Malaysia Getting Around
Getting Around by Air
Getting Around by Water
In Sabah, long boats connect Labuan to Menumbak. Small rivercraft often provide the most practical means of getting about in East Malaysia, even in the towns, and they are the only way to reach the more isolated settlements (unless one has access to a helicopter). In rural Sarawak the major means of transport are air-conditioned express boats. Boats may easily be chartered and river buses and taxis are plentiful.
Getting Around by Rail
East Malaysia has one railway line, the preserved steam-operated North Borneo Railway (tel: (088) 263 933; website: www.northborneorailway.com.my). It runs on a scenic line along the coast from Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) to the town of Papar. There are no rail services in Sarawak.
Cheap fares: Children under four travel free; children aged four to 11 pay 50% of the adult fare.
Getting Around by Road
Coach: Local coach networks are extensive, with regular services in and between all principal cities. 4-wheel drive vehicles are used in rural areas of Sabah and Sarawak. The main operator is Transnasional (tel: (03) 2273 6473; website: www.nadi.com.my/transportation_home.asp).
Car hire: This is available through international and domestic agencies.
Regulations: Speed limits are 110kph (68 mph) on expressways, 90kph (55 mph) on main roads and 60kph (38 mph) in urban areas unless otherwise posted. Seat belts must be worn at all times. The use of handheld mobile phones is prohibited when driving. Penalties for drinking and driving are severe.
Emergency breakdown service: The Automobile Association of Malaysia (tel: 1 800 880 808; website: www.aam.org.my) provides a 24-hour emergency breakdown service.
Documentation: An International Driving Permit is required. For UK citizens, a national driving licence is sufficient, but it has to be endorsed by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles in Malaysia.
Getting Around Towns and Cities
Taxis, city buses, the Georgetown shuttle bus and trishaws are all ways of getting around Penang.
Buses, taxis and trishaws comprise Malacca's efficient public transport system.
Journey Times
| Air | Road | Rail | |
| Penang | 0.45 | 5.00 | 9.30 |
| Alor Setar | 0.45 | 7.00 | 7.30 |
| Johor Bahru | 0.35 | 3.00 | 6.00 |
| Singapore | 0.45 | 6.00 | 7.00 |
Fresh ideas are just one click away...
Travel Deals
-
Finland Activity & adventure holidays Finnish Lapland has enormous areas of untouched wilderness and mile upon mile of wild rolling fells. This vast open countryside, sparkling in the winter sunshine, just begs to be explored by
-
Orlando Adrenaline Whether you’re enjoying the hair-raising delights of the world’s only flying rollercoaster called Manta at SeaWorld or racing through the Everglades on an airboat in search of alligators, one thing’s for
-
Cambodia Luxury holidays Today Cambodia is symbolised by awesome Angkor Wat, the largest man-made religious structure in the world. However, Cambodia is also home to some of the finest boutique hotels in the world
-
Laos Inspire Me When the French colonised Indochina they had a saying: "The Vietnamese grow the rice, the Cambodians watch the rice grow, and the Lao people listen to the rice grow." This is
-
Vietnam Cultural breaks Vietnam is a country with a rich and varied history that is now firmly focused on her bright future. This is why it has become one of the hottest destinations for
-
Dominican Republic Family holidays The Dominican Republic has soared in popularity as a tropical hotspot for families seeking sun, sand and an affordable holiday in the Caribbean. The island's main attraction is magnificent golden sand
