I’m planning a trip to Bali in February to celebrate our wedding anniversary, which will also be our first international travel experience. Since I’m traveling from Kochi, I’d like to seek your guidance on my itinerary, as I’m not sure if my plan is ideal. When I checked flights, the price was around 32k per person with an 8+ hour layover in Kuala Lumpur. To save on costs, I thought of booking a round trip from Kochi to Kuala Lumpur, which is only 12k per person, and then a separate round trip from Kuala Lumpur to Bali for just 7k per person.
I would arrive in Kuala Lumpur at 7 AM, and my flight to Bali would be at 1 PM. On the return, I would land in Kuala Lumpur at 3 PM, and my flight to Kochi would depart at 8:30 PM. Would this plan work, in your opinion? I could save around 13k per person by choosing this option. Additionally, since the Malaysia visa is currently free, is there any chance that the free visa offer might be extended into next year?
Thank you so much for your time and any advice you can provide. I really appreciate your help!
3 Likes
Hey @SIDYZWORLD!
Let’s break down your Bali travel plan to help you make the most informed decision.
Cost Comparison:
- Direct flight: ₹32,000 per person
- Split flight: ₹19,000 per person (₹12,000 + ₹7,000)
- Savings: ₹13,000 per person – that’s a significant saving and worth considering!
Timing & Layovers:
- Outbound: 7 AM arrival → 1 PM departure (6-hour layover)
- Return: 3 PM arrival → 8:30 PM departure (5.5-hour layover)
Both layovers offer plenty of time for immigration, baggage collection, and re-check-in at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). Here’s why this works well:
-
KLIA Efficiency:
- Immigration: Typically takes 30-60 minutes.
- Inter-terminal transfers: Easy, with free shuttles every 15-20 minutes.
- Layover comfort: You’ll find plenty of lounges, food courts, and rest areas to relax during the layover. Free WiFi is available throughout the airport.
-
Your layover times allow for:
- Clearing immigration
- Collecting and re-checking baggage (if you have checked luggage)
- A buffer for potential delays
- Grabbing a meal or relaxing before your next flight
Considerations:
-
Baggage Strategy:
- Carry-on only: Ideal if you want to keep things simple and avoid baggage re-check. Most airlines have a 7 kg allowance for carry-on.
- Checked baggage: Keep in mind that you’ll need to pay for separate baggage allowances for each leg of your journey. To avoid surprises, check baggage fees in advance for both airlines.
- Tip: Even if you check bags, pack essentials (medications, change of clothes, etc.) in your carry-on in case of delays.
-
Managing Risks:
Visa Situation:
- Malaysia Visa: The free visa option for Indian tourists is valid until December 31, 2024. While there’s a possibility it could be extended into 2025, it’s better to budget for the visa just in case. Keep an eye on updates from the Malaysian Immigration website https://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/en/home/ as your travel date approaches.
Money-Saving & Convenience Tips:
- Airport Transfers: Pre-book your airport transfers in Bali to save time and avoid haggling with local taxi drivers.
- Multi-currency Card: Use a card like Niyo to avoid foreign exchange charges. This can save you money on everyday transactions.
- Card Perks: Your Niyo card offers a complimentary lounge pass at KLIA, to make your layover more enjoyable—if you’ve spent ₹50,000 or more on international transactions in a given quarter.
- Loyalty Programs: If you plan on traveling more, it might be worth joining the airline’s loyalty program to rack up points for future trips.
Personalization & Assistance:
-
Airline Recommendations: If you haven’t already booked, AirAsia is a budget-friendly option for KL to Bali routes. They often have sales, and their add-ons for baggage and meals can be more affordable when booked in advance.
-
Baggage Strategy: For budget airlines like AirAsia or Malindo, pre-booking your baggage allowance online is cheaper than paying at the airport. I’d suggest checking their websites for current baggage fees.
-
KLIA Layover Activities: If you have extra time during your layover, you can check out the Mitsui Outlet Park, which is just a 10-minute shuttle ride from the airport, offering shopping and dining options.
Finally, congratulations on your wedding anniversary! 🎉 Great way to celebrate your first international trip together.😊 Cheers! 🫶
3 Likes
@Zahid_Niyo Dear Zahid,
I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for all the support and assistance you’ve provided. Your research has been nothing short of exceptional, and it has truly made a world of difference for us. The depth of your insights and the care you put into each response have been incredibly valuable, far beyond what words can express.
Your thoughtful attention to detail and thorough understanding of my needs have made the process so much smoother and more efficient. I can’t tell you how much stress it has relieved and how much time it has saved us. Your dedication to helping out has not gone unnoticed, and it’s deeply appreciated.
Please know that your efforts mean more than just a helpful response—they’ve had a lasting impact on us, and we’re incredibly thankful for your support.
A big, heartfelt thank you once again!
3 Likes
