Transport Malaysia | WanderJournals

Transport in Malaysia

How do you travel to Malaysia and which border crossing is best to take? And how do you get around within the country? Below you’ll find the answers to these questions.

International transport

If you're arriving in Malaysia by international flight, you can choose to land in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, or Langkawi.

Kuala Lumpur is the country’s main hub, with excellent connections to nearly every destination within Malaysia.
Penang offers good domestic links too—you can easily hop on a bus to explore other parts of the country.
Langkawi, being an island, requires a domestic flight if you're planning to travel onward.

Visa-wise, you can apply online or on arrival at all three airports. Just make sure to bring at least two passport photos if you plan to get your visa on arrival.

Planning to enter Malaysia by bus, car, or boat? You can cross the border at several key points:

From Thailand by land:
- Bukit Kayu Hitam (Kedah) – the busiest and most convenient crossing for those coming from Hat Yai.
- Padang Besar (Perlis) – accessible by train or car, also connects to southern Thailand.
- Rantau Panjang (Kelantan) – popular with travelers heading to/from northeastern Thailand.
From Singapore by land:
- Woodlands Checkpoint to Johor Bahru (Causeway) – very busy, especially during rush hours.
- Tuas Checkpoint to Johor Bahru (Second Link) – a good alternative with usually less traffic.
By boat:
- From Thailand: ferries run between Satun and Langkawi.
- From Indonesia: boats arrive from Dumai, Batam, and Tanjung Balai into ports like Melaka, Johor, and Penang.

Before traveling, always check the latest entry requirements and opening times of border checkpoints.

Domestic transport

When traveling through Malaysia, you’ve got a few easy options: bus, minivan, or taxi. I personally used minivans, and they were fast, comfortable, and the drivers were super friendly.

Most hostels and hotels can arrange transport to your next destination for you. If not, just head to a local ticket shop you’ll find one in most cities and towns.

For buses and minivans, make sure to have some cash on hand, as many places don’t accept cards.

Need a taxi? Just use the Grab app it’s reliable, affordable, and you can pay directly through the app.