GETTING TO MALAYSIA
The main gateway to Malaysia is through the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang, located approximately 50km south of Kuala Lumpur. The Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT), which is 20km away from KLIA Main Terminal Building, caters mostly to passengers of the budget airline, AirAsia. Other international airports which serve as entry points are situated in Penang, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu and Langkawi. Over 40 International airlines fly into the country while the national carrier, Malaysia Airlines, has a global network that spans six continents and a national network that covers more than 36 local destinations.
From KLIA there are several transport options to the city among them being the high-speed KLIA Express train, taxis and buses. A non-stop 28-minute ride on the KLIA Express will connect you from the airport to the KL City Air Terminal (KLCAT) at the KL Central Station. This state-of-the-art transportation hub offers flight and baggage check-in services for Malaysia Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Royal Brunei Airlines. KLIA Exspress departs every 15 minutes during peak hours (5am-9am, 4pm-1Opm) and every 20 minutes during off-peak times (9am-4pm, 10pm-12 midnight).
Airport limousine taxis (budget or premier) at KLIA operate using a prepaid coupon system.
The main entry point by sea to KL is Port Klang, about 50km away from KL Malaysia is also accessible by rail and road from Singapore and Thailand.
IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS
Visitors to Malaysia must be in possession of a valid passport or travel document with a minimum validity of six months beyond the period of stay. Most nationalities do not require visas for social or business visits. For further information, please check with the nearest Malaysian Mission or Tourism Malaysia office in your country. Alternatively browse www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my or www.imi.gov.my. Trafficking in illegal drugs is a serious offense and importing large amounts of foreign currencies requires a declaration.
AIR TRAVEL
Malaysia Airlines (MAS)
Malaysia Airlines, the country's main airline carrier, will be providing special assistance to all participants and accompanying persons in making arrangements for their flights. MAS will provide special discounts for participants and accompanying persons to attend the 2011 IIA International Conference as per attached. For further information please click;
Discounted Fares and Term & Conditions MAS World Wide Offices
For any inquiries, please contact the nearest local Malaysia Airlines office closest to you.
GETTING AROUND MALAYSIA
ByAir
The national carrier, Malaysia Airlines as well as Firefly and the budget airline AirAsia offer domestic air travel to major cities in the peninsula and to the states of Sabah and Sarawak. Points linked to Kuala Lumpur include Ipoh, Penang, Alor Setar, Langkawi, Kota Bharu, Kuala Terengganu, Kuantan, Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Lahad Datu.Tawau, Labuan, Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri. Private carrier Berjaya Air has direct flights to the islands of Pangkor, Redang and Tioman from the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport near Kuala Lumpur. Note that upon your arrival in Sabah or Sarawak, you will need to present your international passport even if you are arriving from Peninsular Malaysia.
By Rail
Trains are a comfortable, efficient and economical means of exploring Malaysia. The main line extends from Thailand in the north, southwards to Singapore. Another line radiates from Gemas in Negeri Sembilan to Kota Bharu on the east coast. In Sabah, a line connects from Kota Kinabalu through rainforests to Tenom and is not to be missed by train buffs. You can travel in air-conditioned comfort while sleeping berths are available for overnight journeys. Rail service in Peninsular Malaysia is operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) or Malayan Railway offering privileged passes for easy travel.
The Eastern & Oriental Express is one of the world's great train journeys. The journey links the cities of Singapore and Bangkok passing through Kuala Lumpur and includes a tour of Penang's capital Georgetown.
By Sea
Ferry services also operate from Malaysia to Thailand, Singapore and the Indonesian Islands of Batam and Sumatra. Within Malaysia there are regular ferry services to and from main destinations like Penang, Kuala Perlis and Kuala Kedah to Langkawi, Lumut to Pangkor and from various points on the east coast to the offshore islands of Tioman, Perhentian, Redang and the Johor islands.
The principal cruise operator in Malaysian waters is the Malaysian-owned and operated, Star Cruises. Port Klang, the biggest port serving Kuala Lumpur, is one hour's drive away. It is where the Star Cruises Passenger Terminal is located.
The main ports of call in Malaysia for cruise ships are Melaka, Port Klang, Penang and Langkawi. Occasionally, cruise ships also drop anchor off the East Coast islands, in particular, Tioman Island. In East Malaysia, Kota Kinabalu in Sabah is the main port visited by cruise ships.
By Road
Self-drive Holidays - Most points in Peninsular Malaysia are accessible via the North-South Expressway, which links up to coastal roads and the rest of the road arteries in the country. The Expressway is an excellent road network, which allows you to drive through Peninsular Malaysia, There are also other tolled highways equipped with amenities such as rest areas, restaurants, souvenir shops and Suraus (prayer rooms for Muslims), which connect towns and villages throughout the length and breadth of the country. Malaysians drive on the left side of the road. For foreign tourists an international driving license is required.
Rental car companies can be found in most cities and airports around the country.
By Bus - Express air - conditioned buses are available to all states in Peninsular Malaysia. They offer a comfortable ride at reasonable rates. The main terminals in Kuala Lumpur are the Puduraya Bus Station, Hentian Putra, Pekeliling and Hentian Duta. There are set charges for outstation travel. Taxis are also available at these stations.