Hotels in Bukit Kayu Hitam

Bukit Kayu Hitam is Kedah's main border town on the Malaysia–Thailand border and it marks the end of the North–South Expressway and Malaysia Federal Route 1, the longest Malaysian road which runs from Johor Bahru, Johor in the south till the border at Bukit Kayu Hitam pass. Bukit Kayu Hitam is the northern starting point of the North-South Expressway (Expressway code E1) which runs all the way south to Johor Bahru, passing through Kuala Lumpur. Across the border to the north is the town of Ban Dan Nok in the district of Sadao, Songkhla province in Southern Thailand. To its south in Malaysia is the town of Changlun.

There is a proposed railway spur line from Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah, to Arau, Perlis that will strengthen cross-border trade with southern Thailand as proposed by Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai. The proposed line will also link Bukit Kayu Hitam to Penang Port in Butterworth, and provides a direct rail cargo route that will significantly improve efficiency and lower transportation cost. The border town of Bukit Kayu Hitam handle increasing volumes of cargo each year, with a total freight volume of 5.47 million tonnes in 2015, compared to 4.88 million tonnes in 2014.

How to Get There

By Bus

There is bus agency called Ekspres Bandar who runs two direct buses daily between Bukit Kayu Hitam and Kuala Lumpur's Jalan Duta Bus Terminal. The tickets cost RM40 and bus will leave near the Malaysian immigration complex.

By Car

From Kuala Lumpur city centre, you can drive to reach Bukit Kayu Hitam by using North- South highway which takes around 5 hours and 5 minutes.

By Plane

You can take flights such as Malindo Air, Air Asia and Malaysia Airlines from Kuala Lumpur international airport to Sultan Abdul Halim Airport at Alor Setar. It usually takes around 55 minutes to reach airport and from airport, you can rent a car or take a taxi that takes another 40 minutes to reach Bukit Kayu Hitam.

Tourist Attractions

Wang Burma Cave

Known for its streams and exotic species of insects and fungi, the cave system is divided into two main caves which are Wang Burma Satu and Wang Burma Dua. Wang Burma Satu is composed of its unique rock formations comprising of stalagtites, stalagmites and columns, and Wang Burma Dua which is physically and mentally challenging with its dark hooks and turns and of narrow passages and muddy tunnels to reach the amazing water-worn rock formations in the inner part of the cave. The cave’s stalactites and stalagmites resemble pillars, curtains and cascades were formed over millions of years. Visitors can explore the cave at a leisurely pace, or climb, crawl and squeeze between narrow passages and muddy tunnels and the journey starts with an uphill jungle-trekking guided by an experienced Forest Ranger. Along the route, tourists will learn about various medicinal and poisonous plants and trees. The journey will take approximately 40 minutes to reach the entrance of the cave. Tourists are advised to get a qualified guide and permission from the Perlis Forestry Department before going for the cave exploration and the total time to explore the entire Wang Burma cave system will take approximately 3 and 30 minutes hours.

Padang Besar

This border town is the merging point for Thailand and Malaysia and only around 38 minutes away from Bukit Kayu Hitam town. Many Malaysians travel up to Thailand through this point and likewise for their Thai counterparts, on shopping, business or recreational trips. The town is filled with textiles, clothing, handicraft, foodstuff, fruits and souvenirs and it is a popular destination because of the duty-free shopping complex in between the border checkpoints of the two countries. In addition, the town attracts several thousand visitors from Peninsular Malaysia and southern Thailand every weekend and during public holidays.

Hotels

GM Hotel

Located 8 minutes away from Bukit Kayu Hitam town, this hotel is situated just a 5-minute drive to C-Mart Shopping Mall and Malaysia-Thailand border. There are 34 rooms to choose from at GM Hotel equipped with television LCD/plasma screen, wireless internet access, air conditioning, desk, alarm clock and tea/coffee making facilities as well as other basic amenities. This hotel also offers free Wi-Fi access and complimentary public parking. Other than that, this hotel provides room service and has a 24-hour front desk which can assist with laundry and fax/photocopying and daily housekeeping services.

Serambi Pelangi Chalet

Serambi Pelangi Chalet is situated in Changlun and only 10 minutes away from Bukit Kayu Hitam town. There are free private parking, free WiFi and barbecue facilities. The accommodation is air conditioned and has a flat-screen TV with satellite channels as well as features a seating area and patio. A fridge and kettle are also offered and a private bathroom with free toiletries and towels. Guests also can enjoy the on-site restaurant that serves local and international delights.