Chinese New Year is almost here, and it’s one of our favourite times of the year!
This holiday, we can’t wait to go back home, reunite with our families, and most importantly, stuff ourselves with incredible home-cooked food we’ve been dreaming about all year.
So, for many of us, the Chinese New Year holiday means balik kampung. Going home during the Chinese New Year travel season is a familiar and comforting tradition.
But let’s be real for a second. Getting there is the tricky part.
If your hometown is far away, long drives can feel exhausting. Add traffic into the mix, and things get stressful fast. It’s even tougher when you’re travelling with kids or elderly family members.
And CNY traffic? We all know it can be notoriously traumatising.
Avoiding traffic completely during the Chinese New Year holiday might be wishful thinking. Everyone is travelling. Highways are packed. R&R stops are crowded.
Still, a little planning goes a long way.
So we’ve put together this friendly checklist to help you beat the traffic and make your balik kampung journey as smooth as possible.
Some of these tips may sound obvious. But during the chaos of Chinese New Year travel, even the basics get forgotten.
So we’re here to remind you of the essentials so you can have a smoother balik kampung.
1. Plan Your Balik Kampung Trip Ahead of Time
Planning early helps a lot more than you think. It sets the tone for the whole journey and helps you feel in control amidst the chaos.
Before the Chinese New Year holiday kicks in, take some time to plan your route. Think about where you might stop for petrol, bathroom breaks, or quick meals.
If you’re the meticulous type, load your bags into the car the night before. That way, when it’s time to leave, you can get dressed, grab coffee, and head out calmly.
Why it helps:
- Fewer last-minute delays
- Easier to leave on time
- Less stress before traffic builds up
2. Travel Earlier Than the Peak Chinese New Year Period
This won’t work for everyone, but if you can, it’s one of the best ways to avoid heavy traffic.
If you work remotely or have flexible hours, consider travelling one or two days before the main Chinese New Year rush. Even a small head start can make a huge difference.
Many Malaysians aim to balik kampung on the same days. Leaving earlier often means smoother highways and shorter travel time.
3. Start Your Journey Early in the Morning
If travelling earlier in the week isn’t possible, aim to leave early in the day.
Early mornings are quieter. Traffic builds up quickly as the day goes on, especially during the Chinese New Year travel season.
We’ve found that leaving before sunrise feels tough at first, but you’ll thank yourself once you’re cruising past jammed roads later.
Quick reminder:
- An earlier departure usually means lighter traffic
- Toll plazas move faster in the morning
4. Check Waze and Google Maps Before You Leave
Navigation apps are your best friends during balik kampung season.
Before starting your journey, check both Waze and Google Maps. Look at estimated travel times, accidents, and congestion alerts.
Do this right before you leave, not just the night before. Traffic during the Chinese New Year holiday can change quickly, so current information matters.
5. Plan Smart Breaks When Travelling with Kids
Long drives with kids can be challenging, especially during Chinese New Year travel.
Pack enough snacks to keep everyone happy, but go easy on drinks. Too many liquids often mean extra bathroom stops, which add to travel time.
It also helps to plan simple car games. I Spy, 20 Questions, or word games can keep kids distracted when traffic slows down.
6. Keep Your Phone Charged and Bring Power Banks
Your phone does a lot during Chinese New Year travel. Navigation, toll apps, messages, and emergency calls all depend on battery life.
Make sure your phone is fully charged before leaving. Bring at least one power bank per adult. A dead phone in heavy traffic is the last thing you want.
7. Top Up Your Touch ’n Go in Advance
This one is easy to forget.
Before starting your balik kampung journey, check your Touch ’n Go balance. Top it up early so you don’t have to deal with packed R&R stops or last-minute stress at toll plazas.
During the Chinese New Year holiday, every small delay adds up.
8. Get Enough Rest Before You Drive
Traffic feels worse when you’re tired.
Make sure you’re well-rested before starting a long drive. Avoid driving right after work or heavy meals. Fatigue slows reaction time and increases frustration, especially in traffic.
If you feel sleepy, stop and rest. A short break can make the rest of the journey safer and more pleasant.
9. Renting a Car? Book It Early
If you’re renting a car for balik kampung, don’t leave it to the last minute.
Chinese New Year travel is the peak season. Cars get booked fast. Booking early gives you better options and peace of mind.
With platforms like SOCAR, you can book a car days in advance and plan your journey properly. Knowing your transport is sorted makes everything else feel easier.
10. Be Flexible with Routes, Not Just Timing
Even with careful planning, traffic can change throughout the day.
Accidents happen. Weather changes. Roads suddenly slow down. That’s why flexibility matters.
If your navigation app suggests a longer route, keep an open mind.
Sometimes the road less travelled gets you there faster. Sticking rigidly to one highway isn’t always the best move during Chinese New Year travel.
Final Thoughts
The Chinese New Year holiday is meant to be joyful. Balik kampung is about reconnecting, slowing down, and spending time with the people who matter most.
Traffic might be unavoidable during the Chinese New Year. But with the right mindset and a bit of preparation, the journey doesn’t have to ruin the mood.
Plan ahead. Stay flexible. Take care of yourself and your family on the road. We promise these small habits truly make a difference.
Here’s wishing you a smoother, calmer, and happier balik kampung journey this Chinese New Year.
A Few Last Reminders Before You Hit the Road
As exciting as balik kampung during the Chinese New Year holiday can be, safety should always come first.
Traffic, long drives, and festive excitement can be distracting, so it helps to remind ourselves of the basics before starting our Chinese New Year travel journey.
Before you drive off, keep these final tips in mind:
- Obey speed limits and traffic rules: Getting there safely matters more than getting there fast.
- Don’t text and drive: Messages can wait. Your attention shouldn’t.
- Wear seat belts at all times: Make sure children are secured in proper child seats.
- Check your car condition: Inspect tyres, wipers, lights, and engine oil before you leave.
A well-prepared car and an alert driver make a huge difference, especially during peak Chinese New Year traffic.
Balik kampung is about reaching home safely, enjoying time with family, and celebrating Chinese New Year the way it’s meant to be.
A calmer drive sets the tone for everything that comes after.
Here are a few more helpful reads:
- 5 Genius Packing Hacks for a Lighter Suitcase – SOCAR Blog
- 6 Sanity-Saving Tips to Nail Your Next Big Fam Holiday – SOCAR Blog
- Heading out of the city? Book SOCAR Intercity!
- How to: Protect Yourself with SCDW (Super Collision Damage Waiver) – SOCAR Blog
Ride with SOCAR This Chinese New Year
If you’re planning to balik kampung this Chinese New Year and don’t want the stress of driving your own car, SOCAR is a great option to consider.
With SOCAR, you can book your car in advance and choose from a wide range of vehicles that suit your needs. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with the whole family, there’s a car that fits your journey.
Having the right car makes Chinese New Year travel feel easier. Less worry about maintenance, more focus on the road ahead. Just get in, drive comfortably, and enjoy the journey home.
Book with SOCAR and make your balik kampung journey smooth, comfortable, and stress-free this Chinese New Year.
