Personal Essay

Escape To Penang: A Road Trip Travelogue To Fuel Your Wanderlust
Join our contributor Sue on a thrilling road trip to Penang and experience the adventure through her eyes.
Pho Real: How To Max Out A Holiday In Ho Chi Minh City For Under RM1,000
Footloose and fancy free on a last minute 4-day Ho Chi Minh City escape proves that small budgets and no planning can be a fun and exciting adventure! And all for just RM1,000 per person!
Chao Phraya: Exploring The Hot Spots Along Bangkok’s Mighty River
Rivers are commonly used for transportation and communications. David Bowden travels to the Thai capital, Bangkok, to explore the various sights and attractions along the mighty Chao Phraya River.
Travel Tales: How Marina Mahathir Spent Her Birthday In Labuan Bajo
Our founder, Marina Mahathir, spent her recent birthday in Indonesia's Labuan Bajo –– home to komodo dragons and other wildlife. Discover what she did during her time there.
Snapshots: Life As An Island Girl In Koh Lipe, Thailand
Pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, unforgettable views — Koh Lipe in Thailand is a tropical gem within reach.
Fabulous Forties: Why I Quit My Full-Time Job To Solo Travel
Our contributor, Meriza, reflects on the life-changing decision she made to quit a well-paying full-time job to solo travel in her mid-40s.
Father’s Day Thoughts: Travels With My Daughter
With Father’s Day approaching, David Bowden reflects on the immense impact travelling with his daughter has had on their relationship and her upbringing.
Koh Tao’s Hidden Gems: A Holiday Guide To Thailand’s Best-Kept Secret
Applying layers of sunscreen, David Bowden heads off on an adventure to the remote island of Koh Tao to discover a part of Thailand closer to paradise than its better-known neighbours.
The Rising Cost Of Post-Pandemic Travel: How Much Is Too Much?
Is there a limit on how much people are willing to spend on now-exorbitant post-pandemic travel? Our Editor mulls over it and comes to a surprising conclusion.
Breaking The Mold: The Joys And Challenges Of Being A Non-Traditional Mum
In this op-ed piece, our Sub-Editor discusses the positive aspects and difficulties of being a non-traditional parent in today's fast-paced, modern society.
Historical Gems: Spice Up Your Life In Melaka
“Nobody would die without spices, but plenty have died for them,” wrote Bill Bryson in his book, At Home. Melaka (Malacca) was once a strategic spice port that traded with Europe. David Bowden returns to Melaka to investigate the early history of this popular tourist destination.
Cosy Kaohsiung: What I Did In This Chill Taiwan City & Why I Would Return Again
Having no idea why I went to Kaohsiung in the first place, I loved it anyway, and I’ll be back again.
Gunung Jerai: The Hill Less Travelled
Read what this mama of two got up to when she visited Gunung Jerai with her family.
The Maldives: What’s The Big Deal?
Our Sub-Editor pens down her thoughts on why, even though it’s a stunning destination, the Maldives may not be worth all the hype (and hard-earned cash).
Marina Mahathir: My Family’s Raya Traditions Then & Now
As Hari Raya Aidilfitri approaches, our Founder , Marina Mahathir, pens down her thoughts on what this festive season means then and now.
Ramadan In Europe: What It’s Like & How To Make The Most Of It
As we go through this holy month-long journey of self-reflection and sacrifice, let me share some personal insights on my experience observing Ramadan in Europe.
IWD 2023: YB Hannah Yeoh On What It Takes To #EmbraceEquity
“I believe in the impossible,” the late Florence Griffith Joyner once said. The Olympian smashed the 100 metres, setting a record time of 10.49 in the women’s category. That record achieved at the Seoul Olympics in 1988 remains untouched to this day. While my achievements are far from what Joyner accomplished, I too, share the…
Marina Mahathir’s 2022: Reflecting On The Year That Was
As the world slowly goes back to the normal we were once starved from, our founder, Marina Mahathir reflects on monumental events events of this year.
Conquering Kinabalu: What It’s REALLY Like To Climb Mount Kinabalu In Pictures
About to embark on climbing Mount Kinabalu’s summit for yourself? Well, if you’re wondering what it’s like to summit Malaysia’s highest peak, then here are all the photos you’ll need to see.
Marina Mahathir: The Moment I Knew I Was Malaysian
Zafigo’s founder, Marina Mahathir, reflects on what makes her Malaysian, and essentially why home will always be Malaysia.
The Noob Mountaineer’s Guide To Training For Mount Kinabalu
Neither a hiker nor a climber, our Editor decides to go on the climb of her life anyway — scaling Malaysia’s highest peak, Mount Kinabalu. This is what she’s doing to train.
Transgender Day Of Visibility: Our Trans Sibling’s Hopes For The Future
Our Malaysian trans siblings share what Transgender Day of Visibility means to them, what allies can do to support their trans friends and their hopes for Malaysia's future.
Beach Please: The Reality Of Remote Working
Is working remotely, and by the beach no less, all that it’s cracked up to be? One Zafigo team member spills the beans on what it’s like.
Marina Mahathir: Gearing Up For 2022
Our founder, Marina Mahathir, pens down her thoughts on what gearing up for 2022 looks like for her.























