Weekend Getaways – Traveling Around Southeast Asia on a Student Budget

By Jiaqian Ji Ye, National University of Singapore, Singapore

What is one of the most advantageous aspects of studying at NUS? The unparalleled location! My second semester was replete with memorable travel experiences, including weekend excursions to Bali and spontaneous travels to Thailand.

Changi Airport in Singapore is among the most well-connected globally, facilitating affordable travel with remarkable ease. I discovered flights to adjacent nations for as low as $50 with budget airlines such as AirAsia and Scoot. Accommodations at hostels, overnight bus travel, and dining at local establishments facilitated cost reduction, enabling me to optimise my travel budget.

Every stop presented distinct offerings—Bali’s beaches and rice terraces, Malaysia’s dynamic street cuisine, and Vietnam’s stunning vistas. These excursions were not merely vacations; they were profound cultural experiences that imparted lessons in independence, adaptation, and the pleasure of discovering new locales with new acquaintances.

Studying at NUS encompasses more than mere academic pursuits; it involves broadening one’s intellectual and geographical perspectives. Using Singapore as your base, all of Southeast Asia is accessible.