Cover image via @exploella (Instagram)
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A solo traveller from Belarus has warmed hearts online after sharing how a chance encounter in Terengganu led to her being "adopted" by a kind local woman she now calls her mak angkat
Taking to Instagram, Ella, who has been travelling the world for the past two years, said she found more than just adventure when she arrived in Malaysia in 2025.
Her story began in September, when she fell asleep on a bus from Penang to Kuala Terengganu.
Ella shared that she missed the final stop, and the bus driver didn't notice her, leaving her to wake up alone in a bus parking lot in Kampung Paloh.
With no one around, she ended up walking about 5km before several kind strangers eventually helped drop her off in the city.
In Kuala Terengganu, while having breakfast at a local restaurant, Ella said a woman suddenly struck up a conversation with her, and did something unexpected
"She offered to show me around the city in her car," Ella wrote, laughing that it probably was dangerous in hindsight.
The woman, later introduced as Pauziah, brought her to see some of Terengganu's highlights, including the beach, the iconic floating mosque, a batik pavilion, and even her own factory.
"She was so kind to me, even though I was just a stranger," Ella said.
The next day, the two met again for dinner, and shortly after, Pauziah took Ella on a boat trip to Pulau Kapas, introducing her to locals on the island
"I fell in love with this tiny island," she shared. "I found friends — locals and travellers — and spent the best two weeks ever."
Throughout her stay, Pauziah continued to check in on her, even visiting the island to make sure she was doing okay and bringing her food, such as nasi kerabu.
When it was time for Ella to leave, Pauziah personally picked her up from the island, spent the day with her in Kuala Terengganu, and sent her off at the bus station.
Over the next seven months, the two stayed in touch, with Pauziah regularly sending her "good morning" WhatsApp stickers and checking in on her like a mother would
So, when Ella eventually returned to Malaysia, she said she had to visit Terengganu and Pulau Kapas again to reunite with the woman she now fondly calls her mak angkat.
"She is the reason why Terengganu feels like home to me," Ella wrote.
Her post has since garnered close to 200,000 views, with many Malaysians touched by the story and praising the warmth and kindness shown
"You're so lucky. She's so kind to you. And you're always welcome to Terengganu," one user commented.
"Glad you are happy visiting Malaysia. You are so lucky to have a beautiful, kind-hearted mak angkat," said another.
Others admitted the story brought them to tears, with one writing, "I'm bawlinggg, both of you are so adorable!" while another added, "The good morning stickers got me — real mak."
In a touching full-circle moment, Pauziah herself also responded in the comments: "My pleasure, my beloved daughter."
Speaking to SAYS, Ella said she is glad her story, and the kindness of her mak angkat in Terengganu, has touched so many people online
The 24-year-old, who has visited 15 countries so far, is already planning her next trip back to Malaysia.
"Next time, I'm planning to visit Redang Island, and I'm dreaming of exploring Sabah and Sarawak this summer," she said.
