By Kovid Dev

Each road takes a toll. Energy. Price. Risk. Yet, no single road exists without reward. The captivating views through the window, the air that seeps through the cracks; how far you have ahead of you, how far as you look back. My exchange placed me in the beautiful ‘road’ of Malaysia, which I soon found out serves as more of a junction. A junction of many interlacing roads, or rather, adventures to experience and places to travel.

Situated in the jaw-droppingly advanced city of Kuala Lumpur, Universiti Malaya stands as an incredible institution, with my off-campus dormitory being the starting point for each adventure. Before coming here, travelling always felt out of reach. The tolls of the ‘road’, too much to bear. But living in KL has been eye-opening to this perspective of adventures that are both accessible and of quality. Life-changing experiences around Malaysia for an unfathomably low price. KL itself is blessed, from the world’s second-tallest building to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, from architecturally mesmerising malls to alluring skylines. Whether it be adventures within the city, in different states, or even neighbouring countries, KL has served as a beautiful road and a beautiful junction.

Beyond exploring the glamorous big cities of Malaysia, the most rewarding destinations are generously scattered throughout the landscape. For as little as 20 dollars, I could enjoy a seven-hour comfortable coach bus ride to the small coastal town of Kuala Besut. Here, a short jetty ride took me to the breathtaking Perhentian Islands. With its white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. For me, this island was a paradise before the semester started. It offered unforgettable experiences, like a 20-dollar, 5-hour snorkelling trip where a boat taxi will personally take you to numerous areas such as “shark-point” and “turtle bay”, as well as colourful coral reefs. Closer to KL, a city like Malacca boasts beautiful landscapes and culturally enriched architecture cultivated from a mix of local and European influences. Rerouting to a different ‘road’, the Genting Highlands consists of resorts and theme parks on beautiful green mountains 1800m above sea level, where clouds graze against you as they pass. So, just imagine the view from the top of the roller coasters. All of these unbelievable locations, each a new road on my journey, enrich my exchange and make it unforgettable.

Malaysia’s countless domestic charms crown it as a ‘junction’, yet it goes beyond to provide convenient international travel. I recently returned from a trip to the prosperous, futuristic Singapore. From KL, it was 24 dollars to reach by coach bus. An entirely different environment, atmosphere, and adventure, only 6 hours away. I was privileged to enjoy perfect views of Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and Merlion Park, as well as to spend a day at Universal Studios theme park. Singapore was pricey, but worth it, and there are more ‘roads’ up north to explore, like Thailand and Vietnam, with profound convenience.

Every road has a toll. Every junction is abundant with roads. My exchange at Universiti Malaya has placed me at a junction, so life-changing and so accessible, providing roads of diversity, meddled with accessibility. The tolls on these roads are lower than I thought possible, shedding light on travel and adventure that feels like a blessing. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, has been that junction for me. I pray this helps you find good roads, and more so, a good junction.

After 2 months, I can say, all roads lead to adventure — I picked a good junction.