What is Micro Adventure?

Micro adventure as a post Trans 1Malaysia ride

The idea of a ‘micro-adventure’ strikes a very relevant chord in this post-ride phase after completed my Trans 1Malaysia journey from Johor Bahru to Kangar, Perlis. City life isn’t really my thing. Noise, pollution and a feeling of enclosure nag at me constantly. The countryside isn’t on my doorstep and my own home town growing bigger each year. Over the last couple of months, I’ve come to the conclusion that these so-called ‘micro-adventures’ might be the tonic to keep me on track while I prepare for next year’s ride - cycling around Peninsular of Malaysia again.

So what’s a micro-adventure? It’s a new name for something that people have always done — just take off, unannounced, and let go of the safety buffer for a while. It’s long been said you can have an adventure in your own backyard — it doesn’t have to take place on the other side of the world.

A cold drinks at white sandy beach during hot sunny day while sea breeze chilling my sweat & tanned body 

What is the value of a spontaneous, unpredictable trip into the unknown? For me, it’s the mind-sharpening effect. No matter what, where or for how long, dealing with a new set of circumstances requires new thought processes and energies, initiative, quick wits, and a positive attitude towards success. Leaving your comfort zone also helps to get the things inside it into perspective.

One of the simplest idea by Alastair Humphreys who are an adventurer, blogger, author, motivational speaker, film maker and photographer was to get on a train to somewhere he’d never been and then walk home. He armed with a bivvy-bag, a pan and a pair of sunglasses. It sounded compact, fun, and probably a little uncomfortable — which is the part that wakes us up. The valuable part.

So what are you doing this weekend? Why not walk, cycle, run, hitch-hike, row, swim or climb a bit further than usual? Or just get on a train or bus and see where you end up? Think of your own micro-adventure, then go and do it.

The right to make a copy for personal use is part of most existing publishing agreements. This right is recognized as an important right for the author. Because the right is attached to the author and in most cases well defined, personal use won’t harm the publisher.