Getting There By Road

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Main roads in Malaysia are generally in good repair and driving standards are higher than in most Asian countries. Traffic drives on the left. The speed limits are an optimistic 60kph (37mph) in the city, 90kph (56mph) on main country roads and 110kph (69mph) on highways and expressways. The minimum age for driving is 21 years (16 years for a motorcycle). A national driving licence is required and it is advisable to obtain an International Driving Permit. The North-South Highway, which extends from Singapore to the Thai border via Kuala Lumpur, has made long distance driving in Malaysia a relative breeze, although traffic in Kuala Lumpur itself can be pretty nightmarish more or less any time of day or night. Although driving standards are generally good, Malaysia still has its share of drivers who take risks such as overtaking on blind corners, speeding in heavy rainfall and jumping red traffic lights.

Emergency breakdown services
Automobile Association Malaysia (tel: (03) 2162 5777; www.aam.org.my). Plusronda (tel: (03) 7666 4297; www.plus.com.my) provides 24-hour emergency telephones, situated every 2km (1.2 miles) on expressways and toll roads.

Routes to the city
Both the North South Expressway Central Link and the federal Route 1 run from Johor Baru, which is connected via causeway to Singapore in the south, to Kuala Lumpur and from Butterworth/Penang into the city centre. From Melaka, the federal road Route 5 connects to the Shah Alam and Klang Valley Express Highway into Kuala Lumpur city centre.

Driving times to the city
From Melaka - 2 to 3 hours; Singapore - 5 to 6 hours; Butterworth/Penang - 6 to 7 hours.

Coach services
Numerous companies operate air-conditioned services, including Transnasional (tel: 1300 888 582; http://www.transnasional.com.my). The main terminal, Puduraya Bus Station, Jalan Puda Raya (tel: (03) 230 0145), is a hub for services all over Peninsula Malaysia, as well as international services to Singapore (journey time - 7 to 8 hours) and Thailand (journey time - 12 to 13 hours). Services to the east coast of Peninsula Malaysia also leave from Putra Bus Station, opposite the Putra World Trade Centre, and Pekeliling Bus Station. Banguan MARA Bus Station serves destinations to the south.