TIMES MALAYSIA, JAKARTA – Malaysia is a popular international destination for Indonesian travelers due to its close proximity and relatively affordable costs. But how much does it really cost to travel from Surabaya to Malaysia?

To answer this, Fanny Rahmawan , a student of UIN Malang shared his experiences during his trip to Malaysia. “Even though Malaysia is nearby, careful budgeting is still important to avoid overspending,” he emphasized.

Transportation: Airfare as the Main Expense

The largest component of the travel budget is airfare. Fanny explained that ticket prices for flights from Surabaya to Kuala Lumpur vary depending on when you book.

“If you book well in advance, round-trip tickets can range from IDR 1 million to IDR 2 million for budget airlines like AirAsia or Scoot,” he said.

However, last-minute bookings can see ticket prices soar beyond IDR 2 million. “One cost-saving trick is to take advantage of airline promotions. I managed to get tickets for around IDR 1.2 million by booking a few months ahead,” Fanny added.

Accommodation in Malaysia

Upon arriving in Malaysia, the next necessity is accommodation. Kuala Lumpur, as the main city, offers a variety of lodging options, from hostels to luxury hotels. Fanny recommended budget hostels for travelers with limited funds.

“Hostels in Kuala Lumpur typically cost between 50 and 100 ringgit per night, equivalent to IDR 150,000 to IDR 300,000. If you’re traveling with friends, you can also rent apartments through booking apps, which often have great deals,” he suggested.

He also advised choosing accommodations close to public transportation hubs like MRT or bus stations. “This can save on local transportation costs while in Malaysia,” he said.

Local Transportation

Malaysia has an efficient and affordable public transportation system. Fanny recommended using the MRT, LRT, and buses to get around the city.

“Fares for MRT and LRT rides range from 1 to 5 ringgit per trip, or approximately IDR 3,000 to IDR 15,000. Besides being cheap, public transportation there is comfortable and punctual,” he explained.

For more flexible travel, apps like Grab can also be used, though they are more expensive. “For short city trips, Grab fares start at 10 ringgit or IDR 30,000. But for longer distances, such as from the airport to the city center, fares can reach 60 ringgit or IDR 180,000,” he noted.

Fanny also highlighted the convenience of the KLIA Express train from the airport. “KLIA Express is highly recommended if no one is picking you up at the airport. It’s fast and fairly affordable,” he said.

Food and Drinks

Malaysia is renowned for its delicious and affordable cuisine. Fanny noted that meals in Malaysia are priced between 5 and 20 ringgit per portion, or IDR 15,000 to IDR 60,000.

“My favorites are nasi lemak, nasi kandar, and teh tarik. They taste amazing and suit my palate perfectly because of the rich flavors,” he said. He also suggested bringing a refillable water bottle to save on the cost of drinking water.

Attractions and Souvenirs

Malaysia offers many free or low-cost attractions. Popular spots like the Petronas Twin Towers, Batu Caves, and Dataran Merdeka have no entrance fees. “For paid attractions like the Kuala Lumpur Tower or Sunway Lagoon, ticket prices start at 30 ringgit to 100 ringgit, or IDR 90,000 to IDR 300,000,” Fanny explained.

For souvenirs like chocolates, tea, or snacks, Fanny recommended visiting Central Market or Bukit Bintang. “Set aside a budget of 100 to 200 ringgit, or IDR 300,000 to IDR 600,000, depending on your needs,” he advised.

Estimated Total Budget

Fanny provided a breakdown of the total budget for a five-day, four-night trip to Malaysia:

• Airfare: IDR 1 million–IDR 2.5 million
• Accommodation: IDR 600,000–IDR 1.2 million
• Local transportation: IDR 200,000–IDR 400,000
• Food: IDR 500,000–IDR 1 million
• Attractions and souvenirs: IDR 500,000–IDR 1 million

“With a budget of around IDR 3 million to IDR 6 million, you can comfortably enjoy a trip from Surabaya to Malaysia,” he concluded.

With careful planning, a trip to Malaysia can be both affordable and memorable. Fanny Rahmawan’s tips serve as a handy guide for anyone looking to explore this neighboring country.

Reporter: Riznima Azizah Noer