Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Peninsular Malaysia is eight hours ahead of GMT/UTC (London). Noon in KL is
»
8pm in Los Angeles
»
11pm in New York
»
4am in London
»
2pm in Sydney and Melbourne
Toilets
Western-style sit-down loos are becoming the norm, but there are some places with Asian squat toilets. Toilet paper is
not usually provided; instead, you will find a hose or a spout on the toilet seat, which you are supposed to use as a bidet,
or a bucket of water and a tap. If you're not comfortable with the 'hand-and-water' technique, carry packets of tissues or
toilet paper wherever you go.
Public toilets in malls usually charge an entry fee, which often includes toilet paper.
Tourist Information
Tourism Malaysia
(
www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my
)
Has a network of domestic offices that are good for brochures and
free maps but rather weak on hard factual information. Its overseas offices are useful for predeparture planning. There
are regional offices in Kuala Lumpur, Melaka and Penang.
Visit KL
(
2698 0332;
www.visitkl.gov.my
;
KL City Gallery, Merdeka Square;
Masjid Jamek) Official city
tourist office.
KL Tourist Association
(
2287 1831;
www.klta.org.my
; National Museum, Jln Damansara;
9am-5pm Mon-Fri,
to 1pm Sat) Good for brochures and general information on the city.
Malaysian Tourism Centre (MaTic)
( 9235 4900;
http://matic.gov.my
; 109 Jln Ampang; 8am-10pm; monorail
Bukit Nanas) Housed in a mansion built in 1935 for rubber and tin tycoon Eu Tong Seng, this is KL's most useful tourist
office. Also hosts good cultural performances.
Travellers with Disabilities
For the mobility impaired, KL, Melaka and Penang can be a nightmare. There are often no footpaths, kerbs can be very
high, construction sites are everywhere, and crossings are few and far between. On the upside, taxis are cheap and both
Malaysia Airlines and KTM (the national rail service) offer 50% discounts for travellers with disabilities.
Before setting off get in touch with your national support organisation (preferably with the travel officer, if there is
one). Also try the following:
