The Mode Most Travelled
Like most Asian countries, the mode most often considered the most connected and convenient is by road. Trunk roads linking cities to smaller towns, highways that by-passes villages and mountains, and rugged terrain off-roads that takes the toil off you are amongst some of the choices you can take on your journey. You will be overwhelmed by abbreviations for highways as you proceed outwards from the cities. The NSE, LDP, MEX, KESAS and more. Don't worry; they always eventually end you up somewhere! Don't be surprised too that even Malaysians are not too familiar with these names as the country progresses forward like a train, literally. As a visitor, it is best to take on the road on the easily available interstate taxis, express coaches or buses and not drive or hire a car. In short, just sit and enjoy the ride!
Really Chuckling On
The mode of rail travel is sadly under utilised or promoted in Malaysia. In West Malaysia, the peninsular, there are just two tracks. One on the west coast stretching from Singapore to as far north as Georgetown Penang and across the Thai border. The other line is a fork from this at Gemas and turns east to the eastern seaboard to Kota Bharu and northwards too. Those who have experienced long haul train journeys across interstate and borders would be able to envision a rustic, slow and steady expedition across really uncommon postcard terrains. As in other countries, trains in Malaysia have different seat classes, sleeping berths and simple meals on track. The thrill will surely be the sights and sounds along the way across the country. One of the most picturesque would also be the vintage charm of decade old train stations at every stop.
In the city, however, train is becoming an increasingly popular mode of getting around the metropolis and suburbs for the commuting population. The inner-city train basically comprises three lines or operators, the LRT, MRT and the monorail. You can easily find a station somewhere nearby in the heart of the city and at strategic outskirts. As in other major cities, the inner-city train has a connection right to the international airport, KLIA.
Get your ticket, join the ride and chuck along for some surprises.
Just Buckle Up!
By far the most amazing change in transportation in Malaysia has been the arrival the country's very own low cost airline that is so well connected and affordable that they had to have a separate airport to be served. Hence, it is not surprising for participants and delegates from faraway countries to find that their exchange rate is very actually for travelling out from Malaysia all over the region affordably. On the bigger picture, for a small country like Malaysia, it has actually has 62 airports, international, domestic and rural combined. Some of these are in absolutely remote places, in East Malaysia, that only allow small propeller planes to land. If you love the smell of airports, then here's your chance to buckle up and drop into every Malaysian airport with just less than an hour between each.
Ferries, Riverboats and Rickshaws
Travelling and getting around in Malaysia is not confined to planes, trains and automobiles actually. Simple means of getting from A to B have been around for generations in this typical Asian country. In the UNESCO World Heritage cities of George Town and Malacca the rickshaw is still a means of public transportation. A ride on this would be a fascinating journey for young and old as it careens in slow motion through the city traffic with amazing grace. In Penang, the island is also serviced by ferries that not just carry passengers but also all kinds of automobiles and a continuous buzz of motorcycles. While over in riverine or costal towns all over the country, riverboats, or 'sampan' in Malay, are common sights as a reliable and essential means of getting around.
Whether you want to get about on land, sea or air you will be surely fascinated by the verdant landscapes, tapestry of communities and the giggling welcome of Malaysians. So, take a break after or in between your MICE and embrace a journey that will make you come back for more.
