Kuantan budget bust

Happy Easter!

We’ve departed Kuantan, Malaysia; a sleepy beachfront city on the central-eastern coast of mainland Malaysia.

Now writing from 1,300 kilometers north on the same coast in Hua Hin, Thailand. Pretty minimal Easter celebrations in either location – Muslim and Buddhist majority countries respectively.

The four-week beachfront stay in Kuantan was peaceful, relaxing — you might even say boring. But the price was somewhat out of line with our continuing budget slow travel plan.

Below is the exact cost breakdown for 28 nights. As always, all figures are taken directly from out ‘Spending Tracker’ cell phone app. Every morning we enter the previous day’s expenditures. Every cent is accounted for.

$1,565 — Health

$779 — Housing

$442 — Gifts/Tips/Charity

$255 — Excursions

$228 — Restaurants

$215 — Travel

$129 — Groceries

$68 — Beer

$60 — Supplies

$27 — Local transit

____________________________

$3,768 total for 28 nights

The total above plainly shows we were well over our $2,200 monthly budget goal for Malaysia.

Just as clearly, the $1,565 in medical expenses is what put us over. But unexpected medical needs have almost become ‘expected’ at this point in our ongoing adventure.

Plus, paying 272 bucks for a dental root canal and another $1293 for two precautionary MRIs (with contrast) and all the appointments, doctors, and readings involved is a relative bargain compared to ‘Western’ healthcare prices.

Still, as we often point out, comfortable ‘budget travel’ does require some financial reserves (we recommend 25% of any budget) for unforeseen needs and emergencies — alternatively, a high limit credit card.

A few other observations / explanations

My mom, Diane, was with us for most of the stay in Kuantan. Mom kicked in some cash for room and board. I did not attempt to separate her exact portion of the total expenses.

Wife, Ellen, attended a 10-day meditation retreat during our Kuantan stay. The cost (a voluntary contribution) is reflected in the ‘Excursions’ category.

Our restaurant/grocery spending seems low for three persons. But I double checked it. It’s all correct. Groceries are reasonable in Southeast Asia (eggs are under $4 for a 30-egg tray). And meals are cheap at traditional Malaysian eateries. Alcoholic beverages; not offered. Our average dine-out/take-out meal expense was just $8.32!

Food was included at Ellen’s retreat. Mom doesn’t eat a lot. And honestly, when it’s 90 degrees and humid everyday, my own appetite is depressed (I just crave raw mango salads). We’d usually had a late breakfast at our apartment then a supper between 6 and 7 p.m. That’s all. We do take daily multivitamins.

The ‘Travel’ category includes airfare from Indonesia to start the Kuantan weeks. Obviously, anyone coming from a more distant destination would pay much more.

Finally, we could always cut down our charitable giving to save on costs. But we like to share. And blessedly, our budget is flexible; the monthly goal is just a goal.

Overall, we are satisfied with what we spent during our four weeks in Kuantan with mom. Most important, we’re happy to report the medical tests and checks showed nothing to worry about. And mom Diane has now returned safely to the USA. The Earth Vagabonds travel tour will continue in Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe thru the rest of 2025.

As always, be thankful and generous. Happy trails & more beer.

Life is NOW!