From the Finish Line to Friends, Food, and Festivities: My Malaysian Adventure
Malaysia has always held a special place in my heart, but this trip was particularly meaningful as it marked my debut in long-distance running. The main reason for my visit was to participate in the Aspen-Klippa Penang Bridge International Marathon. I completed my first-ever half-marathon in 2 hours and 18 minutes, which is a personal best for me (although to be fair, it's my only benchmark so far)!
Training for four months paid off, but the journey to Penang was quite an adventure. After landing at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, I took a seven-hour drive to Penang. With only 2.5 hours of sleep, I woke up before dawn and hopped on a shuttle bus to the starting point. The atmosphere was electrifying, with nearly 9,000 runners of all ages preparing to tackle the course.
Despite battling jetlag and Penang's notorious humidity, I persevered with a fully charged MP3 player filled with two hours of pop music from the 80s to early 2000s (the best) - a strategy that kept me going, even as some songs played on repeat. When I crossed the finish line, I felt nothing short of elation.
Food, Friends, and Festivities in Kuala Lumpur
After the marathon, I travelled to Kuala Lumpur (or affectionately known as 'KL'), where I treated myself to a culinary tour of the city. From street food to decadent desserts, I indulged to my heart's content - well-deserved after all that running! The smoked duck at Sun Yeong Wai was an absolute standout!

A highlight of my trip was reconnecting with friends from East Malaysia at KLCC Shopping Mall, one of the city's largest and most iconic malls. Being there during the festive season filled the city with holiday cheer, bustling with both tourists and locals.
Navigating KL's public transport system felt like a small victory; it’s efficient and surprisingly easy to use. I spent Christmas with close friends who had encouraged me to train for the marathon in the first place. The blend of home-cooked Asian dishes and classic Western Christmas treats (yes, there were puddings!) made it a holiday to remember.

Cultural Connections in Malacca

Before heading back to Melbourne, I made a quick trip to Malacca, a city rich in history. Strolling through Jonker Street and visiting landmarks like Christ Church Melaka were highlights of my stay. (Fun fact: I'm from Christchurch - though the one in New Zealand!)
Staying with my partner’s family was a wonderful experience filled with warmth and engaging conversations about feng shui and gardening. A highlight was meeting my partner’s nephew and nieces. Surprised at seeing this 'Ang Mo' (Hokkien for 'red hair' or 'foreigner') for the first time, it wasn't long before they wanted to have their photos taken with me.
I loved exploring the local cuisine and trying authentic dishes that showcased Malacca's flavours. Plus, I took the opportunity to brush up on my Mandarin and Malay-speaking skills through conversations with family members.
Reflections and Future Goals
My two weeks in Malaysia flew by, leaving me with fond memories and a desire to return soon. Malaysia never fails to enchant me, and this trip was no exception.
As I boarded my flight back to a warmer-than-expected Melbourne, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. Running has become a new passion for me, and I'm already eyeing my next goal: another half-marathon—or perhaps even a full one!
Malaysia, until next time. The countdown begins!

About the Writer
Lawrence is an enthusiastic educator, believing that the most effective lessons happen outside the four walls of a classroom. With teaching adventures in New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore, and Australia, he brings a global perspective to his teaching which he hopes will inspire his students.
Lawrence has a Master’s in Education and over 22 years of teaching experience. He is also a coach and mentor committed to helping his students and his team. His ability to speak a few languages allows him to connect deeply with people from different cultures.
An adventurer at heart, Lawrence channels his competitive spirit as an avid badminton player and has recently conquered a half-marathon in Malaysia. Currently based in Melbourne, he’s on the lookout for new adventures in travel, education, and connections that will further enrich his journey.
Malaysia.........one of the friendliest countries, if not the friendliest country in the world. And Malacca brings back such warm and delightful memories as I spent my teenage years there. I am SO GLAD you spelt Malacca this way, and not 'Melaka'. Delighted to read of your overall enriching experiences in Malaysia.