Useful Facts

Time Zone :       GMT plus 8hrs
Telephone Area Code :  60 3
Main Languages :    Bahasa Malay, Chinese, Tamil and English
Population :  1.1 million comprising Malays, Chinese, Tamils and other groups.
Climate :   Hot and humid all year round, with temperatures varying between highs of 32 and lows of 22 degrees centigrade. Rainfall is all year round, however it's usually short-lived and confines itself to late afternoons. It's usually driest during June and July.

Planes, Trains, Automobiles...and Rickshaws!

Getting to KL - The city is extremely well-serviced by air, bus and train routes. The main bus station - Puduraya - services all of Peninsular Malaysia as well as Singapore and Thailand. Long-distance train journeys depart from the historic old train station, located 1km from KL Central.
The futuristic international airport,   KLIA ,   was opened in 1998 and boasts state-of-the-art facilities. Two terminals are linked by a shuttle service, and host all international arrivals and departures. However, public transport to and from the airport leaves a lot to be desired. The simplest way from KLIA is by taxi, using the fixed-price coupon system, available in the arrival hall. The old airport at Subang still handles most domestic routes.

Getting Around in KL - The public transport system within KL is speedy, comfortable and uncomplicated. New expressways, a remodeled rail network and the new train station have all contributed to a reduction in traffic congestion. While buses and city trains move huge numbers of people, travelers will probably find most joy with the fast and frequent Light Rail (LRT) and the Monorail (PRT). There is little point hiring a car for a stay in KL unless you plan on many trips to obscure destinations out of the city.
Taxis are a cheap alternative to the mass transport options. Make sure the driver uses the meter, or else get out and hail another cab. Check going rates with people you know in the city and if the meter is not to be used, negotiate and fix the rate beforehand with the driver.

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Accommodation

There's no official classification system for hotels in Malaysia, but you'll find accommodation to suit all budgets. Luxury hotels abound, and most of the worldwide chains like Holiday Inn, Hyatt and Hilton have hotels in prime locations within the city. Generally, expect to pay in the range of RM250 - 300 for rooms at these and RM100 for other lesser known hotels.

If you're on a tighter budget, try out the Rest Houses and Youth Hostels. While you won't be sleeping in the lap of luxury, these usually tend to be clean and well looked after. The rest houses and budget motels will advertise their room rates (usually RM50+) and availability on banners hanging from the balconies. The Malaysian Youth Hostel and YMCA also offer accommodation.

 

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