As the year-end holidays approach, many Malaysians will start planning their next getaway.
Whether it’s a relaxing beach retreat, a food adventure, or a cultural city tour, the anticipation of discovering new experiences brings excitement to the air.
If you’re looking for a holiday with scenic routes, have a sense of adventure, or simply want a budget-friendly transport option to your next destination, let us inspire you with these flight-free routes!
Take the Train To Hatyai
Beyond the hustle of Bangkok and the tranquillity of Krabi, a hidden gem lies in the southern part of Thailand – Hatyai. A vibrant destination bordering Malaysia, Hatyai is an easy journey by train, so all aboard!
Malaysia’s KTM offers a limited train service operated by My Sawasdee, departing from KL Sentral with stops at Tanjung Malim, Ipoh and Taiping, and ending at Padang Besar. At Padang Besar, you’ll pass through immigration before re-boarding the train to reach Hatyai.
Travellers will immerse themselves in 11 hours of Malaysia’s rural scenery and experience a sleeper train adventure before reaching Hatyai. If you have the time to spare, the journey is totally worth it. A one-way ticket would run you about RM 95 to RM 119.
Hop on a Ferry to Koh Lipe
While Langkawi may be a quick getaway for many Malaysians, hopping on a ferry to Koh Lipe, a nearby island in Thailand, surely adds some excitement to your vacation.
To get there, take the ferry from Kuah Jetty or the Telaga Terminal. This trip will take about 90 minutes. During the monsoon season, these ferries are often closed, so always look out for the best times to visit the islands – usually from October to May. Return trips cost RM300 and up, depending on the terminal.
Stay a few nights to tick some things off your bucket list – you can snorkel in crystal-clear waters, enjoy delicious seafood, and visit the surrounding islands.
Head to Batam by Ferry
Indonesia offers affordable and exciting destinations for Malaysian travellers, like Batam. Popular with Singaporeans and Johoreans, this destination is the perfect getaway for a blend of hospitality, culture, city, and island sights.
A typical route from Malaysia would be through Johor, starting at the Berjaya Waterfront Ferry Terminal. You can choose to purchase your ferry ticket (roughly RM 234 for a return trip inclusive of port fees) in both Johor and Batam or book ahead online. The journey will be a comfy two hours, where you can fully immerse yourself in the natural waves of the ocean.
Go to Singapore by Train
Want to skip busy airports and heavy traffic for your next Singapore visit? Take the train! The breathtaking scenery and gorgeous countryside sights will be worth the 6-hour journey.
To get to Singapore, take the ETS train from KL Sentral to Gemas. At Gemas, switch over to the JB Sentral train, and then hop on the JB Sentral shuttle train to Woodlands.
Ticket prices range from RM 18 to RM 135 for adults, just make sure to book all of your train tickets ahead of time and check the schedules to avoid delays. If you want some shuteye, sleeper cabins are available. This is also an affordable option if you’re heading to the Lion City for a concert and want to avoid pricey flights.
Getting to your destination is easy, but budgeting could be a whole other story, so it is best to get started early! An easy way to get the most out of your travel budget is by using the Wise Account and card, which lets you use the mid-market exchange rate to convert and hold money in over 40 currencies.
If you know you’re heading to Thailand, for example, and the exchange rate happens to be in the ringgit’s favour, you can convert and hold Thai baht (THB) in your Wise Account before the trip. This way, you can lock in the rate and have your money ready to go. Plus, when using your Wise card abroad, you can spend without worrying about foreign transaction fees – whether it’s on hotels, food, or shopping.
Travel wisely, friends!
