Malaysia Transportation
Getting To Malaysia and Getting Around in Malaysia
Its Edwin here, and today I will be talking about getting around Malaysia.
Driving is one of the main modes of transport getting around Malaysia, especially in Peninsula Malaysia. Driving in Malaysia is indeed a pure pleasure with more than 63,000km of road laid out wide around the Country. The North-South Expressway links Johor Bahru with Kuala Lumpur and spans all the way to Penang. If you intend to drive from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore, then, Johor Bahru will be your exit point.
Other modes of transport include busses, trains, taxis, ferries and air planes.
By Air
Malaysia has 6 international airports and you will most probably be landing in KLIA. Merchandises sold at all airports in Malaysia are duty-free. Within the airport terminal building, there are rest, recreation, dining other than the duty free and shopping facilities.
If you are in the Klang Valley, getting to the LCCT or KLIA airports are effortless. Getting a taxi to pick up from your place or take the KLIA express train from KL Sentral Station will bring you straight to the airport, which will take approximately 28 minutes. My experience with the KLIA Express train is good. It was comfortable and on time.
There are also express busses from KL Sentral which costs RM 8- RM 10 which will also bring you to your airport.
List of authorised commercial Airline Companies in Malaysia
Malaysia Airlines (MAS)- National carrier
Air Asia- Most profitable budget airline in Asia
Firefly- Budget airline owned by MAS, limited routes
Berjaya Air – Small and only limited routes
List of Airports in Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA)
Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT)
Malacca International Airport
Penang International Airport
Langkawi International Airport
Kota Kinabalu International Airport
Kuching International Airport
Train
By far, the safest and more comfortable way of travelling is by train. No one ever died of a train crash in Malaysia. You’ll be amazed; our Malaysia Railroads connects an extensive network from and to our North and South neighbouring countries. If you travel with train, you may travel the Eastern and Oriental Express which covers overland between Bangkok, Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. That is a total 2,000 km apart, isn’t it amazing?
If you intend to travel from Thailand to Kuala Lumpur, your entry point wouuld be Bukit Kayu Hitam Station. Your train will take you straight to Kuala Lumpur.
Singapore to Kuala Lumpur takes 6 hours to 8 hours and there are day and night trains. Butterworth to Bangkok on the daily 'International Express' takes less than 24 hours with a restaurant car for dinner & breakfast. The whole 1,233 mile Singapore to Bangkok journey can be done in just 48 hours.
A list of train operators :
Express Rail Link (ERL)
Putra LRT (owned by RapidKL)- on time, efficient and less congested
Star LRT (owned by RapidKL)- efficient
Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTM)- not the best option if you are rushing for time and can be rather congested during peak time, state-owned and run
KL Monorail- efficient and takes you to every corner of Kuala Lumpur, recommended if you are in KL
Buses and Taxis in Malaysia
Most buses and taxis in KL and in other parts of Malaysia are air-conditioned and they are the most popular mode of transport. Interstate buses are also available. The interstate taxi stand in Kuala Lumpur is located on the level 2 of the Pudu Raya Bus Terminal.
If you look at the map of Kuala Lumpur, you will notice that the Pudu Raya Terminal is within the central business district at the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Taxis can be found at every major shopping centres. All Taxis are required by law to use the meter, but many still insist haggling, which is illegal. There are also minivan type taxis for carrying larger parties and these fares are usually higher.
Major bus and taxi operator companies include:
Plusliner
Radio Taxis Services
Konsortium Transnational- For inter-state trips, Government-linked company
Driving in Malaysia
I get frequently asked by my foreign friends and associates who were visiting Malaysia for the first time on this topic. It gets more interesting when it comes to peculiar experiences that many of them had. Before I get to this exciting part, here are some of the must-know when you intend to drive in Malaysia.
First of all, you will need a driving license from your own country or an International Driving Permit. More often than not, your home driving license may be converted to a Malaysian Driving License. If you are from the UK, your license can only be used for three months only. Hence, it is advisable to obtain an annually renewable International Driving Permit or get a Malaysian Driving License if you stay any longer.
To convert your license, with a fee of RM 50, you may go to the Road Transport Authority, with your driving license, passport (plus photocopy), two photos and show your work permit. They will take about two weeks to issue it and will contact you when it is done. You then have to go to a designated office to collect the license. In some cases the Road Transport department may not accept your current license and insist you take a local drivers test. Driving on the left has been compulsory since the introduction of motorcars in Federated Malay States in 1903 during British colonial era.
Malaysian Driving Habits Uncovered! (Exciting Part)
Ever wondered why Malaysian drivers signal right when they are turning left? Have you encountered a motorcyclist waving his left hand at you? Or are you curious to know what is that peculiar triangle red colored light at the bottom of the bumper whenever someone brakes?
Do you understand why the car from the opposite direction flashes his headlights at you? Flashing once has a different message than flashing twice! And I bet you will be curious to know why the double hazard signals when a car overtakes you! All these mysteries and more about Malaysian Drivers finally UNCOVERED! Click on the link below for the answers!
No comments:
Post a Comment