Port Kelang Kuala Lumpur

This drab industrial harbour provides access to Kuala Lumpur (KL), the capital, an hour away by road if you are fortunate. Most cruise vessels use the Star cruises terminal at Pulau Indah, whose building is relatively new and welcoming. When the ferry occupies that terminal, cruise ships use the cargo facility even farther away.

The Terminal offers state-of-the-art facilities for passenger and terminal-user comfort. These include air-conditioned buildings, embarkation and disembarkation link bridges, covered walkways between the wharf and terminal, ATMs, foreign-exchange counters, restaurants, souvenir and gift shops, and duty-free outlets. There is also ample car and bus parking alongside taxi-service counters.

The closest airport is Kuala Lumpur International Airport, 75 km away, with taxis providing transport. Passengers cannot walk into town. Port Kelang is 10 km from the cruise terminal. Taxis are available there, but numbers are limited, and there is no public transport. Tour buses wait 200m from the ship.

Take a printable map ashore.

Port Klang, called Pelabuhan Kelang or Pelabuhan Klang in Malay, is the main port in Selangor state, Malaysia. It also serves the Klang Valley, the country's most developed region and location of the capital, Kuala Lumpur. Port Klang itself offers little to see or do.

Pulau Ketam, or Crab Island, is a mangrove-covered island off Port Klang. Its entire village stands on stilts, creating an interesting day trip. To reach it, board a ferry at Pulau Ketam jetty beside, rather than inside, the Passenger Cruise Terminal. About 15 services run each day, and the trip takes roughly 30 minutes.

Arrange travel between Port Klang and Kuala Lumpur beforehand. Choices include taxis, private transfers and organised shore excursions.

A cruise excursion may be the best option for visiting Kuala Lumpur because traffic can be horrendous.

Port Klang's bus and taxi terminal is inconveniently about 1km inland from the harbour. Walking is possible, but heat, noise and pollution may make the journey unpleasant.

Taxi fares are fixed and displayed in the terminal. Expect a Kuala Lumpur sightseeing trip to cost over $85.

The railway station lies 13 km beyond the port. KTM Komuter, the Klang Valley commuter network, connects it with Klang in 20 minutes and Kuala Lumpur in one hour 10 minutes. Trains run once every 15 minutes at peak periods and once every 20 minutes off peak. A taxi is needed to reach the station, and the short journey costs around $20.

Kuala Lumpur has a Hop on/off Bus for seeing the sights.

The port is used mainly as a gateway to Kuala Lumpur.

A shuttle bus is often provided to AEON Bukit Tinggi Shopping centre, 20 minutes away. This large mall contains over 160 shops.

Malaysia's currency is the ringgit.

ATMs are widely available in cities, but carry enough cash when heading to the smaller islands or jungle. Credit cards work in most shops, restaurants and hotels, although skimming can be an issue in dodgier premises.

Tipping is not usual in Malaysia, although hotel porters and taxi drivers appreciate a small amount for exemplary service. Most expensive restaurants, bars and hotels may show a price such as RM19++, meaning sales tax (5%) and a service charge (10%) are added to the bill.

Malay, or Bahasa Malaysia, is Malaysia's sole official language. English is taught at school and widely spoken in cities, although a little Malay can be useful in rural areas.

Free wifi is available on the terminal's first floor.

Broadband Internet is offered in most hotels, cafés providing free WiFi to customers, and some restaurants and cafés. Cable broadband and wireless broadband are both available, the latter in hot-spot areas such as Starbucks and McDonald's.

Call 999 for every type of emergency; from a mobile phone, dial 999 or 112.

Large-city shops generally open from 10.30am until 9.30pm. Businesses in smaller towns and rural districts tend to open and close earlier.