Malaysia
Major international airlines include Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Batik Air, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Cathay Pacific. These airlines connect Kuala Lumpur to global destinations. Domestic airlines (Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Batik Air, Firefly) operate flights within Malaysia. Direct flights to KUL are available from many global hubs. Penang International Airport (PEN) usually requires transit through a regional hub (Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok) for non-Southeast Asia travelers.
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) and Penang International Airport (PEN) offer comprehensive airport facilities: duty-free, food, currency exchange, ATMs, SIM card kiosks, car rental. KUL is a large, modern hub. PEN provides good services for regional traffic. From KUL to Melaka, direct express buses operate from KLIA1 and KLIA2 to Melaka Sentral (2-3 hours). Grab or airport taxis (1.5-2 hours, RM 180-250) are also available. From PEN to George Town, Rapid Penang Bus Route 401E connects to KOMTAR (45-60 mins, RM 2.70-3.40). Airport taxis or Grab (30-45 mins, RM 25-40) are options.
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Regular ferry services connect George Town (Pengkalan Raja Tun Uda Ferry Terminal) to Butterworth on the mainland. This ferry serves local commuters and links to the KTM train station.
Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal in George Town serves as a popular port of call for international cruise ships, directly linking passengers to the heritage zone.
This is a popular tourist activity, offering scenic boat rides along the Melaka River. It functions as a sightseeing tour, not a transport method for city arrival or departure.
No specific exit fees or taxes are typically levied on travelers departing Malaysia via air or land. Your flight ticket price generally includes any relevant airport taxes. For international flights, arrive at the airport at least 2-3 hours before scheduled departure. For domestic flights, allow 1.5-2 hours. Online check-in is often available, saving time.
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) and Penang International Airport (PEN) offer extensive facilities for departing travelers. These include various lounges, a wide selection of food and beverage outlets, duty-free shopping, currency exchange services, and prayer rooms. Smaller bus terminals like Melaka Sentral provide more basic facilities, including basic food stalls and retail shops. Ensure you have enough Malaysian Ringgit for last-minute purchases or meals before you depart.
Allow extra time for travel to the airport or terminal, especially during peak traffic hours. For the Penang ferry to Butterworth, arrive 15-20 minutes before departure. KTM Komuter service operates local commuter trains around Kuala Lumpur and some northern areas, useful for shorter distances but not intercity travel between Melaka and George Town.
The most common land border crossings for tourists are from Singapore (via Johor Bahru to the south) or Thailand (via Padang Besar or Bukit Kayu Hitam to the north). Well-established bus and train services operate between Singapore and Johor Bahru. Passport control procedures occur at both ends of the border. Allow ample time for immigration checks, notably during peak hours or holidays.
Melaka mainly relies on local buses, operated by Panorama Melaka. These buses cover major areas and tourist attractions. Melaka does not have a metro or tram system. Ride-hailing services often supplement the bus network.
Rapid Penang operates an extensive bus network across Penang Island, serving as the main public transport system. George Town does not have a metro or tram. The bus system is generally reliable and covers most areas tourists might visit.
Google Maps for real-time bus routes and schedules. The app often provides accurate information on bus numbers and estimated arrival times.
Prepare exact change for bus fares to make boarding quicker. Drivers may provide small change.
Public buses in Malaysia may not be fully accessible for travelers with mobility challenges. Consistency varies.
Taxis typically appear red and white. You can hail them on the street or find them at designated taxi stands, especially around major attractions, shopping malls, and bus terminals. When hailing, insist on using the meter. If the driver refuses the meter, agree on a fare beforehand to avoid disputes. Metered taxis generally offer reasonable rates. If a driver offers a fixed price instead of using the meter, this price is often higher. Payment is usually in cash.
Grab is the dominant ride-hailing app in Malaysia. It gains high recommendation for convenience, safety, and transparent pricing. You book rides directly through the app, see the fare upfront, and track your driver. Payment options include cash or linking a credit/debit card to your Grab account. Grab also offers GrabFood for food delivery, and GrabMart for grocery delivery. Other smaller local ride-sharing apps exist, but Grab is the most reliable and widely used choice for travelers.
Both Melaka Sentral and Penang International Airport have official taxi counters where you pre-purchase a fixed-rate taxi coupon to your destination. Grab is also widely available from both locations.
Available in both cities, popular in Penang. Requires a valid motorcycle license (national and IDP). Helmets are mandatory. Exercise extreme caution; traffic can be chaotic.
The UNESCO World Heritage cores of both Melaka and George Town are highly walkable, suitable for exploration on foot or by bicycle. Many attractions are close by.
Renting a car offers flexibility for exploring beyond city centers. Drivers typically need to be at least 21-23 years old, with a valid national driving license and an International Driving Permit (IDP). A credit card is essential for the deposit. International brands like Hertz, Avis, and Europcar operate. Local companies also offer competitive rates. Driving occurs on the left. Traffic can be heavy, and parking challenging in heritage areas. Consider if self-driving aligns with your comfort level.
Bicycle rentals are common in both cities, especially around Jonker Street in Melaka and from guesthouses/shops in George Town. LinkBike is a public bicycle sharing system in George Town. Exploring street art and heritage buildings by bicycle is a popular activity. Some designated cycling paths exist along the Melaka River, but most cycling occurs on shared roads. Dedicated cycling lanes are limited in George Town; cyclists share roads with traffic. Be cautious, particularly on busy streets. Always wear a Helmet if you cycle.
Iconic in both Melaka and George Town. Best for short tours or unique experiences rather than long-distance transport. Negotiate the fare before your ride.
Melaka and Penang offer Hop-On Hop-Off services, a convenient way to visit major attractions without individual transport worries.
Access to the top of Penang Hill. This railway offers panoramic views and an unique mode of transport. A popular attraction.
The UNESCO World Heritage core areas of both Melaka and George Town are highly pedestrian-friendly. Explore Jonker Street, Heeren Street, and the riverfront in Melaka. In George Town, Armenian Street, Chulia Street, and Love Lane are excellent for walking, filled with street art and heritage buildings. Many local guides offer historical, cultural, or food-themed walking tours.
