updated on February 22, 2010

prices are in Ringgit Malaysia (RM) ~ usually about 3.5 ringgit per U.S. dollar

Click hereforan online currency-conversion calculator

transportation costs:

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gasoline (petrol), liter: RM 1.70 – 1.80

Rapid Penang bus fares: RM 1 – 3

Pulau Penang taxi metered rate: not applicable (drivers use ‘zone system’)

Pulau Langkawi taxi metered rate: not applicable (drivers use ‘zone system’)

Kuala Lumpur taxi metered rate: cheap, RM 2 to start, 10 sen per 150 meters, 10 sen per 45 seconds in traffic jam

Kota Kinabalu taxi from airport to downtown hostels: RM 20 ($5.40) for a ten-minute ride

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KL monorail train ride: RM 1.40+

Skybus nonstop bus from the curb in front of Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) of Kuala Lumpur International Airport north to KL Sentral Stesen (not in the center of the city): RM 8 / round trip: RM 14 (good deal!)

KLIA Ekspres train from KL Sentral train station to Kulala Lumpur International Airport’s international-flights terminal: RM 35

KLIA Transit train from Putrajaya station to KL Sentral Stesen in southwest Kuala Lumpur: RM 9.5

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Rapid Penang’s  “City Hop On”  buses in George Town, Penang: no charge

‘deluxe’ bus ride from KOMTAR, George Town, Pulau Penang to Puduraya Station in Kuala Lumpur: RM 34-40

‘deluxe’ bus ride from Puduraya Station in Kuala Lumpur to a bus terminal south of George Town, Pulau Penang: RM 36-40

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ferry from George Town, Penang to Butterworth: free-of-charge

ferry a motorcycle from Butterworth to George Town: RM 2

motorcycle on bridge from Pulau Penang to Butterworth, Province Wellesley: free of charge

motorcycle on bridge from Butterworth to Penang: RM 1.60

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Super Fast Ferry Ventures ferry from Pulau Penang to Pulau Langkawi and return: RM 115

minivan 4-hour ride from George Town, Pulau Penang to Thailand border: RM 30

motor-scooter rental, on Pantai Cenang, tourist district of Pulau Langkawi: RM 20-30 per day

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funicular railway ride up or down Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera/Flagstaff Hill): RM 3

funicular railway car round-trip (up and down Bukit Bendera): RM 4

private vehicles:

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motorcyclist’s helmet: RM 38+

motorcycle mirrors, new, pair: RM 13

automobile oil change: RM 29- 129

STP fuel additive, bottle: RM 5.13

motorcycle kickstand repair, 45-minutes: RM 13

motorcycle electric starter service and starter chain replacement: RM 35

motorcycle oil change, spark plug check and brake check in Jelutong: RM 13

motorcycle oil change in George Town: RM 17

motorcycle engine overhaul including piston replacement: RM 215

2.75″ x 17″ innertube for motorcycle tire, installed: RM 14

motorcycle front fender, new, Modenas: RM 20

one year comprehensive insurance of 97 cc motorcycle: RM 174

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Air Asia excess baggage fees

Supersize baggage fees effective January 13, 2009 per guest per flight sector
Supersize Baggage	Maximum Weight	Domestic AK Flights to/ from Malaysia	International AK Flights to/ from Malaysia
Hand Luggage Only	7kg	FREE	FREE
Supersize Regular	15kg	RM5	RM5
Supersize Medium	20kg	RM43	RM55
Supersize Large	Up to 25kg	RM80	RM105

THAILAND

Supersize Baggage	Maximum Weight	Domestic FD Flights to/ from Thailand	International FD  Flights to/ from Thailand
Hand Luggage Only	7kg	FREE	FREE
Supersize Regular	15kg	THB50	THB50
Supersize Medium	20kg	THB250	THB463
Supersize Large	Up to 25kg	THB450	THB875

INDONESIA

Supersize Baggage	Maximum Weight	Domestic QZ Flights to/ from Indonesia	International QZ  Flights to/ from Indonesia
Hand Luggage Only	7kg	FREE	FREE
Supersize Regular	15kg	IDR15,000	IDR15,000
Supersize Medium	20kg	IDR65,000	IDR127,500
Supersize Large	Up to 25kg	IDR115,000	IDR240,000

AIRASIA X

Supersize Baggage	Maximum Weight	All International  Flights
Hand Luggage Only	7kg	FREE
Supersize Regular	15kg	RRM20
Supersize Medium	20kg	RM55
Supersize Large	Up to 25kg	RM105

EXCESS BAGGAGE CHARGES AT AIRPORT COUNTER

	CURRENCY	1 KG
Domestic AK Flights to/ from Malaysia	MYR	RM15
International AK Flights to/ from Malaysia	MYR	RM20
Domestic FD Flights to/ from Thailand	THB	THB80
International FD  Flights to/ from Thailand	THB	THB165
Domestic QZ Flights to/ from Indonesia	IDR (‘000)	IDR20,000
International QZ  Flights to/ from Indonesia	IDR (‘000)	IDR45,000
AIRASIA X	All international flights (except London)	RM20
	London	RM50

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lodging — hostels & hotels

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Traveller’s Light Hostel in Kota Kinabalu “private room” (no bathroom): RM 60 ($16.21)

Much cheaper private rooms and dormitory rooms (several bunk beds) can be had if you look elsewhere.

Hotel New Winner in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur: RM 80

Hotel Noble room in little India, Kuala Lumpur: RM 120

Lodge Paradize Hotel in Kuala Lumpur: RM 100+

Lagenda Permai Chalet 2-bed room on Pulau Langkawi: RM 50

E&A Budget Hotel, Chulia Street, George Town, Pulau Penang: RM 60 (horrible; not recommended)

beds and rooms in hostels on Chulia Street, Muntri Street, Hutton Street and Love Lane in George Town, Penang: RM 25 – 65

Tune Hotels rooms: RM 5 – 96 ( I have never been able to reserve a room for the advertised RM 5)

YMCA Penang Hostel ‘single’ room (twin bed) : RM 75-85

YMCA Penang Hostel ‘triple bed’ room (2 beds sleep 3 people) : RM 85 – 95

YMCA Penang Hostel ‘quad bed’ room (2-4 beds) : RM 95 – 105

YMCA Penang Hostel 5-bed room : RM 105 – 115

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apartment rent:

3-bedroom, 2-bathroom, 860 square feet apartment in The OceanView, Jelutong George Town: RM 850 monthly

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home utilities:

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PBA water bill for 13000 liters: RM 6

PBA water bill for 13000 liters: RM 5

PBA water bill for 11000 liters: RM 5

Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) electricity: RM .218 to .334 per kilowatt-hour

electric bill April 9 – May 8: RM 124

electric bill May 9 – June 8: RM 86 (U.S. $24.71) using one room air-conditioner only at night

Astro television subscription (monthly): RM 54-130

Astro television antenna installation and tuner setup: RM 199

Telecom Malaysia (TM) telephone installation by MUS Communications: RM 30

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miscellaneous:

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The Star daily newspaper (peninsular Malaysia): RM 1.20

The Sun daily newspaper: no charge

New Straits Times daily newspaper (peninsular Malaysia): RM 1.20

post cards: 80 sen +

postage stamps for post cards: 40 sen

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Menara KL (KL Tower) all-inclusive ticket: RM 38

Petronas Twin Towers Skybridge Visit: no charge

Penang National Park admission: no charge

Penang Botanical Gardens admission: no charge

tour of Tropical Fruit Farm on Pulau Penang: RM 25

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internet cafe usage, hourly: RM 1 – 3.85

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medical/health:

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in Hospital Pulau Pinang:

overnight admission: RM 160

Computerized Axial Tomography (CT) scans with contrast media: RM 40

X-ray scans and films: RM 30

intravenous saline/water solution drip, 500 ml: RM 10

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in Penang Adventist Hospital:

new patient registration: RM 10.50

physician office visit: RM 150

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in Penang International Dental College:

new patient registration: RM 5

examination: no charge

INVESTIGATIVE CHARGES:

periapical x-ray: RM 5

occlusal x-ray: RM 15

bitewing x-ray: RM 15

cephalometric x-ray with film: RM 50

cephalometric x-ray without film: RM 40

saliva test: RM 20

study model: RM 5

ORAL SURGERY:

simple extraction: RM 20

complex extraction: RM 20-40

open method: RM 50-75

surgical removal of impacted tooth: RM 100-250

minor oral surgical surgical procedures: RM 50-300

treatment of jaw fractures and other dental trauma: RM 80-400

implantation: RM 1000 plus cost of implant

PERODONTIA:

extraction of primary teeth:

anteriors: RM 5

posteriors: RM 10

fillings:

amalgam: RM 15

tooth-colored fillings: RM 20-40

space maintainer: RM 175

PERIODONTIA:

scaling: RM 25-50

surgery/quadrant without bone graft: RM 200

curretage/quadrant: RM 50

splinting: RM 100

other miscellaneous periodontal procedures: RM 50

CONSERVATIVE & ENDONTIC PROCEDURES:

amalgam fillings: RM 15-30

tooth-colored fillings: 20-40

rct anteriors: RM 100

rct posteriors: RM 250

metal crowns: RM 150

porcelain crowns: RM 250

PROSTHODONTICS:

bridge, metal: RM 100 per unit

bridge, porcelain: RM 250 per unit

additional tooth: RM 25

ORTHODONTICS:

removable orthodontic appliance: RM

….

over-the-counter:

ibuprofen, 12-count: RM 7.80

acetaminophen, Panadol brand, 150-count: RM 36.50

Tramadol, 50mg, 20-count: RM 25

Saint John’s Wort herbal dietary supplement, 30-count: RM 36 – 45

fish oil capsules, 1000mg, 150-count: RM 74

Clarinase antihistamine & decongestant, 10-count: RM 13.50

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at home:

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pillow for bed: RM 7.90 - 26.90

fleece blanket; 1.5mx2m, plain, one color: RM 29.90

bath towel; 30″x60″ plain color: RM 22.90

face towel; 13″x30″ plain color: RM 5.90

bed sheet; fitted, queen-size and 2 pillowcases: RM 35

quilted mattress topper; queen-size: RM 21.90

faucet water filter attachment+two filters: RM 39.90

table; folding, 2′x5′: RM 89.90

Ridsect roach traps, RM 6.90

compact fluorescent bulb: RM 17.90

2-slice electric toaster: RM 24.90

electric kettle: RM 27+

rice cooker, 1.5 – 2 liters: RM 69 – 159

thermopot, 4.5 – 5 liters: RM 99 – 139

table fan, 16″: RM 69-79

typist’s swivel chair: RM 39+

low-back swivel chair with arms: RM 119 – 159

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paper towels; 2 rolls: RM 3.69

binder clips; 1″, 8-count: RM 1.60

bond paper, letter-size, white, 1 ream: RM 11+

pocket notebook; plastic cover: RM .90-5.90

masking tape; 1.5″ wide: RM 3 – 4

umbrella; 3-fold, polyester: RM 9.90

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laundry; wash, dry and fold: 1 – 3 kg: RM 6

laundry; wash, dry and fold: 4 kg: RM 6.80

laundry; wash, dry and fold: 5 kg: RM 8.50

laundry; wash, dry and fold: 6 kg: RM 9.50

laundry; wash, dry and fold: 7 kg: RM 10.50

…….laundry; wash, dry and fold: 8 kg: RM 11.70

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personal-use:

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bar soap, antabax: RM 1.20

razors, safety, Shick Slim Twin/Extra II/Exacta 2/ST2, 5 -count: RM 6.99-8.90

hand soap, antibacterial, liquid: RM 5.90

man’s haircut: RM 6 – 12

mouthwash, Plax, 250ml, peppermint: RM 7.50

mouthwash, cool mint, 100 ml: RM 3.51

Eskulin hand sanitizing alcohol gel bottle, small: RM 2.90

dental floss picks: RM 4.10

wallet, man’s: RM 12 – 119

swim shorts, man’s: RM 12.90

Coppertone Sport cooling spray sunscreen: RM 46.90 ($13.31!)

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dining-out:

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clay pot chicken, rice and egg in George Town: RM 4.30

chicken burger deluxe from sidewalk vendor: RM 3.80

Pahd Thai (prawns) in Kuala Lumpur: RM 14.50

barbeque lunch at Tropical Fruit Farm on Pulau Penang: RM 23

Sushi King blue-rim plate from sushi-go-round: RM 2

Sushi King beige-rim plate from sushi-go-round: RM 3

Sushi King Negi Toro; minced raw tuna and spring onions, 2-count: RM 5

Sushi King Maguro; raw tuna atop rice, 2-count: RM 5

Sushi King Tekka Maki; sushi roll of raw tuna and rice, 6-count: RM 6

Sushi King Negi Toro Temaki; handroll of minced raw tuna belly, spring onion and rice, 2-count: RM 5

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banana cake slice: RM 1.80

chocolate cake slice: RM 4.80

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watermelon juice on ice: RM 1.60 – 3.50

carrot juice: RM 1.60 – 3.50

mango juice: RM 1.60 – 3.50

pineapple juice : RM 1.60 – 3.50

wintermelon & longgan juice : RM 1.60 – 3.50

sea coconut & longgan juice : RM 1.60 – 3.50

dragonfruit juice : RM 1.60 – 3

pink guava juice : RM 1.60 – 3

kiwi juice: RM 1.60 – 3

calamansi (lime) juice : RM 1.60 – 3

lychee juice : RM 1.60 – 3

honeydew juice : RM 1.60 – 3

lime-aide: RM 1.60 – 3.50

lemonade on ice: RM 1.60 – 3.50

coconut, cut open with straw: RM 1.80 – 3

coconut water and coconut ‘meat’ curls; in mug, with or without ice: RM 2

hot tea with milk and sugar: 70 sen – RM 2, depending on venue

teh-o ais (iced tea): RM 1

Lipton tea, 500ml can: 1.90

Coke, can: RM 1.70 – 2.50

water; bottled, 500ml: RM 1

water; bottled, 1.5 liter: RM 1 – 3.50, depending on venue

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groceries:

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watermelon, red seedless: RM .89 per kg

black beauty watermelon: RM 2.49 per kg

sun melon: RM 3.99 per kg

honeydew melon: RM 1.99 per kg

rock melon: RM 4.99 per kg

Granny Smith-variety apples, 15-count: RM 6.99

Valencia-variety oranges, 15-count: RM 4.50

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Ketam Bunga crabs: RM 14.90 per kg

squid/pusit: RM 10.90 per kg

Australia/New Zealand lamb shoulder chop, defrosted: RM 14.90 per kg

chicken legs: RM 7.59 per kg

milk, Marigold HL 1 liter: RM 9.18

milk, lowfat, 2 liters: RM 11.60

milk, Dutch Lady-brand, 1 liter: RM 4.69-5.49

Yakult lactobacillus cultured milk drink, 80ml x 5 each: RM 4.50

Vitagen less-sugar lactobacillus cultured milk, 120ml: RM 1.20

tuna salad, canned, TC Boy brand: RM

Pringles 160g: RM 5.49

Nips chocolate-covered peanuts, 100grams: RM 2.20

Quaker Life oat/corn/wheat/rice cereal: RM 9.99-11.20

sodas, 1.5 liters: RM 2.39- 3.90

Coke 6-pack of cans: RM 7.59

Nestle ice cream on a stick: RM 1.60

Wall’s Cornetto chocolate-top disc ice cream cone: RM 2.80 – 3.50

St. Dalfour’s whole-fruit blueberry spread, French, 284grams: RM 9.50

St. Dalfour’s whole-fruit black cherry spread, French, 284grams: RM 9.50

Smucker’s fruit jelly, 291 grams: RM 9.40

Smucker’s less-sugar grape jelly: RM 9.39

Smucker’s sugar-free grape jam: RM 8.60

…….peanut butter, CED, no sugar added (but oily): RM 7.65

peanut butter, Jif reduced-fat, creamy: RM 11.50

peanut butter, Skippy reduced-sugar, chunky: RM 8.90

peanut butter, Skippy Chunky, 500g: RM 11.79

cereal, Nestle Fit: RM 12.80

Sunmaid raisins, 500 grams: RM 8.60

fresh-caught fish in Teluk Kumbar: RM

Click to read of my June 2009 and July 2009 expeditures