|
 |
| Kuala
Lumpur Getting Around |
 |
|
Public
Transport
There is a fast, efficient and inexpensive public transport system
in Kuala Lumpur. It comprises many different forms of transport.
Keretapi
Tanah Melayu – KTM (telephone: (03) 2267 1200;
e-mail: callcenter@ktmb.com.my)
runs 2 KTM Kommuter lines. The electric trains travel
from Sentul to Port Klang and Rawang to Seremban, from 5.00 am to
midnight. Fares are subject to the distance and cost RM1–RM4.80
for a single journey. Return fares and 12-trip tickets are available.
The easy-to-use ticket machines are also available at each station.
KTM sells 2 day passes, the Kembara Ticket
at RM10.00 for unlimited travel within the KTM network on
weekends, public holidays and school holidays and the Mana Mana
Ticket at RM6 for unlimited travel within the KTM network
on weekdays, valid after 9.00 am. These can be bought from the KTM
vending machines at the stations.
The Light Railway Transit (LRT) has 2 lines in the city.
Putra LRT
(telephone: 1 800 388 228; toll free in Malaysia from 8.30 am -
5.30 pm, or 017 331 7779 (17:30-08:30).
STAR LRT
trains operate south from Sentul Timur to Sri Petaling and Ampang
in the east. Putra LTR trains operate between the Putra Terminal
in the northeast of the Lembah Subang Depot on the city's western
outskirts. Service is weekdays from 6.00 am - midnight, weekends
from 7.30 am - 11.00 pm. Fares are subject to which company is operating
and distances costing from RM0.70 to RM4.50 for a single journey.
Cityliner (telephone: (03) 7982 6904) and Intrakota
(telephone: (03) 7727 2727) are the providers of Kuala Lumpur’s
comprehensive and complex bus service. The routes vary and
main services generally run between 5.00 am and midnight. Each company
has a different fare system, with fares ranging from RM0.60 to RM1.00.
Tickets are purchased on board and bus route maps are displayed
at many bus stops throughout the city.
KL
Monorail (telephone: (03) 2273 1888; email: info@monorail.com.my)
The service operates from 7.00 am - 8.00 pm. Single tickets are
from RM1.20-RM2.50 depending on the distance. The monorail runs
from Titiwangsa in the north to a stop near Kuala Lumpur’s
Sentral Station
(telephone: (03) 2730 2000; fax: (03) 2730 2020; e-mail: info@klsentral.com.my)
covers destinations in the Golden Triangle.
Taxis
Taxis can be reserved in advance from Destination Transport
(telephone: (03) 6235 1313), Public Cab (telephone: (03)
6259 2020) and Sunlight Taxis (telephone: (03) 9057 5757).
Taxi ranks are available throughout the city. Queues are particularly
long during rush hours. Most taxis are metered, which most drivers
willingly use. If the taxi does not have a meter or the driver refuses
to use the meter, wait for the next available taxi. Taxi drivers
touting for business at main transport terminals should not be used.
During thunderstorms, many taxis will only board passengers for
an agreed flat fare and refuse to use meters.
The meter rate starts at RM2.00 for the 1st two kilometres and then
RM0.10 for each 200 metres (656ft). Pre-ordered taxis have a surcharge
of RM1.00. Journeys made between midnight - 6.00 am incur a 50%
surcharge. Surcharges of RM1.00 for each piece of luggage in the
car boot and RM0.20 for more than 2 passengers are also charged.
Passengers are responsible for road tolls incurred. Tips are not
expected or given.
Limousines
Can be hired at the airport at the Limousine Service Counter
(telephone: (03) 8776 6753 or (03) 8787 4451), also through Pelican
Tours and Travel (tel: (03) 2096 1960) and at most luxury hotels.
Limousines to the city from Kuala Lumpur International Airport cost
about RM100 and hire per day costs approximately RM400.
Driving in the City
The roads and streets are in good condition and driving standards
are fairly good. However, the maze of one-way systems in the heart
of the city and the many fuel-choked traffic jams make patience
and a good road map essential requirements.
Car parks are usually situated at major hotels and shopping malls
in the city centre. The 3 central public car parks are at the Asia
Park on Jalan Bukit Bintang, while the other two are
behind the Dorsett Regency Hotel just off Jalan Imbi
(opening times 7.00 am - 1.00 am). The cost is about RM2.00 for
the 1st hour and then RM1.50 for each subsequent hour.
For car hire, a national driving license is needed to hire
a car in Malaysia. It is also advisable to hold an International
Driving Permit. Age limits apply and drivers must be at least
23 years old and have held a driving license for 2 years. Collision
Damage Waiver (CDW) from RM15.00 per day is normally compulsory,
with Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) from RM6.00 per day and Theft
Protection from RM15.00 per day recommended extras.
Major companies include Avis
(telephone: (03) 8787 4087/4088 or 9222 2558) and Hertz
(telephone: (03) 8787 4572, or 2148 6433). A standard saloon car
costs from RM200 per day and RM950 per week.
Bicycle
& Scooter Hire
It is not the safest mean to travel around the city on 2 wheels.
Accidents concerning bicycles, motorcycles and scooters are very
usual. The Malaysian tourism promotion board's official line is
that 2-wheel transport is not available for hire. |
|
| |
|
|
|
