Making memories: Mirza (far right) with her friends (from left) Ayra Arwina and Alya Batrisyia during a trip to George Town.
AS a student, travelling had always seemed like a distant dream – something beyond my budget and far from my academic priorities.
Yet, I came to realise that studying in Selangor came with an unexpected gift: accessibility. Having most key transit lines at my doorstep definitely fuelled my humble adventures.
It was a random Thursday when I got a text from a friend: “I’m bored,” it read. We were in the middle of a five-day study break, and our brains felt like they might combust from all the revision we had piled on.
Without thinking twice, I replied with a suggestion: “Want to go to Melaka for a day?”
Less than 24 hours later, we found ourselves strolling down Jonker Street, soaking in the sights and smells of the historical town.
We had booked a return bus trip for just RM20. If I asked him why he said yes to such an impromptu trip, he’d probably shrug and say, “It only cost us RM20 for a bus ride!” And really, that was reason enough.
The trip to Melaka was my first step towards a more intentional and structured journey.
Ipoh came next. After almost a three-hour train ride, we finally reached the bustling city with colonial charm and limestone hills.
The most memorable experience was our visit to the Ho Yan Hor Museum, where history is brewed in every cup of tea. By the end of our visit, a staff member had served us six different teas and praised us for taking the time to travel and learn about cultures beyond our own.
To us, Malaysia is blessed with a wealth of traditions, cultures and beliefs – ones that are not only meant to be read about, but also experienced.
Then came George Town, where history and modern life coexist so effortlessly. From Armenian Street to Fort Cornwallis, every step felt like a page from a book come to life – only this one came with a side of nasi kandar.
Even quieter places like Jugra, often overlooked, had something to offer. This time, I went with a group of friends. There were seven of us, carpooling to Al-Muttaqin Mosque. We stayed for the night and went up Jugra Hill first thing in the morning.
With its sleepy roads and royal mausoleums, Jugra reminded me that you don’t always need grand monuments to feel the weight of the past. Sometimes, you just need to slow down and listen.
While these trips taught me a lot about culture and heritage, they also taught me how to think on my feet.
Travelling on a student budget meant I had to plan carefully: compare bus operators, adjust trips for cheaper flight tickets, and hunt for the best online coupons.
I learnt to build itineraries, manage spending, and calculate time to ensure I could still return to campus in time for curfew.
There’s something humbling about finding your way around a city where you know no one, and something empowering about solving problems on the go. It taught me independence, adaptability, and how to make decisions with limited resources.
Nonetheless, my journey would not have been possible without Peninsular Malaysia’s public transport system.
From intercity buses to KTM and LRT lines, the affordability and accessibility of these options made travel not just feasible, but also inviting. I could immerse myself in an entirely new environment, try new food, and expand my understanding of my own country with minimal effort and funds.
As someone from East Malaysia who once felt like a stranger in Peninsular Malaysia, these small journeys helped me feel more at home in the unfamiliar.
These experiences also satisfied a part of me that had been stirred by reading an autobiography of Emeritus Prof Dr Muhammad Haji Salleh. Images from his journeys – from the small city of Calais to the romantic charm of Paris and the stunning alpine landscapes of Switzerland – have stayed with me.
His travels, deeply intertwined with his growth as a scholar and thinker, inspired me to look at my own life differently.
So if you’re a student wondering whether you can afford to travel, my advice is: start small and stay curious.
Sometimes, all it takes is RM20 and the courage to reply, “Let’s go.”
Mirza, 19, a student in Selangor, is a participant of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme run by The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) team. For updates on the BRATs programme, go to facebook.com/niebrats.
With the theme of the article in mind, carry out the following English language activities.
1 In pairs, plan a one-day trip within Malaysia. Decide how much to spend, where to go, how to get there, what to eat, and what to do. Present your plan to the class and explain why it is the best budget trip.
2 Write your own mini travel memoir (150–200 words), starting with: “I never thought I would...” If you haven’t travelled far, write about a memorable local outing, such as a market visit, a hiking trip, or a festival.
The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) programme promotes English language learning in primary and secondary schools nationwide. For Star-NiE enquiries, email starnie@thestar.com.my.
