Malaysia has a modern transportation system offering a variety of ways to see just about everything this amazing country has to offer. The options are so plentiful it's safe to say that regardless of where you are going, there will little problem in getting there, in most cases with multiple options.

My travels in Malaysia have taken me be to Kucing (Borneo), Langkawai, Penang, Melaka, Kuantan, Kuala Lumpur, Kota Bharu, Cameron Highlands, Taman Negara, Ipoh and Kedah. Most of these trips were by land traveling Malaysia's amazing highway system, allowing me to see all the road side attractions and experience the lush tropical geography and climate up close. During the course of my travels I have been able to experience all of the transportation options listed below, except the intercity train, which is at the top of my list of things to do.

Here is a rundown of the various transportation options in Malaysia.

Malaysia Highways
- Malaysia boasts the most modern and extensive highway system in Southeast Asia, and it would be hard to disagree with this claim. The freeways are generally better maintained and offer better public services than anything I have seen in the U.S. One of the highlights of traveling on Malaysian highways are the rest areas, which are generally very large and contain a lot of restaurants, fruit stands, prayer areas, massive clean restrooms, showers, and often local crafts. One of my favorite things about the Malaysia rest stops (kawasan rehat) is that they always offer local food in addition to the big chains. KFC, Dunkin Donuts, Burger King and Baskin Robins are seen regularly. Most of the major freeways in Malaysia are toll roads. If you are planning to drive long distances, you should purchase the card and fill it up with credits, this is much faster than paying cash at each toll booth.

Intercity Trains
- There is a primary north-south train that runs from Johor Bharu (near Singapore) all the way to Bangkok. This train also has a branch that goes to Tumpat. I have not yet taken any of these trips, but it's only a matter of time and I am highly anticipating it. There is more information on the KTM Website.

Intercity Busses
- There are bus terminals in just about every city with an extensive array of private bus companies. Costs are very reasonable, but make sure you check the quality of the bus and keep an eye on the driver. There have been several serious accidents, especially on the stretch of road going to Cameron Highlights and in between Kuala Lumpur and Penang. If you are going anywhere outside Penang, Kuala Lumpur or Johor, a bus will likely be an option you will need to explore. Those of you going to Taman Negara from Kuala Lumpur, there are private tourist busses to Taman Negara that leave from a variety of hotels in central KL.

Flights
- Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia offer many options for flying within Malaysia. Fares are reasonable and at times extremely cheap. There are airports in all the major cities (Penang, Kuantan, Kota Bharu, Johor, Kucing, Kota Kinabalu, Langkawi et. al.). The best way to get to the states of Sarawak and Sabah, which are in Borneo, is by plane.

Ferry
- There is ferry service available to just about any place that cannot be reached by land. Many people take the ferry from Penang to Langkawi. There are so many islands in Malaysia it would be impossible to list all the routes here.

Intracity Transport
- Kuala Lumpur has a fairly extensive and modern transportation system which consists of an LRT (think subway), monorail, public busses and taxis. All of the public options are new, clean, safe and reliable. However, Kuala lumpur is a massive sprawling city, so it is quite likely that none of the stops will be near you if you venture outside the core. Alas the taxis are a great option and plentiful. Not all of the taxi's have meters so you should be prepard to bargain a little. If you are not sure, just ask a local how much it should cost to get from A to B and then use that to gut check what you are being charged. Always negotiate BEFORE you get in the car.

Renting a Car
- Foreigners can rent cars and drive on Malaysia roads with a foreign drivers license. Malaysians drive on the Right side of the car and the Left side of the road, just like in Britain. If you are comfortable driving on the left side of the road, you shouldn't have much trouble driving in Malaysia with a few exceptions. First, it is extremely easy to get lost, especially in Kuala Lumpur where the freeways are never straight and can take you around in circles passing you from toll road to toll road without offering an exit. Even if you study the map well, chances are you will miss the exit because the freeway numbering is really confusing. Second, city driving in Penang is very congested and full of surprises. It is not only easy to get lost, but the abundance of motorbikes, people and all sorts of other distractions can be intimidating to say the least. City driving in Kuala Lumpur is actually easier than in Penang. Motorbikes are also available for rental in most of the popular tourist centers (read Penang, Melaka, Cameron Highlands, Langkawai etc..), but be careful, it is easy to get into an accident, especially on winding roads and urban areas.

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