Navigating a Pandemic Journey: From Malaysian Quarantine to a Bangkok “Test & Go”

It’s hard to believe it’s been a few years since the world was defined by PCR tests, quarantine hotels, and ever-changing travel rules. Looking back on my trip home in March 2022, the details have grown a bit hazy, but the experience remains unforgettable—a memorable, and at times, painful, journey.

The Malaysian Quarantine

My journey began in Malaysia, where I had to complete a mandatory quarantine. After being “stuck” in Thailand for many months, it was a time to see familiar faces. My then-boyfriend and I also needed to gather documents to register our marriage in Thailand, so this trip was essential.

To prepare, I got a same-day PCR test and a “Fit to Fly” certificate from Medconsult at The Racquet Club in Bangkok. It was efficient, but the 1,500 THB cost was steep. For the flight, I chose Malaysia Airlines, paying a return fare of 5,925 THB. I felt it was a safer choice than a budget carrier and preferred flying from the more spacious Suvarnabhumi into KLIA, steering clear of Don Mueang and KLIA2.

The car that picked me up from KLIA had a makeshift plastic separating the driver from passengers, and the driver shared stories of the countless trips he had made during this period, ferrying weary travelers to their quarantine destinations. There was a tip box, and I tipped him for the service during this difficult time.

I had to book a quarantine hotel, and after comparing the Ibis KL with the Swiss Garden, I chose the latter for its location despite the higher cost. At the time, the length of quarantine depended on your vaccination status upon arrival:

• 5-day quarantine: For travelers with a booster dose.
• 7-day quarantine: For travelers who were fully vaccinated (at least 14 days after their second dose).
• 10-day quarantine: For travelers who were not fully vaccinated.

I paid for the standard package, the main difference from the premium package being the meals. The balcony was an extra 200 RM, but I opted out after reading that guests weren’t allowed to step onto it. A microwave was also a chargeable extra at 15 RM per day, so I lived with cold food as I didn’t pack along my small cookpot to heat up my food.

The hotel provided a reusable cutlery set for the entire stay, with a second set costing an extra 10 RM.

Arriving at the hotel close to 11 p.m., I was struck by a great deal of empathy for the staff on duty, who were covered in protective gear and sweating profusely. Supper was provided, and the following days included a PCR test conducted right in front of my room. During one of the tests, the staff member and I had a brief chat. I asked if he had eaten, and he said no, despite it being well past lunchtime. I offered him some snacks from Thailand, and he was so happy. He lamented how some rooms took a long time to answer the door, forcing staff to return after checking other floors, and he thanked me for being so quick and pleasant.

For reference, here is the cost comparison between the two hotels for a single person. The rates included a PCR test, unlimited drinking water, and a one-way airport transfer.

Duration	Premium (Ibis / Swiss)	Standard (Ibis / Swiss)
5 days	1,450 RM / 1,790 RM	1,200 RM / 1,490 RM
7 days	2,030 RM / 2,366 RM	1,680 RM / 1,876 RM
10 days	2,900 RM / 3,080 RM	2,400 RM / 2,580 RM

The quarantine meals were a constant topic on the quarantine Facebook group. While I only had the standard package, the experience was far from pleasant. Looking back, I still shudder at the thought. As it’s a Muslim country, the protein was predominantly chicken—and there was plenty of it. I tried not to waste food, but at some point, my gag reflex kicked in, and I just couldn’t stomach any more chicken. While food delivery was allowed, I kept to what was included to avoid any waste. I’m sharing some of those meal photos in this post, along with the few items I packed to help me through.

My days were spent working and attending virtual meetings on my laptop. This new-found flexibility was a testament to the changing work environment and allowed me to make this journey. It was a comfortable stay, and I really enjoyed having my own space after being stuck at home in Bangkok for so many months.

The Return to Bangkok: “Test & Go”

A few weeks later, I returned to Bangkok to find that the entry requirements had changed to the “Test & Go” model. This meant I could land, get tested, and then go to a hotel to await my results.

I booked a one-night “Test & Go” package at The Quarter Ladprao for 4,490 THB. Compared to Malaysia, this was an expensive single night’s stay. The rate included airport pick-up, a PCR test, and a home-use ATK test kit, along with breakfast that I never got to claim. The PCR test was administered at a mobile drive-through testing site run by Vichaivej International Hospital Nongkhaem in the Bang Phli district of Samut Prakan, and I was then sent to the hotel around 6:30 p.m.

My body started feeling feverish after I checked in, so I had a strong suspicion I had contracted the virus. The most unexpected twist came around 9:30 p.m., when my test results returned positive. I received a call first from the hotel reception and then the hospital. I was given two options: be admitted to a hospital or home quarantine, with hospital checking in on my status, though I received no contact at all. I spoke to my then-boyfriend, who asked me to come home, knowing he would likely be infected given the small space we lived in. In the end, we both ended up recovering at home together. It turned a challenging travel experience into a shared moment of rest and recovery, made even better by his mom sending us food and an unexpected medicine delivery from a colleague.

The staff at our condo, who had been notified of our situation, were incredibly helpful. They would leave deliveries in front of our door, often using a chair as a makeshift drop-off point. It was a simple but effective system—when we saw a chair outside our door, we knew our delivery had arrived, much like the process at the Swiss Garden.