Getting to Penang/Malaysia
By Air
By Rail
By Bus or Car
Getting Around Within Penang/Malaysia
By Air
By Rail
By Bus
By Car
Guided Tours
Self-Drive Tours
Trishaws
Motorbikes & Bicycles
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>Getting to Penang/Malaysia
By Air
Malaysia Airlines, the national carrier, currently flies to 95 destinations worldwide. Many other international airlines offer flights to Malaysia, most of which land at the new KL International Airport. It has one of the most sophisticated passenger facilities in the region and was completed for operation in early 1998.
Some of the international airlines that fly to Malaysia are Aeroflot, Air France, Air India, Air Lanka, Air Mauritius, Air New Zealand, Air Vietnam, Alia/Royal Jordanian Airlines, Balkan-Bulgarian Airlines, Bangladesh Biman, Cathay Pacific Airways, China Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Eva Air, Garuda Indonesia, Iran Air, Japan Airlines, Kampuchea Airlines, Koran Airlines, Lufthansa, Pakistan Airlines, Phillipine Airlines, Qantas Airways, Royal Brunei Airlines, Royal Dutch Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Sempati Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Thai International, Uzbekistan Airlines and many more...
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By Rail
Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTM), or Malayan Railways, connects to both Singapore and Bangkok. The trip from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur takes 7 to 10 hours; from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur is about two days. Penang lies between the two capitols and there is a stop for it.
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By Bus or Car
Buses from the Ban San terminus in Singapore travel to many different points on peninsular Malaysia; buses from Bangkok or Haadyai in Thailand travel to both the West and East coasts of Malaysia as well as to Kuala Lumpur. Entering Malaysia by rental car is not difficult from either Thailand or Singapore, and the North-South highway makes travel along the west coast quite convenient (10-12 hours from Singapore to the Thai border).
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>Getting Around Within Penang/Malaysia
By Air
There are a growing number of domestic airlines serving popular tourist destinations such as Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Terengganu, Pulau Tioman, Pulau Perhentian, Pulau Pangkor, Taman Negara, Kuantan, Ipoh, Penang, Malacca and Pulau Langkawi. These Airlines include Malaysia Airlines, Pelangu Air, Berjaya Air and Mofaz Air.
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By Rail
Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTM) or Malayan Railways has an impressive rail network that stretches from north to south and east to west in Peninsular Malaysia. KTM offers a number of special deals for tourists.
The KTM Railpass offers all the benefits of first-class travel at economy rates. Railpass holders are allowed unlimited travel on any passenger train in Malaysia and Singapore for the duration of the railpass. The price for adults is US$55 for 10 days and US$120 for 30 days. For children between 4 and 12 years old, the Railpass is US$28 (10 days) and US$60 (30 days).
For only US$32, youths (not Malaysians or Singaporeans) below the age of 30 holding the ISIC, YIEE Card, or Youth Hostel Card receive unlimited travel on KTM for 7 days. The Eurotrain Explorer Pass-Malaysia is valid for second or economy class travel on all KTM services in Peninsular Malaysia (including Singapore).
A luxury train service, the Eastern and Oriental Express, which is modeled after the renowned Orient Express, is also available. The 41-hour round-trip journey from Singapore to Bangkok and back again passes through Kuala Lumpur as well as some of Malaysia's most beautiful regions.
The is also an integrated rail service network within the city of Kuala Lumpur which comprises of KTMB, Star LRT, Putra LRT, KL Monorail & Express Rail Link. Fare ranges from RM0.70 to RM 2.10 depending on the distance of travel.
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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 Georgetown & Kuala Lumpur. They charge a standard fare of 60-90 sen to any destination within their routes. They are also free shuttles tha operate within the two cities
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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. In Penang, taxis are available at most hotspots. 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. Taxis are easily recognizable by their yellow and black colour or the new red and white colour. Click here for list of taxis operators in the country.
In Kuala Lumpur, 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. Taxis in Penang are not running on meter, so if you hop in one be prepared to bargain.
There is no extra cost for air-conditioned taxis. A 50% surcharge on the fare from midnight to 6 am is normal.
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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.
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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 RM40 to RM300 per day. Car rental can be arranged through your hotel or directly with a car rental company. Some of the major players include Kasina, Hertz, Advantage, Budget & New Bob
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. Unleaded petrol currently costs RM1.30 per liter and can be obtained in all petrol stations.
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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 Georgetown are of Penang. Be sure to negotiate the price before you get in. A half day of sightseeing costs about RM25-RM40.
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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.
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