Motorhomes, a rising ‘balik kampung’ trend this Raya

2026-03-26 - 00:41

A motorhome combines transport and accommodation in one vehicle, allowing people to travel at their own pace, stop when they want, and avoid the stress of holiday traffic and hotel check-ins. (RV Life MY Facebook pic) KUALA LUMPUR: The “balik kampung” journey is getting a makeover. Instead of long drives, packed cars and rushed pit stops, more Malaysians are opting to travel home in motorhomes, turning the journey itself into part of the holiday. Part vehicle, part living space, these “homes on wheels” are quickly gaining traction, especially during festive seasons. For Mohd Fathuddin Fakri Ramli, founder of RV Life MY, the surge in demand is hard to ignore. “Even before Ramadan, bookings had already started coming in, with only a few units remaining right before Hari Raya,” said the 26-year-old entrepreneur. The idea is simple but appealing: a motorhome combines transport and accommodation in one vehicle, allowing families to travel at their own pace, stop whenever they want, and avoid the stress of holiday traffic and hotel check-ins. What began as a niche concept is now growing steadily. Fathuddin started his business in 2022 with just one unit. Today, his company operates 126 motorhomes, including 40 in Malaysia, 80 in Japan, and six in Indonesia. But the journey was not always smooth. “In the beginning, many people were unsure whether motorhomes were suitable for Malaysia or safe for long-distance travel,” he recalled. That changed as more and more people were exposed to the concept through social media and began trying it for themselves. Beyond leisure trips, motorhomes are also finding unexpected uses. Some customers rent them to transport elderly family members for medical appointments, appreciating the extra space and comfort compared to conventional cars. From just one unit in 2022, RV Life MY now operates 126 motorhomes, 86 of which are overseas. (RV Life MY Facebook pic) For larger families, too, the appeal is clear: premium units can accommodate up to seven people and come equipped with features such as Wi-Fi, spacious interiors, and even bathrooms with water heaters. Rental prices start from about RM500 a day, with high-end units going up to RM2,000 depending on the facilities. And with demand continuing to rise, RV Life MY is looking to expand further. Currently operating in Kuala Lumpur, Johor and Terengganu, the company plans to extend its reach to Sabah and Sarawak, with the long-term goal of having at least one unit available in every state. If this trend continues, the future of balik kampung may not just be about getting home – it would also be about enjoying the journey along the way. Follow RV Life MY on Facebook and Instagram.