In March 2014, I embarked on yet another solo backpacking journey. This time to Turkey. I grabbed the Qatar Airways Promotion ticket at the price of RM2,087 few months back. To be honest, I had not been travelling alone for years and never this far. The first hurdle I had was the 40 minutes transit at Doha International Airport. I had never been to Doha International Airport before nor that I had a short transit anywhere else in the world.
Upon check-in at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), I was given a yellow pass which meant I would be having a short transit at Doha International Airport. I had to hold on to my boarding pass so that the ground crew would be able to identify me and direct me to the boarding gate. I had to be extra careful so as not to miss my onwards flight to Istanbul. Since my flight from Kuala Lumpur was delayed by 20 minutes, I arrived just on time for departure to Istanbul.
Both rides were uneventful. The in-flight meal for Qatar Airways flying to Istanbul.
No doubt the meals served were delicious.
When I arrived at Istanbul Ataturk International Airport, it was already late. Passing through the immigration and customs area and baggage claim, I had to find my way to the Havalimani (Airport) Metro station. Since I did not have small change, I had to walk to the right of the Havalimani to buy drinks in order to buy the Istanbulkart – the electronic wallet card used in Istanbul, Turkey.
Istanbulkarts are sold by Istanbulkart vending machines and supposedly by Biletmatik machines. I got mine at Ataturk Airport Metro Station. To buy the card, you have to put a TL10 note into the machine, then you have to insert more bills to load credit onto the card to pay fares.
If you need to read more about Istanbulkart :- HERE
Since I had pre-booked my stay at Istiklal Hostel, Sultanahmet, I took the metro to Sultanahmet. Here’s how :-
1. Havalimani (Airport) Metro Station is the terminus of the Metro line, you can board any train because they all go to Aksaray.
2. Then, you need to get out at Zeytinburnu which is the 6th Metro stop. At Zeytinburnu station, enter the tram turnstiles and look for the tram marked Eminou or Kabatas. Ride the tram eastbound to Sultanahmet, which is the 16th stop. I remember having to ask around on numerous account so not to miss Sultanahmet station.
You know it’s Sultanahmet station when the first thing that catch your eyes is the Blue Mosque. Stunningly stood out in the glamourous night. I had difficulty though to find Istiklal Hostel. Apparently, it was located on the upper floor of a dessert shop, next door to a coffee shop. At night, it was quite happening as the pubs and lounges were operating here. Once I got the right place, I came up and down for 3 times before knowing the reception was located on the highest floor. No wonder, no one answered my door knocks on the second floor and third floor.
After paying 79TL for the dormitory bed, I proceeded to the dorm only to find to my horror, the tap was not running. Like Malaysia, Turkey also had a drought season. Imagine, how stressful I was then because after a long journey, I longed for a proper shower.
Messy hostel, but served me fine during my stay. Tip top recommendation on TripAdvisor too!
It was on the first day I was in Turkey that I received a bad news. That my father was hospitalized on the day I left Malaysia. That night, I cringed and cried for I wanted to just go home. This unfortunate event somewhat affected my journey, in the sense that I reflected a lot on life. The what-ifs. The thought of what if anything happens and I am out of reach.
There I was, water-deprived, crying on the bed wishing I was home with my family. It was only Day 1. I didn’t know what’s in store for me for the next 13 days.
Item | TL/EU | MYR | |
1 | Return Airfare – KUL-DOH-IST-DOH-KUL | RM 2,087.00 | |
2 | Istiklal Hostel (2 nights) | TL 85 | RM 165.75 |
3 | Istanbulkart | TL 10 | RM 19.50 |
4 | Food & Beverage | TL 2.50 | RM 4.90 |
TOTAL | RM 2,277.15 |
6 Comments
What happened? Did you stay?
Istanbul….how I miss u sooo muchhh…. one of the places I dnt mind revisiting in the future… 🙂 hope yr father is ok by now…
🙂 I referred to your blog for info prior to going. I truly agree. Turkey is so big and there are many things to explore.
And yes, my father is in good health now. Thanks.
Hi Farah,
I just came back from my solo backpacking in Turkey last month.
Glad to found someother Malaysian girl who did solo travel there as well. Would be nice if we can exchange stories some time.
I used your blog for some reference on Coron during my trip to Palawan too.
And Sarajevo seems reeaally interesting.
Keep on writing! 😉
Thank you for reading! I met a lot of others who did solo travel. We should catch up with one another. Would love to hear about your climbing stories. One thing I’ve yet to explore, especially when I’m gaining weight like no one’s business now.
If u’re interested to climb come join me at putrajaya challenge park on weekends. its kind of addictive. I just started earlier this year. Memang best.