Kuala Lumpur
Transport
By Air:
There are a growing number of domestic airlines serving popular tourist destinations
such as Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Terengganu, Pulau Tioman, Pulau Perhentian, Pulau
Pangkor, Taman Negara, Kuantan, Ipoh, Penag, Malacca and Pulau Langkawi.
These Airlines include Pelangu Air, Berjaya Air and Mofaz Air.
By Rail:
Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTM) or Malayan Railways has an impressive rail
network that stretches from north to south and east to west in Peninsular
Malaysia. KTM offers a number of special deals for tourists.
The KTM Railpass offers all the benefits of first-class
travel at economy rates. Railpass holders are allowed unlimited
travel on any passenger train in Malaysia and Singapore for the
duration of the railpass. The price for adults is US$55 for 10
days and US$120 for 30 days. For children between 4 and 12 years
old, the Railpass is US$28 (10 days) and US$60 (30 days).
For only US$32, youths (not Malaysians or Singaporeans)
below the age of 30 holding the ISIC, YIEE Card, or Youth Hostel
Card receive unlimited travel on KTM for 7 days. The Eurotrain
Explorer Pass-Malaysia is valid for second or economy class travel
on all KTM services in Peninsular Malaysia (including Singapore).
A luxury train service, the Eastern and Oriental
Express, which is modeled after the renowned Orient Express,
is also available. The 41-hour round-trip journey from Singapore
to Bangkok and back again passes through Kuala Lumpur as well
as some of Malaysia's most beautiful regions.
By Bus:
Buses are the most popular form of transport in Malaysia. Air-conditioned express
buses and non-air-conditioned regional buses are available from Kuala Lumpur
to many other towns in Peninsular Malaysia.
Buses plying within towns and cities charge fares according to the distance
covered. The exceptions are the mini buses in Kuala Lumpur. They charge a standard
fare of 60 sen to any destination within their routes.
By Car:
Limousine service is available from the airport to hotels in the city. To hire
one, please enquire at the taxi counter.
Interstate taxis are an inexpensive and rapid means of travel from one state
to another. The taxi stand in Kuala Lumpur is located on the level 2 of the
Pudu Raya Bus Terminal. Fares for interstate taxis are fixed. Meters are generally
not used by these taxis, so you should be sure to negotiate a fare before the
journey.
City taxis are metered. In Kuala Rumpus taxis are
easily recognizable by their yellow and black colour or the new
red and white colour.
Taxi fares are calculated according to meters. The flagged down fare is RM
1.50 for the first two kilometers and 10 sen for every 200m there after.
There is no extra cost for air-conditioned taxis. A 50% surcharge on the fare
from midnight to 6 am is normal.
Guided Tours:
Sightseeing tours can be arranged through the Tourist Information Centers or
your hotel. All tours are accompanied by licensed tour guides; tour operators
are required to be licensed under the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism.
Self-drive Tours:
Roads in Malaysia are among the finest in the region. Auto touring is an excellent
way to see the country via highways that pass through spectacular scenery
and roads that pass through quaint villages.
An international driving permit or a valid drivers
license issued by your government are required to drive in Malaysia.
Rates for a car vary from RM60 to RM260 per day. Car rental can
be arranged through your hotel or directly with a car rental
company.
All international rules apply to tourists driving
in the country. Minor road offences not involving accidents are
compoundable and can be settled at the nearest police station.
Drivers on a self-drive holidays should keep in mind that traffic circulation
is on the left. At roundabouts give way to the driver on your right. Drivers
and front seat passengers are required by law to wear safety belts.
The Automobile Association of Malaysia (AAM) is
the national motoring organisation of Malaysia. Tourists who
are members of motoring organizations affiliated to AAM are given
free reciprocal membership. Petrol (premium) currently costs
RM1.10 per liter. Unleaded petrol can be obtained at most petrol
stations.
Trishaws:
Trishaws (bicycle rickshaws) are less a form of transport than a leisurely
mode of touring. Although trishaws are much less prevalent these days, they
are still a popular way to tour in Melaka, Georgetown, Kota Bahru, and Kuala
Terengganu. Be sure to negotiate the price before you get in. A half day
of sightseeing costs about RM25.
Motorbikes and Bicycles:
Two-wheel transport is not generally available for hire in Malaysia. However,
a growing number of resort destinations do offer cycles for hire. |