Malaysia

Nicke · #1 15-05-2005, 14:56

I had a quick visit there.

It reminded me to use KLIA Express and/or monorail whenever possible. It is the cheapest way to get around and the KLIA Express is very comfortable and fast.

I took an airport limo when I arrived yesterday, it cost 91.50 RM to Concorde Hotel and that is acceptable but still expensive.

Today I grabbed a taxi at the hotel and told him airport, he asked for 250 RM (~2500 baht). Noway I am going to pay that, so I asked him to drive to KL Central instead so I could get KLIA Express from there. Very expensive meter taxi, it ended up at 700 baht for that short trip. I dont remember but I think last time I went to airport from my hotel to airport I paid around 500 baht.

What I should have done is to use the monorail from my hotel to KL central and that would have been less than 50 baht. KLIA Express cost 350 baht to/from airport.

If you take a Taxi, keep in mind that sometimes you get a fair deal and sometimes they ask for huge amounts even for very shorts trips and try to rip you off. Make sure you have time to ask around/negotiate before going anywhere with a taxi. Also it is sometimes very difficult to get a taxi.

(Based on my limited experience, I may be wrong)

Coyotee · #2 15-05-2005, 19:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nicke

I had a quick visit there.

It reminded me to use KLIA Express and/or monorail whenever possible. It is the cheapest way to get around and the KLIA Express is very comfortable and fast.

I took an airport limo when I arrived yesterday, it cost 91.50 RM to Concorde Hotel and that is acceptable but still expensive.

Today I grabbed a taxi at the hotel and told him airport, he asked for 250 RM (~2500 baht). Noway I am going to pay that, so I asked him to drive to KL Central instead so I could get KLIA Express from there. Very expensive meter taxi, it ended up at 700 baht for that short trip. I dont remember but I think last time I went to airport from my hotel to airport I paid around 500 baht.

What I should have done is to use the monorail from my hotel to KL central and that would have been less than 50 baht. KLIA Express cost 350 baht to/from airport.

If you take a Taxi, keep in mind that sometimes you get a fair deal and sometimes they ask for huge amounts even for very shorts trips and try to rip you off. Make sure you have time to ask around/negotiate before going anywhere with a taxi. Also it is sometimes very difficult to get a taxi.

(Based on my limited experience, I may be wrong)

Nicke you had been cheated! It just cost me 600 baht from my house to the airport and i am also staying in KL, about 10-15 min from Concord Hotel. It should be around 100 baht to KL central from your hotel! You should write a letter to the newspapers in Malaysia and complain about your experiences.

Malaysian

ashley · #3 18-05-2005, 11:09

Nicke you have definitely been robbed by the taxi man. Both from the airport and to the airport. I stayed at the Shangri-la a few weeks ago and the hotels Mercedes Benz limo was only 110 ringit each way. I took taxis all over KL and they were cheap as hell. I had one guy take us to the supermarket and wait for almost 30 minutes and the meter was only around 20 ringit. I found taxis to be dirt cheap in KL, I think they tried to get us a few times, but I simply smiled and laughed at their initial prices until they were a little more honey.
For those getting taxis in and around KL it is best to go to one of the luxury hotel to grab a taxi. For example at the Shangri-la they give you the taxis card, name of driver and license number. If you have any problems with the taxi you can report it to the hotel and they will deal with. Every time we got one from the Shang they were metered, clean and honest. Never a problem.
Best of luck next time.

Cheers,

Ashley

IRISH JONNY · #4 18-05-2005, 13:12

Hi Guys.isnt There A Train That Goes From The Airport To The City Center...........is The Concorde Hotel Far From The Center?
Ij

aussie dollar · #5 18-05-2005, 13:52

Last tour went via KLIA didnt stop over due to long trip to KL last time around(about 4 years ago).
seems like the train would be good anyone used it
Times ?
Reliability ?
Traffic in KL is just crazy and hate it there for that reason train i reckon could be the go.

Nicke · #6 18-05-2005, 14:16

KLIA Express is good, it is quite new as I understand and it is very comfortable and fast. Took me 27 minutes from KL to reach airport. They have LCD screens everywhere on the train too. Cost 35 RM.

Ashley, I know I was cheated. I paid 50 RM or so last time I went to airport from my hotel, but that time I was adviced a taxi by the hotel. This time I just grabbed one outside the hotel.

So look your advice is the best; let the hotel advice you a taxi.

Still recommend Monorail where possible. Easy to use and cheap.

tintin · #7 18-05-2005, 19:29

Interesting to know all this, I am planning as you know a trip in December...

But a pitty only Penang is mentioned. I would like some info about Langkawi too!

Where to stay, wich beach, nice romantic but not too expensive hotel etc...

ashley · #8 19-05-2005, 15:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by IRISH JONNY

Hi Guys.isnt There A Train That Goes From The Airport To The City Center...........is The Concorde Hotel Far From The Center?
Ij

Hey IJ:

The Concorde hotel is right in the center of the city. Very close to the entertainment area. Just a short walk away to loads of lovely girls, especially at the Beach Club!!
The hotel also has a spa in the basement I think. They provide full service with some A++++ girls for about 200 ringit or so. This was told to me by a mate as when I was there the Mrs. was with me and doesn't let me venture out on my own as she is Asian and knows what goes on at some of these places.

Check it out!

Cheers,

Ashley

ashley · #9 19-05-2005, 15:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by tintin

Interesting to know all this, I am planning as you know a trip in December...

But a pitty only Penang is mentioned. I would like some info about Langkawi too!

Where to stay, wich beach, nice romantic but not too expensive hotel etc...

Hey Tintin: Check out the websites: www.langkawi-resorts.com and www.langkawi-online.com

This should give you the type of information you want. The best beach on the island is at the Datai. There are two hotels there, the Datai and the Andaman. They are VERY expensive so maybe not what you are looking for. The next best beach in my opinion is Chaweng. There are plenty of hotels here ranging from 30$ per night to over 100$. Lots of excellent restaurants and a few places for a drink. Not at all like Thailand, very peaceful and quiet. There is also go-karting here which was a blast and you can rent a scooter or car very cheaply to travel around the island (less than 1 1/2 hours).
Also lots of boat tours, island hopping etc. Clean water, nice beach and relaxing time.

Enjoy!

Cheers,

Ashley

bunny69 · #10 19-05-2005, 22:23

Back at KL today and ran out of cash... to save a bit of money.. what my friend did is :
1. Realizing KLIA Express route : KLIA -> Salak Tinggi -> Cyberjaya ->Bdr Tasik Selatan -> KL Sentral
2. KLIA -> KL Sentral rates : RM35 (350 baht).. KLIA -> Cyberjaya : RM7.. Cyberjaya -> KL Sentral : RM10
3. Took KLIA transit to Cyberjaya, wait 20 mins there and took another one to KL Sentral

It' cost him almost half the expenses.. I know it's not much.. but we spend too much cash at Playskool last night...

mockingbird · #11 22-05-2005, 23:47

bunny69's 'friend' is me. hahaha.

I'm only left with 4000 baht to survive till the end of the month after this trip to Phuket.

Oh, man, Nicke. They got you good. Next time you come, take the KLIA Express to KL Sentral.

At KL Sentral, go to a taxi counter. They charge about 15-20% extra, but at least it's regulated.

Always consider the LRT systems: Putra LRT and Star LRT as well as the KL Monorail. These three basically takes you anywhere you want to go in the city. Shopping, hotels, entertainment centres and such. You can get by using these rail systems.

As for cabs, always demand they go by the meter. The sight of a 'farang' or an 'orang putih' in Malaysia can turn some of them into monsters for money.

Unless you're desperate or going to the airport (usually around 600 baht-800baht), NEVER, EVER pay them a fixed price. There're just too many cutthroats around.

I've been taking cabs for the past two years here as my contribution towards less congested roads and a cleaner environment.

However, the unscrupulous behaviour of some of them have convinced me to buy a car next year. Goddamn cabbies. Hahaha.

p/s: if you want to complain about cabbies in Malaysia, you can send an email to mmnews@mmail.com.my or mmnews@nstp.com.my. These are two of four english newspapers we have in Malaysia.

Nicke · #12 23-05-2005, 15:58

Thanks for the comments mockingbird and bunny69. It was nice to meet you recently.

The taxi actually used the meter but I dont know how he did to increase the rate so fast.

I will be more careful when using taxi next time and ASK before jumping in.

lene · #13 07-06-2005, 10:21

Nicke,

As a Malaysian, I am truly sorry about your experience. Even Malaysians have a hard time with the taxis in KL.

The next time you are arriving in KLIA if you must take a taxi, use the taxi booking booths. The rates are at least under supervision. It is not the limo, but ordinary taxi. I think it took me about RM 40-50 to get to Petaling jaya.

Taxis coming in to hotel to pick up passengers often refuse to use the meter. This is unacceptable. I would rather call a taxi company and insist that a meter be used.

Anyway the usual fare locals pay is aroun 80-100 maximum to get to KLIA from KL using a normal taxi.

I have been away from KL for a few years and whenever I go home and have to get a taxi it always drives me mad when they think I'm stupid and overcharge.

I always tip taxi drivers who use (untampered) meters and refuse to get on taxis that demand exorbitant lump sums.

Hot areas for such taxis are hotels, major shopping centres such as KLCC, Midvalley.