How to getting around Malaysia

Getting around Malaysia is easy and cost-effective. There are many options with an excellent bus service, trains, minivans and taxis offering long-distance packages. Since ferries do not connect the east and peninsular Malaysia, there are budget flights to choose from. With so much choice it's easy to plan an itinerary and sightsee to your heart's content. To help you plan better here’s a guide on how to get around Malaysia.

1. Understand How The Transport System Works In Malaysia

While public transport is convenient and economical in Malaysia, there are times the system can get jam-packed. National public holidays play a major role in causing congestion within Malaysia’s transport system. Muslim festivals, Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year, Deepavali are some of the prominent celebrations that induce what is known as balik kampung; the term denotes hordes of travellers returning to their village homes for celebrating these festivities with their families. If you are planning your travels in Malaysia to coincide with any of the prominent festivals, make sure to pre-book your train, bus or taxi service, as well as domestic flights. Reservations should be made at least a week in advance. Plus, those of you planning to hire a car and drive will be faced with traffic jams during a ‘balik kampung’ periods.

If you are planning a holiday in south-eastern Johor, one of the more popular coastal resorts, don’t miss out on exploring the nearby islands which are a huge part of Desaru attractions. From visiting the parks and reservations in nearby Kota Tinggi to exploring colourful markets and traditional villages, the area has plenty to do. Most hotels will offer a shuttle service and some like Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas will offer excursions covering area allures, making travel easy. If not, you must hire long boats or chauffeur driven cars to get to the islands and other attractions.

2. Travelling By Bus In Malaysia

The National Bus Network in Malaysia is widespread and easy to use. You will find express services connecting major towns and cities, while a slower service runs for shorter distance travel; ideally within a range of 100kms.

A typical Malaysian station will have multiple ticket booths run by varied companies. Almost overwhelming but never aggressive, it is easy to walk in and purchase a ticket from any one of the bus services. However, if you are travelling on popular touristy routes, such as a weekend expedition to Kota Tinggi from your Desaru hotel, make sure to get to the station early or pre-book your tickets.

3. Travelling By Train In Malaysia

KTM or Malay Land Trains is the intercity train service for peninsular Malaysia. The south end is based in Singapore giving travellers a vast network of travel. The northwest service extends to Thailand from Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh and Butterworth. The northwest service ends in Kota Bahru.

You can choose from the local and express service. The former is a class-based air-conditioned service. While the local trains offer lower standards of quality and run from Singapore to Tumpat connecting various areas and local villages. If you are travelling to the capital KL from your hotel in pretty Desaru, the best and fastest option is the bus to make the over 390km journey. Although the rail service does offer sleepers for long-distance travel.

4. Using The Long Distance Taxi Service In Malaysia

The long-distance taxi service is available in practically every town; you can book the service from the express bus station or through your hotel in Malaysia. This is a shared service and you must wait till the taxi is full to leave. The fare is higher than the express bus service, although the journey is much faster. Keep in mind that hikes in fuel prices will cause long-distance taxi fares to increase. This service is ideal for group visitors as the shared fare makes it is economical, plus everyone can travel together.

5. Hiring Ferries And Boats In Malaysia

If you are visiting Penang, Langkawi, Tioman etc. you can charter a speedboat or the refurbished traditional fishing boats called penambang. Tickets must be purchased at the booths located on the jetty in advance. Since services differ for ferry services in each location its best to get updated at your Malaysia hotel before making plans.

Enjoy your travels!