Long distance bus travel in Malaysia
Replies: 13 - Last Post: Aug 5, 2012 9:21 AM Last Post By: debbie6402
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Long distance bus travel in Malaysia
Hi --I'll be traveling to Malaysia and plan to move around from KL to Penang to the Cameron Highlands and onto Taman Negara. While there seems to be the option of the (slower) train on the coast, the bus seems like the only option inland. I've seen a lot of coverage about the bus accidents in Malaysia which makes me a bit jumpy. (It doesn't help that I was in a bus accident while abroad once before.)
Any advice on alternate transportation to the Highlands/TN? If not, any recommendations for reputable bus companies?
Much appreciated!
JB
1
Train in Malaysia is not particularly popular due to infrequent service and longer travel duration. Malaysia is all about networks of highway, (un)fortunately.If you ask my opinion, buses are generally safe. Hundreds of bus trips are made each day from Kuala Lumpur to points north, south and east (and vice versa). Bus accidents do happen but extremely rare.
There are certain bus companies that have speed limiter installed in these past years. You may google about this.
5
I would say both the reputable bus lines (like Transnasional) and the minibuses are pretty safe.If you go by minibus you will probably be with only other foreigners...its not so interesting,but it is fast,efficient and the drivers seem to be careful....there are private minibuses between all those places you mention.
6
Yes there are lots of bus accidents here. Stick with a reputable company such as Transnasional as the above posts say. Trains are slow and infrequent and very limited route.You can also use share taxis in Malaysia. They take 4 people, but if say only 2 people they will go as long as you still pay for the 4. They usually leave from the bus stations or from some taxi rank.
8
Whether one feels safe or has never have been in accident thats just the experience of a single individual , its just luck of the game. There are a lot of bus , truck , car accidents in Malaysia , and on the local TV news have seen quite a few horrific bus accidents. About 6000 road deaths a year in Malaysia - a very high figure , and in Thailand its even worse . Not much you can do about it though .11
the road to Cameron Highlands is much safer compared to say, 6 years ago, after the new section opened. Just make sure that the transport you are taking uses the new road instead of the old looping one which goes past ringlet.12
In the past 15 years we have use Transnational bus lines many times and covered most of Malaysia in this way. They ALWAYS had a good driver and a good comfortable bus.We have taken the train from Singapore to KL and also from Kl to Butterworth (Penang). They were very comfortable although always very cold (A/C) so you need a sweater. On this route the train was fast (express) and within 20 minutes of on time.
The ferry ride from Butterworth train station to Georgetown (Penang) is short and very interesting.
It is only about a 2 minute walk from the train station to the ferry in Butterworth.
I think we prefer the train when express is available although this is not an option to Cameron Highlands.
Edited by: NanaimoJim
