tea Centre at 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.
Nearest bus terminal: Tanah Rata Bus Terminal ~5km away
Johor Bahru, Malaysia to Batam, Indonesia
Ready to take your solo status across the border? The route from Berjaya Waterfront in 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.
Secure your ferry ticket on redBus 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 yet 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.
Langkawi, Malaysia to Koh Lipe, Thailand
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.
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 perfect for a solo dip or a quick snorkelling session right off the beach. Afterward, head to the nearby Walking Street to browse through stalls of handmade jewellery and various local Thai cuisines. End your day at a beachfront bar with your toes in the sand and watching a fire dance performance.
Ready to claim your first (or next) solo adventure? Head over to redBus to book your bus or ferry tickets and use the code REDBUS60 to enjoy a 30% instant discount up to RM10 and 30% cashback up to RM18 on all tickets.
