Getting There By Rail
Keretapi Tanah Melayu – KTM (tel: (03) 2267 1200; e-mail: callcenter@ktmb.com.my; website: www.ktmb.com.my) operates the rail services in Peninsula Malaysia. These are fast and efficient, although prone to derailments and land/mudslides on longer journeys.
The KL Sentral Station (tel: (03) 2730 2000; fax: (03) 2730 2020; e-mail: info@klsentral.com.my; website: www.klsentral.com.my) , which opened in 2001 and is located one-and-a-half kilometres (one mile) northwest of the city centre, has replaced Kuala Lumpur Railway Station as the city’s main station. Facilities at this high-tech station include ATMs, bureau de change, left-luggage and tourist information. Kuala Lumpur Sentral Station is part of a massive multi-million dollar development, which will incorporate hotels, offices, retail outlets, residential property and recreational facilities by 2010. Intercity trains, apart from the luxurious Eastern and Oriental Express (website: www.orient-express.com), no longer stop at Kuala Lumpur Railway Station.
Rail Services: The main routes from Kuala Lumpur are south to Singapore (journey time – 7 hours) and north to Bangkok (journey time – 14 hours 30 minutes) via Butterworth (journey time – 7 hours). It is only possible for travellers to reach Kota Baru on Malaysia’s northeast coast by travelling via Gemas (journey time – 12 hours), southwest of Kuala Lumpur. The world famous Eastern and Oriental Express (website: www.orient-express.com) connects KL with Singapore to the south and Bangkok to the north, with the journey as important as the destination and an emphasis on five-star luxury, gourmet food and smooth service.
Transport to the City: Taxis to the city centre cost RM5-7 (journey time – 10-15 minutes). Putra LRT (tel: 1 800 388 228 (toll free in Malaysia from 0830-1730) or 017 331 7779 (1730-0830); website: www.putralrt.com.my) operate a light rail service direct from Kuala Lumpur Sentral to various stops in the city. Access to stations on the STAR LRT (tel: (03) 4294 2550; e-mail: star@starlrt.po.my) route is via Masjid Jamek station. KTM Kommuter trains (tel: (03) 2267 1200; e-mail: callcenter@ktmb.com.my; website: www.ktmb.com.my) serving destinations to the west, south and north, also run direct from the station. The KL Monorail (tel: (03) 2273 1888; e-mail: info@monorail.com.my; website: www.monorail.com.my) has finally opened after numerous delays. Its city centre-Sentral route is currently limited and its usefulness hampered by an early shutdown time of 1500.
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Getting There By Rail