Transport

Air The Melaka (Malacca) Airport is situated about 9 km from the city. It has a small landing strip and caters only to smaller aircraft such as the Fokker Friendship. Every Friday, there is a flight to Pekan Baru, Sumatra. There are also regular air services between Melaka and Singapore and Melaka and Ipoh. From the city, you can get to the airport by taxi or bus.

Bullock Cart This was once the means of transportation for the rich of Melaka. The pointed roof in the shape of the horn of a bull, trappings and colours are the features that seperate the bullock cart of Melaka to that of others.

Trishaws One of the most popular modes of transport among tourists is the trishaw (a tricycle with a side seat for two) as it is a novel way to explore Melaka. Trishaws are also favoured among the local residents. As the trishaw riders' command of English is somewhat limited, try to speak clearly and slowly. Although trishaws are fun for short trips, taxis are recommended for longer trips.

NOTE: As a guideline, the fare for a mile is RM5.00, while the hourly rate is RM15.00. However, the fare can still be bargained down by 20 to 25 percent of opening price.

Taxis Although Melaka's air-conditioned taxis are reliable and comfortable, the drivers' command of English is also somewhat limited. You should bargain for the fare before boarding the taxis.

The fare is about RM4.00 for short journeys, say, from the central bus terminal to the Jalan Bendahara.

You may travel from Melaka to other parts of Malaysia and Singapore by taxi. You can either arrange to share the taxi with other passengers or charter the entire taxi for yourself. Examples of fares:To Kuala Lumpur : sharing - RM13.00 per person, charter - RM52.00 To Johor Bahru : sharing - RM17.00 per person, charter - RM68.00.

Buses Services within the city of Melaka and the state are provided by several bus companies. Bus services also operate from Melaka to the rest of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. Not only it is the best way of mingling with Melakans, it is inexpensive too.

Express Bus Service Several express bus companies operate comfortable air-conditioned coaches to the capitals of the various states of Peninsular Malaysia. You can opt for air-conditioned or non-air-conditioned coaches.

By Road (motoring) Melaka's roads are excellent and driving around is a leisurely experience. The road network covers 797km (495 miles) in an area of about 1,659 sq km (649 sq miles). Melaka has one of the highest road mileage per sq mile in the Federation of Malaysia.

To drive on the road, you are required to have an international driving permit or a valid driving license issued by the government of any nation party to the Geneva Convention 1926 and 1949.

All roads in Malaysia are left-hand drive. On the highways, you can only stop your car on the shoulder of the road. Recommended speed limits: flat areas - 80 to 100km/hour (50 to 62 miles/hour); hilly areas - 60 to 80km/hour (37 to 50 miles/hour); mountainous areas - 40 to 60 km/hour (25 to 37 miles/hour). At roundabouts or circuses, the driver on the right has the right of way. International traffic signs are used. The road signs in the national language include:

Malay Meaning in English

AWAS Caution

Jalan Sehala One Way Street

Ikut Kiri Keep Left

Ikut Kanan Keep Right

Note: The driver and front seat passenger are required to wear safety belts. Those who fail to comply with this regulation will face a fine of up to RM200.00 or imprisonment not exceeding six weeks, or both.

Automobile Association of Malaysia (AAM) is the national motoring organisation and tourists who are members of the motoring associations affiliated with the AAM, are extended free reciprocal membership. The AAM has offices in most states of Malaysia.

Car Rental Rates range from RM60.00 to RM300.00 per day, depending on the make. The special economy package is RM85.00 per day with the first 62 miles (100km) free. For unlimited mileage, rates range from RM99.00 to RM308.00 per day.

NOTE: These rates may differ slightly to those you may encounter on arrival in the country and are only given as a guideline.

Tour Coaches Modern air-conditioned coaches with PA systems and competent drivers can be hired. There is a choice of mini-coaches for eight to twelve passengers or deluxe coaches for up to 42 passengers. Rates are based on duration of distance covered. Enquire the travel and tour agencies for more details.

Train The most accessible railway station from town is at Tampin, about 40 km (25 miles) north of Melaka City. Melakaa is linked to the major cities in Peninsular Malaysia and to Singapore by modern air-conditioned trains. The contacts for train schedules and fares are: Malacca Railway Office

Taman Peringgit Jaya Tel: 2823091 and the Tampin Railway Station

Tampin, Negeri Sembilan Tel: 411034.

Ferry Every Thursday at 10 am, the ferry leaves Malacca River jetty for Dumai, Sumatra. This is operated by the Madai Shipping Sdn Bhd. The ferry is an 80-seater which sails from Malacca to the Port of Dumai in Sumatra. The one-way fare is RM80.00 per person, the return fare is RM150.00 per person.

The journey takes about five hours. The return journey from Dumai is every Saturday, arriving in Malacca at 3 pm.

Please note: The above information is intended as a guide only and subject to change.