I had a short trip to Tioman Island last weekend with my close friends. We didn’t plan much — no itinerary, no fixed schedule. Just time together, moving at our own pace, doing whatever felt right in the moment.
To be honest, at first I didn’t really feel like going. I thought I didn’t need it, and I didn’t want to spend the money. But I went anyway.
It turned out to be exactly what I needed. A pause, a reset. And in that stillness, I felt something I hadn’t in a while. We left everything behind — just there to chill, to connect, and to step away from the world for a while. In that space, everything felt lighter.
I brought my very first camera with me. I wanted to take photos without complications, just capturing the moments I saw — a return to the simple joy that started it all. Just being a cameraman for this trip, and I enjoyed it.
Back then, I was very active. I carried my camera everywhere. I had plans, and I’d act on them quickly without worrying too much. If I needed help, I wasn’t afraid to ask — friends, course mates, anyone who could be my subject for a photo or video. It was fearless, fun, and always moving forward.
There was a period of time where street photography became my therapy. (Not the kind you see on TikTok.) Whenever I felt lost, I would bring my camera and travel by public transport or on foot — just strolling around the concrete jungle.
Traveling on foot allowed me to see things slowly. To notice the small details I’d usually pass by. I quietly observed, I patiently waited for interesting moments — fragments of life unfolding in their own rhythm.
Somewhere along the way, that passion faded. The joy of creating began to feel different. Maybe it’s because it became part of my job. Or maybe… I’m not sure.
What I do know is that I miss that version of me. The one who didn’t overthink, who found joy in the process itself, who kept moving without fear of whether it was “good enough” for others.
So recently, I’ve had an idea for a personal project. Nothing complicated. Just a way to return to creating for the sake of creating. To find my way back to the old me. I haven’t started yet, but once I do, I’ll let you know.
And if there’s one thing this trip reminded me of — it’s to take a break. Find the time for a short getaway, or even a simple pause. You probably need it more than you think.
As a little thank you for reading, here’s a code for you: “getaway” — 25% off, use it whenever you like.
FYI, most of the photos in this journal were taken with an iPhone. The camera photos aren’t here — haha!
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