A spirited adventurer, Annie Razid’s life is defined by courage, curiosity, and compassion. A seasoned traveller, author, philanthropist, and former fashion designer, she embraces each chapter of her life with purpose and heart. Whether she’s trekking up ancient temples or penning stories inspired by her journeys, Annie lives boldly by one simple motto – just do it.
A life of adventure and purpose
LIFE is like an adventure, a pilgrimage of myriad lessons. And for Annie Razid, she does not take her journeys for granted; instead, she ensures they are worthwhile. An author, globetrotter, philanthropist, and fashion designer, Annie’s life motto is to just do it – regardless of what happens.
“Just do it, and don’t be scared of not trying. To be honest, I am scared at times, but I’m just brave enough to try. I always say that you can live life without a boyfriend or money; you can lose a lot of things – but one thing you can’t lose is hope. Without hope, you cannot do anything,” shared the sexagenarian.
The industry changed, and multiple experiences since the 1990s have matured her in ways she never knew possible. Starting as an acclaimed fashion designer, her passion for the arts was strong, though she decided to withdraw from the industry to pursue a different interest.
“Though I love the fashion industry, travelling and writing are what I truly want to do for the rest of my life. Furthermore, I am not young, and I would like to have the freedom to go anywhere and do whatever I want,” she revealed.
To date, she has published four books comprising autobiographies and non-fiction inspired by her travels, with a fifth currently in progress. Annie has also climbed numerous mountains around Southeast Asia and immersed herself in different cultures.
What sets her apart as a traveller is her preference to go solo rather than in groups. To her, travelling alone gives her the chance to understand herself – what she can and cannot do – and to discover who she truly is.
“Healing, that’s what it’s called these days.”
Her love for adventures
Throughout the many countries she has visited, including those in Europe, she fell most deeply in love with Indonesia – a land of beauty beneath an undeveloped façade. Annie loved the nature each state offered.
“There are just so many things to discover when you visit the country. I first started venturing to Indonesia in 2017. I just packed my bags and flew to Jakarta. Then I took an eight-hour train to Central Jawa.”
There, she made friends and experienced the region’s charm through its natural beauty. Cultural cities such as Yogyakarta, Magelang, Surakarta, and others in the region became her playground. When asked how she knew how to get there, she simply shrugged.
“I just knew. I have been a traveller since the 1990s. Back then, there was no such thing as Google or phones. I relied on my gut. Furthermore, I made friends there who could help me throughout my travels,” she said.
In Surakarta, she had a group of dance friends who established a cultural dance school. Annie recalled that the owner taught her to meditate – something she did under the rain each day, as it poured daily during her stay.
The profound experience helped her find peace in life. Back home, her friends and family were shocked, but they accepted that this was who Annie was. Central Jawa was also where she hiked different candi (a historical structure) on her own, aided only by her walking cane.
“I climbed Sukuh Candi. It was said to be more than 2,000 metres above sea level. I would’ve almost given up if not for my godson encouraging me not to stop – because it just wasn’t like me to give up halfway. And when I got to the top, I saw just about the most beautiful sunset I have ever seen,” Annie recalled.
To her, it was that beauty of wander that kept her going – the desire to know what was waiting at the end of the journey. Though she had problems with her legs, it didn’t deter her, even if she was scared deep inside.
“I am brave. But I am also scared. Nevertheless, I know I can do it because as a Muslim, I have Allah always guiding me in whatever I do. Before starting an adventure, I always submit myself to Him – though sometimes I do question myself, ‘What am I doing with life?’”
Against all odds
Always going against societal norms, Annie believes that as humans, we only live once.
“So do what you love without thinking about the judgement of others.”
To do that, she said, one must accept what life has given them.
“Even though I am old, I accept that fact and embrace it. As a person, I don’t want to live a life filled with regret that I didn’t try.”
Apart from book-writing and travelling, Annie also established a charity body called Pertubuhan Kebajikan Kembara Kasih Bangi in 2011. The spirit of volunteerism gives her a deep sense of fulfilment, especially as she gets to help those in the underprivileged category.
Describing her financial health as “not rich, but not poor”, Annie uses that as motivation to stay on budget.
“I feel like I cannot make any mistakes financially, so I learned to think ahead and plan well.”
Alongside that trait – with her resourceful and resilient character – the sexagenarian’s journey is far from over. Just as her curiosity continues to grow, her love for travel and writing is what makes her feel alive – what makes her feel like her truest self.
