Upon graduation, this Malaysian has chosen an unconventional route, one that is less about corporate ladders and more about personal elevation.
With Miri as his backdrop and mathematics his forte, Khong finds himself deviating from the expected trajectory of a USM graduate.
“I have no formal job after graduation. My scholarship affords me the simple life that I enjoy,” he says candidly.
After a directionless two years post-university, it was in Balik Pulau where Khong discovered a new pace of life.
By exchanging labor for accommodation, he found more than just a place to stay for a year; he discovered a passion.
How it started
“It started with a work-for-stay deal at Balik Pulau,” he recalls, “That’s where I first really got into cycling.”
It wasn’t just the act of cycling that enthralled him, but the sense of freedom it offered.
After one year of working there, Khong’s journey from Balik Pulau to the open roads was sparked by a simple yet profound inspiration.
“With just RM500 left from my work exchange, I wondered, why not explore?” he reflects.
A chat with his boss to get a bicycle, a glance at a friend’s photographs of the East Coast, and the allure of the open road culminated in a decision that would chart the course of his life.
“It was the East Coast’s beauty in photos that got me thinking,” Khong shares.
“I thought, with my bicycle and what little I had, I could experience that beauty firsthand.”
This revelation was a turning point, transforming his idle days into a quest for discovery.
With RM500 in his pocket and a heart full of curiosity, he set off to see the world his way.
“I thought, with RM500, I could still ride a bike. And that’s what I did. In 78 days, I only spent a little over RM400.”
Roadside rests
Khong’s initial bicycle journey to the East Coast was marked by a mix of anticipation and adjustment.
“I was really focused on reaching the East Coast faster. It definitely has its challenges, but it was about getting there,”
This readiness was put to the test each night as he faced the challenge of sleeping by the roadside mostly without the shelter of a tent.
Inquiring about his first destination and whether the challenges had deterred him from continuing, Khong replied:
“At first, the hardships made me hesitant, but as I settled into the journey, I found myself enjoying it,” he shared thoughtfully.
“It’s strange, at first you are hesitant, but once you calm down, you start missing it,” he reflects.
4 times around the Peninsular Malaysia
The 33-year-old’s cycling journey is a saga of endurance and wonder.
“I’ve encircled the West Malaysian Peninsula four times,” he shares.
His inaugural 78-day cycling tour was a rite of passage that led to subsequent 87-day and 30-day voyages, each a unique odyssey.
His recent trip from Penang to Johor, then Kelantan, and onwards to Vietnam marked his third venture into the country.
Khong recalls his first foray outside Malaysia with a sparkle in his eye.
“I spent 30 days in Thailand, absorbing Bangkok for two weeks before venturing out and then re-entering,” he recounts.
From the bustling heart of Thailand, he pedaled north to Chiang Mai and then veered south towards Cambodia, before finding his way to Vietnam.
Minimalist nomad life
Khong’s adventures are not just about the distance covered but also about the art of traveling on a budget.
“In 2016, things were cheaper,” he explains, reflecting on how he made his funds stretch.
“A simple loaf of Gardenia white bread, which I would eat with kaya spread for all three meals, cost around RM5-6, and that’s primarily what I lived on.”
His approach to accommodations was equally economical.
“I slept in a tent or under shelters,” he says, describing his minimalist approach as ‘extreme budget traveling.’
This strategy was not about deprivation but about making the most of what he had.
Is this what freedom really means?
Without a fixed destination in mind, Khong’s travels were guided by his whims. “I just went wherever my heart led me,” he says, emphasizing the freedom he found in this spontaneous way of traveling.
Khong’s travels eventually led him to a state of serenity. “Once I achieved a certain peace of mind, I could truly enjoy every moment on the road,” he shares.
His experiences, especially during his time wandering for half a year in Vietnam, were as much about internal discovery as they were about exploring new places.
Khong’s travels were marked by the simplicity of his gear. “I didn’t need a fancy bike. A regular one costing around RM400 was enough,” he says, dismissing the notion that expensive equipment is necessary for such adventures.
Since starting his adventures in 2015, Khong’s way of traveling evolved.
“Initially, it was just about cycling and taking photos. But in 2022, I started making videos, which added a new dimension to documenting my travels,” he explains.
Discussing finances, Khong mentions his trips between 2016-2022, including camping in Balik Pulau to earn money.
“By 2022, my YouTube videos started bringing in some income,” he says, noting his monthly expenses range from RM1000-1200 now.
“Initially, I posted photos on Facebook as a personal diary, a way to remember my travels,” Khong explains.
However, as his journey evolved, so did his method of storytelling.
“I realized photos could only capture so much. Videos brought my experiences to life in a way photos couldn’t,” he reflects.
This shift to video content allowed Khong to document his travels more dynamically, capturing the essence of each moment.
Living a life that he truly enjoys
As for the future, Khong has no specific plans. “I take life as it comes,” he says.
Facing criticism, he remains true to himself, advising others who yearn to break free from convention and embrace a life of exploration, “Take that first step; it’s the most important. Live the life you enjoy, even if society doesn’t understand.”
