Mandalay to Kuala Lumpur on AirAsia - A Short But Also LOOONG Journey

[@ridwantalib5530]

Finally, welcome back to Malaysia. We all miss you so much.

[@PlanetDoug]

Thanks! I'm glad to be back.

[@sunsetpippin]

So you are back to KL. Interesting to see how tall you are in the crowded airport bus by the level of your head to the hand-hold compared to the general Asian population! I know exactly where this Grocer's Inn is, in Jln Sultan. It was here my family got our groceries from when I was young. I was brought up in this street, my father’s shop house was very close-by. I used to go with my mum to this store, chose what we wanted and had the stuff delivered to our house and purchases charged to my father’s account. The shop front used to be slightly below street level. I remember returning cleaned glass bottles back to the shop when getting bottled soy sauce. We bought soap sold by weight, cut from a bar, in the shop itself after telling the man what size we wanted. It’s such a long time ago now, but the memory is very clear. I know from recent visits the shop has become a guesthouse and have wondered what it’s like inside - so thanks for your video. I have stayed at Nanyang (now Nanyeang) Hotel opposite your guest house. I knew the family that looked after the Hainanese temple on the top floor of the hotel building, I wonder if it is still there? I will be in KL in Oct, and will no doubt walk around Chinatown reminiscing. The nature of the place has changed so much, though many of the old buildings remain. There weren’t food stalls along the street like it is in present day, we are talking pre-1970s here, the walkways/verandahs were a lot “cleaner”, and less smelly. Broken road/path surfaces - yes always, but now we have food debris and puddles of yukky dirty water to contend with… which reminds me of the Petaling St wet market (now quite dead, but drier compared to the good days of old). O, so much I could tell, it makes me want to look at the old photos I have, now! Well, I look forward to further episodes of your walkabouts in KL!

[@PlanetDoug]

Yes, I'm back in Kuala Lumpur. 🙂 I often forget that I'm a bit taller than the average person in Asia until I get into a crowded subway car or bus. And then I end up looking across a sea of the tops of people's heads all the way from one end of the car to the other. It's always funny when there is another tall person at the other end. We often catch each other's eyes and give that "tall person" nod of recognition with a small grin. I intended to make a full video of the inside of Grocer's Inn. But I never got around to it. And when I first arrived, the man at the front desk was pretty gruff with me about telling me that my camera was not allowed. So I felt nervous about taking video of the interior, and I never did. But I think you'd have enjoyed it. The downstairs part where the grocery store was is probably unrecognizable. It's now a fairly fancy coffee shop and restaurant. But the rest of the building where the guest house is located is quite nice and still retains much (they actually say "all") of the original decor and furnishings. It feels like a building from an earlier time, and the walls are covered with photographs taken from the history of that area. I love your description of shopping there. That is a picture of a different and perhaps gentler era. The Nanyeang Hotel is still there, of course. I noticed it in particular, and I wondered how much it cost to stay there. But I don't know about the temple on the roof. I've never been inside the hotel. When you are in KL in October, you could go inside the Grocer's Inn and take a look around, I'm sure. The decor and the photographs would likely bring back some memories. The two women that staff the front desk during the day are extremely friendly and outgoing. They'd be happy to let you wander around the place, I think.

[@selfreflection2117]

Yay! Another video! Yes. A major step down from your Myanmar accomodation. Glad you made it safe to KL.

[@PlanetDoug]

I definitely miss the hotels in Myanmar with the comfortable beds and those lovely breakfasts. And air conditioning... And attached bathrooms... I was living a life of luxury over there. 😁

[@novayu666]

i was just driving pass the area you were staying before in KL. and i thought im gonna check out your Myanmar vids later before sleep. wow~ didnt know you are back in KL again.

[@PlanetDoug]

Yes, I came back from Myanmar a few weeks ago. The plan is to spend some time here enjoying myself and getting reorganized for a return trip to Myanmar - maybe at the end of September.

[@fahmietalife]

Welcome back to KL sir, hopefully you'll have a good rest at your home, Kuala Lumpur.

[@rajeshkumarvishwanadhan8925]

I was waiting to watch this video, super cool as usual

[@nihmungdc2875]

I am from myanmar I live in bagan we miss you so much

[@alfmyat4369]

Thankyou for your Myanmar videos, interesting hope you are going back so that we get more of Myanmar/there is lots more to see/Thankyou again

[@dashingmay]

Overall, your Myanmar trip seems quite orderly, and smooth sailing especially if you consider the fact that the country just opened up to the world only a couple of years ago. I think in 25 years or so, it'll catch up to the rest of Asia. Any perspective?

[@ShweMyaukMyauk]

Shel the country been functioning for a long time. It’s just Myanmar not end of the world

[@PlanetDoug]

To be honest, Myanmar struck me as much more developed and modern than I expected. Of course, that was when I first landed in Yangon. I guess I had an image in my mind of a very traditional land of monks and farmers and bullock carts all living in a pre-industrial agricultural society. And you do see some of that in the countryside, of course. So I was surprised when I took the bus from the airport in Yangon and found myself in a modern city that reminded me quite a bit of cities of Thailand. The biggest problem Yangon seemed to be facing (and maybe the country in general) was a shortage of electricity. The power went out constantly, which led to all businesses having to invest in their own generators. I did not study the country from an economic development point of view, so I'm no expert. But I did watch a few documentaries and read a few articles online, and they often mentioned that foreign businesses were reluctant to invest in Myanmar partially because of the unreliable supply of electricity and the uncertainty surrounding the government and the looming military presence. It's hard to feel confident about starting a business in that kind of climate. But I ended up with a feeling of optimism overall. There seemed to be a strong foundation for the economy to develop. I don't know what the status is currently, but, for example, I watched a long documentary about efforts to rebuild the famous Burma Road. This road, if rebuilt, would connect India with China through northern Myanmar, and that could kickstart all kinds of development up there. Anyway, as I said, I'm no expert. But considering everything I'd heard about Myanmar being closed to the outside world for decades etc., I was expecting a real backwater - a stagnant kind of place. But Myanmar wasn't like that at all. It felt bustling and growing, and I left feeling quite optimistic about its future.

[@lovelybambister]

Have a safe stay in KL and hope you come visit Myanmar again soon.

[@agentmmarts3059]

Great #Vlogs there Douglass. Its been a nice time following you while in Burma. My wish that your channel grow from Strength to Strength Sir, God be our helper.

[@PlanetDoug]

Thank you. I'm actually planning to go back to Myanmar in a couple of weeks. I want to visit lots more places like Inle Lake and Hpa An and lots more.

[@fernandomofreita79]

Have a safe and pleasant flight Douglas.

[@twaymashaung6346]

Good Luck Mr cycling canadian. Thanks for coming to myanmar . We are waiting to your next trip to go around myanmar such as Pha Ann (karen state).

[@PlanetDoug]

Hpa An is on my list of places I want to visit on my next trip. I also want to go to nearby Mawlamyine and a few other places. 🙂

[@twaymashaung6346]

@@PlanetDoug you are warmly welcome

[@TheShahrilas]

Welcome back to KL. 👍

[@PlanetDoug]

Thank you. I'm glad to be back. I've really been enjoying the good food in KL

[@fabianchan7]

Yeay you are back! Where to explore now that you are back? Or you cal ask the locals here for suggestions. You have many malaysian fans lol.

[@PlanetDoug]

I never seem to have trouble coming up with new places to visit - even here in Kuala Lumpur. 🙂

[@arata31]

more legroom because Airasia recently change the seats pitch. The seat are thinner now, hence the extra legroom..

[@PlanetDoug]

They must have done that on just certain jets or certain routes, though, because my very next AirAsia flight had the old seats, and all the legroom was gone again. It's no big deal, though, on a short flight like that. And it helps improve my posture because I have to sit straight up to make room for my legs and knees. 😃

[@wildmenofborneo7413]

Great to know u coming back to msia👌👯👌maybe this time come to east msia(Sabah& Sarawak)😎anyway stay cool n have a safe trip always 👌

[@roygoad2870]

I always at checking ask for a window or isle seat, always get the one I want usually!

[@PlanetDoug]

When I book the flight, I have the option of choosing my own seat. It just costs a few dollars more. I've done that a few times when I really wanted either a window or an aisle seat. But lately, I've just let the airline's computer assign the seat and see what happens. On a short flight like this, it doesn't matter that much, I guess. I can put up with anything for an hour or two. 🙂

[@MRRAli]

Regarding 28 or 29 days is due to some systems count your stays starting from the changes of date instead of actual time of arrival.

[@chinthomas6854]

Great to have you back in KL mr Douglas

[@user-gz2pc2jk3t]

Welcome back !!!, you spend quite a long time in Vietnam...

[@thekingminn]

he was in Myanmar not Vietnam

[@PlanetDoug]

Thank you. I'm happy to be back in Kuala Lumpur. And, yes, I ended up spending more time than I planned in Myanmar. I got a bit sick. But I also just liked Yangon. It was a great place to hang out.

[@azurepink5737]

@@PlanetDoug was your sickness due to something you ate? Just curious cos I'll be there in a couple of wks. Anyway, hoping it was nothing too serious. I'm enjoying your videos.

[@joe53214]

eventually my favorite video has come yes yes!! I agree with you sir also feel tension in that poor and messy DMK anyway your face fill with smile again when arriving in malaysia. thanks for nice video sir

[@dictator82]

In Philippine civil law when it comes to counting calendar days, we exclude the first day and include the last. Perhaps Myanmar has the same rationale. On your day of arrival, it's technically Day 0 since a day (24 hrs) hasn't lapsed.

[@PlanetDoug]

That makes sense. It just seemed odd in Myanmar because when it comes to tourist visas, the opposite situation is usually the problem. When visiting most countries, people often forget to count the day they arrive, and so they end up overstaying their visa by one day. They get 30 days, but they end up staying for 31. And that can cause a big problem. But in Myanmar, because of the way they count the days, you get an extra day. It's a bonus day. 🙂

[@i-will-get-you-there]

nice video, thank you for all the hard work..

[@ryanbob6633]

You're back

[@nineaqua]

Welcome back , Doug :)

[@PlanetDoug]

Thank you. I'm always happy to be back in Malaysia. 🙂

[@WanderEats]

Yup... I fumble all the time at the airport.. lol! That being said, much easier when you are traveling alone :)

[@nusantarah4982]

Welcome back to Malaysia, Doug.

[@bobbie6niner594]

i like the one u stated in 1 of your video stating the reason why u have an additional toothbrush in your toilet beg. that idea i tried it out n u were right about using that brush to cleen your nails particular at the feet where it really help out to clean my toe n nails where now its more virus free. my suggestion why dont u try putting the tooth paste as a back up as i am confident u can feel much cleaner nails where the paste plays a role as a some sort of cleaner soap. thanks man for that idea appreciate it much. cheers! 🤸‍♂

[@PlanetDoug]

I learned that there is something about men and their feet. We forget about them - maybe because they are far away down there at the end of our legs, and it is so much work to bend down and clean them. 🙂 But I've learned that it is important to give your toes a bit of a scrub once in a while - at least once a week - especially when you are travelling and often use common bathrooms. It's easy to pick up some kind fungus, and if you aren't paying attention to your toes, it can spread fast. And once it gets in deep into your toenails, it is almost impossible to get rid of it. So it's a good idea to scrub them as part of your washing routine. For some reason, men often don't do that, and it leads to trouble. And old toothbrush can do the job. Since that video, I found a dedicated toenail brush in a shop, and I use that now. 😁

[@bobbie6niner594]

@@PlanetDoug 😁

[@155990]

your heart seems very happy in Malaysia

[@agentmmarts3059]

@14:21: Always demand to the attendant while checking in your luggage that you will preferred a window seat. That will always be granted if any free ofcourse!

[@PlanetDoug]

With AirAsia, I can reserve a window or an aisle seat when I book my ticket. But it costs a few dollars more. I probably should get a window seat because I could shoot video out of the window when we take off and land. But for a short flight, sometimes I just don't bother, and I let the computer assign my seat. And this time, I got the middle seat. Luckily, it was a short flight.

[@mohdk2299]

Your regular guest house is full? If I'm not mistaken, you can only bring very small amount of liquid (100 ml?) with carry-on bag. It's pretty much rules everywhere. Seem like you're still tired while editing this video. Bankgok at 45:16 😄 Are you planning to shooting with your Panasonic again?

[@PlanetDoug]

No, my regular guest house wasn't full. I just wasn't able to contact them to reserve a room in advance. And since I might be arriving late at night, I thought it was better to book a room somewhere else at first. I'm back at my regular guest house now. Yes, that's the usual rule when you go into an airport. I never try to bring water into an airport from outside. But in this case, I was already inside the airport. I'd already gone through customs and security, and I bought the water at a store at the boarding gate. That's why I was surprised when they told me I couldn't have it. So I guess the rule applies when you go through an international transfer at an airport as well as coming in from outside. I wasn't aware of that since I hadn't done an international transfer for a long time. "Bankgok" Darn it. I missed that spelling mistake. Yes, I must have been tired. I make a lot of small mistakes like that these days. I just have too much on my mind all the time, I think. Yes, I plan to use my Panasonic for a while and see how I feel about it. I'm just finishing up a video that was shot almost entirely on the Panasonic. Just the opening minute or two were shot on the GoPro in my hostel room. After that, everything is with the Panasonic. You'll have to tell me if it makes a big difference - big enough to justify carrying around a much larger and heavier camera. 🙂 I like using the Panasonic. And I honestly don't mind carrying around a heavier camera. I just have to come up with a system to make sure that it focuses properly.

[@TrainFreakCow12]

wow i enjoy your videos i will be kl on 16th to 17th of this month i staying at cozy hotel near kl sental

[@PlanetDoug]

Enjoy your trip. I hope you have good weather for your stay at your cozy hotel. 🙂

[@ewengillies9826]

Long journey for a short distance Doug ... very tiring sitting around airports for sure. The airport in Bkk is pronounced as Moo ung or Moo eng heard Thais call it both ways. Agree it's not the best but better than it was in the past. Glad you had a safe journey and thanks for the ride. I've found none of the airports let you carry water guess they worry something in it. Awaiting your next vlog/s. Bushyboy Oz.

[@PlanetDoug]

I think I just had bad luck and poor timing on my most recent trips through Don "Moo ung". I just happened to show up at the same time as about 15,000 people on group tours. At least it felt like 15,000. It was entertaining to watch all the activity with these large groups trotting after their guides holding their flags high in the air. But after a couple of hours, the novelty wears off, and the chaos and crowding starts to get to me. As far as the water is concerned, I was just surprised to have it taken away at an international transfer point. I knew I couldn't take water into the airport from inside. But I had purchased this water inside the airport. So I figured it was okay. But live and learn. I wasn't worried about losing the water or the money I'd paid for the water, of course. I just thought it was funny that I had prepared so carefully for my trips through security and through immigration, and I was so proud of myself. And then I end up being one of the dummies red-flagged by security anyway. 🤣

[@therock8224]

@@PlanetDoug Unfortunately, they've been doing that at most airports all over the world for several years now. Once past security, then you can freely purchase a bottle of water or whatever beverage you want and take it onto the plane. They also have a specific rule about not allowing liquids purchased at other airports through when you're in transit - same story in Singapore and well, so many other airports around the world. At Suvarnabhumi, they changed the layout of security such that everyone passes through the same security point before immigration, which often leads to long lines. This initially applied to both domestic and international passengers. Just prior to Covid, they changed it back to security before the gates for domestic passengers, but international stays the way it is for now. Funneling everyone through one choke point creates a lot of congestion but the advantage is once through, you can relax. I prefer having security at the gate only, as is still the case in Singapore, mainly because it spreads out passenger volume to apply only to one series of gates or a single gate. The disadvantage of course is that you won't be able to bring any liquids greater than 100mL on board the aircraft, such as those purchased inside the airside area of the airport - unless you get a representative of the store you purchased the item from to bring it to the gate for you. I haven't flown in or out of Don Muang since 2006, which is when Suvarnabhumi was opened - but having visited a few times to pick up/drop off friends/family etc. I noticed the layout was still the same as I remember it. Suvarnabhumi is overall a much better and less congested airport. I agree that Don Muang, although probably better than in the past, was horribly congested in 2018 and 2019 just prior to Covid and one of my least favorite airports in the region, along with Saigon Tan Son Nhat (which has improved in recent years though). My favorite large airport in the region is Singapore, followed by Hong Kong and further down the track, Suvarnabhumi is OK as well.

[@remon9099]

If you like to have a bottle of water while traveling just bring an empty one from your hotel. You can take empty bottles past security and then fill it at a water fountain. It even saves you some money cause you don't need to buy a bottle :)

[@PlanetDoug]

That's a good idea. I'll do that next time. Normally, though, I don't bring water with me at all. I just happened to do it this one time by chance, and, of course, I ran into trouble at security. That's always how it goes. 🤣

[@amirlim479]

Welcome back to Malaysia 🇲🇾🇲🇾🇲🇾

[@amirlim479]

Remember you must visit The Royal Mussuem kuala Lumpur the Old National Palace

[@PlanetDoug]

I looked for the Royal Museum on Google Maps, and it is actually very close to where I am staying. 🙂 It looks like cameras aren't allowed inside, though, so I might be not be able to record my visit if I go there. I'll keep it in mind as a place to go.

[@jasoon74]

Welcome back to Malaysia!!! So happy to see you in Malaysia again!!! 😆😆😆

[@PlanetDoug]

Thank you. I'm very glad to be back. I feel very comfortable in Malaysia.🙂

[@abulazlanabulbarakath8642]

Welcome back to Malaysia. Selamat Datang!

[@PlanetDoug]

Thank you.

[@Amit_Vlogsss]

I properly went to Bangkok in DMK airport and they throughout my water bottle which i purchased in bangkok only..

[@kkum]

Welcome back to Malaysia bosskú 🙆

[@henriquesombiga4338]

Calm and nice ☺

[@PlanetDoug]

Thank you. It wasn't a bad trip when it was all said and done. 🙂

[@jimmychoke1492]

Welcome back to Malaysia...😘😘😘

[@ericklmy]

I heard scary stories about this airport in Bangkok. Have you heard anything about people putting things into tourist bag and accusing them of a crime? Thanks

[@PlanetDoug]

I haven't personally heard any stories of that actually happening to anyone. Of course, there are all those TV shows about foreigners locked up abroad for crimes like that. But they usually agreed to take a bag for someone else (for money) and then got caught. Obviously, I would never do anything like that. Even so, I'm pretty careful when I go through airports. I inspect my bags carefully the night before I go to any airport, and I make sure there is nothing in them that can cause any kind of problem. With so many rules these days, it's easy to forget something (like a pair of scissors in your toiletry kit), and then have security give you trouble. And I like to keep my knapsack close to me and keep it secure in the airport. I have little padlocks on the zippers to make it harder for pickpockets or anything like that. I remember in the old days, someone might ask you to watch their bags while they go to the bathroom, and I would do it. But I wouldn't do that anymore. And if I see a bag on a chair by itself in an airport, I won't go near it and I won't sit near it. It's just a good idea to be careful in airports even if the risk is very small.

[@ericklmy]

@@PlanetDoug You're right Thank you for your sharing Appreciate it Thank you

[@boon69gs]

Good morning Sir, welcome back to Kuala Lumpur. I might meet you in the street, since I am working in kuala Lumpur. Lol… by the way I have got my Myanmar Visa done yesterday at Everfine Services. so excited now and looking forward to visiting Myanmar soon. Thank you so much Sir. :D

[@ShweMyaukMyauk]

林苏文源 you could have done it online no need to waste time

[@boon69gs]

@@ShweMyaukMyauk Thanks Niel, I agree with you e-Visa is convenient and save lots of time. but, I decided to have the official sticker and the stamp in my passport. and I didi it. haha.

[@shuk4995]

welcome back to kuala lumpur...

[@heinkoko1497]

Bye bye and hope to see you again

[@benzskyeshxc96]

look total chaos in that airport. Heez

[@PlanetDoug]

It was pretty chaotic. That downstairs set of 6 departure gates seems to cater to the budget airlines flying tour groups, so things get pretty crazy. Those big groups can be like parties on the movie. And throw in the last-minute chance to stock up on duty-free luxury products, and there's a lot of action and excitement. 🙂

[@kitdesilva]

Ha ha yup I've been thru DMK before & I had a bottle of "holy" water from one of the temples. The guard told me to chuck it in the bin.

[@PlanetDoug]

I wasn't actually that worried about the water. In fact, I almost never have a bottle of water with me. It's rare. And that's why it struck me as so noteworthy. Right after going on and on about how I pride myself on following the rules in airports and doing things properly, I get called aside by the guards for breaking the rules by having a bottle of water in my bag. But I honestly didn't know that you couldn't bring water through an airport transfer. I know you can't bring water from the outside world INTO the airport. But once you go through customs and security and then you buy the water at a store INSIDE the airport, I figured I was fine. But, nope. Gotta chuck it. 🙂

[@kitdesilva]

@@PlanetDoug I was quite disappointed cos I was hoping the holy water would do me some good. But also - guess what? The bin was full of bottles of holy water - they have a special label printed on them.

[@jackstyle6565]

Mentos is the best hope u can find the kl river otters .. 😋

[@PlanetDoug]

I have to keep an eye out for them. I did see them a second time, and I'm convinced they really are otters. Nothing else swims quite like an otter. But I don't have the telephoto lens to capture the proof that they are really there. 🙂

[@mohdk2299]

@@PlanetDoug I look up on internet, there are really some sighting of otters in Klang River. You'll be lucky to see them again with camera.

[@yananneteoh9818]

What's it like in MANDALAY? Was there only one vlog on Mandalay ? The name Mandalay evokes history. It looks like you're the only traveller in the whole airport? Thanks for this video about the long, long walks from airport to airport to arrival...Irememberthe longest walk was at the S. airport in Bangkok... it was a confusing airport for me. I thought it was my least favourite one too but I like the smaller airport in Bangkok.However, I do dislike the long walks from plane to immigration and luggage collection and that's why I dream of the time when I can travel by HS trains across borders.

[@PlanetDoug]

I can't really say much about Mandalay other than what you saw in my two videos from there - the boat trip to Mingun and the walk down the river. Then my visa was up, and I had to fly out. That's why I'm making plans to go back. For a variety of reasons, I didn't see or do very much in Myanmar. So I'd like to go back and zoom around the country to some more places - including more time in Mandalay. I'm currently doing a lot of research on places and things I should see on my return trip. The name Mandalay does invoke a romantic sense of history, but, according to my reading, it is actually quite a young city - founded in 1857. But there were old capital cities all around it, so its true history goes back much farther than that. The plane out of Mandalay was full, but the airport seemed completely empty. I'm not sure that I saw any other obvious North Americans or Europeans. Just me. Yes, the long walks in airports often take me by surprise. When you land at an airport, you kind of heave a sigh because you think you've arrived and your journey is done. But airports are so big now that you often need to take a bus from your plane just to get to the airport building. And then the distances are so great to immigration and the luggage carousel, it is like being inside a small city. Crossing borders by HSR would be a lot more pleasant than that. I think I've only crossed one border by train in my life, and that was from Malaysia to Singapore. But you can't do that anymore, as far as I know. Now the train stops at the border.

[@mohdk2299]

@@PlanetDoug ​You avoided heaviest rainfalls months too (although Bagan & Mandalay don't get much rain either). I guess you'll return to Myanmar in September/October, a good time too as monsoon season ending & before busy holiday season begin. I saw someone like a white couple at 15:23, but maybe I'm wrong. Train between Malaysia & Singapore is just a shuttle train between border only now. All train from north will stop at JB Sentral only, not to mention from KL to JB have to buy two separate ticket (KL-Gemas: Electric train, Gemas-JB: Diesel locomotive).

[@yananneteoh9818]

@@PlanetDoug There're Chinese freight trains from China to Duisberg and the Siberian railway from London to Siberia , Russia and China. I hope you can travel China some day.

[@scottmikley7]

@@PlanetDoug Next time when you come back, do visit Inlay Lake and historic caves. I am sure they are worth paying a visit.

[@therock8224]

@@mohdk2299 Interestingly, Bagan and Mandalay often experience their heaviest rainfalls around the tail end of the rainy season. Mostly just short but heavy downpours, usually occurring around September/October and sometimes into November and early December. Experienced quite a bit of rain in Mandalay in early January 2019 when I was last there.

[@sheikhhashimi5082]

How was your experienced in Myanmar? Safe journey

[@PlanetDoug]

I had a good experience in Myanmar overall. I was expecting it to be somewhat difficult since Myanmar was closed to the outside world for so long. And I heard stories from previous years about difficulties with money and hotels and other things. But I had a very easy time. I didn't try to go to any restricted areas, of course. I just went to some of the main cities and tourist attractions, and I had a wonderful time. The hotels were great - much, much nicer than I expected - even budget hotels. And making travel arrangements was quite easy. And ATMs worked no problem. Getting a SIM card was easy. So, I had a good time. I actually want to go back and see more of the country.

[@sheikhhashimi5082]

@@PlanetDoug I liked way you vlogging, very much humble and cool. Thanks for responding

[@agentmmarts3059]

Hey Douglass, dont forget to hand over the GoPro to me as a Souvenir. You've don a great jpb and its time to upgrade, while forwarding the former to your gentle youngest and emerging #Vlogger - Ajarn Marts.

[@PlanetDoug]

As far as I know, there is nothing to upgrade to in the GoPro line. The Hero 7 Black is still their top-of-the-line model. I've heard rumors of a Hero 8 coming out this year (with perhaps a front-facing screen and an audio jack?), but for now, no plans to upgrade. 🙂 I noticed you live in Cameroon. Does that mean you speak French as well as English? I'm guessing that you are a teacher. Am I right? 🙂

[@agentmmarts3059]

@@PlanetDoug Yeah Sir. I'm a Cameroonian and a teacher by profession. Was in Thailand and took a long vacation home. More grace Sir Douglass.

[@semsem4035]

Do you have a plan to go to Laos or Cambodia?

[@PlanetDoug]

At the moment, I don't have plans to go to Cambodia or Laos. I've visited both countries in the past, and my resolution for 2019/2020 was to try to go to new countries instead of revisiting old favorites. So I'm always thinking about going to places I've never visited before. But I've learned never to say never.🙂 I often change my plans, so I could see myself cycling through Cambodia and Laoa and Vietnam at some point.

[@fizilyci_tv.1823]

Yeahh..!! Malaysia 👍

[@semsem4035]

The most East Asian city i feel comfortable at is Kuala Lumpur.

[@PlanetDoug]

I like Kuala Lumpur a lot, too. It has a nice mix of the traditional and the modern. And it helps that it is so easy to get around on the LRT/MRT system, which is getting bigger all the time.

[@semsem4035]

@@PlanetDoug Exactly. It is modern and convenient but not as expensive as Singapore. And it has traditional and old but not as chaotic as some other capitals in SE Asia. Not to mention the diversity in everything.

[@therock8224]

@@semsem4035 Yes I agree with that. It's so green and well laid out. Bangkok also has a nice combination of old and modern, but the outlying areas and old town aside, just isn't pretty. There's too much concrete. Congestion is getting better, because more rail and road projects are getting completed, but with it comes even more concrete. Kuala Lumpur is sort of getting that way too, but at least there is a lot of greenery too, which Bangkok unfortunately lacks.

[@wakpoke4912]

plot twist 12:25 the young traveller might be undercover officer. ha ha

[@wim1101wim]

I have overstayed my visa in Burma (!) by as much as 15 days... just paid the $3/day ... they are happy to get the extra money

[@anoldgod]

I wonder what's your next video will be. Will it be about buying new laptop? 😊

[@PlanetDoug]

You're very close. I did go to a couple of computer stores and check out some new laptops. However, I didn't buy one. Instead, I bought a Rode Wireless Go microphone and some other camera toys. I've been so busy that I didn't feel up to the challenge of introducing a new laptop and new editing software into my life. I might have to nurse my current laptop along for a couple more months.

[@mohdk2299]

@@PlanetDoug In a couple months, Intel 10th Gen Core(Ice Lake) will be available. Not sure it's globally available or select few regions only given that long delayed 10nm process. Early indication seem promising in battery life. It maybe worth waiting for that if you're aiming for Intel Core CPU. If Pentium/Celeron or even AMD system, it will be the same in the next half year. Your could replace your current laptop's battery. There's shop that can replace battery cell & retain original controller. It's better than replacing whole battery with not original controller. I did it few years back, but with user replaceable battery. Current laptop battery could be a bit tricky, but still could be done.

[@danielristohhutapea]

at last...welcome

[@michaelandlucifer]

Welcome back. Been silently watching your videos about Myanmar/Burma. Add interaction/story from ordinary individual/non tourist guide for us viewers to know/understand their daily life. Most of us South East Asia have no problem on this matter. Just ask politely/sincerely.

[@PlanetDoug]

That's good to know. I would like to speak more with people that I come across and capture that interaction on video. Before I started shooting video, I walked around taking pictures, and I talked with people as much as I could. So far, I'm finding that video is more difficult to do - just the technology side of it. But it also feels more intrusive, and I haven't gotten to the point of shooting video while talking to people. And, of course, there is always the language barrier. I've never been good with that. But hopefully, I will get better at it in the future. 🙂

[@MrQalamQabut]

Welcome home Cikgu. A big sigh from me, after loosing track of your whereabout while in Myanmar for a couple of times... Haha... As always, never skip a second of your vid. What's your next destination, North or East Malaysia?

[@ShweMyaukMyauk]

Qalam Qabut why should you worry? Myanmar is very safe and not jungle you know

[@anoldgod]

@@ShweMyaukMyauk May be because he fell sick and not online for long time?

[@MrQalamQabut]

@@ShweMyaukMyauk I know it not jungle over there, I followed every vid he posted. Did you know Doug was sick and out of contact for a few weeks, on two occasions. I even asked someone to look him up to see if he's ok. I'm not blaming anybody but I'm relieved that he's back in Malaysia again.

[@PlanetDoug]

That was all my fault. I did get quite sick, and I was too sick to really travel around. However, that shouldn't have stopped me from getting on the Internet and letting people know I was okay. I do have the bad habit of going quiet and staying off the Internet for a time. Sometimes when I am overseas in a place like that, I just let a lot of time go by without thinking that people might be wondering where I am and worrying. I think my friends and family back in Canada are kind of used to it by now, and they just say, "Well, Doug must be enjoying life in some tiny village somewhere and not getting on the Internet." But with this KZbin channel, I should be more responsible. And I will be. I won't suddenly disappear again. There are a million ways to stay connected even when the power is going out all the time and one's computer is sputtering and freezing up and shutting down randomly. 🙂

[@PlanetDoug]

As for my next destination, I'm still figuring that out. This probably isn't the answer you want to hear, but I'm seriously thinking about making a quick trip back to Myanmar. There are so many places I didn't see in that country, and I feel like I didn't do the country justice. So once I get my camera and computer gear sorted in Kuala Lumpur, I might zip back to Myanmar and check out a whole bunch of places - do the traveling around that I didn't get to do when I was there before. And then I'd return to Malaysia and, hopefully, dust off my bicycle and do a bike tour here. After that, I have my eyes on Pakistan and perhaps a cycling trip in Sri Lanka.

[@bloison]

Where are you from initially?

[@PlanetDoug]

I am originally from Canada. My hometown is a small city in southern Ontario called Sarnia.

[@KKH_htut]

Lovely Uncle 🙃

[@mohdyusuffsharif944]

Since mr Douglas is caucasian its quite rude to call him uncle.. .contradictory to asian culture..elderly is happy to be addressed as uncle.to a caucasian uncle means a weak old Man.call him mr Douglas or sir.you can call him uncle if he is your really own uncle.

[@zakrazalli2075]

Welcome back. You can get much better room with homestay. Check out mudah.com.my for homestay and you can negotiate with the owner for monthly rate. And you don't have to pay the tax if it's owned by individuals.

[@PlanetDoug]

That's a good idea. I think I end up staying in budget hostels simply because there is no commitment. But I really should look into homestays or even renting entire apartments if I know I will be staying somewhere for a longer time.

[@therock8224]

Least favorite airport in the world? You haven't been to Los Angeles (LAX) then. I agree that Don Muang is at the bottom of the list, at least in East Asia, among airports for me (Saigon's Tan Son Nhat is only marginally better). However, LAX is much worse, especially as a foreigner. The officials are strict, rude and lines are long.

[@RichartAsia]

Hey look me up for teh tarik...

[@avunik]

Yup... Nobody will stop you from taking other ppl bag... But i always thinking that someone purposely left it for others ppl to carry it out coz it contained drug...

[@PlanetDoug]

I guess taking a strange bag would be like playing the lottery. It could be filled with luxury goods. Or it could have nothing but dirty clothes. Or it could be filled with something illegal. So you take a risk. I do have memories of a couple of times when there was a security check to make sure that the luggage tags on your ticket matched the bags you were taking out of the airport. That made sense to me. I wonder why they stopped doing that. It could be because a lot of people misplace their tickets and boarding passes during the flight, and there would be total chaos at the exit as people no longer have their luggage tags. And maybe they learned over time that people really don't steal luggage from the airport. Even if they did, they would all be caught on video surveillance cameras anyway, so they could eventually be tracked down. So there is no point enforcing any kind of luggage tag policy.

[@christinachee7697]

Welcome back to KL ! Yap Ah Loy Land !!!!

[@PlanetDoug]

The name Yap Ah Loy has a memorable quality to it. I never forget the name Yap Ah Loy when I think of Kuala Lumpur.

[@jamespriyam9362]

Your words echoed my feeling of being seen as an international criminal at every immigration check in counter I visit. I always thought it is because I am bald and ugly. But you look nice though.

[@walrusplanes3329]

#fairairporttax

[@avunik]

If look at you once... You looked like normal Canadian. If look at you twice... You looked like Italian mafia. That's why they think you are international criminal.

[@sheikhhashimi5082]

Thailand is much more cleaners than Myanmar

[@wim1101wim]

And on one visit I even argued my way out of paying my overstay because it was caused by the government boat being stuck in a Irrawaddy river sandbar for three days, so I claimed that it was THEIR fault. They accepted the argument and let me go free. kzbin.info?search_query=wim+on+the+irrawaddy

[@walrusplanes3329]

#fairairporttax