7 Tips for Choosing the Right Time and Route for Mudik Travel to Make Your Journey More Comfortable!

Eid al-Fitr, or Lebaran, is a special day eagerly awaited by many, as it is the time to return to one’s hometown. It’s no surprise that the holiday exodus leads to heavy traffic on the roads.

However, congestion shouldn’t take away from this meaningful moment. By carefully choosing the right time and route for your journey, you can still enjoy a smooth and pleasant trip home.

Here are some tips to help you decide on the best time and route for your travels.

The Best Time to Travel for Mudik

Everyone has their own preference for the best time to start their journey home during the mudik season. However, here are some key factors to consider:

1. Favorite Travel Hours for Mudik

According to a survey conducted by the Transportation Policy Agency of the Ministry of Transportation (BKT Kemenhub) regarding public movement during the 2024 Lebaran mudik season, these are the most and least popular travel hours among travelers:

• 07:00 - 09:59 → 30.51%

• 04:00 - 06:59 → 18.54%

• 19:00 - 21:59 → 11.18%

• 10:00 - 12:59 → 10.66%

• 16:00 - 18:59 → 10.34%

• 13:00 - 15:59 → 6.88%

• 01:00 - 03:59 → 6.83%

• 22:00 - 23:59 → 5.05%

  
  

Based on this survey, you can estimate the traffic conditions during different hours. For instance, if you and your family choose to travel during peak hours (07:00 - 09:59), you are likely to encounter heavy congestion.

On the other hand, if you depart during less popular hours, such as 22:00 - 23:59 or 01:00 - 03:59, the roads may be less crowded, making for a smoother journey.

2. Is It Better to Travel in the Morning or at Night?

Logically, departing in the morning after suhur (pre-dawn meal) might be a better option since your body is in an optimal state, aligned with its natural biological clock. In the morning, the chances of feeling drowsy on the road are lower.

Additionally, visibility is much better in the morning because of the daylight. In contrast, traveling at night means relying solely on streetlights, which can make some roads feel darker and harder to navigate.

However, this doesn’t mean that traveling at night after iftar (breaking the fast) isn’t a good option. If you're used to staying up late or can manage without sleep at night, starting your journey in the evening can be beneficial as it helps avoid traffic congestion.

Another advantage of traveling at night is that you can eat and drink freely, keeping your body refreshed and preventing fatigue, unlike during the fasting hours.

3. Choosing the Best Day to Travel

• A Few Days Before Eid

Most people prefer to travel 4–5 days before Eid to avoid rush-hour congestion and enjoy a more relaxed journey. However, many also travel 3–2 days before Eid, especially those who can only start their trip after getting leave from work.

• The Night Before Eid (Takbiran Night)

Some people choose to travel on the night before Eid, as the roads tend to be less crowded by then, particularly for those taking highways or toll roads.

• Eid Day (Hari H Lebaran)

While most people are busy with Eid prayers and family gatherings, some travelers only start their journey on Eid morning. This option is often chosen by those whose hometowns are relatively close and can be reached within a few hours.

• After Eid

For those who don’t prioritize attending Eid prayers in their hometown, traveling a day after Eid (H+1) can be a great alternative. This helps avoid peak traffic congestion, ensuring a smoother journey while arriving in a more rested and refreshed state.

Choosing the Best Route for Mudik Travel

Every hometown requires a different travel route, but here are some key considerations to help you choose the best one:

1. Adjust According to Vehicle Type

Travelers using motorcycles will naturally have different routes than those driving cars.

If car drivers are not taking the toll road, they should check information about road width, terrain conditions, and elevation changes to ensure the route is suitable for cars.

This is because many local roads may only be accessible by motorcycles and not by cars.

2. Choose a Safe Route for Your Journey

One of the most important factors when selecting a travel route is choosing one that you are already familiar with. This way, your trip will be safer since you know the roads you'll be taking.

Additionally, ensure that the route is free from crime and natural hazards such as landslides or floods. It’s okay to take a slightly longer route as long as you and your family can reach your hometown safely.

3. Don’t Hesitate to Ask

If this is your first time traveling for Eid, don’t just rely on your own research—feel free to ask people who regularly make the trip to their hometowns every year.

They can provide valuable insights based on their personal experiences, especially regarding the best routes to take, which ones to avoid, and useful tips for handling unexpected situations during your journey.

4. Pay Attention to the Weather

A few days before starting your journey, check the weather conditions in your destination area. Is it frequently raining, or is it currently experiencing a heatwave? You can download a weather-checking app on your phone to monitor conditions throughout your trip.

Knowing the weather is crucial as it directly affects road conditions.

If it's the rainy season, roads may be at risk of flooding or even landslides. On the other hand, if it's the dry season, roads could become dusty, and extreme heat might cause vehicle engines to overheat.

Most importantly, avoid taking unnecessary risks by traveling in severe weather, as it can delay your journey and increase the risk of accidents.

Use Labamu for a Smoother Journey Home

If your business remains open during the holidays while you go on your homecoming trip, don’t worry! You can now use the Labamu app to monitor and ensure your business continues to run smoothly.

Employee Management Feature on Labamu App can keep your store operating securely and prevent fraud, even while you're away. Then, Sales Report Feature make you easily access detailed and comprehensive sales reports anytime, anywhere.

So, while making sure you have a safe journey, also ensure your business runs smoothly with Labamu. Download it now on Google Play or the App Store!