By Road
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.