Malaysia Port of Call: Port Klang Shore Excursion

18 January, 2010

The Legend of the Seas Royal Caribbean Cruise arrived in Port Klang at around 7am and was scheduled to depart for our next destination, Phuket at 4.30pm. Guests could choose to join in one of the shore excursions to Kuala Lumpur or disembark to roam around the area on their own. Alternatively, you could also choose to chill out onboard with a wide array of activities such as rock climbing, scavenger hunt, board games or even a Cha Cha dance class. There was, however, no gambling as the casino was closed (at least until the boat leaves port into international waters).

Having been to Kuala Lumpur before, we decided to just do some shopping at a nearby megamall – Aeon JUSCO shopping centre. Upon disembarkation, you would find yourself in a very Star Cruises-centric port terminal with a number of souvenir shops where you can find local tidbits and handicraft.

This port terminal seemed to be located in the middle of nowhere – there are no public bus or train services so the only way to get out is via taxi. There is a taxi service counter which offered services to Klang and Kuala Lumpur for fixed prices – it cost RM180 (USD$60) for a 2-way trip to Kuala Lumpur and RM60 (USD$20) for a 2-way trip to Port Klang.

Taxi Service Counter

Just a 10-minute drive away from the Star Cruise Terminal (SCT), the JUSCO shopping mall is one super big shopping destination with 4-storey full of stores selling clothes and various knick-knacks. There are also a number of food outlets e.g. MacDonalds, Starbucks, KFC, Pizza Hut. Whatever daily necessities, you sure can find it here. We arranged with the taxi driver to pick us at about 2.30pm, giving us 4 hours to shop and eat.

AEON Jusco Shopping Center

After hours of walking around this big mall, we settled down for lunch at Manhattan’s Fish Market – by the way, lunch is still served onboard; however we decided to try out the seafood platter at Manhattan’s Fish Market considering it cost almost half the price compared to if you were to eat it in Singapore – quite a bargain at just RM46.90!

What’s interesting is the way the platter is served; just before it is placed on your table, the waiter will use a blowtorch to burn the prawns such that its fillings (cheese and various stuff) melts in with the meat – yummy! The serving is also quite substantial and varied with prawns, fish, calamari and rice. 🙂

If you are here in KL for a longer period of time, you can also consider self catering holiday apartments.

Zhiqiang & Tingyi

Comments (33)

  • Thailand Port of Call: Phuket Shore ExcursionReply

    29 January, 2010 at 11:55 pm

    […] is all about.For our port of call at Phuket, Thailand, the ship had tendered out at sea instead of docking at a pier like in Port Klang. To get to the mainland, you will need to secure a tender ticket for a boat to the Phuket beach. […]

  • Trinidad shippingReply

    12 June, 2010 at 9:55 am

    Very interesting post,
    Thanks for the effort you took to expand upon this topic so thoroughly. I look forward to future posts.

    There are various sea vessels involved in shipping. It may include box boats or container ships, bulk carriers, tankers, ferries, cable layers, dredgers and barges.

  • SweetcijiReply

    11 July, 2010 at 9:15 pm

    Very interesting post indeed! Hope you had a great time!

    I have a few queries. Would appreciae if you could please help.
    Do all cruises stop at the port klang terminal?
    Is there a money changer at Port Klang terminal? We intend to take a taxi to Kuala Lumpur and will need some RM or can we pay in USD?? Was kind of worried when I read on the net that Port klang was in the middle of nowhere and transportation means were far away…thanks to you, I now know there is a taxi service nearby.

    • Zhiqiang & TingyiReply

      11 July, 2010 at 9:55 pm

      Most cruises who claim to have shore excursions to KL would stop at Port Klang – the nearest port to KL.

      For taxi to KL, you have to pay by RM – you could change at the ship altho expect exorbitant rates; or you can change at home. Dont think there are money changers at the terminal – very basic facilities.

  • LinaReply

    24 August, 2010 at 12:33 pm

    Thanks for your sharing, but I have few questions. I plan to cruise on November 26 to Penang & Port Klang. I plan to go to KLCC & Bukit Bintang. The taxi fares in Port Klang can be bargained or fixed price? If i take 2 way trip to KLCC, the taxi will wait us outside until we get out OR they give us time limit?

    Thank you so much,
    Lina

    • Zhiqiang & TingyiReply

      24 August, 2010 at 1:00 pm

      fixed price – when reach KLCC, arrange a time for them to pick you up so you will be in time for the cruise.

  • LinaReply

    24 August, 2010 at 1:03 pm

    Oic, Thanks for your information. I really get lots of information since i never cruise before by Royal Caribbean Cruise.

    Thank you,
    Lina

  • DanReply

    22 September, 2010 at 5:03 pm

    Hi friend,
    thanks for the info. Pls advise how much is the taxi charge to Jusco , 2-ways ?

    • TingyiReply

      22 September, 2010 at 7:52 pm

      Hi Dan, we paid RM60 (USD$20) for a 2-way trip. =)

  • SharonReply

    6 December, 2010 at 11:26 am

    Hi ZQ and TY,
    Wow, I found your website through searching for info about Port Klang as I am going for Royal Carribean Cruise next Monday. Very informative blog and lotsa of beautiful picture. Just out of curiosity:
    1) Tthe camera you used for travel is DSLR or compact camera? Altho I can roughly guess…hee!
    2) Are you full-time bloggers or is this only out of interest, trips are not sponsored?

    Hope to hear from you!

    • Zhiqiang & TingyiReply

      6 December, 2010 at 12:05 pm

      Hi Sharon

      Thanks for dropping by. The camera used back then is compact camera. We are not full-time bloggers – just doing this for fun; the cruise was not sponsored although we do get invited for some events and trips.

      • SharonReply

        7 December, 2010 at 12:23 am

        WOW! Thanks for the quick reply! Also want to ask about the tips we have to give, I notice that there’s head waiter, assistant waiter and another category of waiter with diff amt to be paid to them per day and per guest. Do we have to pay all 3 guys or only one will serve us thoughout the trip? Thot it’s pretty exp to pay all these guys for my family of 2adults3kids. I also notice the stateroom attendant a stated amt per day per room.

        So it is like we pay the lump sum at the end of the trip in cash using the envelope provided (read from the FAQ)?

        • Zhiqiang & TingyiReply

          7 December, 2010 at 12:29 am

          Yes all 3 will need to be tipped in different amounts – with the head waiter being paid the most and asst waiter and the lead waiter (who is the 2 waiters’ boss and oversees a number of tables).
          Typically the gratuities are included in the cruise cost and your room attendant (who needs to be tipped too) will put the envelope with tip vouchers and guidelines on how much to tip on your bed on the last day of your cruise.
          You can also pay by cash – although i think it is preferable to pre-purchase these tip vouchers from the concierge.

          • Sharon

            7 December, 2010 at 3:57 pm

            OIC! If there’s all these tipping, I’ll have to be prepared to pay more for this trip then. Thankfully, I can save from not paying the offshore excursions and paying more tips to the driver and guide. I’m sure many others tourists will be paying them. =p

            I appreciate all your info. Wish I can do all these nice pics like yours for my trip too! Love your close-up shotsof food, things and the way your pics tell the story! I will keep reading your blog! Fantastic and admirable work!

        • NeveaReply

          24 January, 2012 at 1:12 pm

          Thank you so much for this artilce, it saved me time!

  • bulineReply

    25 August, 2011 at 12:02 pm

    Really great article with very interesting information.

  • veronReply

    3 November, 2011 at 2:46 am

    Hi,

    May i knw to take a cab from port klang to the city area is fixed??? and how much does it costs???

    • Zhiqiang & TingyiReply

      6 November, 2011 at 10:28 pm

      There is a taxi service counter which offered services to Klang and Kuala Lumpur for fixed prices – it cost RM180 (USD$60) for a 2-way trip to Kuala Lumpur and RM60 (USD$20) for a 2-way trip to Port Klang.

  • AnitaReply

    8 November, 2011 at 8:16 pm

    It would be so fun venturing over the clear waters in the cruise in the company of new friends
    I just posted my trip details on MingleTrips and connected with some really fun people….give it a try!

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  • conReply

    27 January, 2012 at 7:43 am

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  • CocaReply

    21 May, 2012 at 4:20 pm

    Hihi,

    May I know if you are allowed to disembark at Port Klang anytime after it arrives at 7am? Since Jusco is ten mins drive, what time did you guys disembark?

    Many thanks!!!

    • Zhiqiang & TingyiReply

      22 May, 2012 at 12:23 am

      Yes you can disembark anytime after it arrives at 7am. We disembarked at about 8pm

  • SharonReply

    17 October, 2012 at 12:46 pm

    Hey, can I check, if I have already paid for the gratuities at point of booking of the cruise , there is no need to tip anymore right ? And how will the room attendant know I have already “tipped”.

    What are the places that I can go from Penang ??

    • Zhiqiang & TingyiReply

      20 October, 2012 at 9:06 pm

      @Sharon – yes, no need to tip in cash anymore (if you dont intend to). At the last day of your cruise, the room attendant will leave an envelope of gratuity vouchers on your bed (these are the gratuities you paid for). You then split the vouchers to different envelopes (also provided) for different people who have served you on your cruise. If you want to add cash, you can also do so.

      for Penang, usually they will have organise city tours – which you can take up but for me, I dont think you need a tour – just grab a taxi from the jetty and explore around the town for good food and shopping.

  • Idzni SantanaReply

    26 February, 2013 at 2:05 pm

    Hello Zhiqiang and Tingyi 🙂

    So happy that I stumbled upon this blog! My family will be cruising for the third time this March with RCI but first time to take Asia route. There’s 6 of us, 5 adults and 1 toddler to be precise. We won’t join any tour because we’re traveling with toddler.
    Here are some questions:
    1. Is there’s a maxi cab in Port Klang?
    2. How much is the cost (for maxi cab) for round trip to Kuala Lumpur?
    3. Do you happen to know if we can book the cab for half day and sightsee to several spots? How much it is?

    Oh and maybe great photo spots you recommend aside from ones in Kuala Lumpur (in case we can’t get there due to traffic or whatever reasons).
    Thank you so much for your assistance 🙂

    • Zhiqiang & TingyiReply

      1 March, 2013 at 1:04 pm

      I didnt see maxi cabs at Port Klang when I was there 3 years ago. The price (3 years ago) was RM180 for a 2-way trip to Kuala Lumpur per taxi.

      I think if you are willing to pay extra (as the price quoted is just for drop-off and pick-up at the agreed location), the taxi drivers will be more than willing to bring you to where you want to go (since their taxis will be idle anyway during the wait). But bargain hard.

      Do note the timing that you need to get back so you dont miss the boat!

      Some of the places you can check out in KL: http://www.passportchop.com/asia/malaysia/things-to-do-kuala-lumpur/

  • Donna DFReply

    27 February, 2013 at 6:05 pm

    Hello Zhiqiang and Tingyi
    I too stumbled upon your blog.
    I could’nt believe my eyes when I read that there a large shopping centre Justco just 10 minutes away. Just confirming if this is correct. Is this the RM60 that we spend to get there by taxi.
    This will save us the hassle to buying the excursion to get into KL
    Thanks for your response

    • Zhiqiang & TingyiReply

      1 March, 2013 at 12:58 pm

      Yes. the RM60 (price quoted 3 years ago) is for 2-way trip to Jusco at Port Klang

  • LLLReply

    15 November, 2013 at 9:49 am

    Hi
    I am going on the cruise next Monday and i have the following questions:
    (1) Can we disembark at any time say 9am even though the cruise ship arrives at Port Klang at 7am?
    (2) How long does it take to clear the formalities for disembarkation?
    (3) How long is the drive from Port Klang to KL?
    (4) If the cruise ship is leaving at 4pm, by what time do I have to be back on the cruise ship?

    Thank you so much for your help/

    • Zhiqiang & TingyiReply

      15 November, 2013 at 8:04 pm

      Hi LLL

      Pl see my replies:
      (1) Yes
      (2) usually they will process it the day before (i.e. collect your passport to chop); please check with the cruise staff
      (3) i think about 1 – 1.5 hour; we didnt take the Port Klang to KL so not sure
      (4) the cruise ship will inform you of timing as our last cruise was 3-4 years ago so timing might have changed

  • minReply

    29 July, 2014 at 1:25 am

    I am truly grateful to the owner of this web site who has shared this
    fantastic paragraph at at this time.

  • MiteshReply

    10 September, 2018 at 11:03 pm

    Hi,

    Thanks for the reply in advance.

    I would like to know the taxi fare rates (including waiting charges) from Port Klang to
    1. Twin Towers
    2. Batu Caves
    3. Bird Park

    We would like to cover all above destinations.
    We would be reaching Port Klang by Royal Caribbean Cruise hence would have 7-8 hrs of window to view the place.

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