Kuala Lumpur Transportation Tips by Quero

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Car/Motor Home
Getting TO/AROUND: The roads in and around KL are very good with wide traffic lanes, clear signage, and working traffic lights.

When it rains, traffic tie-ups are the norm, particularly since thunderstorms often occur during the evening rush hour. Driving is on the left side of the road. Visitors will be quite comfortable with the driving conditions here.

Malaysians drive more slowly than Europeans and Americans and sometimes poke along on a highway in the fast lane well below the speed limit. They aren't really good at staying in their lanes. They tend to hug the lane division lines so that it appears they're preparing to change lanes, but in fact they just don't pay much attention to painted lane markers, to the extent that it is common to see cars straddle two lanes.You simply have to flash your lights if you want them to move over, and they willingly comply since Malaysians are not generally agressive drivers, although, as anywhere, there are the occasional Forumla 1 wannabes.

There are thousands of two-wheelers, mainly small motorcycles. They very often drive directly on lane division lines, thinking that cars can pass them on either side. It can be a bit nerve wracking to do so since they are so light that it seems that any wind at all from a passing car might topple them. However, they watch the traffic very carefully when they are moving forward. Make sure to use your turn signals for lane changes, and then just let the two-wheelers worry about themselves as it's impossible to keep track of them all. Do watch out, though, for them to pull out suddenly from side streets without looking for oncoming cars.

As in any new and unfamiliar place, getting your bearings is maddening. If you're not in the correct lane or don't exit properly, it can take ages to get back to where you want to be. Invest in a good map, and when actually in central KL consider taking public transportation or taxis, both of which are widlely available and inexpensive.

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