ABOUT US

Hi, I’m Ikbal Valiyathodi. Originally from the picturesque village of Oorakam and currently living and working in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, I created this platform to share my global adventures, transit guides, and local discoveries with readers around the world.

I have always believed that the true heartbeat of a city isn’t found in its static monuments, but in the moving arteries that carry its people: the high-speed rail networks, the sprawling urban metros, and the historic heritage trains.


Whether you are a budget traveler looking to maximize a long layover, or a fellow transit enthusiast wanting to know what it feels like to glide across the Saudi desert at 300 km/h, you are in the right place.

The Story Behind the Name

The name "Ishabil" holds a very special place in my heart—it is a blend of the names of my three children: Isha, Shabil, and Ishwa.

The Spark: My Transit Obsession

I distinctly remember the exact moment my fascination with trains shifted from a casual interest to an absolute obsession. It happened during my first visit to the United Arab Emirates. I had planned a very practical, straightforward journey on the Dubai Metro. But the moment the doors closed, everything changed.

As the train glided smoothly out of the station, I was immediately struck by the impeccable comfort inside. Escaping the sweltering Middle Eastern heat into a futuristic cabin was an experience in itself. But the real magic happened when the train emerged above ground. Looking out from the elevated tracks, I was gifted with a sweeping, panoramic view of the Dubai skyline—a rolling cinematic perspective of skyscrapers and highways that you simply cannot get from the back seat of a taxi.

Right then and there, I abandoned my original itinerary. I rode the Red Line all the way to the very last stop at Jebel Ali just for the view. That single, spontaneous joyride taught me that public transportation is not just a way to get from Point A to Point B; it is a destination in itself.

What I Offer Here

I aim to inspire and guide your journeys by offering three main types of content:

1. Transport Guides

Navigating a new city does not have to be expensive or confusing. I provide detailed transit guides tailored for budget travelers, featuring route breakdowns for high-speed rails, standard trains, metro networks, city buses, and boat services.

And I always keep it real—travel is about adapting on the go. For instance, I recently shared how I personally navigated a bus for my journey from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to the city center instead of taking the transit train. I share these ground realities so you can plan your routes better!

2. Travel Stories

Dive into my personal travel diary. Having visited multiple countries on a budget, I share captivating tales from solo backpacking adventures, memorable family vacations, and group tours. You'll find extensive coverage of my travels across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Malaysia, Singapore, and my home country of India. My stories focus strictly on places I have experienced firsthand—so while I have an exciting future trip to Switzerland currently in the works, and have yet to travel to places like Japan, you'll always get authentic advice based on routes I have personally conquered.

3. The Art of the Stopover & Travel Hacks

Over years of commuting back and forth between Saudi Arabia and India, I have mastered the subtle art of the stopover. I share road-tested strategies on how to significantly reduce your travel costs. Instead of looking for the shortest flight duration, I deliberately look for the most exciting layover opportunity. Some of my favorite travel hacks you'll read about include:

  • The $10 Doha Adventure: Using a 6 QR unlimited metro pass to see Qatar's highlights during a 10-hour transit.
  • The Muscat Escape: Utilizing a quick 5 OMR eVisa and local Mwasalat buses to explore Omani forts and mosques.
  • The Egypt Trick: Booking separate multi-city low-cost tickets to get a 2-day stopover in Cairo for under 1,000 SR total.

Ishabil Nest & My Heritage

Beyond global travel, I also share glimpses into Ishabil Nest—my sweet home base. This is where I publish posts showcasing my extensive collections of miniature building models, historical currencies, and coins. I also love to highlight the local charm, culture, and heritage of my beautiful home village of Oorakam.

Connect With Me

I love connecting with fellow travelers and transit enthusiasts! You can follow my daily updates and reach out to me on my social media channels:

Read More About My Journey

Want to know more about the man behind the blog? Check out these deep dives into my personal and professional life:

Thank you for riding along with me. Be sure to bookmark the site and check back often, because the next departure is just around the corner!