Kuala Lumpur & Beyond
Climate
Kuala Lumpur has a tropical rainforest climate, and is hot and humid all-year round with abundant rainfall. The monsoon season is from October to March, and the months of June and July are dry season. The daily temperature varies from 21 to 32°C.
Language
Bahasa Malaysia (Malay) is the official language in Kuala Lumpur, but English is also widely used.
Money
Malaysia’s currency is in Malaysian Ringgit (MYR), and the symbol used is RM. One ringgit is equivalent to 100 sen (cents). Bills come in denominations of 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 1. Coins are in denominations of RM 1, Sen 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1.
For information on the exchange rate, please click here.
Electricity and Voltage
The voltage output of Kuala Lumpur is between 220 to 240 volts AC at 50 Hertz, alternating at 50 cycles per second. A voltage converter may be required for devices that do not accept the standard electricity of 200 volts AC at 50 Hertz.
The types of plugs used are mostly two or three pronged triangular plugs. Plug adapters are available for purchase in hardware stores.
Public Transport
Taxi
Taxis are readily available in KL and the fares are fairly inexpensive. All taxis have a meter so make sure that your driver is using it as this is mandatory in Malaysia. Carrying a map with you will be useful in case of possible language barriers between you and the driver.
Trains
KLIA Express & KLIA Transit - Travelling from and to Kuala Lumpur International Airport is fast and convenient via the KLIA Express. This nonstop Airport Transfer travels between the Airport and the city, KL Central, in less than 30 minutes. A single trip costs RM 35. Tickets can be purchased at KLIA via the counters or vending machines, or downtown KL in the City Air Terminal (CAT) at the KL Central.
The KLIA Transit also connects between city and the KLIA, with transits in key areas at Salak Tinggi, Putrajaya & Cyberjaya and Bandar Tasik Selatan – enroute to KLIA.
KTM Komuter – Connects suburban towns of Rawang, Sentul, Port Klang & Seremban.
Light Rail System (LRT) & Monorail –The Ampang Line and Kelana Jaya Line of the LRT, and the monorail provide access to major hotspots within the city. The LRT also cover some of the outskirts.
Click here to view Map: KL Rail Transportation Network
City Buses
The buses are mainly operated by Rapid KL and Metrobus, linking the city with the suburb areas in the Klang Valley. Commuting by buses is less preferred with the convenience of the rail transportation, unless you are travelling to the outlying areas such as the Batu Caves.
Touch 'n Go Card
The Touch 'n Go Card can be used as a pre-paid travel card for commuting on major public transportation. These include the RapidKL buses, LRT (Ampang Line & Kelana Jaya Line), Monorail, KTM Komuter, and the KLIA Ekspres. The card is convenient to use and save travellers’ the hassle of having to queue at the cash lane to purchase tickets everytime. The card can also be used to pay for products and services at places where the Touch ‘n Go sign is displayed, such as retail and food outlets, attractions, theme parks etc.
The card is available for purchase at most train stations around the city central. The minimum top-up value is RM 10. For more information, please refer to: http://www.touchngo.com.my/
