Better Late Than Never

TRAVELLING MALAYSIA - PRACTICAL INFO

Ok it’s now a little late to be re-inventing the wheel and most of you will probably have a clear idea of what you’d like to do. Ideally we should have posted this up ages ago – but the past few weeks have been rather busy. Still, I’m sure there will something for someone in here J

We’ve put this guide together as there have been quite a few questions and interest on what to do for the upcoming travels to Malaysia, Truly Asia. Of course, this is not meant to be exhaustive and if there are more questions etc please do get in touch. This is more to give you insight into things guide books might not actually provide answers for and is based on our recent experience travelling through the country (so apologies if it comes across as partial at times).

Both of us want our entire guest to have a great time and it means a lot to us that all of you want to share this special occasion with us.

Malaysia Overview

Malaysia is divided into two parts, the Peninsula and Borneo, separated by the South China Sea.

Climate

With February seeing the end of the rainy season, April brings more sun and warmer weather with temperatures of 22-32 deg C and average of 27 deg C. It can be quite humid, around 65%.

Expect occasional showers (daily) which can be quite heavy rain, especially compared to what is experienced in North Europe. Generally, a shower means it’s time for cover. A poncho / raincoat is recommended, umbrellas provide little cover unless they are humungous.

Sea water temperature is around 25-28 deg C and wetsuits are not necessary, (perhaps a 3mm shortie if you really feel the cold). It should be possible to find some good diving pretty much everywhere at this time of the year.

Practical stuff

·         Electrical plugs are like the UK, 240V.

·         Currency= Ringgit; RM5= £1, RM4 = €1.

·         Don’t forget MOSQUITO REPELLANT – carry it wherever you are – the mozzies are never far (day or night). Sun-block also a good idea. Suntan for those pasty ones.

·         You may wish to have some vaccinations – the ones recommended are Hepatitis A and DTP.

·         Taxi and metering - always ask the taxi driver to turn the meter on.

·         Bring a course of Lomotil (diarrhea), Paracetamol and replenishing salts.

·         If you are travelling intercity using buses, a blow up air pillow and a hoodie will find itself very useful.

Move

Moving around Malaysia can be a bit of a bore, mainly because there a mountains and rainforest across the middle of the country and distances between points of interest can be substantial. Luckily there is a reasonably good transportation system.

Air

Companies and Destinations

Established international airlines (MAS, SIA) have connections to places outside KL so you can easily connect to Langkawi, Penang etc.

There are also a lot of regional airlines that will fly close to anywhere you want might like to go in Malaysia (and other parts of Asia – e.g., Bali, Thailand, Vietnam). Some have regular deals on and these can be very good indeed.

The most comprehensive are probably: Firefly and AirAsia which have an extensive list of destinations (including remote parts of Borneo).

If you are flying from Singapore – there are also local low cost airlines, Tiger Airways, Silk Air, Jetstar Asia, Valuair, Lion Air.

Check out SkyScanner to plan routes and see flight options.

Airports

When flying from KL bear in mind that there are effectively 3 airports.

·         KL International Airport (KLIA) – which is the hub for all established international airlines (MAS, Emirates, Singapore etc.). This airport is actually nowhere near central KL. Takes about 45 – 60 mins to the city. RM30 in the fast train or RM70 by taxi.

·         KL Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) – This is the main AirAsia terminal – a few local “low-cost” companies will also fly from there (but it’s largely an AirAsia airport). This is close to KLIA but not in the same place (so bear this in mind if you are purchasing onward flights from AirAsia). Takes about 50 – 60 mins to the city. RM75 by taxi or take a shuttle bus to main KLIA terminal to access the train.

·         KL Subang Airport. Subang is a suburb of KL and this airport used to be the main airport. It’s closer to central KL and therefore cheaper to get to in a taxi. Some Firefly flights leave from there. Takes about 20-30 mins to the city. RM35 by taxi to the city.

Bus

Buses are a good way to see Malaysia. They are cheap, pretty much go everywhere and can be comfortable and reliable. The rule of thumb is probably – you get what you pay for. So if it’s costing you RM20 to get to Singapore from KL – you know, it will be an interesting ride.

The Puduraya bus station in central KL (near Central Market) is the mother of all bus stations. There’s a lot of hustle and bustle around the station, so make sure you give yourself enough time to find out where your bus departs from.

There are several very reliable bus companies to choose from. And when in doubt – you should probably turn to these first.

Nice Coaches - depart from Old Train Station – for trips to Penang or Singapore

Plusliner – departs from Old train station and Puduraya, all over Malaysia

Aeroline – for trips to Penang or Singapore

Transnasional  - all over Malaysia

Sri Maju – all over Malaysia

First Coach – for trips to Singapore

Sea

Ferries can be an efficient way of travelling when on an island – and there may be ways to island hop. A good example is the ferry between Langkawi and Penang. There are also “taxis” between the Perhentian Islands and Redang. Langkawi – Penang Ferry

Ferries may also be the only way of accessing some remote spots (e.g. Perhentian, islands off Borneo). These need to be purchased directly from a travel agent as operators are smaller and not as established.

Train

Not the most practical mode of transport but potentially very picturesque. You can travel from Singapore (leaving from the beautiful art deco station) to Thailand on the West Coast (although you will need to change trains) or to Kota Bahru on the East coast.

For more information check out seat61.

One journey that is in most Malaysian guide books is the famed Jungle Railway. It is still possible in Malaysia to open the back door of the last car of the train and sit on the steps and watch the world go by. Unforgettable.