PETALING JAYA: Beach holidays, heritage trails and balik kampung plans are all in the works as Malaysians prepare to maximise the coming extra-long weekend, while steering clear of peak hour congestion.
As expected, many plan to squeeze in a much-needed getaway from their professional commitments.
Business executive K. Ramesh, 33, plans to have a brief staycation in the city centre before heading to Port Dickson for a beachside getaway with his wife.
“The idea is to beat the traffic rush. By staying in Kuala Lumpur for the first few days, we get to play tourist in our own city and enjoy a jam-free city centre.”
Among the items on his itinerary are to explore the recently reopened Sultan Abdul Samad complex.
The once sombre courthouse now houses galleries, exhibitions and cafes.
“We also intend to explore the city using public transport,” he said, adding that he will then have a two-day and one-night stay in Port Dickson.
Marketing executive Nur Aisyah Jalil, 29, will be travelling home to Kota Baru, Kelantan to celebrate Hari Raya Aidiladha with her family.
She will be travelling back with her brother, who is also based in the Klang Valley.
“We anticipate a long crawl but the look on our parents’ faces when we arrive home is worth it,” she said.
Housewife Low Qiu Heong, 40, will spend the two-week school holiday with her three children at a glamping site in Selangor as the children still have tuition classes.
“I usually choose camping so the children can learn outdoor skills,” she said.
Low said Malaysia still has many places worth visiting, including durian farms where children can learn more about local produce. She also plans to visit Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad.
Data engineer Gary Leong, 31, will be in Melaka before going slightly further south to Muar, Johor.
“I always travel to Melaka during longer breaks as I feel the city has so much to offer, both historically and gastronomically,” he said.
Leong, who will be travelling with his partner, said they intend to leave for Melaka in the wee hours of May 30 to avoid heavy traffic.
A Sabahan software programmer, who wanted to be known as Willy, will be heading home for the Kaamatan festivities.
“This year, it will be special as I can spend more time with my family due to the long break,” said the 35-year-old, who will be extending his stay in Kota Kinabalu until June 7.
The long weekend will see Hari Raya Aidiladha, Wesak Day and the King’s birthday falling close together.
The period also overlaps with the school holidays from May 23 to June 7, as well as the festive celebrations of Kaamatan and Gawai.
