How we get around KL

We have found that on average you have to ask four different people at different places at different times to finally get where you're going. So how to get around in Kuala Lumpur? In general there are many options as there's a pretty good network of buses, trains and lots of taxis.

Here's some examples when running a few errands:

Unifi
We decided to check out different options in the city before choosing a provider for upgrading the Internet connection, and also to find out who had coverage of the area we were in. Instead of getting a taxi we wanted to try out the LRT (Light Rail Train), as Unifi was only one stop from the central station. The price varies depending on the number of stations you´ll have to pass to get to you destination, and  it's pretty far between each station. This type of transportation is really cheap, and we pay an average of 1,60 MYR (from KL Sentral to KLCC). The funny thing is that when you pay for your ticket on one of the ticket machines you get a single trip token, which is a blue plastic coin with an RF-ID chip inside.

After receiving instructions from somewhat reliable sources that it was located by Bangsar Shopping Center, we kept walking around for a bit, hoping that it wasn't too far away. We threw in the towel this time as well, and had to cross the road to get a taxi heading the right direction.


If you wanna cross the road be patient, very daring or just stupid.

Several stores, some window shopping and a couple of «I don't know's» later we admitted to ourselves that it must be located some other place. At the information desk they now told us exactly where it was, how lucky we were;

«Go left outside and down the road, pass two traffic lights and turn right by McDonalds, then it's just 10-15 shops down the road.»

About half an hour and 5-6 traffic lightslater we continued with renewed hope as we found traces of McDonald's french-fries packages. So finally we found the place, but it was of no use for us as they didn't have coverage of the area we were in.

Keyshop
We were in need of some extra keys as we're more people now, and each one needs access. The keyshop was tucked away in the bottom parking floor of  the shopping mall Bangsar Village. To our great disappointment it wasn't open yet, so we had to head back another day. This was located just down the street from Unifi, but we still had to ask four times! No problem getting there the next day, and the price was really low as well! Only 4 MYR per copy.


Mailbox
Sometimes you still want to post real letters. The first person to be asked this time tried to read the names and the address of the letter, and explained he didn't know where that was (A small island back in Norway :D). At first we thought the challenge was overcome when the mailboxes where found after asking around for a little while – only to discover there were two of them! One yellow end one red. We went with the red one in the end (after asking of course).


People will often just say something if they have a faint idea of where to go, rather than admitting that they don't really know, and more easily nod and say 'yes' even if not fully understanding your question. And they are very polite, friendly and willing to help if they can. :)

Taxi
Usually, taking a taxi is more convenient time-wise, also not too expensive, especially if you're not (forever) alone. If possible, it's highly recommended to simply get the address before setting out to find the place. But if you stick to asking around there's potentially more fun included.

And lastly, when choosing a taxi, it's a good idea to find a metered one, and to check when entering if it's really functioning properly and not hidden away. One time it cost RM 15 one way, and RM 5 back.

Now that's how we get around in KL.