Deepavali falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026, and for many Malaysian families that means one thing: pack the bags, call the relatives and head home. Whether you are driving back to the family house for the festival of lights, or simply escaping the city for a few days, a rental car gives you the freedom to leave when you want and carry as much murukku, cookies and luggage as you need. This guide covers how to plan a Deepavali trip from Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor Bahru, using real pick-up points and current starting rates on MT Car Rentals.
Plan Early: Deepavali Falls on a Sunday
Because 8 November is a Sunday, the length of your break depends on whether a replacement holiday is declared for Monday in your state. Check the official government announcement before you lock in dates, as arrangements can differ between states. Either way, expect the roads to be busiest on the Friday and Saturday before the festival and again on the return journey.
Popular cars get booked first when a festive weekend approaches, so reserve early. Pricing is fixed per listing and varies by date, and units are assigned at pick-up, so the exact car and colour are not guaranteed. All units on the platform are 2016 or newer.
From Kuala Lumpur: Round Trips to Ipoh and Beyond
The Klang Valley is the starting point for most balik kampung trips. You can collect your car at KL Sentral, Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS), or Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. Starting daily rates for self-drive cars in the Klang Valley:
- Perodua Axia and Perodua Myvi from RM100/day
- Proton Saga from RM105/day
- Perodua Bezza from RM135/day
- Perodua Alza from RM180/day
- Perodua Aruz from RM200/day
- Toyota Innova from RM240/day
- Hyundai Starex from RM400/day
- Toyota Alphard from RM600/day
If you are travelling with parents and children, an MPV such as the Alza, Innova or Starex makes the long drive far more comfortable. For Deepavali visits up north, Ipoh is a natural stop, and our existing Ipoh rental page shows what is on offer there if you plan to explore after the family visit.
From Penang: Festive Getaways Around the Island and Mainland
Penang is treated as one area on our platform, so you can pick up at one location and return to another within Penang. Pick-up points include Penang International Airport, Butterworth KTM / ETS Station, Bukit Mertajam KTM / ETS Station, Tasek Gelugor KTM / ETS Station, Penang Sentral and Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal. That is handy if relatives are spread across the island and the mainland.
Starting daily rates in Penang: Axia from RM96, Saga from RM100, Myvi from RM115, Bezza from RM130, Alza from RM180, Aruz from RM220, Innova from RM250, Starex from RM430, Alphard from RM680 and Vellfire from RM700.
Deepavali is a great time to visit Little India in George Town, where the lanes fill with lights, flower garlands and sweets. Parking in the heritage zone is tight, so a compact car like the Axia or Myvi is easier than a large MPV.
From Johor Bahru: Short Hops and Family Reunions
JB is one of the busiest pick-up areas during festive periods. You can collect at JB Sentral, Larkin Sentral, Johor Bahru City Square, Senai International Airport or Legoland. Starting daily rates in JB: Saga from RM90, Bezza from RM110, Axia from RM120, Myvi from RM130, Alza from RM180, Aruz from RM220, Innova (2nd Generation) from RM250, Alza (2nd Generation) from RM250, Alphard from RM270, Starex from RM300 and Vellfire from RM350.
Johor Bahru City Square's meeting point is at the main entrance near Levi's, subject to change depending on traffic conditions, and you will be notified promptly if it moves.
Know the Rules Before You Go
- Area-based returns: You may return the car to any location within the same area as your pick-up, but not to a different area. One-way trips such as KL to Penang are not possible, so plan a round trip back to your starting area.
- No cross-border travel to Thailand: Rental terms do not allow vehicles to be taken across the border.
- Driving licences: ASEAN-issued licences are accepted on their own. Non-ASEAN licences need a valid International Driving Permit. Probationary (P-plate) licences are not accepted.
- Important Notes: Check each listing for operator-specific terms, such as mileage caps, delivery fees or restricted destinations.
- Touch 'n Go: Keep your card topped up for tolls, especially on festive-season highways.
If your trip heads to the east coast, remember the northeast monsoon runs from November to February and can bring heavy rain and flooding to Terengganu, Kelantan and Pahang. Check road and weather updates before you set off.
Book Your Deepavali Car Now
With Deepavali on 8 November 2026, the best cars and the best rates go quickly. Choose your area, pick your dates and compare listings on mtcarrentals.com, then enjoy the drive home. Selamat Deepavali, and safe travels.
