Transportation in Malaysia
The step-by-step process
Getting Around Cities: E-Hailing & Public Transport
For urban travel, e-hailing services are the most convenient and popular choice. In larger cities like Kuala Lumpur, this is complemented by an efficient public rail network.
| App | Description | Download |
|---|---|---|
| Grab | The essential 'super-app' for Southeast Asia. Use it for booking cars (like Uber), ordering food, and package deliveries. This is a must-have. | iOS & Android |
| AirAsia MOVE | Formerly known as AirAsia Superapp, this app also offers an e-hailing service called 'Ride'. It's a good alternative to have for price comparison. | iOS & Android |
Public Transport in Kuala Lumpur
Traveling Between States
- By Private Car (Our Service): For the ultimate comfort, safety, and door-to-door convenience, hiring one of our private cars with a driver is the best way to travel between states. Travel on your own schedule without the hassle of terminals and stations.
- By Bus: The most extensive and budget-friendly option for long-distance travel. Tickets can be booked online via platforms like Easybook or BusOnlineTicket.
- By Train (ETS): The Electric Train Service (ETS) operated by KTM is a comfortable and scenic way to travel along the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia.
- By Flight: For longer distances, especially to cross to Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak), flying is necessary. AirAsia, Batik Air, and Malaysia Airlines are the main domestic carriers.
Explore Malaysia with Bonjour Malaisie Services
Online Booking Platforms
Several platforms allow you to book bus, train, and ferry tickets from a single app, which is highly convenient for planning your travels across the country.
| Platform | Services | Download / Website |
|---|---|---|
| Easybook | Buses, Trains (ETS), Ferries, Car Rentals | Website | iOS | Android |
| BusOnlineTicket | Buses, Trains (ETS), Ferries | Website | iOS | Android |
| redBus | Buses, Ferries | Website | iOS | Android |
| KTMB Mobile | Trains (ETS, Komuter, Intercity) | iOS | Android |
Getting to the Islands
This is the standard way to reach most of Malaysia's popular islands. Speedboats and larger ferries depart from mainland jetties at scheduled times. It's highly recommended to book your ferry tickets online in advance. To reach the jetties from major cities, consider booking one of **our private transfer services** for a comfortable and direct trip.
| Island(s) | Mainland Jetty | Booking Information |
|---|---|---|
| Langkawi | Kuala Perlis or Kuala Kedah | The busiest ferry routes. Tickets are widely available online. |
| Perhentian Islands | Kuala Besut | Many different boat operators run from here. Booking a return ticket is common. |
| Tioman & Rawa | Mersing or Tanjung Gemok | Tanjung Gemok is generally more reliable as it's less affected by tides than Mersing. |
For islands with exclusive resorts (like Rawa) or for more flexibility, private boat charters are available. These are typically arranged directly with your resort as part of a package, or can be chartered from the main jetties for a higher price.
For a more convenient and often scenic journey, Subang Airport (Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport), located closer to central KL than KLIA, offers turboprop flights to several island-adjacent airports. This is a great option to avoid long drives to the jetty. From the destination airport, **our private car services** can ensure a seamless transfer to your final destination.
| Airline | Destinations for Island Access | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Firefly | Langkawi (LGK), Penang (PEN), Alor Setar (AOR) for Langkawi, Kota Bharu (KBR) for Perhentians. | Operates a fleet of ATR 72-500 turboprop aircraft. Check their website for latest routes: fireflyz.com.my |
| Batik Air | Langkawi (LGK), Penang (PEN), Johor Bahru (JHB) for access to Mersing/Tanjung Gemok jetties. | Formerly known as Malindo Air, operates both turboprop and jet aircraft. Check their website for latest routes: batikair.com.my |