Transportation Passes for Malaysia, Singapore

Malayan Railway is offering a pair of rail passes that can be used throughout Malaysia and neighboring Singapore.

Both the 10- and 30-day passes must be used on consecutive days. During these periods you can ride the trains on an unlimited basis.

Both passes have to be bought in Malaysia or Singapore. Based on the current exchange rates, the 10-day pass costs about $31.50 U.S.; the 30-day pass goes for $64.80. Sleeping berths are extra.

The passes can be used on two types of train, according to a spokesman from the Malaysian Tourist Information Center in Los Angeles.

Express Train

The Express Train is one-class, with some sections air-conditioned. The Mail Train has first-, second- and third-class sections. You can sit wherever you find seats. The first-class section is air-conditioned, second-class may be air-conditioned and third-class isn’t.

For more information, write to the Malaysian Tourist Information Center, 818 West 7th St., Los Angeles 90017, or call toll-free (800) 336-6842 or (213) 689-9702.

In Singapore you can get around with the Singapore Explorer Pass, which permits unlimited travel on the two major bus systems. The pass comes with a brochure and map indicating sightseeing attractions along the routes.

The pass, which has to be bought in Singapore, costs about $2.50 U.S. for one day and $6 U.S. for three days.

If you’re only passing through Singapore you can still get a quick and complimentary run through the city. Transit passengers are eligible for free, two-hour motor-coach tours of the city that depart daily at 2:30 and 4:30 p.m.

Discount Vouchers

Under the Changi Connection plan offered by the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, transit passengers traveling on any scheduled airline serving Singapore also can get a free booklet of discount vouchers at Changi Connection II counters in the airport transit lounge.

The vouchers for shopping discounts may be used immediately at airport shops or during subsequent visits to Singapore. Similarly, discount vouchers for accommodations and sightseeing can be used another visit.

The vouchers are offered until April 30, 1990. The vouchers provide up to 50% off accommodations and 15% to 30% off at stores and attractions.

More details are available from the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board, 8484 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 510, Beverly Hills 90211, (213) 852-1901.