Arrival & Transport
Flights to Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur is a major aviation hub in Southeast Asia — and thanks to AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines, one of the best-connected airports in the region. There are no direct flights from Germany, but the connecting flights are excellent and affordable.
International Airports
- Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL/KLIA): The main airport, 50 km south of KL in Sepang. Two terminals: KLIA (Malaysia Airlines, full-service) and KLIA2 (AirAsia, low-cost carrier). KLIA Express train to the city: 28 minutes, 55 MYR. Coordinates: [2.7456, 101.7099]
- Penang International Airport (PEN): Small, but with direct connections to Singapore, Bangkok, Jakarta. Coordinates: [5.2972, 100.2769]
- Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI): Gateway to Borneo/Sabah. Direct flights from Seoul, Hong Kong, Shenzhen. Coordinates: [5.9372, 116.0515]
- Kuching International Airport (KCH): Gateway to Sarawak/Borneo. Coordinates: [1.4847, 110.3467]
- Langkawi International Airport (LGK): Direct flights from Singapore and KL. Coordinates: [6.3297, 99.7286]
Affordable Connections from Germany
| Airline | Stopover | Flight Time | Price from (R/T) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malaysia Airlines | Nonstop codeshare via London | 12–14h | 500 € |
| Qatar Airways | Doha | 13–15h | 420 € |
| Emirates | Dubai | 13–15h | 450 € |
| Singapore Airlines | Singapore | 14–16h | 520 € |
| Turkish Airlines | Istanbul | 14–16h | 400 € |
| Thai Airways | Bangkok | 14–16h | 460 € |
| Cathay Pacific | Hong Kong | 14–16h | 490 € |
Tipp
AirAsia is Malaysia's pride and one of the best low-cost carriers in the world. If you're already in Southeast Asia, fly with AirAsia to KL — Bangkok–KL from 80 MYR (16 €), Singapore–KL from 50 MYR (10 €). Book 4–8 weeks in advance for the best prices.
Achtung
KLIA and KLIA2 are two separate terminals with different buildings. The transfer takes 5–10 minutes with the free shuttle train. If you're transferring from Malaysia Airlines (KLIA) to AirAsia (KLIA2), plan enough time.
Domestic Flights
Thanks to AirAsia, domestic flights in Malaysia are absurdly cheap. KL to Penang, Langkawi, Kota Kinabalu, or Kuching — often cheaper than the bus ride, and you'll be there in an hour.
The Main Airlines
| Airline | Type | Luggage | Prices from |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirAsia | Low-cost carrier | 7 kg hand luggage, checked baggage extra | 39 MYR (8 €) |
| Malaysia Airlines | Full-service | 30 kg included | 150 MYR (30 €) |
| Firefly | Regional | 20 kg included | 100 MYR (20 €) |
| Batik Air Malaysia | Full-service | 20 kg included | 120 MYR (24 €) |
Important Domestic Routes
| Route | Duration | AirAsia from | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| KL → Penang | 1h | 39 MYR (8 €) | 15+ daily |
| KL → Langkawi | 1h 10 | 49 MYR (10 €) | 8–10 daily |
| KL → Kota Kinabalu | 2h 30 | 99 MYR (20 €) | 10+ daily |
| KL → Kuching | 1h 45 | 79 MYR (16 €) | 8+ daily |
| KL → Kota Bharu | 55 Min. | 49 MYR (10 €) | 4–6 daily |
| Kota Kinabalu → Sandakan | 45 Min. | 59 MYR (12 €) | 4+ daily |
Tipp
AirAsia regularly has flash sales with incredible prices — sometimes KL–Penang for 0 MYR (only taxes, about 25 MYR). Follow their newsletter and app. Always book luggage online — it's significantly more expensive at the airport.
Train, Bus & Ferry
Malaysia has a well-developed ground transport network — especially on the peninsula. Trains and buses are comfortable, punctual, and affordable.
KTM Trains
The state railway company KTM (Keretapi Tanah Melayu) operates two lines on the peninsula:
- ETS (Electric Train Service): Modern, air-conditioned express trains between KL Sentral and Padang Besar (at the Thai border), with stops in Ipoh and Butterworth (Penang). KL → Ipoh: 2.5 hours, from 20 MYR. KL → Butterworth: 4 hours, from 59 MYR.
- Jungle Railway (Ekspres Rakyat Timuran): The legendary jungle railway through the interior — from Gemas to Tumpat (Kota Bharu). 12+ hours through dense rainforest, a true adventure. Less transport, more experience.
Long-Distance Buses
Air-conditioned long-distance buses connect all cities on the peninsula. Comfortable, affordable, and frequent. Main providers: Transnasional, Plusliner, KKKL, Aeroline.
| Route | Duration | Price from |
|---|---|---|
| KL → Penang | 4–5h | 35 MYR (7 €) |
| KL → Malacca | 2h | 12 MYR (2.40 €) |
| KL → Cameron Highlands | 4h | 35 MYR (7 €) |
| KL → Singapore | 5–6h | 45 MYR (9 €) |
| KL → Kota Bharu | 8–9h | 45 MYR (9 €) |
Ferries
Important ferry connections:
- Butterworth → Penang: 15 minutes, 1.20 MYR (free towards the island!)
- Kuala Besut → Perhentian Islands: 45 minutes, 70 MYR
- Mersing → Tioman: 1.5–2 hours, 35 MYR
- Kuala Kedah → Langkawi: 1.5 hours, 23 MYR
Grab
Grab is ubiquitous in Malaysia — in KL, Penang, Langkawi, and all major cities. Affordable, safe, and app-based. In rural areas and on Borneo, Grab is less common — take a taxi or rent a scooter there.
Tipp
The ETS trains from KL to Penang (via Ipoh) are among the most beautiful train routes in Southeast Asia — comfortable, punctual, and offering views of limestone cliffs and rice fields. Book online at ktmb.com.my, as tickets sell out quickly.
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