NEVER SAY NEVER. I mean, not to directly quote Justin Bieber circa 2012, but guys, I literally NEVER thought I’d find myself A.) in Malaysia OR B.) running and swimming in a race with professional athletes from around the world. Oddly, or maybe not so oddly in my case, that’s exactly where I found myself a few months ago when YTL Hotels invited me to be a competitor in Pangkor Laut’s annual Chapman’s Challenge race and clearly I leapt at the opportunity, because, well…duh.

That said, I embarked on one of the craziest adventures I’ve ever had and I did the ineternational trip totally solo, which is something I’ve always wanted to do. After making the nearly 20 hour trek to Malaysia via Tokyo, I arrived in Kuala Lumpur to stay the night at the Majestic Hotel. The next morning I took a 2 hour car ride to a private boat dock where I was shuttled to the private island paradise that is Pangkor Laut Resort. When I say paradise, I’m not exaggerating, I really mean it. Like guys, this is where European royals, global dignitaries and only super duper famous people go on vacay…did you get the part where I said PRIVATE ISLAND. As in the only thing on the island is the hotel. I’ve never felt more fabulous. Or more sweaty…but it was totally worth all the humidity.

Pangkor Laut Resort was next level. I stayed in an incredible over water bungalow, had a spa treatment at the Spa Village that pretty much changed my life and um, hello, I raced for my life trekking through dense jungle terrain and swimming a half mile in open water. Did I mention that along the way I also saw: 2 wild boars, 5 monkeys (one of which was chasing a sweet house keeper we had to semi-rescue in a van), a SWIMMING LIZARD (still shook) and a few non tiny non-poinsoness snakes. Not kidding. The service at Pangkor Laut Resort is the among the best I’ve ever received and the food was both healthy and tasty (a tough feat to achieve). Plus I met some really cool new friends from around the world along the way, too! It was incredible and pictures don’t come close to doing it justice. If you have the opportunity to visit this heaven on earth, just say yes. It’s a long way from home, but if you’re considering Bali, you should also consider Malaysia.

 SWIMMING IN EMERALD BAY 

SPA VILLAGE AT PANGKOR LAUT 

THE ISLAND

 SUNSET CRUISE AROUND PANGKOR LAUT

SPA VILLAGE POOL 

SPA VILLAGE OVER WATER BUNGALOW ***MY ROOM 

Oh, sidetone, I finished the race (insert praise hands here). I didn’t win or lose. I think the literal Iron Man of Australia won. Casual. He finished in about 45 minutes and I finished about an hour later….but I finished and I didn’t drown so I consider myself a huge success.

PS: my suit is by Athleta…my fave!