KUCHING: As Chinese New Year (CNY) approaches, airports and transport hubs across Malaysia experience a surge in travellers heading back to their hometowns.
Among Sarawakians working away from home, the annual homecoming is more than a festive obligation – it represents family bonds, cultural traditions, and the emotional pull of returning to familiar roots.
While travel preparations often involve months of planning and rising airfares, many say the journey remains worthwhile for the opportunity to reconnect with loved ones and relive cherished traditions.
For 34-year-old Sia Teck Chai, the most stressful part of homecoming is securing affordable flights to Sibu during peak season.
“The most hectic part was deciding when to buy my tickets. You don’t want to pay too much. One friend flying from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu secured a roundtrip for RM700, another travelling from Singapore to Sibu paid RM1,200.
“I was fortunate to snatch a Firefly KL-Sibu direct flight when it first launched – around RM280 roundtrip. East Malaysians really understand the festive flight-snatching frenzy,” he said.
Despite the travel rush, Sia keeps his preparations simple.
“Physically, I don’t prepare much. I travel quite light. The important thing is being there,” he opined.
For him, homecoming carries deeper emotional significance as family members grow older.
“Chinese New Year feels very different from going back during a normal season.
“I have a big family in Sibu. CNY feels so different compared to going back to my hometown during the normal season. It’s very festive.
“Anyhow, my parents are getting old, and my uncles and aunties too. I just want to find that time to spend time with them while I still can,” said Sia.
However, Sia observed changes in how families celebrate today.
“Back then, everyone would stay in Sibu during CNY – maximum fun and gatherings. Now, with more accessible flights, some relatives travel to other towns in Sarawak, Kuala Lumpur, or even overseas. Some might not be around this year,” he said.
His plans remain modest.
“Probably just house visits, relaxing, and expecting guests at home. Preparing for CNY – tidying the house and preparing food and drinks – takes effort, but it’s part of what makes the season meaningful,” he shared.
For Sia, homecoming is ultimately about shared moments.
“It’s the simple things – sitting together, talking, and enjoying each other’s company,” he added.
For Sophia Lim Ian Ian, 33, travelling from Sandakan to Kuching requires careful planning months in advance.
“I booked our flight tickets six months early for me and my small family. Every year the prices climb and seats disappear fast. You don’t take chances when it comes to going home,” she said.
She also said that preparation extends beyond logistics.
Gifts such as bak kwa, specialty teas, and angpow packets for relatives are packed weeks ahead.
For Sophia, the emotional highlight begins upon arrival.
“My parents always come to pick me up. Even if I tell them I can take a ride, seeing them waiting there makes everything feel complete,” she said.
She described homecoming as a return to a slower pace and familiar traditions.
“When you work in the city, life moves very fast. Back home, time slows down. I look forward to helping my mum prepare pineapple tarts, decorating the house, and visiting relatives,” she said.
Reunion dinner, she added, is an essential part of the celebration.
“Even if it’s a small gathering, it must happen. Sitting together, sharing stories and laughter – that’s what Chinese New Year is about,” she reiterated.
Sophia believes the journey home offers emotional renewal.
“Chinese New Year reminds us why we work so hard all year – to come home, reconnect, and create memories with family.”
For Sarawakians like Sia and Lim, the annual return for Chinese New Year represents more than navigating crowded flights or packed schedules. It is a reaffirmation of identity, family ties, and cultural continuity.
Whether through quiet house visits, reunion dinners, or simple conversations over home-cooked meals, the essence of homecoming lies in presence – being physically and emotionally present for loved ones.
As travel numbers continue to rise during the festive season, one message remains clear: despite the cost and effort, the opportunity to reconnect with family and rediscover a sense of belonging makes the journey home invaluable.
