I’m back in Beijing from a one week trip to catch the F1 race at Sepang Circuit, in Kuala Lumpur. As much as I really like the city, here are a few specific gripes and tips I have regarding transportation :
1. Carry your own metro / transit map
The city rail system in KL consists of a number of disjointed networks run by independent companies, often seemingly with no co-operation between them. The ‘system maps’ on display at each network’s stations may or may not include lines of competing companies – it’s therefore advised to print your own map to help plan your journeys. Note certain station ‘interchanges’ will require a bit of walking, and that you will need to pay separately for each journey on each network. (A “touch ‘n go” will increase convenience, but not combine your payment).
2. Be prepared to haggle with taxi drivers
Taxi’s in KL are notorious for ripping off passengers – particularly tourists. You’d be forgiven for wondering what the meter is for: the majority of drivers prefer not to use it. As a tip, avoid taking taxi’s from tourist areas and if possible flag down a moving taxi; idle cars are often ‘waiting’. Should the driver refuse to use the meter and threatening to complain not work, you should at least know an ballpark figure for the journey beforehand (you can ask at your hotel). It’s normal to pay a surcharge for 3+ passengers and to pay 50% more at night. Double is too much.
There are also “tourist taxi’s” which cost more but are more law abiding – you can enquire about these upon arrival at the airport. Taxi’s from airport are fixed RM60 – don’t ride with the stalkers.
Taxi’s are a big embarrassment in KL in my opinion, but I have not seen much improvement over the past few years. They’re cheap (possibly too cheap; part of the problem) – and therefore an excellent form of transport, but the industry desperately needs regulation and enforcement.
3. Use reputable long distance bus services
My flight back to Hong Kong was from Singapore, not KL. That meant taking a 5 hour coach ride from Puduraya to Singapore – the usual deal for people familiar with the journey. But if you have a flight to catch then beware : ride with a small bus company and they may be more interested in waiting to fill the bus than to run on schedule and put your interests first. My 10:30pm bus departed at 12:30am, organisation was chaotic, and I couldn’t help but feel the information I was fed contained a hint of bullshit.
If you’re in a hurry stick to the large reputable operators (such as Gunung Raya, Transnational Express etc… – but there are many more). And better still, give yourself plenty of time!
4. Trains in KL are air conditioned
If you’re ever unfortunate enough to stumble across a sauna on wheels, don’t be silly : get off the train at the next station and move to a different carriage / train. Air conditioning is in abundance in Malaysia and if you suspect a problem… there probably is!
5. Know your options & anticipate event chaos
Transport to/from the F1 race could have been better. Should you ever attend such an event, know your travel options. One thing is certain – expect lots of people, whichever mode you choose. The cheap options can involve a lot of waiting, and double your travel time. Think carefully before you choose: with the taxi problem, and with expected chaos of cheaper options, be prepared to wait. If you’re not, the official transport option may be worthwhile – and can even work out cheaper (we gave up on our cheap return tickets both days and opted for taxi).
