Couple cycles 6,000 km from Almaty to Bali on a shoestring budget
A young couple has embarked on an extraordinary cycling journey from Almaty to Bali, covering nearly 6,000 kilometres so far. Maxim and Alina left with little preparation but a bold plan to cross multiple countries on two wheels. Their adventure began after a last-minute change of plans left them with an unexpected opportunity. The idea for the trip came suddenly. The pair had originally travelled to Kazakhstan for a cycling project that never materialised. Instead of returning home, they decided to set off on their own, giving themselves just 45 days to find bicycles, gather supplies, and plan a route.
Their journey has taken them through Kazakhstan, China, Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia. With an average daily budget of 20,000 tenge for both of them, they cover food, lodging, and essentials. Half the time, they sleep under the stars, while the other half is spent in cheap hotels. Each morning, they wake at 7 a.m., eat breakfast, and start cycling early to escape the midday heat. Most of their daily distance is covered before noon, leaving the afternoons free for rest, meals, and recharging. Maxim handles filming, editing, and promoting their travels, while Alina, a former professional dancer, adjusts to life on the road. After months of pedalling, they now expect to reach Bali in roughly two months, bringing their long journey to an end.
The couple’s trip has already spanned five countries and thousands of kilometres. Their tight budget and simple routine have kept them moving forward. Once they arrive in Bali, their cycling adventure will finally conclude.
