Chinese New Year is a nice long weekend this year and with a few deft leave taking – it could be a nice week long break! Many of you; not just those celebrating; will probably be taking advantage of this time off to head down to your hometown. The exodus affectionately known in Malaysia as “Balik Kampung”, will mean merry road journeys (sometimes, longer than usual due to heavy traffic!); extended family gatherings and food galore.
But of course with any holiday journey, even if you are going back to the yard within which you played hopscotch and gasing with your friends, there will be costs involved. Check out what you can expect to pay this festive season and tips to helping you reduce this cost.
A Family Roadtrip
If your balik kampung journey is one you usually travel via car; you’re probably aware of the kind of costs involved but if it’s your first time and intend to have this fun road trip with your kin; expect to fork out for fuel, toll and car servicing. If you have many family members and a long journey ahead, you’ll also need to fork out for snacks and drinks to keep them all quiet!
Estimate costs for a roadtrip home:
– Full tank of fuel: 40L tank x RM1.91 per litre (RON 95 at Jan 2015 rate) = RM76.40
– Toll: Toll fares range very widely from RM15 – RM75 per way depending on the distance of your journey (any less than RM15 and we cannot consider it a roadtrip! More like a neighbourhood visit). A mid-range of RM35 per way.
– Car Service: RM90 – RM450 depending on vehicle make and service centre.
Minimum cost of roadtrip: RM76.40 + RM30 (RM15 x 2) + RM90 = RM196.40
Tips for Reducing Cost:
– Drive slower. Not only does this save fuel; it also saves lives.
– Opt for cheaper fuel if your car can handle it.
– Carpool with relatives to share the cost.
– Check for Car Servicing deals on group sites and book in advance.
A Merry Bus Ride
If driving long distance on your holiday doesn’t seem like the best way to spend your time or if you haven’t bought a set of wheels yet; you might consider taking a bus to your home town. The great thing about taking a bus is that all you need to do is buy a ticket and show up on time at the bus station. No other step required.
You can choose to ‘rough it’ on a regular bus ride or opt for a ‘luxurious’ journey on a luxury coach, some complete with meals and in-bus television sets.
Estimate cost of a bus ticket: RM6 – RM120 per way depending on distance and type of bus.
Tips to reduce cost:
– Book as early as possible to avoid sellouts and overpriced touts.
– Don’t buy tickets from touts or unlicensed sellers. You wouldn’t have to resort to this anyway if you had booked in advance.
– Compare prices. Check online bus booking sites and compare this with kiosk prices.
On a Jet Plane
If your hometown is in close proximity to an airport, you could opt for a flight to save time and hassle. Costs need not be exorbitant either if you book early. Taking a flight means more time relaxing and spending with the family and less time being grumpy in transit to your destination.
Flights are also easier if your hometown is really far – or across the sea (ie. Across West/East Malaysia)!
Estimate cost of a flight ticket: RM78 – RM450 per way depending on distance, flight booking times and airlines. Do take note: airline prices are extremely volatile and change by the hour.
Tips to reduce cost:
– Book early! Just like with bus tickets. Last minute airline tickets can be more than twice the price had you booked in advance.
– Use a flight comparison site to find the best deals.
– Cash in on your frequent flier points or credit card discounts, if any.
Happy Trails
Your balik kampung journey can indeed be a costly affair but it’s also a happy time to bond with relatives and go back to your roots if only just for a little while. Whichever way you choose to travel; remember the fundamentals: keep safe and have a good time! Happy trails, everyone.
