【MCO】From the United States to Malaysia under lockdown

First, I would like to thank all the front liners and those essential workers for your help and services during this pandemic. You guys are The Real Heroes.

Below I would like to share with you guys the journey traveling back from California to Kuala Lumpur.

Flying experience during the Covid-19

Everyone is required to wear a mask at San Francisco International Airport. You can see people were ready with the protective gear before the boarding. However, most of the people were not used to the social distancing requirement yet. The airline crews had to remind the passengers many times to make sure they were following the guidelines. They started to board the passengers from the end of the aircraft first in order to reduce contact with other passengers.

Many people were telling me not to eat or go to the restroom on the plane, but it was 10 hours flight and I couldn’t hold it for that long. I made as little contact as possible and washed my hands with soap or hand sanitizer frequently. After landing, we were all asked to be seated until our rows called. Everyone was getting their luggage without the 6-feet apart rules. To be honest, it is really hard for the airlines to make sure every passenger following the guidelines but they are trying as much as they can.

I hope if you are traveling soon, make sure you follow their instructions. Just don’t make any more troubles or problems for them, they are risking to help us and make sure we get home safely. And we should do the same to make sure they get home safely too.

Arriving in Kuala Lumpur

Once we got off the plane, we were being guided step-by-step in a group of 15-20 people. There were several forms to fill up. The first one was the Health Declaration Form like below:

The other forms were mostly asked for our personal and health information as well. Then we handed in the forms, and were being asked some questions before we took the swab tests.

Nasal and throat swab tests

I did not have a chance to take pictures because it was done very fast. At first, I was afraid of doing the nasal swab because I saw some videos, and people kept telling me how it would hurt. I think because of that, I was prepared for the worst but it actually wasn’t hurt at all for me. The doctors who were doing these swabs were super nice and gentle. They explained clearly to you and for the little kid, I even heard they were clapping and cheering when the kids were done with the swabs.

Customs and Immigration

After that, we went through the immigration to stamp the passport. Then we needed to fill up another form which I believe, was used for the hotels that we will be sent to. At that point, we were just waiting the groups. Even, if we wanted to go to the restroom, we went in a group followed by a policeman.

Baggages claim

We picked up our own luggages and the buses were ready outside. We were asked to leave our backpacks and luggages down and they sprayed something for disinfection.

Then we went on the bus and waited for the rest of the groups. After all the groups were ready, we then departed to our hotels. The hotel is quite far from the airport, it took almost an hour’s drive. The whole journey was escorted by the police too.

Arriving at the quarantine hotel

Then I started the 14-days quarantine. It was a long process which used almost 5 hours from we got off the plane until we checked in to the hotel. However, the whole process was very smooth and well prepared by the government. I truly appreciate the authorities and officers who are working at KLIA and the hotel. They are taking very good care of every one of us and making sure we are healthy and safe. Thank you again and I hope everyone stays safe and healthy. We will come through this together!

***I just got the first test result, I tested negative. We are getting the second test soon.***

***This post is just an experience sharing especially to those who want to travel back home.***