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Trip to Singapore/Malaysia/Thailand

Studying abroad in Melbourne, Australia. Traveling up to Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand in June after completing the semester.

13 years ago, January 8th 2011 No: 1 Msg: #126215 Delete Edit

Middie88
Chris

N Posts: 5

Hey everyone,

I am a 22-year-old student and will be studying abroad in Melbourne, Australia starting in February. My semester is complete in June and I am planning to travel up to Southeast Asia for about three weeks at the end of June and beginning of July. I really want to fly into Singapore and start with a few days there before heading up to Kuala Lumpur for a few days. After this I'd love to spend some time in Phuket and possibly a few other islands before heading to and ending in Bangkok. I was wondering if there are any suggestions for places to travel to and how much money to bring? I am planning on having about $1,500-$2,000 for this trip and wasn't sure if this would be enough for hostels, transportation, food etc. Also, starting from Singapore and heading north is it best to travel by air and find some cheap flights or are there cheaper/better means of travel that allow you to see more of the country? Is it best to have pre-arranged hostels and flights or is it pretty easy to get in and around during this time of year? Also, does anyone suggest heading up to Chiang Mai or am I already pushing it with what I have in this amount of time? I understand this is the beginning of monsoon season on the west coast of Thailand and was wondering if this whole trip is a bad idea? Weather doesn't typically bother me - it's more about the experience of being there and seeing everything that I can. Lastly, do you think this is enough time to do Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Phuket, Bangkok and possibly 2 more places? I feel like for me, 2-3 days in one location is sufficient enough - but then again I've never been. From what I've read I hear it's better to spend less time in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur because they tend to be more expensive. I'm willing to take any suggestions! Thank you so much for your help!

-Chris Reply to this

13 years ago, January 9th 2011 No: 2 Msg: #126251 Delete Edit

Sir Halberd
Hal

B Posts: 366

From your "one huge paragraph" I missed where you intend to fly to from Thailand. If it is back to Melbourne a round trip to Bangkok or Singapore might be cheaper than one-way flights but you have to compare the costs of one-way vs round trip. You can get local discounted flights in Malaysia and Thailand. It may save you money with a round trip ticket and just fly back to the first city you flew to. Compare the prices!

There is train service between Singapore and Bangkok. (Also a slew of bus companies.) You could see Singapore like you want and use the train or bus to take you to KL. After KL you can stop in Penang if you want. (Train stops at Butterworth which is nearby.)

From Butterworth you can go to Hat Yai, Thailand. In Hat Yai you can get a van or bus to Phuket. From Phuket you can visit islands, etc. Pick up the train in Surat Thani for ride to Bangkok or take a bus from Phuket.

Singapore is the most expensive. (You can find cheaper hotels in Bangkok.) KL is more expensive than Penang/Butterworth and Phuket is probably the most expensive place to visit in Thailand. Bangkok is cheaper than Phuket when you figure in the variety of cheaper transportation available..
http://www.urbanrail.net/as/bang/bangkok.htm

Does the $1500-$2000 include transportation from Australia or just from after Singapore? Does this same money also include transportation back to - ?????

In Thailand hotels will be at low season pricing by the time you visit which is good. But you also you get a little more seasonal weather related conditions to deal with too.
http://www.guidetothailand.com/thailand-weather/

You have some time to work things out. Work up a budget and figure out how much you want to spend on hotels for each area and then ask for suggestions in that price range.

Good luck.
Reply to this

13 years ago, January 9th 2011 No: 3 Msg: #126254 Delete Edit

Rat on the Road
Kris and Kate

B Posts: 1,411

There are a lot of budget airlines in South East Asia so you could fly from Singapore to Bangkok quite cheaply. Last time we did it is worked out cheaper than travelling overland. Check out Tiger Airways as well as Air Asia. Reply to this

13 years ago, January 9th 2011 No: 4 Msg: #126291 Delete Edit

Middie88
Chris

N Posts: 5

My apologies for leaving that important info out. I will be likely leaving from Melbourne but my return from Southeast Asia will be back to Australia, specifically Sydney. It's still a few months away so I guess it's possible to take your suggestion and do a round-trip from Sydney to either Singapore or Bangkok.

The $1500-$2000 I will have will not include my transportation to and from Australia. These funds are what I plan to have available for all of my traveling, hostels/hotels, and necessities/souvenirs within Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. I am also speaking in terms of US Dollars. Do you believe this is enough for a solo traveler over a 3-week period?

Also, you provided some great suggestions for traveling over land and a great route to take. Does this imply that you recommend traveling by bus and train as opposed to air? From what I hear traveling by air is relatively cheap throughout Southeast Asia and can also save time, but if its even cheaper to travel by land and allows you to see more than I will definitely take that route!

Thank you both for your help, it is much appreciated!

-Chris Reply to this

13 years ago, January 10th 2011 No: 5 Msg: #126296 Delete Edit

Sir Halberd
Hal

B Posts: 366

Hi.

Like I mentioned in the post you can get some local discounted flights within these countries. Some of the fares are pretty cheap. One thing you have to keep in mind is the weight limit on these little airlines. If you are lugging some heavy stuff on the trip you may pay a fee for being overweight. Some of the discount airlines land at smaller airports so if you are making connections with other airlines make sure you know what airport the plane lands at.

There will be times you may need to fly to save time and other times just use a train or bus. I think you will be okay at $500 a week but it would not hurt to have something in reserve for emergencies. There are backpackers who get by with quite a bit less for the same amount of time. Singapore will probably cost the most for hotels.

I do prefer a train over the bus for long rides. I like to get up and stretch every now and then. But that is me! Figure out how much you can pay per night for hotels and then ask for suggestions for that budget. Food is pretty cheap in Malaysia and Thailand. You can survive on fried rice if you don't know what to buy for a meal. Beer is cheaper in Thailand. Transportation is pretty good in Thailand. Read up on each country and plan your moves.

If you intend to use debit or credit cards you must first notify your bank that you will be overseas. If you don't do this you may not be able to make withdrawals from ATM's because of suspected fraud. Keep in in touch with your friends and relatives telling them where you are for safety. Read up on scams. I prefer to use hotels that have safety boxes or safes in the room. If something comes up missing from a hotel room it could be a fellow tourist that nicked it - maybe even someone you just met on holiday!

Have fun. Reply to this

13 years ago, February 2nd 2011 No: 6 Msg: #127992 Delete Edit

Shinbone Gypsy
Amy McCord

B Posts: 5

Hey there, I'll be flying to Bangkok on Feb 18th, and want to head down to Phuket area soon after. Will you be in the area at that time? I'm a 29-year-old female and will be traveling alone. Reply to this

12 years ago, May 14th 2011 No: 7 Msg: #136245 Delete Edit

Middie88
Chris

N Posts: 5

In response to: Msg #126296

Hi again,

Sir Halberd, It has been a while but after this semester I am finally planning four weeks to travel and I plan to head up to Southeast Asia officially! I know I will be packing a lot into a little time but I was hoping for some more advice on where to go, what to cut out, and how much to plan on bringing. I am only planning on staying in one location for about 3 days before moving on. I am leaving from Melbourne in June and returning to Melbourne in July.

As of now I plan to fly into Singapore direct from Melbourne on June 15th and spend about 3 days there. I have heard this should be enough time to see Singapore. To conserve time I am planning to fly to Kuala Lumpur where I will also spend 2-3 days. I would really love to visit Penang as well and possibly Langkawi (which I've heard tends to be more for older people and not backpackers).

By about June 25th (10 days into my trip) I am planning to head up to Phuket where I'd like to spend about 2-3 days and also head over to Ko Phi Phi for maybe 1 night (2 days). From there it would be ideal for me to head across Thailand to Koh Samui where I would like to spend about 3 days before moving on up to Bangkok (sometime around July 4). I would like to spend about four days in Bangkok.

From this point I will still have about 5-6 days remaining and I have been debating whether I should go to Chiang Mai or take a cheap flight to Saigon for a few days before heading back to Oz. Another option for me would be to connect in Bali for the remaining days on my way back down to Melbourne.

I know the itinerary may sound a bit crazy but I am a solo traveler and have no problem moving around at a relatively fast pace. I wish I had months to spare but due to school and other issues I cannot afford more time in Southeast Asia. I don't know when in my life I will have the opportunity to return so I would like to see the most I can in these four weeks.

Do you think I should cut any specific places out or add any places (particularly in Malaysia because I know less about it)?

My main concerns at this point are with money and weather. Outside of the airfare to and from Australia I have about $1500-$2000 USD saved for food, backpackers, souvenirs, and side trips. I plan to stay in budget hostels around $20/night in most locations. Do you think this is enough money to survive 4 weeks in Southeast Asia? I have some savings in reserve that I really would rather not touch but can if I need to.

In terms of weather, I understand this can be a rainy time of year in Thailand and especially HCMC, Vietnam, if I head there. What is the weather typically like in the final week of June and early weeks of July? I hear it's the start of monsoon season and have read about it but just need some advice on whether or not its a good idea to head there. I don't want flights to also be canceled or delayed due to weather when I am trying to get back (likely would go HCMC to KL and down to Melbourne). One final thought of mine is to reverse the trip and start up in Bangkok or HCMC. This would mean starting in June up there and working my way down to Singapore in July. Do you think this would increase chances of nicer weather in some regions or will a matter of weeks not make a difference?

My final concern is safety, particularly in Vietnam. I am a solo caucasion traveler and am interested in how people welcome you and if it's easy to get by with english. Of course I've heard horror stories but have also heard many great stories from travelers who have been through the region. Are violent crimes common throughout all of these countries?

I thank you in advance for any further help or advice. It is truly appreciated. Reply to this

12 years ago, May 14th 2011 No: 8 Msg: #136248 Delete Edit

Sir Halberd
Hal

B Posts: 366

Some other people will have comments on your itinerary. For Vietnam I think you should be okay there. They are used to foreigners visiting and over the past 10 years millions have "been there and done that!" But like any place you visit you do have to take some normal precautions like you would to a strange city in your own country. When I hear or read about tourists in trouble it has often been heavy alcohol consumption and taking chances. When women are assaulted in Phuket it is usually after they were drinking too much.

Singapore is the most expensive place. I did take a day tour to Malacca one time and thought the trip was okay. KL is the next most expensive place on your list. Many tourists check out the Petronas Towers in KL. You can feel the Skybridge move a little on some days.

I would add Chiang Mai to your trip and skip Vietnam. But I am partial to Thailand.

Now is the time to do some homework on visas and currency requirements. If you intend to use a credit or debit card you first have to notify the card provider where you will be going and when.

You will be hitting some places during the rainy season. Some areas are worse than others. But even long term residents of Phuket claim to have some good sunshine even during this season. Hopefully the rain will stop in an hour or two and not completely mess your trip up.
http://www.guidetothailand.com/thailand-travel-information/weather.htm

If you ever need hotel recommendations mention the price you want to pay and what area.

Good luck. Reply to this

12 years ago, May 20th 2011 No: 9 Msg: #136720 Delete Edit

samwalker16
Sam Walker

D Posts: 36

I would suggest to go to Thailand, the comfortable time to visit to Thailand is November to February. At this time there are low humidity relatively low temperatures and clear sky. It’s is also the peak tourist time. Thailand having more popular spots likes islands and major towns. There are so many cheap flights available; you can search in Google just type "Air ticket" lots of site there who booking online airline tickets.

[Edited: 2011 May 20 13:20 - samwalker16:134870 - .]

Reply to this

12 years ago, May 22nd 2011 No: 10 Msg: #136798 Delete Edit

Dominick P
Dominick Powell

N Posts: 58

Hey Chris, good for you I don't think you can go wrong in SE Asia! Your $2000 will go farther than you think, really you could spend two months there pretty easily if you were just a little careful with your spending...

Are you a diver? I did my PADI Open Water in Tioman Island off the east coast of Malaysia (should be good weather there now, and a great place!) and it changed the way I travel...some of the best diving in the world in SE Asia this is a great time to try it!

I prefer one way travel if at all possible - maybe start in KL (for me Singapore was pricey and a bit boring) and make your way up into Thailand, see where you are at money wise when you get there...Angkor Wat in Cambodia would make an amazing addition to your itinerary if you can swing it. You can make it back to Bankgok for a cheap flight back to Sydney in two days.

Vietnam is a little less "english friendly" than Malaysia and Thailand but still easy to get around and find information. Its also famous for motorbike bag snatchers and petty theft, so you have to watch your stuff carefully there (as you should everywhere really) but as far as violent crime dont worry about it, virtually non-existent. If I had the choice I would pick Indo over Vietnam but I am sure plenty would say the opposite.

Check out a Lonely Planet SE Asia for some specific budget info and more itinerary ideas. I know a lot of people put it down but you cant deny the wealth of info in there especially regarding transportation. It always makes me laugh when "hardcore" travelers refuse to use the books but then ask me where the bus station is and how much it costs, etc. If you ask me and I use LP, you are using LP too! Reply to this

12 years ago, May 23rd 2011 No: 11 Msg: #136861 Delete Edit

D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

B Posts: 10.9K

Chris,

Two days in one place is really rushing it. I recommend staying at least three nights. There will be many things in each of these locations that you want to see.

If you are looking for an additional place to go in Thailand I would consider Kanchanaburi, Thailand. It is only about three hours from Bangkok and an easy train trip. We spent ten days in Chiang Mai and there was plenty to keep us busy. You may want to save Chiang Mai for your next trip.
Reply to this

12 years ago, May 25th 2011 No: 12 Msg: #137070 Delete Edit

denisenicho
Denise Nicholas

N Posts: 2

Best destination in Singapore

Sentosa Island - One of the most popular islands of Singapore. The places to visit at this island are the Underwater World, the Merilon, the Volcano Island, the Fantasy Island, Fort Siloso, Butterfly Market and Insect Kingdom, Museum, Maritime Museum, Central Beach and the Sentosa Orchid Garden.

China Town - Well known for the ancient temples and the old shop houses that sell antique pieces as well as other kinds of products, which you can pick up as a souvenir from this nation.

Little India - Markets and shop that display Indian products and at this place just gorge on the delicious Indian cuisine that has been made with Indian spices.

Kampong Glam - It features the Sultan Mosque, largest mosque of the nation/country/island of Singapore that was constructed in the year 1928 and the Istana Kampong Glam that got converted to the Malay heritage park.

Geylang Serai - Hub of the community of the Malay.

Singapore Discovery Center - It got inaugurated in the year 1996 on the 23rd of June.
Haw Par Villa - The most fascinating park of this nation. Reply to this

12 years ago, May 27th 2011 No: 13 Msg: #137242 Delete Edit

itraveladdict
Cheryl Tan

N Posts: 3

Yeah Sentosa is really a must-go! Nice little island! (: You can prepare to spend 1 whole day there! And there is a sentosa play pass u can get at sentosa, you just pay a price and you can visit 13 attractions, cheaper than u pay each attraction at a time.

you can check it out here. http://www.sentosa.com.sg/en/whats-on/promotions/sentosa-play-pass/ Reply to this