Salam.

Two weeks ago, I’ve been a bit busy handling a holiday trip for my auntie and her colleagues and friends to Sydney. It was a whole week 7 days 6 nights vacation.

It was my first time handling a trip for 13 people for their first time in Sydney.

No doubt, there are already travel agencies in Malaysia who offer travel services to Sydney but it will sure cost a fortune. If you are interested to come to Sydney with your group, let me know. I’m quite interested to do it again next year.

Some info on the budget and how to get the cheapest price for each category:

Flight ticket

The price depends on the deals or offers from AirAsia. The cheapest deals are usually obtained during booking period of 3-6 months earlier than the travelling dates. Based on my observation, it will cost about RM1800 or AUD600 for Kuala Lumpur to Sydney return trip.

Visa

It is a standard $20 (RM66) for a holiday visa, with 3 months validity period.

Accommodation

It’s always cheaper on the weekdays. I’d suggest that you book a Saturday night flight and book a hotel for 4 nights, starting Monday to Thursday. They always charge double rates on the weekend, Friday and Saturday nights. But on the other hand, I know that it is hard to get cheap flight rates on weekends.

Most of the accommodation in Sydney have cheaper rates during off peak season between April and November. December is the peak season and some hotel rates double up during these months, from December to February.

I’d also recommend a stay of four people in a family room which usually cost from $200 per room per night. The best option is to come in a small group of 4+4+4 = 12 people.

Foods and drinks

One of the most practical and not to mention cheapest option for food is to cook your own meal. An average lunch or dinner meal (food and soft drink) in Sydney will cost you $15. Yet, I always find myself sharing a meal with my wife, because it’s like 2 servings of meal for the Malaysian tummy. I guess it’s either because Aussie people eat big portions of food or we don’t eat enough.

On the safe side, you can spare $20-$40 per day if you want to dine out. But as I mentioned earlier, it’s better to cook your own meal. Get some groceries from the nearest supermarket (which are easily available around Sydney) or cook instant food that you bring from Malaysia.

Places to visit in 4 days

In my previous entry, I have shared the must visit places in Sydney. Yes, you can cover to the popular spots within two days. For the remaining 2 days of your trip, you can go shopping, do more shopping or even enjoy the beach!

Halal restaurant and visit to mosque?

Not a problem. I can arrange and fit them into the schedule.

So, if you want to know the total cost* of a 5-day Sydney trip, it would roughly be:

• Accommodation 4 nights (family) – RM1200
• Transportation – RM300
• Ticket to attractions – RM200
• Airline – RM1800 (excluded)
• Visa – RM66 (excluded)
• Meals – RM600 (excluded)

*subject to availability & currency exchange

I can say the total estimation would be RM2000 for the ground package, which exclude the flight, visa and meals.

If you want me assist you with your trip to Sydney, let me know. Drop me an email using the contact form.

I’m planning to make a proper Facebook page and website soon for this business. But for now, I’ll do this on freelance basis.

Contact me now for quotation.