Malaysia Transportation

How to Travel to Malaysia

With the contribution of established transportation system of Malaysia, travelers can easily travel to the country by air, cruise, or train.

Kuala Lumpur

The international airports in Malaysia, mainly Kota Kinabalu Airport, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Penang International Airport and Batu Berendum Airport, provide travelers with air service around the world. Flights are available to/from China, UK, Australia, France, Thailand, Dubai, Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, Brunei, Myanmar, Japan, South Korea, Cambodia, Bangladesh, and India.

Due to the heavy reliance on international shipping, there are 19 ports in the country, two of which, Port Klang and Port of Tanjung Pelepas, are respectively recognized as the 2nd and 3rd busiest ports in Southeast Asia. The main shipping company, STAR Cruises, departs from Port Klang.

Aboard Boat, Malaysia

International trains connect Thailand and Singapore with Malaysia, serving travelers who prefer to transfer in Asia. Two trains depart daily from Bangkok and three from Keppel Singapore to Kuala Lumpur.

Entering the country by bus is also convenient. Border crossings between Malaysia and Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand are accessible.

How to Get Around in Malaysia

1. Planes

Five main airlines including Malaysia Airlines, Berjaya Air, Air Asia, and Fly Firefly provide easy travel between the major cities.

2. Domestic Trains

The two main railway lines in Malaysia along the west coastline and the east coastline run through the country and both of them have some branches. More travelers prefer to take the west coastline line, given that there are diverse views alongside, from bustling towns, vast paddy fields to rubber plantations and jungles. The two railway lines diverge in a town called Gemas. The expresses are speedy and convenient, but they have fewer stops. If travelers want to visit some small towns unhurriedly, they can take the slow trains.

Light Rail in Kuala Lumpur

3. Long-distance Buses

The bus stations usually are situated at city centers. The bus directions, fares, and departure time are shown at the ticket windows. Travelers also can buy tickets in some travel agencies, hotels, and guest houses. Buses generally depart punctually, so it is better to get on early. Air-conditioned buses run through almost all the towns of Malaysia. They are comfortable, convenient and cheap.

4. Taxies

Taxi stands generally are near bus stops. The inquiry offices provide fare table and information of cars that travelers need to take.

If travelers need to take a taxi on street, they should illustrate their destination and discuss the charge of ride with the driver before getting on.

Shared taxies are also available to save costs. Compared with buses, the cost is a little bit expensive, but they are faster and more convenient to take.

Taxies in Front of Telekom Museum

5. Rental Cars

Renting cars in Malaysia requires an international driving license, and the driver’s age should be between 21 and 60. Drivers must drive on the left and wear the seat belt. What’s more, they should be cautious when driving, in case of motorcycles or animals rush onto the road.

6. Ferries

Ferries run between several islands, including the Malay Peninsula, Langkawi, Penang, Bangka Island and Tioman Island.

7. Motorcycles

Pedicabs in Malacca, Malaysia

It is very economical to rent a motorcycle in Penang or Langkawi. The motorcyclists must wear a helmet. Although the road condition is good, it is very dangerous to ride fast. When riding along the coastal road, they should note the sand covering the road, which may cause a wheel slip.

8. Pedicabs

There are pedicabs at Penang, Malacca, and Kota Kinabalu. They are convenient and romantic. Travelers can have a broad view if the hood of pedicab is packed up while they twist through the lanes.