Throwback Thursday: Good Vibes 2018
- Faiz Faisal
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
There is a specific kind of magic that happened at The Ranch in Genting Highlands back in 2018. Looking back, I still can’t believe I actually did it—I attended my first-ever Good Vibes Festival with a total stranger I met online.
He had an extra ticket and needed a plus-one, and my desire to see the "holy trinity" of my playlist—Lorde, SZA, and The Neighbourhood—was stronger than my introverted fear of meeting a random person from the internet.
The Coachella Vibes (and the Genting Prices)
Walking into the festival grounds felt like stepping into a Pinterest board. The fashion, the mountain mist, and the giant LED swings gave me that "Malaysian Coachella" experience I’d always dreamed of. However, my wallet definitely felt the sting. Whether it was a snack at the festival site or a meal up at the Highlands, the food prices were astronomical. Note to self: always budget for "mountain tax."
Three Acts, One Messy Heart
I wasn’t prepared for the emotional toll of seeing my idols live. When The Neighbourhood started, the vibe was immaculate. But when Lorde and SZA took the stage? I was a goner. I was starstruck to the point of nearly crying.
One moment that stuck with me was when SZA greeted the crowd with, "Assalamualaikum to my Muslim brothers and sisters." It was a total "lightbulb" moment for me—I realized right then that she was Muslim too. Seeing her represent her own unique style while acknowledging her faith was so incredibly cool to witness in person.
The Solo-ish Experience
Since I was there with a stranger, the social dynamic was… interesting. Being a massive introvert, I mostly spent the festival venturing out by myself. I didn't make new friends, and I barely made eye contact with anyone. Because I didn't have a "squad," I missed out on getting those perfect, curated festival photos, but I did have one familiar face pop up! An online friend saw my post, we met up for a quick chat, and then I went back into my own little world.
All in all...
The weekend was a chaotic mix of high-energy excitement and peak social awkwardness. But despite the expensive food and the solitary wandering, I wouldn't trade it for anything. GVF 2018 was a core memory that proved sometimes, saying "yes" to a stranger leads to the best nights of your life.
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