Taxi drivers are probably the first people you will see upon exiting the airport’s main doors. Therefore, it is best to know about them and their schemes so that you won’t fall prey to their cunning ways. You wouldn’t want your first hour in Kuala Lumpur to be the bane of your whole holiday.

Upon arrival at KLIA, you must remember to purchase a coupon for a taxi or limousine from the authorized KLIA counter. Do not (and we are deadly serious about this) fall prey to the touting taxis hovering outside. They sometimes charge up to RM500 for a simple trip to the city. They will tease you with scenic views and personal attention but it is all just a ploy. A taxi ride from KLIA to the city centre would only cost around RM60 if you purchase your coupons from the authorized counter. No muss and no fuss. Besides, there is nothing to see during the journey back except a long stretch of road surrounded by foliage and construction.

Taxis within the city are a different story altogether. The locals wished they were law abiding taxi drivers who follow the rules of using the metres but there are some who tarnish the reputations of all taxi drivers by simply belting out a number when you mention your destination. Always insist on getting a cabbie who goes by the rules. RM20 can probably get you from one end of Klang Valley to another if there’s no traffic. Within the city, it is probably safe to assume that RM10 will get you to most places.

The more honest way to travel is by train. The Light Rail Transit (LRT) is Malaysia’s equivalent to Singapore’s MRT or London’s Tube. Unfortunately, the Klang Valley is huge and the stops are quite a distance from each other. Chances are you’ll have to do some walking or hop on the monorail or bus to get to a specific location from the LRT stop. With the LRT, there is no way you will be conned. Tickets are reasonably priced but waiting time is slightly long and the trains aren’t exactly spacious and comfortable. In any case, it serves its purpose well.

The monorail line is only available within Kuala Lumpur city. With only 11 stops, it services commuters who need to get around the Golden Triangle. It’s quick and easy for short distances. It might be a bit costly compared to the LRT even though the trips are shorter. The train car isn’t very impressive either but when all is said and done, it is still a convenient way to get around town without having to tackle the touting taxis or walk under the heat of the sun.

The beauty of Kuala Lumpur’s train system is that it is inter-connected. You might have to cross a few streets and interchange with other train lines but if you have the time, you’ll get there eventually. The two LRT lines (Ampang Line and the Kelana Jaya Line) are connected by an interchange at Masjid Jamek and the LRT line is connected to the Monorail at KL Sentral.

Travelling within Klang Valley might be time consuming and confusing with the variety of networks available but if you’re not in a rush and don’t mind a bit of an adventure, it is the most cost efficient way to commute. If you’re one of those who just wants to get to your destination with no fuss, take a taxi. Just be sure that you can afford it.