Selamat Hari Raya and maaf zahir dan batin from all of us here at Zafigo!
Like most public holidays and festivals in Malaysia, Hari Raya Aidilfitri can bring about just as much travel stress as it can joy. Sometimes, even more so – especially if you’ve got kids tagging along!
However, with a little bit of pre-planning and smart forecasting, you can alleviate just that little bit of stress to help facilitate your journey and prevent the festive season from becoming something you anticipate with dread. In other words, you can survive the Raya rush.
Whether you’re a local preparing to brave the treacherous journey that is the PLUS Highway, or a tourist looking to experience Malaysia in all its festive Eid splendour, you’re most definitely going to want to make use of these tips to avoid the crowds during Hari Raya (and no, using the emergency lane is not recommended).
Expect more Malaysians on the road this year
Now that border restrictions have eased up, expect more cars on the road this year. We’re pretty sure everyone’s excited to meet family since it’s been 2 years of not being able to balik kampung (returning to one’s hometown or village). The weather has recently been unpredictable as well, so if you’re using Waze or Google Maps, remember to leave the application on throughout your entire journey to ensure you receive traffic and route updates as they happen.
Save a little $$$
There’s nothing like the festive season. If you’re lucky, you get some time off of work to visit your family back home, ground yourself back to your roots, and meet up with relatives. Aside from dreading the inevitable questions of impending marriage and children, there’s also the dread of the long journey and the cost involved. And if it applies to you, having to fork out duit raya (money packets given to those who are younger and not working) too.
At least you can save a little on petrol costs. Petrol prices for RON95 (RM2.05) and Diesel (RM2.15) are now much lower than before the pandemic in 2019. The price for RON97 however, currently stands at RM3.81. Make smart choices on the road and drive safe, friends!
A toll waiver has also been announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, so toll users can enjoy discounted travels from midnight, 30th April 2022 to 11:59PM, 1st May 2022. Toll-free highways are North-South Expressway and East Coast Expressway, which will take effect from midnight, 7th May 2022 to 11:59PM on 8th May 2022.
For Raya flyers
If you’re opting for the comforts of air travel instead, note that peak travelling periods will likely extend until the 10th of May. To ensure your balik kampung journey doesn’t go awry, arrive at the airport at least three hours prior to your departure time. There’s nothing worse than missing your flight, especially during the Raya season.
AirAsia also recommends travellers self check-in to make their trip more efficient and save time. You can do this via their website, mobile app or check-in kiosks. Read this guide on how to do it.
Plan your departure time wisely
Here’s a tried and true trick many Malaysians residing in the capital are familiar with but may not necessarily always put to action – beginning the journey at ungodly hours.
If possible, leave at midnight or even in the wee hours of the morning (yes, like at 3am). There will be others just as crazy as you, but the jam won’t be anywhere near as bad as during the day. Also, if you take the secondary trunk roads instead, the roads will be even more of a breeze to travel on.
Here are some tips from PLUS on travelling to and from the Klang Valley using the North-South Highway:
The congestion doesn’t stop there
Certain states like Melaka and Johor will be packed with locals visiting their relatives and taking the opportunity to enjoy a little holiday as well. So attractions like Jonker Street may be quite the challenge. The fact that it’s the holidays and term breaks for most schools certainly doesn’t help either.
Just keep in mind that though the roads may be clearer back in Kuala Lumpur, major shopping centres will still be crowded as those who remain in the city tend to frequent them. After all, shopping in Kuala Lumpur can be exciting, and the smaller crowds make the experience that much more enjoyable.
Despite this, the tug of home will always take first priority. No matter how congested the roads or heavy the workload, Raya should still be a time when family comes first. With the help of these tips, perhaps your trip back home this year can be a little more pleasant and meaningful!
*This article was originally published on 4th June 2019 and has since been updated.
