Fly, drive or cruise

Discover the Malaysia you wish to see in absolute freedom of a fly, drive and cruise vacation. The country provides you with flexibility to tailor your own itinerary to suit your own schedule and experience the fascinations through numerous exciting options.

Malaysia, comprising Peninsular Malaysia and the two states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo, is well placed as a holiday destination that offers a unique range of experiences for travellers. Across the length and breadth of this land, you will discover the richness of its cultural diversity, unique flora and fauna, majestic jungle-clad mountains, cool forest reserves, remote idyllic islands and miles of unspoilt beaches.

For travellers who like the independence and flexibility to enjoy as many experiences as possible, Malaysia lends itself very well as a fly, drive and cruise holiday. Good infrastructure and easy accessibility take you to places others dream of, and along with an agreeable climate all year round travelling through Malaysia via a combination of travel options becomes an exciting experience.

Getting to Malaysia is easy. Over 40 international airlines fly into the country from various parts of the globe. In addition, Malaysia Airlines (MAS) the country's national carrier has a global network that spans six continents, and a national network that covers 36 local destinations. Complementing the national network are local airlines such as Pelangi Air, Transmile, Berjaya Air, Air Asia and Sabah Air which serve popular tourist destinations in ' the country. Besides providing air services, local airlines create and market their own packages, sometimes even teaming up with hotels and car-rentals, to cater to small groups and especially FITs (free, independent travellers).

International long-haul travellers flying Malaysia Airlines, for example, can enjoy a refreshing break in Malaysia with Malaysia Stopover packages, which, for as low as US$20, one can enjoy a hotel accommodation, breakfast, transfer and city tour in a choice of 18 destinations.

Malaysia Airlines, too, caters to special interest groups with a range of 33 different packages falling under the main categories of Adventure, Scuba Diving and Shopping. With guaranteed departures and quality accommodation, the value-for-money packages are ideal for travellers who have distinct preferences in their holiday plans. The packages cover Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Penang, Johor, Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan, Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan, and combination tours of Penang/ Langkawi, Kuala Lumpur/Genting Highlands, and Kuala Lumpur/Genting Highlands/Penang.

Tropical islands have always been a magnet for travellers from cold countries and one that has firmly established itself since it was used as a backdrop for the Hollywood musical 'South Pacific' is Pulau Tioman. Located off the coast of Pahang, the island is just an hour flight from Kuala Lumpur. Pelangi Airlines, which serves the northern towns of Kota Bharu, Kerteh, lpoh and Alor Setar, offers a comprehensive 2 Nights/3 Days package to Pulau Tioman. So does Berjaya Air, with its 3 Nights/4 Days package to Pulau Tioman.

Rivalling the beauty of Pulau Tioman is Langkawi, a group of 99 idyllic islands off the coast of Kedah. And in giving value-for-money Air Asia has teamed up with Hotel Helang, a new hotel situated near Langkawi International Airport to come up with an attractive promotional package. However, as packages are on-going promotions, it is best to check with your travel agent for the latest update when you purchase your ticket.

For travellers who enjoy charting their own travel destinations, a motoring holiday is the most suitable choice. Malaysia, in particular the peninsula, is ideally suited for a motoring holiday as it has a road network that is considered among the best in the region. Car rental companies are very well represented at airports that one needs only to step off the plane and drive off to where one wishes to go. For overland travellers planning to drive south from Thailand, or north from Singapore, car rental companies can again be located at the nearest Malaysian town past the border.
 

Generally car-rental rates for a full 24-hour rental will usually include the vehicle's maintenance and insurance cover. The car's petrol tank will be topped up and this has to be refilled at the driver's expense on returning the car to the company. Information on their rented car or packages, a map and an explanation of their driving routes, the laws and regulations while on Malaysian roads are provided in a handy brochure.

A tip for car-rental driver - please observe local traffic rules as any fine or summon you get will be your responsibility and not the car-rental companies.

Overseas visitors must have valid Malaysian or recognised international driver's license, and at least one year's driving experience. Drivers and front-seat passengers are required by law to wear safety belts.
 

The road network in Malaysia is extensive, with more being made at the time of writing. Due to roadworks in certain areas, some roads may be diverted, so do enquire at your travel agent's for the latest update on the road network before you plan your driving holiday.

Generally, routes cover three main types of roads in Peninsular Malaysia - the Highways, Trunk Roads and Rural Roads. The North-South Expressway is especially ideal if you are planning to drive south from Thailand or north from Singapore. Running from Batu Kayu Hitam in the northernmost state of Perlis to Johor Bahru in the south, the expressway is superbly planned. It is well signposted, has good road surface and is supported by efficient highway services. There are designated rest stops with restaurant facilities, shops, bank teller machines, phone booths, toilets, shower cubicles and even coin-operated massage chairs. Much consideration has been given to those travelling with young children as colourful playground with slides, swings, tunnels and climbing frames are provided for children to release their pent-up energy after long car journeys. For disabled persons, there are ramps for wheelchairs and special designed toilet. Petrol station can be found at these rest areas. At certain stretches there are vista points where one can stop and have a view of the surroundings.

Speed limit is 110 km on the highways although certain stretches may differ. Traffic circulation is on the left in Malaysia. Drivers on the right have the right of way, so, be careful where slip roads join the expressway.

From the North-South Expressway, trunk roads leave for towns and tourist spots. One of the more scenic route is to Cameron Highlands, a popular hill station, which was first modelled after an English village. Soon after leaving the expressway, the narrow road winds through mountain ranges, passing cascading streams, waterfalls, aboriginal dwellings, tea-plantations and small towns before it reaches the main town of Ringlet in Cameron Highlands. Further south is another hill station, Frasers' Hill, known for its enormous birdlife and pleasant jungle walks.

A leisurely coastal drive is the route from Johor Bahru up to Kota Bharu. It gives you the soul of Malaysia. The drive passes through rubber, oil palm and pineapple plantations of the south before meeting sweeping coastlines of the northern states, dotted with riverine villages. Along the coast, Kuantan, Cherating and Tanjong Jara are popular beach destinations and well-represented by hotels of international standard, should you wish to break your journey.

The East-West Highway is a rather lonely stretch cutting across the northern part of the peninsula from Kota Bharu to Penang, but it is worth driving through this for its view of dramatic mountain scenery, deep valleys and dense jungle.

A fairly recent driving holiday option is to hire a caravan and this is ideal for a family with children, or those travelling in a group and wanting a 'go-as-you-please' vacation. Though the concept is yet to catch on in a big way, as parking facilities are rather limited, the makers of these vehicles are nevertheless optimistic about the future of caravans as part of the tourism industry. One that has stayed around is Malaysian Motorhomes. The 'homes on wheels' are fitted with beds, shower, toilets, tables, a cooker, a sink, a refrigerator and a television. They are fully-air-conditioned and quite self-contained with own water-supply and generator.

A fly-drive holiday combined with a leisurely cruise on Malaysian waters can be a most thrilling experience but like caravanning, cruising is still in its early days. Do not expect cruise liners of Titanic proportions. One that is firmly anchored itself in the Malaysian cruising industry since its beginnings in 1993, is the Empress Cruise Lines. Its passenger liner, The M/V The Empress, cruises the waters along the Straits of Malacca calling in at Malacca, Port Klang, Penang and Langkawi. Passengers can choose a 1 Night/2 Days Mini Cruise to nowhere on international waters, or spend more time on board by choosing one of their longer cruises which take an average of 2 Nights/3 Days. If you are in Penang, you can sail south to Malacca on the Empress, and vice versa. Or if you are in Kuala Lumpur, you can sail either to Malacca or Penang. What's interesting is that you can opt for a one way trip which leaves you to proceed your onward journey in other modes of transportation.

On board, the romance and excitement of being at sea is heightened by organisers who keep passengers, especially children, involved with games and contests. in the evening, The Empress provides sophisticated international shows. Facilities on the liner include Junior Fun Club, restaurant, gift shop, disco, cinema, karaoke, and massage centre.

If being at sea makes you seasick, rest assured that the cruise smooth as the liner is fitted with a stabliser that absorbs 60 per cent of any rocky motion. Cabins in a choice of inside cabin, outside cabin and suite are pleasantly-appointed with comfortable beds, wardrobe, dressing table, showers and toilets.

Safety is topmost, with a safety demonstration a must for all passengers to see. Seven sharp beeps followed by one long beep means put on your life jacket and follow the captain's order. Life jackets are placed in visible spots and there are several boats strapped to the side of the Empress.

Also Promoting cruising among travellers in the region is Star Cruises. Its Superstar Sagittarius departs Port Klang on Wednesday, arrive Langkawi on Thursday and returns to Port Klang on Friday. The 3 Days/2 Nights cruise to Langkawi is ideal for those wishing to relax on a cruise, then indulge in a bit of shopping and sightseeing on the island of Langkawi. The 18,000 gross tonne vessel is 8-deck high and can accommodate 882 passengers. Facilities on board include a dining room, swimming pool, library, theatre and sundry shop. Also available by Star Cruises are mini-cruises with an overnight stay, especially targetted at first-time cruisers.

Of course, there will be some who like to get away and seek out their own adventures on waves. Then charter yachts are the answer, particularly if you wish to do a bit of island-hopping, scuba-dive or snorkel in the waters off Malaysia's coasts. Euro-Am Marine Sdn Bhd is one of the few companies around and they have introduced a holiday package sailing package called 'Exotic Sailing Holidays' which enables the holidaymaker to enjoy a yacht-cruise.

Fly, drive or cruise. Or be daring and combine all three different modes of travelling. The choices will provide the ultimate in holiday freedom and a wealth of experiences to be gained from travel in Malaysia.