Getting Around Malaysia
Buses
Inter-state destinations are served by modern, comfortable, air-conditioned express buses; a ticket can be bought at the bus station you will be departing from. On longer routes (say, over 3 hours) buses generally leave in the morning or late evening, with shorter journeys spread out through the day. Local buses usually operate from a separate station. They are generally cheaper and you can buy your ticket on the bus itself. Their service is usually slower, less-comfortable and usually without air-conditioning.
Taxis
In cities, taxis are generally metered but drivers don't often use them and apply their own high rates. It is therefore essential to settle a price prior to your journey. Be aware that a surcharge of 50% is levied between midnight and 06:00hrs. In small towns, taxis usually charge a fixed rate.
Car Hire
Peninsula Malaysia has excellent roads and therefore the option of hiring a self-drive car is a real possibility. Most of the large, international car hire companies can be found.
To hire a vehicle you must be over 23 years of age and have held a clean driving license for at least a year. The speed limit is 110km on highways, 90km on trunk roads and 50km in built up areas. Beware of speed traps which are common and note that Malaysian drivers flash their headlights to claim the right of way not to advise that you have right of way.
Car hire is not really a recommended option in Sarawak and Sabah.
Driving
Driving is on the left-hand side of the road.
Trains
East Malaysia's only rail line is the 55km track between Kota Kinabalu and Tenom in Sabah, however Peninsula Malaysia has two main lines, both originating in Thailand at the southern town of Hat Yai. The west coast route from Thailand runs via Padang Besar, Butterworth (for Penang), Ipoh, Tapah Road (for the Cameron Highlands) and Kuala Lumpur. 58km northeast of Melaka, the train route splits from where a second line runs north through the mountainous interior via Kuala Lipis to the northeastern border town of Tumpat. These lines are served by express (west coast route only) and ordinary trains, both with 3 classes, first class has the benefit of air conditioning, 2nd class is fine for travelling but third class can be crowded. The service on the Peninsula is operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) www.ktmb.com.my/ however it can be slow and relatively expensive.
Boats
There are no ferry services from Peninsula Malaysia to East Malaysia but there are ferries which travel to all the major islands off Malaysia’s east and west coasts. Note that during the monsoon season, east coast services are reduced. In Sarawak you can take express boats along the river systems which run to a fairly regular timetable. Sabah does not have express boats but a ferry service operates from Pulau Labuan to its west-coast towns.
Other
Travellers to Malaysia should perhaps bear in mind when planning their itinerary that hiring a guide, driver and car / minibus is an extremely cost and time-effective way of exploring; especially so when time is at a premium. Some sites are off the beaten track and will in any case require such transport to reach them.
