Aidilfitri exodus: Homestays in big demand

KUALA LUMPUR: Homestays have become a popular choice for KLites who will be joining the balik kampung exodus to celebrate Aidilfiri with their families and loved ones in their hometowns after not being able to do so for two consecutive years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Homestays are in high demand with most of them fully booked by travellers who will be leaving the federal capital, and to date, there are still people asking about vacancies in case there are last-minute cancellations.

"Most of the homestay operators told Bernama that their premises are fully booked for the last four days of Ramadan until the first week of Hari Raya. The travellers choose to spend time at homestays because of large families, and the cosy stay instead of staying at their parents' houses.

Kelantan Group Homestay Facebook page administrator, Che Adham Mohd Hosni Azam, 40, said 95 per cent of the 200 homestay operators in the group had received bookings from travellers during the Aidilfitri holidays.

Speaking to Bernama, Che Adham, who is also a homestay operator in Pasir Mas, said he had received bookings from April 28 to May 8 from two families from Selangor, and the bookings were made as early as last year.

Che Adham, who has been operating homestays since 2012, said the latest trend in homestays includes holidaymakers who want a homestay at a strategic location, with a swimming pool and air conditioning in the premises.

At the same time, he also advised the public to be more careful about homestay bookings offered on social media following rampant scammer activities, which resulted in many people getting cheated with the packages offered.

Sharing a similar sentiment, another homestay operator in Jitra, Kedah, Wahida Omar, 34, said to date, she and other operators are still receiving telephone calls and messages from customers asking about homestay vacancies during the Aidilfitri break.

"Although there are travellers who book early, like three or four days before the holiday, and stay for a long period. I have to reject some as we have bookings as well, "she said.

Meanwhile, government pensioner Mahzam Mohd Saad, 59, said he preferred a homestay near his village in Peringat, Kota Bharu, as his parents' kampung house will be crowded with other siblings who will also be returning home.

"I have many children. Some of my siblings are married and have babies. Comfort and privacy are the factors why I choose to stay at a homestay, "he added.

The Aidifitri festive season is from April 28 to May 8.

-- BERNAMA