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Travel information and tips on Malaysia including passport information, accommodations, transportation to and in Malaysia, attractions and things to see and do, restaurant suggestions, tours, and much more.
Here is
a quick overview on Malaysia
Malaysia consists of 13 states and the two federal territories of Kuala Lumpur and Labuan. Malaysia has a complex federal political system, with extensive local power still in the hands of nine hereditary sultans, who elect the head of state (entitled HM the Yang di-Pertuan Agong) every five years from among their number. There are 13 states plus two 'Federal Territories' (Kuala Lumpur and the island of Labuan).
This Is Malaysia - For lots of good information about the many
areas of Malaysia, click on
http://www.thisismalaysia.com.
Click on General Information About Malaysia for
more complete information about Malaysia.
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Passport Visa Express specializes in obtaining Passports for United States Citizens who wish to travel internationally within the next 30 days. We work directly with the U.S. Passport Agency assisting you in expediting your passport application in as fast as the same day! Our passport consultants have many years of direct experience working with the Passport Agency. |
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Click here for language helps, dictionaries, electronic translators, language software and other helps for learning a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Jim.
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Travel
Etiquette
Behavior and customs vary greatly from country to country. We
discuss the correct travel etiquette so that you won't be caught out.
TravelEtiquette was formed to offer a unique reference
point on essential etiquette advice and information for worldwide
travel. Our features and articles are written by professional
journalists and experts - who have a particular interest, or a
background in this area. So – know before you go. Visit
TravelEtiquette so you will know how to, as the old adage states, “When in Rome,
do as the Romans do.”
Getting
To Malaysia
By Air
By Rail
On the Road
Tours to and in
Malaysia
By Air
Malaysia Airlines, the national carrier, currently flies to 95 destinations
worldwide. In addition, many other international airlines offer flights to
Malaysia. The new
KL International
Airport at Sepang has one of the most sophisticated passenger facilities
in the region and is located about 30 miles south of Kuala Lumpur. 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, and Uzbekistan Airlines.
Getting to Kuala Lumpur from the airport
Taxi
Bus
Rental Car
Limousine
|
|
At
Travelocity, not only can you find
the lowest fare or best schedule on over 400 airlines, but you can also
find
Great
Car Rental Deals, Low hotel rates when you click on |
For Flights, Hotels, Cars, Cruises, Vacations, Tours and Travel Deals, Click on Global Travel International. If the link does not work properly, type www.gettingaway.globaltravel.com in the address line of your browser.
TAXI
Taking a taxi may be your best bet. However, the bus is
less expensive. Generally, you pre-pay the driver before leaving the
airport, the amount being determined by the city zone of your destination.
You can purchase your ticket from the booth outside the arrival hall and present
it to the driver.
The pre-paid ticket helps you avoid haggling over a price and unpleasant
surprises regarding the cost. Fare to the city center will be about 70-85
ringgit
($19-$23) and will take 30 to 45 minutes for the journey; longer in the case of
traffic's being backed-up - which is quite often! There is a 50% surcharge for
taxis between midnight and 8 A.M.
Click on
Taxi
Fares for a lot of good information on what you can expect to pay, as
well as times and distances by taxi.
EXPRESS BUS
Express buses run between KLU and Nilai, Kuala Lumpur, Subang and
Shah Alam. They are available from 5 A.M. to 11 P.M. daily, and can be boarded
at Block C of the car park. Depending on your destination, the buses leave
either every 15 minutes or every half hour. The trip takes up to two hours (in
heavy traffic). The Express Bus company offers a Luxury Coach which costs about
25
Click on
Trans
National Bus to find information on how to get to Kuala Lumpur from
Singapore and other routes.
LIMOUSINE
This is convenient, although it can cost more than double the
amount, about 180
ringgit
($45), that a taxi would. Contact your hotel in advance if you want to use this
service. You can also arrange for limousine transport upon arrival. It's
available 24 hours/day. Coupons for the limos can be purchased at transportation
counters in the arrivals hall.
RENTAL CAR
The usual large international car rental firms, plus local
companies, are located at the airport. Traffic in Kuala Lumpur can be harrowing,
confusing, and just plain terrible. So consider carefully before renting a
car and getting behind the wheel!
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.
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).
Getting Around In Malaysia
By Air
By Rail
On the Road
Tours 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, Penag, Malacca and Pulau Langkawi. These Airlines include Pelangu Air, Berjaya Air and Mofaz Air.
Check Flight Schedules for daily flights by Malaysia Airlines.
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.
Be sure to check Train Schedules and Train Fares for more information to help you plan your trip.
On the Road
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 Kuala Lumpur. They
charge a standard fare of 60 sen to any destination within their routes.
Click on Trans National Bus to find information on how to get to Kuala Lumpur from Singapore and other routes.
Cars, Limousines, and Taxis
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. 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. In Kuala Rumpus taxis are easily recognizable by their yellow and black color or the new red and white color. 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. There is no extra cost for air-conditioned taxis. A 50% surcharge on the fare from midnight to 6 am is normal.
Click on Taxi Fares for a lot of good information on what you can expect to pay, as well as times and distances by taxi.
Trishaws (Bicycle Rickshaws)
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 Melaka, Georgetown, Kota Bahru, and Kuala
Terengganu. Be sure to negotiate the price before you get in. A half day of
sightseeing costs about RM25.
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.
Tours to and in
Malaysia
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.
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 RM60 to RM260 per day. Car rental can be arranged through your hotel or directly with a car rental company.
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 organization of Malaysia. Tourists who are members of motoring organizations affiliated to AAM are given free reciprocal membership. Petrol (premium) currently costs RM1.10 per liter. Unleaded petrol can be obtained at most petrol stations.
Ilala Yacht Charters
provides exclusive sailing and diving holidays throughout South East Asia and
the Andaman Sea and the Andaman Islands. They also provide opportunities in
Thailand, Malaysia, Burma and Indonesia. Their luxury, air conditioned charter
yacht offers you spacious comfort, good food and service, and privacy. The yacht
is designed for up to 8 people for comfortable relaxation and enjoyment.
You can find additional information at the Ilala Yacht Charters website or by
email. mailto:yacht_ilala@hotmail.com
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Cities,
Towns and Areas In Malaysia
| Sabah
is a state on the northern part of the Island of Borneo in Malaysia. Sabah is
the second largest state in Malaysia and a great place for adventure travelers
to visit. The state capital is Kota Kinabalu. Because this area is so unique and
geographically isolated, there are species of plants and animals that only exist
there. For additional information, click on
http://www.travelsabah.com. Sarawak |
|
Sarawak
Go Sarawak - Sarawak
is a state of Malaysia on the north eastern side of the island of Borneo. Within
the nation, there are several Sarawak National
Parks for visitors to explore and enjoy. The flora and fauna found in
the Bako, Gunung Mulu or Batand Ai National Parks are some that are found
nowhere else in the world. For more information, go to
http://www.gosarawak.com.
There are Marriott properties in the following cities of Malaysia: Kota Bharu, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, Metaka, Putrajaya and Putrajaya Kuala Lumpur
| My preferred hotel chain is
Marriott |
|
Click here to search for hotels and other accommodations in Malaysia by city.
| Click on The Hilton Family of Hotels to search for Hilton Hotels along with Conrad Hotels, Doubletree Hotels, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hampton Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites by Hilton. Looking for a better hotel rate? They're at Hilton.com |
|
If you have something you believe
I should add to this section of Getting Away, please send me the information so
I can post it here.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
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Some
Things To See And Do In Malaysia
| At InfoHub, we believe vacation travel should be much more than just flying you to a tropical beach. Since 1996, we at InfoHub have worked hard to bring you the largest specialty travel portal on the Internet. Today, you can find over 20,000 specialty trips on InfoHub.com, covering activities from Artist Workshops to Yoga Retreats. Whatever your special interest is, you will find it right here! Plus trips you never even knew existed! We continue to expand the exciting array of travel options available by adding hundreds of out-of-the-ordinary trips every week! Our goal is to make Infohub.com "The Ultimate Source of Inspiring Travel Ideas" for your next dream trip. | ||
|
Tours to and in
Malaysia
While you are in Malaysia you should take the
opportunity to enjoy some of the excellent diving and snorkeling areas.
This place is filled with wonderful things to see under the water, as well as
above it. Click on Diving
for complete information about diving locations and rates in Malaysia.
Coral Sky Divers
is the only dive center on Pulau Perhentian Kecil recommended by the lonely
planet. They are the first dive center to open there and have the most
experience in guiding divers around the best dive sites of both islands! When you
enter their Dive center you’ll immediately notice the friendly atmosphere.
Their staff is well trained, experienced and highly professional, as well as
very friendly and great fun to be with! Click on
Coral Sky Divers for complete information.
Flora
Bay Diver
Friendly folks who offere everything from an afternoon to a full week of
diving. Located at
Flora Bay Chalet, Teluk Dalam, Pulau Perhentian Besar, Terengganu, Malaysia
Pro Diver's World
Located at
Coral View Island Resort (Perhentian Besar, Malaysia),
Pro Diver's World is a 1st Class Diving Center that will not only do all
they can to help you have a good time, but will provide you with great
equipment, quality service, and a strong emphasis on safety. Click on
Pro Diver's World for more complete information including rates and
diving programs offered.
Steffan
Seasport Dive Centre
A complete, full-service dive center. Located at
Aur Beach
Chalet, Perhentian Kecil, Malaysia.
Ilala Yacht Charters provides exclusive sailing and diving holidays throughout South East Asia and the Andaman Sea and the Andaman Islands. They also provide opportunities in Thailand, Malaysia, Burma and Indonesia. Their luxury, air conditioned charter yacht offers you spacious comfort, good food and service, and privacy. The yacht is designed for up to 8 people for comfortable relaxation and enjoyment. You can find additional information at the Ilala Yacht Charters website or by email. mailto:yacht_ilala@hotmail.com
Turtle Bay Divers
Great company with wonderful services. Consider the following advantages of diving with
them:
They always use well maintained diving equipment.
They
dive
in small groups, usually in groups of 2 to 4 and up to a maximum of
6 .
Every
dive is fully briefed beforehand, so you can better appreciate the dive site.
Dive times are typically 60 minutes long while still
strictly within the limits of the PADI dive tables.
For additional information, click on
Turtle Bay Divers.
Watercolour
Dive Centre
Located at
Paradise Island
Resort (Perhentian Besar, Malaysia),
Watercolour
Dive Centre is among the 1st Class
Diving Centres of Malaysia as far as Equipment, Quality & Safety Diving is
concerned. Click on
Watercolour
Dive Centre for complete information.
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Some
Suggestions For Accommodations In Malaysia
For accommodations and reservations in Malaysia, including the cities of
Genting, Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur, Kuantan, Langkawi, Malacca, Pangkor, Penany,
Sabah, Sarawak, and Selangor, click on
Hotels and other accommodations in Malaysia
T
| My preferred hotel chain is
Marriott |
|
| Regent Kuala Lumpur - A peaceful haven
within the Malaysian capital's commercial centre, The Regent Kuala Lumpur
is the city's premier business hotel, featuring The Regent Club, sweeping
views and beautifully renovated, warm residential interiors. Strategically located in the heart of downtown Kuala Lumpur's premier commercial district, The Regent, ideal for both business and leisure, is surrounded by major offices; banks and shopping malls. Steps away from the hotel is Bintang Walk's trendy outdoor cafes and five major shopping malls with over 3000 shops. |
For additional information, or to make a
reservation, click on
Regent Hotel Packages |
| Asiarooms.com, Asia's leading hotel information and reservation service on Internet, can offer discounts of up to 75 % from hotels published rates. Getting Away and Asiarooms.com have teamed to give you the most powerful search tool for accommodations and is the leading travel reservation system in Asia, the Pacific, and Oceania to include Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. For accommodations, tours, and cruises, check Asiarooms.com first! |
|
| Click on Malaysia for suggestions for accommodations in Malaysia prepared for Getting Away by the Hotel Club Hotel Club Discount Hotel Reservation System. |
|
| Book Hostels in Malaysia Online You can also find a hostel almost anywhere in the world through Experience Paradise, a partner of Getting Away. |
|
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Books, Maps and Other Resources
My favorite guidebooks when I am traveling is
Fodor's. I find them to be quite complete, easy to use, and almost always on the
money with helps and tips for traveling in the country I am visiting. Click on
Fodor's Travel Guides
to find the perfect guidebook for your travels.
|
I always research the destinations to which I intend to travel with books and maps. I normally use Fodor's as I find their guidebooks very informative and easy to read and understand. Click on the Amazon logo to search for travel books and maps. If you don't find what you are looking for, click on the Getting Away Travel Bookshelf to find some of my favorites! Still can't find what you need? Contact me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com |
Some
Suggestions For Dining In Malaysia
Coming Soon. In the mean time, if you have something you believe I should add to
this section of Getting Away, please send me the information so I can post it
here.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
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Some Favorites
In Malaysia
Coming Soon. In the mean time, if you have something you believe I should add to
this section of Getting Away, please send me the information so I can post it
here.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
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Some
Interesting Links For Malaysia
This Is Malaysia - For lots of good information about the many areas of Malaysia, click on http://www.thisismalaysia.com.
Click on General Information About Malaysia for more complete information about Malaysia.
Sabah
is a state on the northern part of the Island of Borneo in Malaysia. Sabah is
the second largest state in Malaysia and a great place for adventure travelers
to visit. The state capital is Kota Kinabalu. Because this area is so unique and
geographically isolated, there are species of plants and animals that only exist
there. For additional information, click on
http://www.travelsabah.com.
| Book Hostels in Malaysia Online You can also find a hostel almost anywhere in the world through Experience Paradise, a partner of Getting Away. |
|
Ilala Yacht Charters provides exclusive sailing and diving holidays throughout South East Asia and the Andaman Sea and the Andaman Islands. They also provide opportunities in Thailand, Malaysia, Burma and Indonesia. Their luxury, air conditioned charter yacht offers you spacious comfort, good food and service, and privacy. The yacht is designed for up to 8 people for comfortable relaxation and enjoyment. You can find additional information at the Ilala Yacht Charters website or by email. mailto:yacht_ilala@hotmail.com
Click here for language helps, dictionaries, electronic translators, language software and other helps for learning a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Jim.
Go Sarawak - Sarawak is a state of Malaysia on the north eastern side of the island of Borneo. Within the nation, there are several Sarawak National Parks for visitors to explore and enjoy. The flora and fauna found in the Bako, Gunung Mulu or Batand Ai National Parks are some that are found nowhere else in the world. For more information, go to http://www.gosarawak.com.
