A Guide to Hentian Duta: Rates, Destinations & More!
While Malaysia is relatively an affordable country to visit, we all know that exploring its many fantastic cities and attractions in one go can burn a hole in our pockets. Well, if that’s your concern, Hentian Duta may just be what you need!
Hentian Duta is the budget traveller’s best friend, offering wallet-friendly bus rides that cater to people travelling up north. So forget congested streets, pricey taxi cabs and car rentals, check out everything you need to know about this busy network!
Things to Know
Currency: Malaysian Ringgit
(Check the current exchange rate)
Language: Malay, English
Calling Code: +60
Phone number: +60 3-6203 3054
Website: https://www.busonlineticket.com/terminal/hentian-duta-bus-terminal/
Parking: Yes (with fee).
Bus companies:
- Transnasional
- Plusliner
- Konsortium Express
Do’s and don’ts When Visiting Hentian Duta
Do:
- Wear clothes that blend in with the crowd
- Always have a copy of your passport and important documents within reach
- Keep an eye on your luggage at all times
Don’t:
- Bring excessive amounts of cash
- Wear expensive jewellery
- Bring unnecessary credit cards
What is Hentian Duta?
Simply put, the Hentian Duta bus terminal features a series of express long-distance buses that feature destinations in the northern part of the Peninsula to Kuala Lumpur. It also acts as a satellite terminal to help Pudu Sentral Bus Terminal cater to excess travellers.
It’s a simple bus terminal that features clean restrooms, a variety of food stands, ATMs, parking facilities and even a VIP lounge. This being said, it’s still quite small compared to other famous bus networks in KL like the Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) or Pudu Sentral Bus Terminal.
How to Get There
Train: Riding the train is a great way to travel quickly in and around Kuala Lumpur. Unfortunately, the closest train station to Hentian Duta is Sentul Barat, which is more than an hour’s walk away.
You can, however, hail a taxi or book a ride through Grab upon departing at Sentul Barat to get to Hentian Duta.
Taxis/Grab: If you prefer a more comfortable mode of transportation going to Hentian Duta, you can hail a taxi at just about every corner in Kuala Lumpur. Alternatively, you can use the Grab app to enjoy a more tourist-friendly experience!
Bus: You can also take a bus going to Hentian Duta if you’re planning on being super strict with your budget. The nearest bus stations you can depart from include Masjid Wilayah and Stadium Hoki.
Car rental: This is one of the rare instances when we don’t think that it’s the best idea to rent a car. For starters, it defeats the whole budget-friendly purpose of getting around Kuala Lumpur and the Northern areas—plus, parking on the bus network requires a minimum payment.
Locations You Can Visit from Hentian Duta
Johor Bahru, Johor
— Media credit: Legoland Malaysia
Highlights: Legoland Malaysia, Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Street, Skyscape, Medan Selera Meldrum Walk
Estimated fare: RM30+
You can think of Johor Bahru as a jack of all trades—fortunately, one that’s not a master of none. Whether it be thrilling activities, shopping centres or museums, this city is filled to the brim with things to check out.
One of the main highlights of this city is undoubtedly Legoland Malaysia, which is an amazing Lego-themed park that features rides, exhibits and so much more. If you’re looking for some family-friendly activities to try out in Malaysia, then this should be on the top of your list.
Johor Bahru is also known to house some of Malaysia’s most amazing street foods thanks to the variety of hawker stalls found across its various streets. These stalls are perfect for those late-night food crawls or when you simply want to taste amazing food without breaking the bank.
Alor Setar, Kedah
— Media credit: discover.alorsetar
Highlights: Alor Setar Tower, Paddy Museum, Zahir Mosque, Kedah Royal Museum
Estimated fare: RM40+
Alor Setar is a great destination for those looking to be immersed in culture, as it features some of the most significant mosques and museums in the country. One perfect example of this is Masjid Zahir, which is one of the oldest and most beautiful mosques in Malaysia.
It’s also home to the Kedah Royal Museum, where visitors can learn the story of the state’s sultanate through interesting artefacts. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for something exciting to try, you can climb Alor Setar Tower and witness a one-of-a-kind view of the city skyline.
Alor Setar is also widely known as “The City of a Thousand Smiles”, which isn’t surprising to know once you’ve become accustomed to the city’s residents. Furthermore, we think that it’s named this way because of how it leaves its visitors with a smile after their trip.
Kuala Kangsar, Perak
— Media credit: smalltownsmy and dontelljon
Highlights: Ubudiah Royal Mosque of Kuala Kangsar, Victoria Bridge, Muzium Diraja Kuala Kangsar
Estimated fare: RM27+
Meanwhile, those who are looking to escape city life and tourist-heavy areas can book a ticket to Kuala Kangsar. This small town is nestled in lush greenery and vast paddy fields—a far cry from the tall buildings and crowded avenues of the city.
This doesn’t mean, however, that the city falls short of magnificent structures, as it’s home to the majestic Ubudiah Mosque. Featuring beautiful and detailed Moorish architecture and golden accents, this mosque is easily among the top 5 most beautiful buildings in Perak.
Another famous landmark that this charming town features is the Paddy Museum, which from the name itself, focuses on the process of making rice! It offers a great opportunity for people to better appreciate this complex process easily and interactively.
Ipoh, Perak
— Media credit: ahmad.mustazza and southeast_s.e.a
Highlights: Perak Cave Temple. Qing Xin Ling Leisure & Cultural Village, Concubine Lane, Sam Poh Tong Temple,
Estimated fare: RM22+
Ipoh, Perak is the ultimate adventurer’s destination thanks to its beautiful selection of caves and temples. For instance, one of the city’s most iconic sights is the Perak Cave Temple, which is a beautiful Buddhist temple that sits atop a hill.
Another place that you have to visit while you’re here is the Qing Xin Ling Leisure & Cultural Village. This peaceful hidden gem will make you feel nostalgic for a childhood you never had by disconnecting you from technology and leaving you to explore an old-timey village.
You can also explore the town of Ipoh and fall in love with its vintage charm. Speaking of vintage, the best place to visit to be immersed in Ipoh’s old shophouses-turned-cafes is Concubine Lane!
Perlis
— Media credit: perlisissosmall
Highlights: Al Hussain Mosque, Kota Kayang Museum, Alwi Mosque, Kelam Cave
Estimated fare: RM51.80+
Perlis is an underrated destination that’s often overlooked because of the other famous destinations that Hentian Duta caters to. You won’t regret giving it a shot, however, as it’s one of the most beautiful and tranquil states in the country.
It has something to offer for just about every kind of traveller as well. For instance, those who are looking to be immersed in the rich culture of the country can admire the Malaysian civilization artefacts displayed in the pristine Kota Kayang Museum.
Meanwhile, those who are looking to embark on an exciting adventure can test their spelunking skills at Gua Kelam Caves. It’s mind-blowing to think that what was once a haven for tin mining is now one of the most visited cave systems in the country.
Penang
— Media credit: visitpenang
Highlights: Penang Butterfly Park, The Habitat Penang Hill, George Town
Estimated fare: RM34+
Rich heritage, amazing street food, and interesting museums—these three things barely scratch the surface of what Penang has to offer. This island paradise is mostly known for its rich culture, especially its capital city of George Town, which we can only describe as a sensory overload.
We mean that in the best possible way, however, as the town is bustling with charming old-timey buildings, hole-in-the-wall eateries, humble hawker stalls and more. It can be overwhelming to explore these places at first, but regardless of which ones you visit, you won’t regret it!
Tons of famous attractions can also be found on this island, one of which is the Habitat Penang Hill. This forest reserve is a must-visit, whether you’re a nature enthusiast or not, as it offers some of the most breathtaking views in the city.
Apps to Download
Travel Malaysia: A pocket travel guide to Malaysia
Maps.me: Offline map of the world
XE Currency App: Real-time currency exchange rate app
Grab: Ride-hailing app of Southeast Asia
Google Translate: word translation with offline capabilities
CatchThatBus: Bus ticket booking app