Page 1 | 2 | 3

AIRPORT TO CITY
Now that I have established what a safe and harmonious country Malaysia is, it’s time to explore! Kuala Lumpur has one of the best rated airports in the world (travel magazines often name it on their Top10 lists). When my plane landed early, at 5:45 a.m., I was the first person off the plane, the first to clear customs -- and the last to get his bag. Arrrgh! Don’t you hate that—especially when everything was going so smoothly? It’s okay though, because I wasn’t in a hurry and I was in MALAYSIA! While I waited at baggage claim I walked over to the ATM to withdraw some Malaysia ringgits ($1 USD = 3.63 MYR).

VIP SERVICE
I had already arranged to try out the airport’s new VIP Service. It costs 100 MYR ($27), and 30 MYR ($8) for an additional passenger. That meant the moment I cleared customs (which took a minute) there was a porter with a name card waiting for me. This quiet, friendly young guy walked me over to the VIP counter, where I was handed a train ticket and car transfer. Regular porter service at the airport is free, but the VIP Service not only waits for your bag to come out (mine took an hour); the porter also rode the 28-minute train with me to the city. He sat a couple of rows behind me, then escorted me and my bags to my driver. How’s that that for service? FYI: This high-speed KLIA train is the fastest way into the city. Regular one-way tickets cost 35MYR ($10); trains depart every 15 minutes. Driving would take at least 45 minutes. Click the respective links for more info on VIP Service or KLIA Express Info.

CELL SERVICE
Most of Asia has excellent cell phone service, so while I was on the comfortable train I made phone calls to let my dad and family know I made it (they were worried too). It was 7 a.m. local time, which meant 7 p.m. the previous day on the East Coast. If you want to learn how I save money with my international cell phone service (I get free incoming calls, and pay just a third of the U.S. cell price for outgoing calls), click here.

DRIVE TO HOTEL
My driver was very nice, and excited to show me his city. He pointed out all the landmarks on the 15-minute ride to the hotel. If you don’t want to spend the few extra dollars for a private car service, taxis are easy to come by -- and ridiculously inexpensive. A taxi from the Sentral (not a typo) Station to the city would have cost me just a few dollars. Make sure the driver uses the meter so he doesn’t overcharge you – but if he does, don’t worry. It’s still way cheaper than what you pay in the U.S..

1 | 2 | LAST PAGE >>



Copyright 2006 JohnnyJet, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.