Vehicles

1. Kereta

   Car

   Usage

   In Malay "kereta" is a car — but the identical Indonesian word means a train, so the meanings are reversed between the two countries

2. Bas

   Bus

   Usage

   Malay spells it "bas". The word also gets you directions to KL's free Go KL buses

3. Bas ekspres

   Express coach

   Usage

   The intercity coach. In KL they leave from TBS (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan)

4. Kereta api

   Train

   Usage

   In Malay you must add "api" (fire) to make it a train. The national operator is KTM. Sometimes written as one word, "keretapi"

5. KTM Komuter

   Usage

   The Greater KL commuter train — the way to Batu Caves. It has women-only carriages

6. LRT

   Usage

   The backbone of getting around KL, on the Kelana Jaya and Ampang / Sri Petaling lines. A Touch 'n Go card works

7. MRT

   Usage

   KL's newer metro, opened in 2017, running straight to Bukit Bintang and Pasar Seni

8. Monorel

   Monorail

   Usage

   Runs north–south through central KL. Handy between KL Sentral and Bukit Bintang, though interchanges often mean a walk

9. KLIA Ekspres

   KLIA Express

   Usage

   The non-stop link between KL Sentral and the airport, about 30 minutes with a predictable travel time

10. Teksi

    Taxi

    Usage

    Spelled "teksi" in Malay. Ask for "guna meter" before you set off

11. Grab

    Grab (ride-hailing)

    Usage

    Shorthand for ride-hailing in Malaysia, also called "e-hailing". The app fixes the fare, so there is nothing to negotiate

12. Motosikal

    Motorcycle

    Usage

    The Malaysian word; people also just say "motor". Indonesian builds it differently, as "sepeda motor"

13. Basikal

    Bicycle

    Usage

    From English "bicycle" — the Malaysian form, used when renting in Melaka or Penang. Indonesian says "sepeda"

14. Kapal terbang

    Airplane

    Usage

    Literally "flying ship". People also just say "flight". Indonesian uses a different word, "pesawat"

15. Kapal

    Ship

    Usage

    Larger vessels. On its own it means a ship; add "terbang" and it becomes an aeroplane

16. Feri

    Ferry

    Usage

    For the Penang–Butterworth crossing and the routes to Langkawi and Tioman

17. Bot

    Boat

    Usage

    From English "boat" — the small craft on mangrove tours and island transfers

18. Bot laju

    Speedboat

    Usage

    The fast boat to the Perhentians and Redang. On the east coast they stop running during the monsoon (November to February)

19. Beca

    Trishaw

    Usage

    Still working for tourists in old Melaka and Penang — the Melaka ones are famous for their decorations and loud music. Agree the price first

20. Ambulans

    Ambulance

    Usage

    Show it to have one called. Malaysia's emergency number is 999

21. Kereta sewa

    Rental car

    Usage

    Malaysia drives on the left, as Japan does. Bring your international licence and passport

22. Lori

    Lorry / Truck

    Usage

    From British English "lorry" — used when describing an accident or road conditions. Indonesian says "truk"

23. Van

    Usage

    The shared van to islands and highlands, and the usual vehicle for hotel transfers and tours

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