Malaysia has excellent transport infrastructure by Southeast Asian standards, and getting between major destinations is straightforward and affordable.
Flights
AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines connect Peninsular Malaysia to Sabah and Sarawak in Borneo, and this is the only practical way to cross between the two halves of the country. Domestic flights are cheap if booked in advance -- KL to Kota Kinabalu can be as little as RM100 one way. Firefly and Batik Air also serve domestic routes.
Trains
KTM (Keretapi Tanah Melayu) operates comfortable trains along the west coast of the Peninsula, from Singapore through Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur up to Butterworth (for Penang). The ETS (Electric Train Service) is fast and air-conditioned -- KL to Butterworth takes about four hours. A slower jungle railway runs up the interior through Gua Musang to Kota Bharu, which is a scenic and memorable ride.
Within KL, the LRT, MRT and monorail cover the city well. The MRT Putrajaya line, completed in 2023, has expanded coverage significantly.
Buses
Long-distance buses are the cheapest way to get around the Peninsula. Services run frequently between all major cities from terminals like TBS (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan) in KL. Buses are air-conditioned, often with reclining seats, and fares are low. In Borneo, buses connect the main towns, though services are less frequent and roads can be rough in remote areas.
Taxis and ride-hailing
Grab is ubiquitous throughout Malaysia and is almost always cheaper and more reliable than traditional taxis. In cities, it is the easiest way to get around. Metered taxis exist but many drivers still try to negotiate fixed fares, especially from airports and tourist spots.
Car rental
Roads in Peninsular Malaysia are excellent, and driving is a good option if you want to explore at your own pace. Drive on the left. The North-South Expressway runs the length of the Peninsula. In Borneo, a car is useful for reaching national parks and more remote areas, though some roads require a 4WD.
Boats
Ferries connect the mainland to islands like Langkawi, Tioman, the Perhentians and Redang. In Sarawak, longboats and express boats are sometimes the only way to reach river communities and longhouses.