AIR 

The main gateway to Malaysia is through the new K.L. International Airport (www.klia.com.my) at Sepang located approximately 50km south of Kuala Lumpur. The KLIA Express links KL Sentral Station and KL International Airport. The train journey takes only 28 minutes and costs RM35 one way (www.kliaekspres.com).

The Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang serves a few domestic and regional airlines. Other major international airports which serve as entry points are Penang, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu and Langkawi. Many airlines service Malaysia, but the country's international airline - Malaysia Airlines - is the major carrier. For more info about the flight schedule, check the timetable at www.mas.com.my When you are looking for a ticket, compare the costs of flying into Malaysia versus flying into Singapore. 

Alternatively, budget travellers can travel with AirAsia. It was launched as Asia's first low fare, no frills carrier in January 2002. The rates are amazingly affordable for everyone. www.airasia.com.my

Sometimes it's cheaper to fly to Singapore's Changi International Airport and then take the rapid train to the MRT station Bugis and get the Singapore - Johor Bahru Express bus (RM2.40) or a special taxi for 8 Sin$ (when you share it with three other passengers). The trip to Johor Bahru/Malaysia will take you about one hour. 

LAND 

Thailand 

In the western part of Peninsula Malaysia you can cross the border at Padang Besar (road and rail), Bukit Kayu Hitam (road) or Keroh-Betong (road). In the east you can use the Rantau Panjung-Sungai Golok or Pengkalan Kubor checkpoint. The train route into Malaysia is on the Hat Yai - Alor Setar - Butterworth route, which crosses into Malaysia at Padang Besar. You can take the Express trains from Bangkok or Hat Yai to Alor Setar and Butterworth. 

From Butterworth you get connections to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur (KL). Check you timetable at www.ktmb.com.my. 

Singapore 

The Causeway links Singapore and Johor Bahru in Malaysia. Cars, trains and buses use the Causeway, so there is pretty much traffic and maybe you have to wait at the customs. 

SEA 

Thailand 

Regular daily boats run between Satun in Thailand and Langkawi. Check our Langkawi guide for more information. 

Singapore 

Although most people cross the border on the Causeway you can also take the ferry between Changi Village and Tanjung Belungkur / Malaysia. Thier ferry mainly carries Singaporeans for their holiday in Malaysian Desaru.

Indonesia 

There are three main ferry routes between Indonesia and Malaysia: Medan - Penang, Dumai - Melaka connecting Sumatra and Peninsula Malaysia and Karakan - Tawau linking Kalimantan in Borneo and Sabah.