Transportation in Malaysia

Transportation in Malaysia is generally of a higher standard compared with most Southeast Asian nations with sealed roads and luxury coaches making travel extremely comfortable. Prices for long distance bus journeys are relatively low and overnight trips feature movies, blankets and even complimentary meals. Other than KL, there is generally one express bus terminal in each town making onward connections a breeze.

Kuala Lumpur has developed into a low cost airline hub in recent years making the Malaysian capital a cheap place to fly into and get around the region. Air Asia is the major carrier and has comprehensive domestic flights to all popular tourist haunts as well as farther afield to Rangoon, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia and the Philippines. Flights can be extremely competitive compared with bus travel if booked in advance and work out much quicker.

Renting a car is a viable option and works out as good value of travelling with children or a large group of friends. Motorcycle rental is popular in beach resorts such as Pulau Langkawi and is an extremely inexpensive method of sightseeing. There are train stations in most areas of the country which transport passengers up to Bangkok in Thailand to the north or south as far as Singapore. Ferries arrive at Penang and KL from Sumatra and travellers with time on their hands can use these routes to hop from one Indonesian island to another.

Bus and taxi
Public transport in Malaysia is of a high standard and it is extremely quick and comfortable to catch buses. Taxis are also inexpensive and the ideal way of getting around urban areas… more

Trains
The Malaysian railway network may be dwindling in popularity with faster coaches becoming the transport method of choice, but trundling through the countryside remains a romantic treat… more

Driving and car rental
With good road surfaces, cheap petrol and relatively short driving distances, renting a car in Malaysia is a convenient option for families or large groups… more

Air travel
Malaysia has three international airports as well as many smaller terminals in some secluded places which are difficult to reach by bus and boat… more

Ferry travel
Taking a Malaysian ferry is a way of life for many people and the only way to reach some of the gorgeous castaway beaches… more