Malaysia Travel Guide (Navigating)

Navigating Between Malacca, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Langkawi

Malaysia is a stunning country with a diverse range of landscapes and cities. Each destination offers a unique experience, from historical sites to modern attractions and tropical beaches. Whether you’re planning to explore Malacca’s heritage, Kuala Lumpur’s skyline, Penang’s food culture, or Langkawi’s beaches, this guide will help you navigate between these popular spots with ease.

Here’s how to travel between Malacca, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Langkawi using various transportation options, including buses, trains, flights, and ferries.

1. Kuala Lumpur to Malacca (Melaka)

Distance: Approx. 150 km

Travel Time: 2–3 hours

By Bus

Duration: 2–2.5 hours
Cost: RM 10–20
Frequency: Buses depart regularly from TBS (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan) in Kuala Lumpur.
Operators: Companies like Transnasional, Mayang Sari, and KKKL Express offer comfortable bus services.
Destination: Buses arrive at Melaka Sentral, Malacca’s main bus terminal, from where you can take a local bus or taxi to the city center.

By Private Car/Taxi

Duration: 1.5–2 hours
Cost: RM 150–200 for a one-way trip
Details: A convenient but more expensive option for those who prefer flexibility and comfort.

By Train

Direct trains are not available, but you can take a train from KL Sentral to Tampin and then take a bus or taxi to Malacca (around 45 minutes away).

2. Kuala Lumpur to Penang

Distance: Approx. 360 km

Travel Time: 4–5 hours (bus/car), 1 hour (flight)

By Bus

Duration: 4–5 hours
Cost: RM 35–45
Frequency: Frequent buses leave from TBS or Hentian Duta in Kuala Lumpur.
Operators: Aeroline, Transnasional, and Plusliner are well-known services.
Destination: Buses arrive at Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal or Penang Sentral. You can take a local bus or taxi from here to George Town.

By Flight

Duration: 1 hour
Cost: RM 80–250 (depending on the season)
Airlines: AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, and Firefly operate multiple flights daily from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to Penang International Airport.
Details: This is the fastest option if you’re short on time.

By Train

Duration: 4–5 hours
Cost: RM 59–120 (depending on the class)
Details: Take the ETS (Electric Train Service) from KL Sentral to Butterworth. From Butterworth, you can take a short ferry ride (20 minutes) to Penang Island.

By Car

Duration: 4–5 hours
Cost: Tolls and fuel costs (approx. RM 60–80)
Details: A scenic road trip option, with the possibility of stopping at towns like Ipoh along the way.

3. Penang to Langkawi

Distance: Approx. 170 km

Travel Time: 3–4 hours (ferry), 45 minutes (flight)

By Ferry

Duration: 2.5–3 hours
Cost: RM 70–120
Details: Ferries depart from Swettenham Pier in George Town and arrive at Kuah Jetty in Langkawi. Make sure to check the ferry schedule, as services may not be as frequent during the off-peak season.

By Flight

Duration: 45 minutes
Cost: RM 100–300
Airlines: AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines offer frequent flights from Penang International Airport to Langkawi International Airport.
Details: This is the quickest and most convenient way to travel between the two islands, especially for those with limited time.

By Car + Ferry

Option 1: Drive from Penang to Kuala Kedah, which takes about 2 hours, and then take a ferry to Langkawi (1.5 hours).
Option 2: Drive to Kuala Perlis (2.5–3 hours from Penang) and take a shorter ferry ride to Langkawi (1 hour).

4. Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi

Distance: Approx. 500 km

Travel Time: 1 hour (flight), 6–8 hours (bus + ferry)

By Flight

Duration: 1 hour
Cost: RM 100–300
Airlines: AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, and Malindo Air offer frequent flights from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (Subang) to Langkawi.
Details: This is the most convenient option for those wanting to reach Langkawi quickly.

By Bus + Ferry

Duration: 6–8 hours
Cost: RM 90–150
Details: Take a bus from TBS to Kuala Kedah or Kuala Perlis, and from there, take a ferry to Langkawi. This is a more affordable option but requires more time.

5. Malacca to Penang

Distance: Approx. 500 km

Travel Time: 6–8 hours (bus), 1 hour (flight via Kuala Lumpur)

By Bus

Duration: 6–7 hours
Cost: RM 50–70
Operators: Transnasional, KPB Express, and Sri Maju offer direct bus services.
Destination: Buses depart from Melaka Sentral and arrive at Sungai Nibong or Penang Sentral.

By Flight

Duration: 1 hour flight from Kuala Lumpur to Penang, plus 2 hours travel time from Malacca to Kuala Lumpur
Details: There are no direct flights between Malacca and Penang. You’ll need to travel to Kuala Lumpur first, either by bus (2 hours) or by private car, then take a flight to Penang.

Travel Tips

Booking in Advance: For buses and trains, it’s advisable to book your tickets in advance, especially during public holidays or weekends, as Malaysia is a popular travel destination.
Budget Airlines: Malaysia has an excellent network of low-cost airlines, such as AirAsia and Malindo Air, which makes flying between cities and islands very affordable.
Ride-Hailing Services: Grab is widely available in all major cities and towns for convenient transportation. You can also use it to book rides to and from airports and ferry terminals.
Toll Roads: If you’re driving, be aware that many highways in Malaysia are toll roads, so keep some cash or a Touch ‘n Go card handy for payment.

Suggested Travel Itinerary

If you’re planning to visit all four destinations, here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day 1–2: Kuala Lumpur
Explore the iconic Petronas Towers, Batu Caves, and Bukit Bintang shopping district.
Day 3–4: Malacca
Discover the historical landmarks, including A Famosa, Jonker Street, and St. Paul’s Hill.
Day 5–6: Penang
Experience the heritage of George Town, visit Penang Hill, and indulge in the street food.
Day 7–9: Langkawi
Relax on the beaches, take a cable car ride, and enjoy the natural beauty of the island.

This itinerary offers a balanced mix of history, culture, and relaxation, with sufficient time to enjoy each destination.

Conclusion

Traveling between Malacca, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Langkawi is easy and affordable, thanks to Malaysia’s excellent transportation network. Whether you prefer buses, trains, or flights, each option offers convenience for both budget-conscious and luxury travelers. By planning your route in advance, you’ll ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey through these captivating Malaysian destinations.