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How to get around Malaysia

For hassle-free commuting

By Gabriel AnthonyPublished about a year ago 3 min read
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My Train Pix, EMU 22 at Kuala Lumpur (5887160805), CC BY-SA 2.0

On the topic of travelling through the pleasing and welcoming environs of Malaysia, one will be met with plenty of opportunities dependent on budget and style of travel. From public buses and minivans to long-distance taxis and budget airline services, the modern-day globetrotter descending on Malaysia will certainly be spoilt for choice. Given below is a take on how you can best cover the breadth and scope of both Peninsular Malaysia and its coastal sections and states.

The local bus

Malaysia’s bus service is as comprehensive as it comes with numerous companies offering fleets of buses to popular parts of the country for not too steep a fare. In fact, walking up to the nearest station within Peninsular Malaysia is a common practice given that departures are frequent and readily available throughout the hour and day. Though finding timetables can be arduous, the assistance of bus station staff can be resorted to before you begin connecting the dots en route to your next destination. Facilitators such as Transnasional and Konsortium Bas Ekspres will serve as your ‘go-to’ options whenever you desire to ride the bus.

Train

The intercity train service is yet another way of travelling within the nation which comprises both express and local trains. Managed and operated by KTM or ‘Keretapi Tanah Melayu,’ the express train option will see to it that you travel in air-conditioned comfort and essentially, serves all leading stations. However, since Malaysia boasts an outstanding and modernised highway system, the efforts of the local train often fall by the wayside when compared with commuting by bus. Take, for example, the 370km journey from the nation’s capital of Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru which would take approximately five and a half hours by train while on the bus, you will only be spending an hour or so less.

Long-distance taxi

The best way to catch a long-distance taxi is to journey to the closest express bus station where the taxi rank can be found. The caveat of opting for this mode of transport is that you will have to wait around up until all four passenger seats fill up. This is attributed to the fact that long-distance taxis function on a shared basis which can be quite the mood killer if your next city or town is the farthest. In terms of cost, expect to pay around two to three times the amount that you would normally do if taking the express bus.

Ferries and boats

Ferry services in Malaysia are known to operate off the Peninsular to regions in the likes of Tioman, Penang, Pangkor Islands, the Perhentians and Langkawi. Tickets can be purchased either at the jetty or you may also be presented a chance to pay for your trip on board. With regards to the nature of the vessel, you may have the privilege of travelling in speedboats or motorised fishing crafts which are compact and quite the contrast to the former. For instance, if your itinerary has you setting off from nearby Singapore for Desaru Coast, then you will be required to prepare yourself for a 90-minute journey that will see to it that you arrive at Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal which is a mere 10-minute drive away from Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas. From this property, a slew of Desaru attractions including Kota Tinggi Firefly Park can be visited. If beelining for Sarawak, then the local boat service will have to rely upon one that covers the areas of Kuching, and Sibu and extend along Rejang River towards Belaga.

Plane

Internal flights are largely cost-effective but based on the number of towns and cities that you hope to cover, it won’t appear as much of a time-saver as most travellers would assume it to be. Also, return air tickets cost double the amount of one-way trips and will have you paying indirectly for taxes and fuel surcharges. Although, one will have a range of facilitators from the national carrier, Malaysian Airlines together with budget carriers such as AirAsia and Firefly who combine to offer tourists value for money and memorable travel experiences.

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