Trip-hop shares the unsettling experience of a close friend who was subtly robbed during a budget night bus ride in Malaysia, despite taking precautions. Aware of the risks associated with luggage stored under the bus, the traveler kept all valuables—phone, wallet, tablet, and cash—in a small bag worn around her neck throughout the trip. Oddly, although she’s someone who typically can’t sleep on buses, she fell into a deep, unusually restful sleep. The next morning, everything appeared to be in place, but she later realized that most of her cash was missing—along with similar reports from other passengers on the same bus.
The traveler suspects she and the other passengers may have been drugged, as the widespread, deep sleep seemed unnatural. The bus company, when contacted, deflected responsibility and offered no support. Though not a widespread issue, the incident highlights a calculated and covert style of theft targeting tourists. Trip-hop concludes the story with advice: invest in an under-clothes money belt or neck wallet for added protection—particularly on overnight buses—since even minor thefts can turn a dream vacation into a stressful ordeal.
