#TSBreakaway Experiences

Prior being selected as one of the top 12 Xplorers, frankly speaking I did not have a clear idea what #TSBreakaway was expect taking a guess it’s aim towards promoting Selangor.

SEE ALSO: What Does Traveling Means to Me? #TSBreakAway

After completing #TSBreakaway I can say it’s a pilot project by Tourism Selangor, similar to a bootcamp, which is specially created for bloggers/writers and photographers. I was rather impressed at Tourism Selangor for selecting the top 12 Xplorers, each Xplorer have a unique personality. In addition, these are potential individuals should they be equipped with proper skill set, they will shine bright like a star. I would call these Xplorers hidden gems, kudos to Tourism Selangor for being able to spot these unique individuals.

Throughout the 5D4N with #TSBreakaway I was able to learn more about writing and photography from mentors as well exploring interesting sites around Selangor. I’ve gained some great experiences.

New Friendship

Firstly, I’ve got new friends and these are special individuals with great personalities. I’m grateful to have met Adam Eben, Anis an amazing story writer at Five Foot Traveller, my roommate Irene, triangle Joyce, the adventurous Juan who blogs about cycle expedition on Green Butts Gears, the friendly Khairul, Issac the Subang Boy, Jeff from Ipoh, bubbly Jessie, quiet yet full of emotions and amazing photographer RAW, as well as energetic Vanessa.

Not forgetting the fun zombie crew. Dania, Renuga and Ashraf from Tourism Selangor, videographer e-one and Nigel Low the official photographer. These dedicated individuals had pull together #TSBreakaway making it a success and sacrificing countless hours of sleep to make this entire project happen.

Though we missed our 5D4N together, we’re now connected on facebook and whatsapp chat group, constantly buzzing updates on what we are up to.

Exploring and Rediscovering Selangor

I’ve got to admit Selangor is huge. Apart from the usual where we urbanites frequently visit, there are further parts of Selangor most of us have yet to discover. Through #TSBreakaway Map Your Trail, I’ve got the opportunity to drive to Tanjung Sepat, a lovely small town which offers great coffee beans, steam buns and seafood BKT.

I also got a chance to revisit Pulau Ketam, with a private tour to Kampung Sungai Lima, a fishing village which is not easily accessible by the public due to it’s limited boat transfer.

SEE ALSO: Colourful Pulau Ketam

Knowledge

Apart from exploring places, I’ve got to learn about Character writing from Dina in Pulau Ketam and got some photography tips from Ashraf and self-portraiture inspiration from Vig. These knowledge and skills certainly comes in handy for blogging, I’ve come to realised that there are areas to explore for further study.

A key highlight of #TSBreakaway we had the privilege to join Dialog In The Dark. It was an experience beyond words. Two hours in darkness while working in teams to complete various task given. I left the hall feeling inspired. That 2 hours had opened up my eyes, to look at things from a different perspective; faith and hope.

Get Wild with Creativity

Throughout the entire #TSBreakaway we had numerous opportunity to get creative and break out from our comfort zone through the various task given; Map Your Trail, Photography challenge and DIY Terrarium. I liked the fact that Tourism Selangor allow us to explore creativity.

We also had the opportunity to catch Shelah’s It’s #MYLife at DPAC to support the local art scene. I’ve been to Shelah’s show before as well as One Mic Stand and The Comedy Club KL. Tourism Selangor approach in exposing the local art scene to Xplorers is great, as many are not aware we have local talents in arts and entertainment where we should support these talented Malaysians. Plus, it means we have more events or shows to go for apart from the routine weekly visit to cinemas.

Last words, I look forward to see #TSBreakaway grow and spread like wildfire impacting lives while spreading the goodness of Selangor. I highly recommend anyone who is interested, to join the next #TSBreakaway (if there’s a second one) just like how successful MySelangorStory (MSS) is. You will truly benefit from it plus there are prizes.

For those who would like to explore Selangor, join the monthly #TSDayOut for a one-day trip exploring different parts of Selangor. Details are normally shared through Tourism Selangor Facebook.

For more information about Tourism Selangor visit www.tourismselangor.my or get the latest updates and interesting places in Selangor on Tourism Selangor Facebook.

• This is one of five entries for #TSBreakaway, a pilot program organized by Tourism Selangor. The 5D4N event was sponsored by Empire Hotel Subang, Canon and Damansara Performing Arts Center (DPAC).

See also other #TSBreakaway entries:

• Colourful Pulau Ketam
• Common Space and Coffee
• Shelah It’s #MyLife @ DPAC
• Tanjung Sepat Coffee Adventure

Show some love, VOTE for me in #TSBreakaway People’s Choice Award (vote by clicking on ❤ like).