IMPORTANT APPS
Apps list that you must need to install in your mobile if you want to travel smoothly in Malaysia
-
Grab
Grab app and Uber have merged for Southeast Asian countries in April 2018. They have started to transition all drivers over to the Grab app. Malaysia is where I was first introduced to Grab in 2016, before I was even familiar with Uber. My friend Veena used to drive from Grab part-time! It’s very popular among young drivers in Malaysia. The base fare for “Just Grab” is usually around 1 RM ($0.25 USD) + 1.3 RM per Km ($0.31 USD). Min fare charges apply. The one drawback is that the drivers (Taxi or Car) may expect to call you to confirm the pick up location. Luckily most drivers in Malaysia speak some English.
PRICE:In App Bookings
ALTERNATIVES:Uber (iOS) – Update: Grab merged with Uber in 2018 and is transitioning all Uber drivers to Grab in Southeast Asia.
Visit website
-
Pocket Guide – KL
Pocket Guide KL is a true travel guide with audio tours available for purchase. The app includes a very detailed list of city info for Kuala Lumpur, including a day trip to the Batu Caves, what attractions you can see for free, and a detailed account of the city’s history. I was super impressed by this app! You can also book tickets and tours in the app and search through the top attractions in Kuala Lumpur based on user reviews! The app has a very intuitive map with points of interest easily visible. Open up a point on the map to see the review, get directions or listen for a short audio recording of the description. The app content is very professional and easy to navigate. It’s very well done!
PRICE:Free, unlock 4 audio tours for $13.99.
ALTERNATIVES:Pocket Guide KL, Triposo, Tripwolf, City Walks, My Malaysia, Wonderfly
-
Red Bus
Redbus is based out of Singapore but operates in Malaysia too! It’s an online bus booking app with awesome discounts! Get up to 30% off on a bus just by booking through the app. I used this all over Malaysia to get from Penang, to the Cameron Highlands, all the way to Kota Baru! It’s easy to make a booking and the customer service is great too! I accidentally made a double booking because of bad Wi-Fi and purchased two seats. They refunded me the second ticket with just a call. Taking the bus in Malaysia is cheap, as low as $6 per ticket but usually around $10 to $15 for longer routes. There are trains in Malaysia but they are more expensive. The buses are clean and the drivers are friendly. They even “accommodate” changing buses at midway stations…If you prefer a more direct route to your destination which in my experience was very useful!
PRICE:In App Bookings.
ALTERNATIVES:Busbud
Visit website
-
City Rail Map – KL
City Rail Map is an app where you can download the subway line maps for almost every major city, including Kuala Lumpur. The download is only 16 MB for KL and unlike a normal map, it includes landmarks and sights you’ll probably want to visit as a tourist like the Patronas Towers! The map also includes points of interest like shopping centers, bus stations, hotels, restaurants and museums. Even better, the app includes a tab to open Tripadvisor directly in the app! No need to jump back and forth. You may already have Google Maps, but downloading this app makes getting around in KL even easier!
PRICE:FREE
ALTERNATIVES:Google Maps, Malaysia Rail Maps, Waze, Romeo2rio.
-
Air Asia
Air Asia is a discount region airline in Southeast Asia and based out of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Airfare between Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Saigon and Bangkok is very cheap and perfect for lightweight backpackers on a budget. You could take the train from Bangkok to Malaysia for $60 over 40 hours or fly for $80 in 1.5 hours. I decided to fly. Air Asia is probably the most similar to Ryan Air, where only the most basic services are included in a ticket. No check luggage or on-board snacks included! But the price is low and backpackers with only a 40L carry-on pack can just buy the minimum ticket price!
PRICE:$50+ for a Basic Ticket
ALTERNATIVES:Jetstar, Tiger Airways
Visit website
-
Booking.com
Booking.com is one of the best apps to book hotels in Malaysia.You can find both web app and install mobile app as well.By investing in the technology that helps take the friction out of travel, Booking.com seamlessly connects millions of travellers with memorable experiences, a range of transport options and incredible places to stay - from homes to hotels and much more. As one of the world’s largest travel marketplaces for both established brands and entrepreneurs of all sizes, Booking.com enables properties all over the world to reach a global audience and grow their businesses. Booking.com is available in 43 languages and offers more than 28 million total reported accommodation listings, including over 6.2 million listings alone of homes, apartments and other unique places to stay.
PRICE:In app booking
ALTERNATIVES:Traveloka, Trip advisor, Agoda, Expedia.com.my, Hotels.com, Priceline, Trivago.
Visit website
-
Tripadvisor
As i know tripadvisor is one of the best travel website in malaysia. When it is time for me to go for travelling somewhere in Malaysia i always visit tripadvisor to find out the best travel tips and booking cheap hotel which is suitable for me. From their review section you always find updated and valid information which will make your journey much more easier and you will be able to get more knowledge about what your going to expect in your site of travel. I will highly recommend this app or website as i always trust it as my travel guide in Malaysia.
PRICE:In app booking
ALTERNATIVES:Traveloka, Agoda, Klook.
Visit website
-
Langkawi ferryline ventures SDN.BHD
This is an official page for Langkawi ferryline. Anybody can buy online ferry ticket from here. It is recommended to buy your ferry ticket earlier from online cause as it is a famous tourists place so most of the time you will not be able to get ticket from counter in your suitable time. So, if you buy ticket online one day before than you have a greater chance to get your ticket in your preferable time.
-
Dirrect ferries
Merang Jetty ferry port in Malaysia is served by a number of ferry routes with crossings to Redang Island (Village Jetty), Redang Island (Laguna Jetty), Redang Island (Pelangi Jetty), Redang Island (Teluk Kalong Jetty), Lang Tengah Island (Summerbay Resort Jetty), Lang Tengah Island (Saripacifica Jetty) & Lang Tengah Island (D’coconut Lagoon Resort Jetty) available. With a selection of up to 32 Sailings Daily, the port of Merang Jetty connects Malaysia with . Sailing durations range from 45 minutes to 45 minutes on Redang Island (Village Jetty) ferries.