The highways in Malaysia are good. Specially the
North South Highway from the Thai border till Johor Bahru is very good. If you
have rented car the best way is to buy a good road map in Malaysia. You 'll have
the latest edition and it's cheaper than in your own country. Any good shopping
mall in Kuala Lumpur has a bookstore, which sells a road map.
At the east coast is not a highway, but the road is also very good to
drive.
Right through the jungle goes a road from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Bharu. A friend
of mine, who used to drive this stretch, wrote me:
I used to take this route to
visit my branches when I was still working. The last was about 2 years ago in a
Volvo saloon car (instead of a 4X4 vehicle which I always used previously) as
most of the roads have now been paved (you do get the occasionally potholes
though). I am sorry I can't really tell you the time it took me as I always
stopped a night in most of the towns along the way i.e Bentong, Kuala Lipis,
Raub, Gua Musang and Kota Baru. Notwithstanding the improved road conditions,
some stretches are still narrow and winding especially towards Kuala Lipis and
Raub. There are not as many timber lorries nowadays especially around the timber
town of Gua Musang due to the depleting stocks of timber trees which makes
travelling
along this stretch a lot less treacherous.
If you do decide the take this route, why not proceed further from Kota Baru
down south to Kuala Trengganu, Kuantan and then back to KL. The road especially
the coastal roads pass through some of the most beautiful beaches I have ever
seen.
If you are really
adventurous try going to Gua Musang through
Cameron Highlands... the only problem is that you will need a 4X4 vehicle if you
choose this real jungle route. Camerons has much to offer and your backpacker
friends can easily find cheap and clean accommodations such as the Daniel's Lodge
or the Twin Pines just to name 2 in Tanah Rata.
