6 Hari Raya Road Trip Tips To Balik Kampung Smoothly! (2025)
It’s that time of the year again! Balik kampung, oh oh oh balik kampung! (you know you’re truly Malaysian if you sang that instead of reading it!)
Travelling during the long Hari Raya holidays can be tiring and tedious because of the hours spent in traffic. We’re here to help you with some quick Hari Raya road trip tips!
While some people prefer flying back home to avoid road traffic, it’s not always the most affordable option.
Additionally, nothing beats the experience of going on a road trip with family; the endless chats with our siblings, bickering over who gets control over the music and a personal favourite, snacking on kuih Raya in the car.
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6 Hari Raya Road Trip Tips To Balik Kampung Smoothly!
1. Take Note of Discounted Toll Timings
During this Hari Raya season, tolls are 50% off from 28 March 2025 (Friday) to 29 March 2025 (Saturday), allowing travellers to journey freely without any toll charges.
However, this does not apply to Plaza Tol Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (Tambak Johor) and Plaza Tol Tanjung Kupang (Lebuhraya Laluan Kedua Malaysia-Singapura).
PLUS has projected a traffic increase of up to 2.2 million vehicles this festive season. With that being said, it a must for all Malaysians to plan their journeys ahead and take note of Smartlanes to avoid being stuck in traffic.
We don’t want to be late to our fun-filled Raya open houses and keep our family and friends waiting!
2. Service Your Car Beforehand
Before you travel the road with your loved ones, get your car checked and serviced to avoid any
chance of a breakdown. If your last car service was months ago and you haven’t hit the
mileage limit, it is still advisable to check fluids and filters as they degrade over time.
Here’s a vehicle service checklist before you hit the roads this Raya:
● Tyre Grip: Ensure your tyres are properly inflated and have enough tread for a safe
drive.
● Brake Check: Inspect brake pads and fluid levels to ensure they’re in prime
condition, especially if there’s squeaky or grinding noises coming from it.
● Engine Oil: Check your oil level and quality, top it up or replace it if needed.
● Air-conditioner: No one wants their air-conditioner to stop working mid-way
of a road trip, especially in Malaysian heat! Test your car air-conditioner fan for a
rattling sound or foul smell to ensure everything is in place.
● Car lights: Make sure your car lights aren’t dim, especially if you’re going on a
nighttime road trip.
● Windscreen Wiper: Check if your wiper works well and ensure the washer spray
has enough fluid for a clear view.
A little effort spent on servicing your car before your Raya road trip can ensure a peaceful
journey ahead.
3. Download the Etiqa+ App for 24/7 Roadside Assistance
If you’re planning a trip back to your hometown this Raya, download the Etiqa+ App before you hit the road.
With the app, you can request for 24/7 roadside assistance with just one tap. Available anytime, anywhere. What’s more, if you have a comprehensive car insurance or takaful plan with Etiqa, your roadside assistance is free up to 200km!
It’s super quick and easy to get help, all it takes is just one tap. So, if you want to avoid any delays and ensure a stress-free journey back home, be sure to have the app on your phone.
4. Have a Balik Kampung Playlist
To set the Raya mood, be sure to have your list of songs in check!
It’s going to be a long ride back home; you might as well have some fun, jamming and singing along to some Raya beats with your loved ones. However, be sure not to get distracted by your music. Safety first, always!
Here are a couple of Raya playlists to listen to on your journey:
5. Pack the Essentials
Comfort is key to making road trips enjoyable, especially during the Raya season where traffic can be pretty hard to predict.
Wear comfy clothes and shoes, so you’re able to sit in the car for long hours. Bringing along a cosy blanket and pillow might be just the trick to help you get a quick nap.
Remember to stock up on water and snacks (by snacks, we mean kuih Raya and cookies, of course!) to stay hydrated and energised, especially if you’re travelling at odd hours of the night.
By packing these items, you’ll be good-to-go for a comfortable and stress-free balik kampung journey.
6. Get Your Gadgets In Check
Besides packing the essentials, ensure your gadgets, such as your phone, tablet and gaming consoles, are fully charged to keep you entertained for the journey ahead.
Don’t forget to have a power bank or car charger with you. You’ll definitely need them to charge your devices, especially if you’re using apps on your phone for navigation and music.
Additionally, to avoid unnecessary pit stops on your road trip, be sure to top up your e-wallets to ensure a smooth journey back home.
There you have it, 6 Hari Raya road trip travel tips to balik kampung! Road trips during festive seasons are special because they bring together family and friends to celebrate traditions and create new memories.
However, it’s important to prepare and plan ahead to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. From servicing your car to packing for comfort, there are many things you can do to make your journey as smooth as possible.
Look out for your loved ones who will be travelling this festive season by sharing this guide and the Etiqa+ App so they can truly be road ready this Raya.
The information contained in this blog is provided for informational purposes only. It should not be construed as advice on any matter. Etiqa accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from reliance on information contained in the article. This information is correct as of 9th April 2024.
Source: PLUS
