Last updated: 24 May 2012
Travel
Airports
The Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is located at Sepang, about 75km south of Kuala Lumpur.
The KLIA Ekspres fast train from the airport to Sentral Station runs every 15-20 minutes and the journey takes just under half an hour. Taxis are available from Sentral.
Taxi services from KLIA are operated by Airport Limousine Services. Taxi travel coupons can be purchased from the service counters after passing through immigration and customs clearance. It will cost about RM70 for a budget cab or RM150 for a KLIA limousine to get from the airport to the city centre. Travel times vary on the time of day, however, the rule of thumb is about an hour.
Flying into LCCT?
Some airline carriers fly directly into the Low Cost Carrier terminal (LCCT). You can take a bus from LCCT to Sentral at a cost of RM8. It takes about one hour and tickets are purchased from the driver once you are on the bus. Bags can be stored under the bus. The bus departs from station no. 5, located to the left after exiting the main airport exit (towards the direction of the food court).
Ground transport
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is located about 60km from the city centre. Austrade recommends using official forms of transport only. Credit card is accepted by official transport operators.
Getting from the airport to KL city
Taxi: Taxi touts or ‘pirate taxis’ wait outside the gates of the arrival hall. You can arrange your transport before exiting the closed areas of the airport.
NOTE: In all taxis, make sure you request to use the taxi meter before you start your journey. Some drivers refuse to use the meter and will negotiate a flat fee with you before taking you. Be aware that the flat fee is usually more expensive and can usually be negotiated.
Airport Limo: Airport Limo offers a 24 hour budget and premier airport taxi service from KLIA. The official counter is situated just after Customs but before the public arrival area. Prices are fixed according to destination. A budget taxi to the city will cost about RM76 (excluding surcharges for 12am-6am).
During off peak times it will take about 45 mins to reach the city, but this can be much longer if you are travelling in peak morning or evening traffic.
By KLIA Express Rail Link (ERL): KLIA ERL is an express service that exclusively serves travellers between KLIA and the city. The journey costs RM35 each way and takes 28 minutes one way and terminates at KL Sentral station. Official uniformed porters will help with luggage. Use of the KL Express is particularly recommended during periods of peak traffic. The first train departs at 5.00am and the last train departs at 12.30am from KL Sentral and 1.00am from KLIA. Tickets for the KLIA ERL can be purchased at clearly marked desks before you enter the baggage hall, or else at the desk in the public arrivals hall. When you arrive at KL Sentral, you will need to purchase a ticket for an official taxi. It costs about RM15 to reach the city centre and this will take 10 minutes in off peak traffic.
KL Express Rail Link
- Frequency: Every 15 minutes peak hours. Every 20 minutes off peak hours.
- Peak hours: Monday to Friday: 6:00am - 9:00am, 4.00pm - 10.00pm
- Off peak hours: After midnight - every 30 minutes. Entire Saturday & Sunday - every 20 minutes
For more information see: www.kliaekspres.com/erlsb/KLIAEkspres/tabid/90/Default.aspx
Hotels
Hotels are extremely competitively priced in Malaysia. Generally, the rate for a standard room in four- to five-star hotels in major cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru and Penang range from RM350 to RM450.
Dining
Malaysia offers a wide choice of culinary delights. Places to eat include five-star hotel restaurants, fast food restaurants, sidewalk cafes, delicatessens and hawker stalls.
Tipping
Tipping is not common in Malaysia unless exceptionally good service is provided. Most hotels and large restaurants add a 10 per cent service charge in addition to the five per cent government tax to the bill (indicated by a ++ sign on menus and rate cards). Tip porters about RM1 per bag.
Tourist attractions
Tourist recommendations:
- KL Twin Towers – it is possible to take a tour to the sky-bridge and there is a magnificent adjoining public park.
- KL Tower – guided audio tour is part of the package.
- Islamic Arts Museum and nearby National Mosque – adjoining Lake Gardens area includes bird park, butterfly park and planetarium.
Shopping:
- KLCC Suria – part of Twin Towers complex with all major local and international brands and department stores.
- Bukit Bintang area – number of shopping malls near city centre and surrounded by major international hotels.
- Sungai Wang – in Bukit Bintang, for electronic goods and cheap clothing.
- Petaling Street – Chinatown area, includes markets; this is where you will find millions cheap items.
- KL Cultural Centre and City market – for traditional arts and crafts.
- Sunway Pyramid – 15km from the city centre, near the major student area. Centre includes water theme park and ice skating so go prepared!
Daytrips from KL:
- Melaka – historic port which still retains a lot of charm. About 1.5 hour drive from KL
- Fraser’s Hill – escape the heat to the highlands. Golf, bushwalks. About 2 hours’ drive from KL.
- Further information: Malaysian Tourism Commission
Banks
There are both local and international banks in Malaysia. Malaysia also offers offshore banking facilities through their Labuan Offshore platform. Malaysia’s banking system is fairly advanced but is still very highly regulated by the Central Bank of Malaysia.
Documents required is dependant on the type of services required from the banks by the foreign business. ANZ has representation in Malaysia through its acquisition of 23.8 per cent of the shares in AmBank Group Berhad.
The Central Bank has made information available to protect the consumers through an online portal.