Les

Is it safe to drive in Singapore and Malaysia ?<BR>I'm visiting Singapore,Kuala Lumpur and Penang later this year and instead of flying to each destination I'd like to drive and stop off at several points.<BR><BR>Is this a good idea or am I safer flying ?

Gabriel

Les<BR><BR>Singapore and Malaysia follow the British side of the road ie left hand side. Traffic rules are strictly enforced but drivers are fairly impatient. There is a new highway that links the three points and should take about 8 hours if you do a straight drive (3.5 hours from KL to Singapore). Follow the laws, keep to the speed limit and you'll be fine.

Kathie

I think you are always better off not driving yourself in Asia. Often the traffic is chaotic, the rules of the road are different, and if there is an accident, you (as a foreigner) will always be considered at fault. If you want the flexibility of a car, I'd suggest hiring a car and driver. It often isn't very expensive, and it gives you the luxury of concentrating on the scenery rather than on traffic. Train is another option, and, of course, flying is very easy. A combination of these makes sense, if, for instance, you want to fly from Singapore to KL, then hire a driver to take you to Penang.

yipsy

It is absoutely absurd to say "(as a foreigner) (you) will always be considered at fault". To sterotype the biggest Continent on Earth, having thousands of different cultures and beliefs with such sweeping statements is just not right! Singapore and Malaysia are not exactly in the same ranks as India and China.<BR>My humble suggestion is to go ahead and drive. Singapore has invested a huge amount of money on infrastructure. The roads are excellent with NO port holes!<BR>Speeding is discouraged like any other country!

wayne

I live in Singapore and drive to Malaysia every 2 mths. Driving from Singapore to Malaysia is easy. There is the magnificent North-South highway which has turn offs to the respective towns and cities. <BR><BR>Police patrol the entire N-S highway so you don't have to be afraid of anything apart from the occasional speed camera. <BR><BR>The countryside near Ipoh is beautiful with misty karst mountains and caves full of stlagtites and stalagmites.<BR><BR>The journey from Sin-KL takes 4 hrs and fr KL-Penang another 4 hrs. It is a beautiful easy drive and I'm sure you'll enjoy it.<BR><BR>Now, driving in the cities is a different experience. Signs are confusing and roads are packed. But if you can survive Europe you can survive Malaysia.<BR><BR>Driving in Singapore is as easy as driving in any US city. Road signs are clear and roads are in excellent condition.I would advise driving if you want to see the real Malaysia especially thru the lovely beach front kampungs(villages) on the East coast.

Jen

Been in Malaysia for a year and I'm too scared to drive! Okay, I'm a wimp, I admit. The roads are quite hectic, and the rules of the road are mere suggestions! <BR><BR>My husband LOVES to drive here, though. He's more daring (and often a bit of a lunatic) than I am.<BR><BR>I haven't been south of Melaka yet, but I know the drive between Melaka and KL is easy... and it's a nice drive. Up to Penang is pretty simple, too.<BR><BR>From what I've heard, driving in Singapore is often just more trouble than it's worth. The public transportation system is a great alternative. Singapore has lots of tolls and extra charges for driving during certain hours, etc, etc. Perhaps save the car rental until you leave Singapore.<BR><BR>KL is very difficult to drive around. Maps aren't very helpful and signs are unclear. We lived there for ten months and we still sometimes get lost when we go there. If you make a wrong turn often you have to go quite a ways before you can turn around. U-turns aren't only for when you make a mistake - sometimes you just have to make them to get wherever you are going. We are constantly shocked at the bad driving there, as well.<BR><BR>Georgetown is a lot easier.<BR><BR>Flashing headlights means "I'm taking the right of way," so keep an eye out for that particular signal. Do not stop in the yellow boxes. Person to the right has the right of way in a roundabout... <BR><BR>I'd say drive, but it'll probably be easiest (and possibly cheaper) to rent your car in Johor Bahru than Singapore. And while in KL just leave your car at your hotel for most excursions and take a taxi, or you'll waste half your time getting lost.<BR><BR>Just my two cents.

Tangata

Go ahead and drive. The Malaysians are a little scary but the roads are good. You will need a good map and preferably a navigator if you want to drive in the cities.<BR><BR>I've driven in Malaysia several times and never a problem.<BR><BR>I'm not sure how easy it is to rent a car in Singapore and leave it somewhere in Malaysia. It might be better, and cheaper, to cross into Malaysia before you rent. Singapore is not car friendly and you can easily get to most places on public transport.

Gar

hi there,<BR>agrees with most (ex. Kathie who has never driven one mile in Malaysia). Have done the same tour 2 years ago and it was easy. But, You dont need a car in Singapur. Also there are a lot of limits where You are allowed to drive Your car. I dont know whether this is also for rented cars, but it makes driving not to easy. And, it is expensive to rent a car in Singa and cross the border (tax, insurance, I dont know). So we used taxis, buses, sub in Singa, crossed the border with bus and rented a car just behind the border. That was pretty cheap and easy. Driving is also easy, there is so less traffic out of the citys and the streets are fairly good.<BR>have fun<BR>Gar

Tannin

I agree with most of the posts above. Hire a car from Johor Bahru and drive up the Malay Penisular but avoid driving in K.L. if you can.<BR><BR>I was all stressed out when I was driving in K.L. a year ago. The traffic congestion was horrific and road works seemed to be everywhere when I was there. The K.L. drivers are not generally as polite as the British ones. <BR><BR>On your way to K.L., do make a small detour to visit Melaka, a charming colonial town with colourful history. Jen of this board will give you all the information on Melaka if you ask nicely.<BR><BR>When you are driving in Penang, beware of the motorcyclists, they are just all over the place. So you have to be alert.<BR><BR>Your UK driving license is valid for driving in Malaysia.<BR><BR>Happy motoring in thsi wonderful country.

Jen

I sure will! Melaka's great - so much character. And not so difficult to drive in/navigate either!<BR><BR>Feel free to e me!