Getting to Malaysia
By Air
Many international airlines offer flights to Malaysia, most of which land at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) about 35 miles (55km) south of Kuala Lumpur.
The new KL International Airport at Sepang has one of the most sophisticated passenger facilities in the region.
The national carrier, Malaysia Airlines, flies to 95 destinations worldwide.
By Land
The railway system of Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTM) connects to Singapore and Bangkok. It will take up to ten hours to ride from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, two days if you’re coming from Bangkok.
Buses from Ban San in Singapore can travel to many points on peninsular Malaysia. You can also travel from Bangkok or Haadyai in Thailand to either coast of peninsular Malaysia, as well as Kuala Lumpur.
Entering Malaysia by rental car is not difficult from either Thailand or Singapore, and the North-South highway makes travel along the west coast quite convenient (10-12 hours from Singapore to the Thai border).
By Sea
Seafarers can enter through Penang, Port Klang, Kuantan, Kuching, and Kota Kinabalu.
Getting Around Malaysia
By air
A growing number of domestic airlines now serve popular tourist destinations. Some of them include Pelangu Air, Berjaya Air and Mofaz Air.
By rail
Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTM)’s rail network reaches all parts of peninsular Malaysia. KTM also offers special deals for tourists.
In KL, a Light Rail Transit (LRT) System links to the adjoining Klang Valley District. The KTM Komuter rail system connects Kuala Lumpur with outlying areas.
By bus
Air-conditioned express buses and non-aircon regional buses can take you from Kuala Lumpur to other areas in Peninsular Malaysia. Buses traveling inside towns and cities charge according to distance. Minibuses in KL charge a standard fare of 60 sen wherever you stop.
By taxi
Limousine service can be hired at the airport going to hotels in the city. Enquire at the taxi counter for service.
Interstate taxis can take you across state lines relatively cheaply. Fares for these taxis are fixed.
City taxis are metered. In Kuala Lumpur, taxis are colored yellow and black, or red and white. Fares are calculated according to distance. Flag-down rate is RM 1.50 for the first two kilometers, plus 10 sen for every 200m afterward.
By rented car
If you want to drive yourself, car rentals are easy to arrange through your hotel, or directly with a reputable car rental company. Rates for a car vary from RM60 to RM260 per day.
Malaysia requires drivers to be at least 18 years old with a valid international driver's license. Malaysians drive on the left-hand side of the road.
The Automobile Association of Malaysia (AAM) is Malaysia’s national motoring organization. If you belong to a motoring organizations affiliated to AAM, you can enjoy the perks of reciprocal membership.
The North-South Expressway on peninsular Malaysia links up to coastal roads and the rest of the road arteries in the region. Excellently maintained, the Expressway lets you drive all around Peninsular Malaysia.
By boat
Ferry services can take you between peninsular Malaysia and major islands. Popular services include:
- Butterworth to Penang island
- Kuala Perlis to Pulau Langkawi
- Lumut to Pangkor Island
- Mersing to Tioman Island
- Labuan to Menumbak
By trishaw
Trishaws (bicycle rickshaws) are much less prevalent these days, but you can still find them in Melaka, Georgetown, Kota Bahru, and Kuala Terengganu. Negotiate the price before you ride. A half day of sightseeing on a trishaw costs RM25 or so.
