How to Travel Around Malaysia: Public Transport, Taxis, and Flights

Malaysia is a popular travel destination known for its rich cultural diversity, stunning landscapes, and bustling cities. From the cosmopolitan capital of Kuala Lumpur to the historical charm of George Town in Penang, this Southeast Asian country offers a unique blend of experiences for travelers. Whether exploring Malaysia’s urban areas or venturing into the countryside, getting around can be easy and convenient with the right knowledge of public transportation, taxis, and domestic flights. This guide provides practical advice for tourists looking to navigate Malaysia, with tips on using buses, trains, and flights.

Public Transportation in Malaysia

1. Buses in Malaysia

Local Buses in Major Cities

Buses are one of the most common forms of public transport in Malaysia, particularly in cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s bustling capital, boasts an extensive bus network that covers key areas and tourist spots. RapidKL is the main operator of buses in Kuala Lumpur, with routes covering the entire city and its suburbs. These buses are modern, air-conditioned, and affordable, making them a popular choice for both locals and tourists.

In George Town, Penang, the Rapid Penang buses are equally reliable. These buses cover areas such as George Town in Penang, Batu Ferringhi, and Penang Hill, making it easy for tourists to access popular attractions.

Long-Distance Buses

For those looking to travel between cities, Malaysia offers a wide variety of long-distance buses. The Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) in Kuala Lumpur is the main hub for buses traveling to various regions across Malaysia, including Penang, Cameron Highlands, and Johor Bahru.

Kuala Lumpur to George Town (Penang) is a common route that takes approximately 5 to 6 hours by bus, offering a scenic journey along Malaysia’s west coast. Reputable operators such as Transnasional and Konsortium provide comfortable, air-conditioned buses with reclining seats for long trips.

Bus Travel Tips

• Fare: Local bus fares in Kuala Lumpur typically range from RM1 to RM5, while long-distance buses vary based on the distance and service level.
• Timings: Buses in cities like Kuala Lumpur Malaysia operate from early morning until late evening, but it’s recommended to check schedules in advance for long-distance routes.
• Apps: Use apps like Moovit or Google Maps for live bus timings and route navigation.

How to Travel Around Malaysia: Public Transport, Taxis, and Flights

2. Trains in Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur’s Rail Network

Kuala Lumpur has a well-developed rail system, which is an excellent way to navigate the city. The KTM Komuter, LRT (Light Rail Transit), and MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) systems provide reliable and fast connections within the city and to surrounding areas.

• KTM Komuter: Connects Kuala Lumpur to suburban areas like Seremban and Port Klang.
• LRT: A highly popular option for traveling around central Kuala Lumpur, covering key destinations such as KL Sentral, Petronas Towers, and Bangsar.
• MRT: The newest addition, expanding routes to places such as Sungai Buloh and Kajang.

ETS Train for Intercity Travel

For those traveling between cities, Malaysia’s Electric Train Service (ETS) is a high-speed train that connects Kuala Lumpur with cities like Ipoh, Butterworth (Penang), and even up to Padang Besar on the Thai border. The ETS is known for its comfort, speed, and punctuality, making it an ideal option for long-distance travel.

A popular route is the Kuala Lumpur to Penang journey, where travelers can take the ETS to Butterworth and then catch a short ferry to George Town of Penang. The journey from Kuala Lumpur to Penang by ETS takes around 4 hours, making it one of the quickest ways to travel between the two destinations.

Train Travel Tips

• Tickets: It’s advisable to book train tickets online, especially for long-distance trips on the ETS. Popular booking platforms include KTMB’s official website and Easybook.
• Timing: The trains in Kuala Lumpur run from early morning until midnight, while intercity trains have scheduled departures throughout the day.
• Costs: Local train fares range from RM1 to RM7, while ETS tickets for long-distance journeys range between RM50 to RM150, depending on the destination and class of travel.

3. Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services in Malaysia

Traditional Taxis

Taxis in Malaysia are widely available, particularly in urban areas like Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. However, it's important to ensure that drivers use the meter, as some may attempt to overcharge. The taxi fare within Kuala Lumpur starts at RM3, with additional charges based on distance and waiting time.

Taxis are also readily available in George Town Penang Malaysia, although ride-hailing services are more common among tourists due to convenience.

Ride-Hailing Services: Grab

Grab, Southeast Asia’s equivalent of Uber, is the most popular ride-hailing app in Malaysia. It’s widely used in cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang, offering a safer, more reliable alternative to traditional taxis. Fares are transparent, and the app provides an estimated cost before booking.

In cities like George Town, Pulau Pinang Malaysia, Grab is a great option for exploring areas that are not covered by buses, such as remote beaches or historical sites.

Taxi and Ride-Hailing Tips

• Costs: Grab fares in Kuala Lumpur are usually between RM10 to RM20 for short distances, while longer rides can cost up to RM50 depending on traffic and time of day.
• Payment: Most taxis and Grab drivers accept cash, but Grab also offers cashless payments through the app.
• Safety: Always use official taxi stands or ride-hailing apps, particularly in crowded tourist areas.

How to Travel Around Malaysia: Public Transport, Taxis, and Flights

Domestic Flights in Malaysia

Malaysia is home to several budget airlines that offer affordable domestic flights, making it easy to travel between cities quickly. For longer journeys, such as from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi or Kota Kinabalu, flying is often the most time-efficient option.

Popular Domestic Airlines

• AirAsia: Known as Malaysia’s most popular low-cost carrier, AirAsia offers frequent flights between major cities like Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, Penang, Langkawi, and Kuching. Flights between Kuala Lumpur and Penang take approximately 1 hour.
• Malaysia Airlines: Malaysia’s national airline provides a more premium flying experience with additional baggage allowances and in-flight services. It also connects Kuala Lumpur with other cities and neighboring countries.
• Malindo Air: Another budget airline offering competitive prices on domestic routes.

Key Domestic Routes

• Kuala Lumpur to George Town (Penang): This is one of the busiest domestic flight routes, with frequent daily flights that take about 1 hour.
• Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi: A popular beach destination, Langkawi can be reached in about 1 hour from Kuala Lumpur.
• Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu (Sabah): The journey from Peninsular Malaysia to East Malaysia takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Flight Travel Tips

• Booking: Use platforms like Skyscanner or Expedia to compare flight prices and find the best deals. Booking in advance can result in significant savings.
• Airports: Kuala Lumpur has two main airports: KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport) and KLIA2, which serves budget airlines like AirAsia. In Penang, flights land at Penang International Airport, about 30 minutes from George Town in Penang.
• Luggage: Budget airlines often charge extra for checked baggage, so it's wise to travel light or book baggage allowances in advance.anwar

Conclusion

Whether traveling within the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur, exploring the historical streets of George Town Penang Malaysia, or venturing to other regions, Malaysia offers a variety of transportation options that suit every traveler's needs. From efficient buses and trains to affordable domestic flights, getting around this diverse country is both convenient and enjoyable. With a little planning and understanding of the transportation system, tourists can explore Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes with ease.