Singapore Hotels & Malaysia Hotels
About Singapore Malaysia

GETTING AROUND 2

The Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTM) provides train service throughout peninsular Malaysia. Trains run from north to south between the Thai border and Singapore, with stops between including Butterworth (Penang), Kuala Lumpur, and Johor Bahru. There is a second line that branches off this line at Gemas, midway between Johor Bahru and KL, and heads northeast to Tempas near Kota Bharu. Fares range from RM64 (US$17) for first-class between Johor Bahru and KL, to RM158 (US$42) for first-class passage between Johor Bahru and Butterworth. Train station information is provided for each city in individual city headings in the following singapore & malaysia websections.

Malaysia's intercity coach system is extensive, reliable, and inexpensive. Buses depart several times daily for many destinations on the peninsula, and fares are charged according to the distance you travel. Air-conditioned express bus service (called Executive Coach service or Business Class) will cost you more, but since the fares are so inexpensive, it's well worth your while to spend the couple of extra dollars for the comfort. For an idea of price, it costs about RM50 (US$13) for business class service from KL to Johor Bahru, and RM27 (US$7.10) from KL to Penang. While there are more than a few independent bus companies around, for this book I've stuck to only the two major route providers, Transnasional and Park May (which operate the hIiCE and Plusliner buses). I've found these companies to be more reliable and comfortable than the others. For each city covered, I've listed bus terminal locations, but scheduling information must be obtained from the bus company itself.

You can take special hired cars, called outstation taxis, between every city and state on the peninsula. Rates depend on the distance you plan to travel. They are fixed, and stated at the beginning of the trip, but many times can be bargained down. In Kuala Lumpur, go to the second level of the Puduraya Bus Terminal to find cabs that will take you outside the city or call the Kuala Lumpur Outstation Taxi Service Station, 123 Jalan Sultan, Kuala Lumpur (03/20780213). A taxi from KL to Malacca will cost you approximately RM120 l'S$32), KL to Cameron Highlands RM180 (US$47), KL to Butterworth or Johor Bahru RM220 (US$58). Outstation taxi stand locations are 1vrluded under each individual city heading.

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