What Are the Best Ways to Get Around Malaysia: Transportation Tips

Public transport in Malaysia is reliable and won't break the bank. Most of the time in Malaysia, you'll be on a bus or minivan, and sometimes in a long-haul cab. The trains on the Peninsula might have taken a backseat to motorways and zippier buses, but they are still handy. Keep reading to get the full scoop on the subject.

By Train

The intercity trains on the Peninsula are run by KTM. It starts down in Singapore and the two lines meet up in a town called Gemas. One line shoots up to Thailand, crossing the border at Padang Besar. The other line goes northeast through the Jungle Railway and ends near Kota Bharu in Tumpat.

Express ones stop mainly at the big stations and are usually pretty modern, with decent air-conditioning. Then you have the local trains – with local trains, air-conditioning is usually hit or miss.

Trains offer you a few perks. There are sleeper services between places like KL and Singapore, or KL and Hat Yai in Thailand. This can save you money on accommodation. Express trains are also the fastest way to get to remote areas. Plus, trains offer you a scenic journey compared to buses.

Moreover, there’s an airport express train, which is pretty handy if you want to get to a place like lyf Raja Chulan Kuala Lumpur – getting to a hotel in Raja Chulan is pretty easy thanks to this airport train service.

By Bus

Malaysia's bus system is comprehensive and easy to navigate.

You have fast coaches zipping between big cities and towns, and then slower local buses for short hops within about 60 miles.

There are so many bus companies, so buses are leaving all the time – think every hour or so during the day. Most days, you can just grab a ticket right before your departure, though for popular spots like the Cameron Highlands, you might want to get your ticket sorted the day before.

You won't find timetables, but the people at the station will be happy to let you in on how things work.

Intercity buses are pretty cosy with a bit of AC and curtains to block out the sun, though you might feel a bit claustrophobic with the seating. You won’t find bathrooms on most buses, but they'll pull over every now and then for a break and to give you a chance to grab a bite. Some routes, like KL to Penang, have executive buses – they’ll cost you a bit more, but you get more space, a television, and even restroom facilities.

Fares are an absolute bargain. But if you're hopping off at a stop along the way, you might still get charged for the longer stretch.

Long-Distance Taxis

Taxis run between cities and towns across Malaysia and can be more convenient than buses. They work on a shared basis, so you need to hang about until there are enough people to fill the four-seater taxis.

In the big towns, however, you don’t have to wait too long, especially early in the morning. But later in the day, the wait might be a bit longer. As for the fares, you’re looking at double or triple the price you would pay on an express bus. And when the petrol prices shoot up, so do the taxi fares.

There’s a nifty perk for you if you’re travelling with a group; you can hire one for the entire journey and pay for the vehicle.

Ferries and Boats

If you're looking to hop over to islands off the peninsular, ferries are your best option.

The boats are either slick speedboats or sometimes fishing boats with motors. Usually, you can get your ticket from a booth at the dock beforehand, but sometimes you can just pay during your journey – it’s always best to get your ticket before setting off on the journey.