Malaysia begining of October

Hi,

I need some itinerary advise, I will be arriving in to Singapore 28th of September and after 3 nights am moving on to Malaysia. I am looking for advise as to where to go.

The 1st option I am thinking of is 3 nights KL, 2 nights Malacca and back to Singapore to chill out on a beach for 2 nights.

The 2nd option is to travel to Tioman and have 6 nights there. But I have heard various reports about sandflies and jellyfish so didnt know how good an option this is? Is 6 nights too long?

I know these are both very different options but I dont want to travel too far as I am only in Malaysia for 6 nights and I didnt know about the weather in either of them? If you have anyother suggestions I%26#39;d love to hear them. I%26#39;ve read LP and I still cant make a decision!

I am travelling on a budget and staying in hostels. Any hostel suggestions for Tioman and Melaka? I know that the beaches in Singapore aren%26#39;t fantastic and thats fine. This maybe a daft question but will the weather be good enough to sunbathe in Tioman and Singapore? Any other advise is greatly recieved!

Thanks

Malaysia begining of October

Hi Julie,

If you have not been to Malaysia before, KL and Melaka are closest attractions to Singapore. KL has some contrasts (not as clean and totally unorganised) and similarities (colonial buildings and multiracial society) with Singapore which is worth a visit and there may be some cheap shopping too.

Melaka is historic and birth place of Malaysia and has close root with Singapore. Many people who are less into museums and old buildings (some dilapidated) will not stay longer than 1 night in Melaka. However, if you can stay during weekend, between Friday to Sunday, the night bazaar has great ambiance.

Tioman used to be an excellent island but over development in Berjaya Resort area and porr maintenance makes 6 nights too long to stay.

Use hostelworld.com to check and view reviews.

Malaysia begining of October

Thanks Alex,

Would you suggest that if i decide to do a bit of beach that I go further up to Cherating? Hostelworld unfortunately doesnt really have much on Melaka and Tioman - guess I%26#39;ll just wing it when I%26#39;m there!

Julia,

Since you鈥檙e looking for hostel type accommodation, maybe you could consider the Perhentians Islands for your beach break. Much nicer beaches and ocean than Tioman, a more chilled out - less developed feeling and all the accommodations on the two islands are, well not hostel, but budget type accommodations, cheap 鈥榥鈥?cheerful.

Getting to the islands are quite easy too with a coach from KL. I can鈥檛 remember the exact time it takes and costs, but roughly about RM30 and takes around 8 hours or so. Or you can (I think) also take a bus from Kota Baru (that鈥檚 the closest city to the Perhentian islands) to Johor Baru which is just over the causeway from Singapore. At a guess I think this would be about a 10-12hr journey and cost around RM50. Maybe you can even take the bus from direct from Malacca to Kota Baru? Not sure about that one, maybe Alex could tell you that. But if you could do Malacca to Kota Baru and then Kota Baru back to KL it would save you going both journeys via KL and crossing your own tracks.

Some of the busses start and end in Kota Baru, and others at Kuala Besut which is the jumping off point for the Perhentians. Either bus really is fine, just one is slightly closer to the ferry. Kota Baru is okay for one night, though wouldn鈥檛 recommend you stay too long there. It鈥檚 the heart of the conservative Muslim part of Malaysia, and as such, not very cosmopolitan.

The east coast of peninsular Malaysia gets a proper monsoon season, but unless you鈥檙e very unlucky I think the end of September should be a good time to go. Although it鈥檚 not written in stone, the monsoon usually doesn鈥檛 kick in until late October or early November.

Thanks but as I%26#39;m only in Malaysia for 6 nights and 10/11 hours on a bus each way is too much. Any other suggestions are welcome! I%26#39;m not looking for perfect beaches just somewhere to chill out for a few days.

Hi Julia,

I suggest you can do KL, Melaka or Tioman, dropping one of them to avoid moving between hostels or do them all. Melaka can be done with just one night or Tioman could be done with two nights. Otherwise, skip KL and do Melaka and Tioman.

You can go from Singapore to Melaka first (west coast town 2.5 hours south of KL) or Mersing (east coast town to Tioman) or even straight to KL (5.5 hours) first before travelling southbound back to Singapore.

Buses between Mersing and Melaka and Singapore run for about 3 hours.

www.journeymalaysia.com/ptasingmersing.htm

http://www.journeymalaysia.com/ptamersing.htm

The following site has more hostels in Melaka:

www.hostelz.com/hostels/Malaysia/Melaka.

Kancil House looks quite good in the inside with chill out garden and the location is not bad.

Sama Sama is most central in china town. However, it looks quirky from outside as I always only pass by. It is however a good place to chill with other travellers.

I hesitate to recommend Eastern Heritage as some have claimed it is not too clean. Otherwise, it has unique exterior and interior with friendly staff which people have told me.

Fenix Inn is very clean albeit a small budget hotel close to historic sites.

Twenty is the new guesthouse in China town, nice and clean although not that cheap as I have just visited it which belongs to a friend.

Try to stay in Melaka between Friday to Sunday as the night bazaar has great ambiance. Quite a few pubs have bands in China Town during the night bazaar which is my favorite in Malaysia.

There is hardly any hostels in Tioman. As suggested Perhentian or Cherating are probably the better options for budget stay. You can take a night bus between Singapore or Melaka to Kota Bahru or Kuantan.

http://www.journeymalaysia.com/ptamelaka.htm

pinganchorage.com.my/鈥ioman_island

Please do not hesitate to ask more questions.

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resorts we can drive to from KL?

My husband and I are traveling to KL on business in June, and we have 2 free days for a vacation. Is there a beach resort we can drive to (or have someone drive us to), that%26#39;s close to either KL or Singapore?

I know Langkawi is only an hour%26#39;s plane ride away, but I%26#39;d rather not have to get on a plane since we%26#39;ll be doing alot of plane travel for this trip. Is this possible?

Thanks!

Teresa

resorts we can drive to from KL?

1)For beach resorts:Port Dickson is very close to KL(about 2hrs ride)goto:(a)www.legendwaterchalets.com.my or (b)www.avillion,com

2) this place is also quite close to k L but not a beach but a agriculture parks with fruits tree(c) www.d-paradise.com.my

resorts we can drive to from KL?

Hi Teresa, are those 2 free days befalling on weekends,and are these 2 free days, within June 1- 10, particularly June 2?

That%26#39;s the questioning part.

Beach resort that is close to KL is Port Dickson, Bagan Lallang, Tanjung Bidara, whilst close to Singapore will be in Desaru.

Port Dickson and for that matter Bagan Lallang is around 1.5 hours distant by road from KL, though Bagan Lallang is slightly shorter.

However Bagan Lallang does not have any good accommodation,only the mediocre Hotel Sri Malaysia.

In PD, there are a few good quality accommodation in the likes of Avillion, Guoman, Legend water chalets.

Tanjung Bidara is a bay about 20-30minutes from the town of Malacca.

Desaru is accessible after the causeway from S%26#39;pore and takes about 1.5 hours.Beach quality over here is much better than those in PD, Bagan Lallang or Tanjung Bidara.

On weekends, school holidays,and in the case of Desaru, where there is also public holiday or school holiday over in Singapore- higher volume of people is expected, and rates are higher.

Actually, driving to Cherating, which is on the east coast of Malaysia is manageable particularly with the new East Coast Highway-journey time is about 2.5 hours. Beaches over here are much much better than those aforesaid mentioned.

If you decide to go to Port Dickson, I highly recommend Avillion. Stay in one of the water chalets on the right hand side of the resort as it is more private. The water chalets are quite a treat with a partially open air bathroom. The resort also has a swimming pool exclusively for adults so no screaming kids to bother you. It is about an hour drive from KL.

Thank you all for your suggestions! I now know where to start my research. One more question -- Is Melaka worth a trip if we decide to do that instead of a beach vacation?

Teresa

Hi Teresa,

Melaka is certainly worth at least a couple of days as the historic town of Malaysia which is a young nation.

molon.de/galleries/Malaysia/WestCoast/Melaka/

http://malacca.ws/maps/index.htm

The sites above will give you some idea of the town. There are few good museums to visit such as Cheng Ho Museum, Baba Noyonya Heritage Museum in China Town, Maritime Museum and Islamic Architecture Museum in Studhuys area.

The China town is not huge but full of ambiance and small little cafe, pubs and restaurants.

Night bazaar at jonker walk between Friday and Sunday is definitely the highlight of visiting the town.

amazingmelaka.com/2006/鈥?/a>

You can go to Port Dickson for one night and then go to Melaka before returning straight to KL within two days.

Taxi from the airport to The Datai Hotel

Hello:

Do you know how much it is the taxi from Langkawi`s airport to The Datai Hotel?

Thank you in advance.

Taxi from the airport to The Datai Hotel

regio,

You can book the taxi on arrival, just go to the desk by the airport terminal exit.

Prices ...... 2 people costs 50/60RM one way to the Datai. Takes about 40 mins.

Taxi from the airport to The Datai Hotel

Thank you very much for your answer:-)

I can`t wait to be in Langkawi...

regio,

Make sure you get a voucher from the taxi desk to give to the driver.

Hi Regio

I seem to remember the hotel pick you up in one of their cars.

try emailing them

Regards

Doug

Ken,

Your right, they do pick you up. Problem is they charge 120RM each way. Double the cab fare !

Regio, book a taxi on arrival, you%26#39;ll wait minutes, like the length of time it takes to get your luggage in the car, so much cheaper, and not any slower tham a hotel minibus/limo.

Alcohol in Pangkor Laut

Hi

I am staying at Pangkor Laut for 10 nights from July 10th as part of my honeymoon. I have read many of the reviews and noted that drinks are expensive. Some people have suggested bringing in some of their own alcohol. There seems to be some restrictions on carrying it in from England, therefore, i would appreciate some advice on where to obtain it from on my arrival? Is there space in the fridge to keep it?

Thanks for your help, we are getting very excited!!!!!

Alcohol in Pangkor Laut

Buy what you want at KLIA, when you get to Pangkor empty the minibar and put your own drinks in. Malaysia is expensive for alcohol. Apart from Langkawi which is duty free.

4.40 Litre Bottle of Shmirnov

5.00 Litre '; Famous Grouse.

24 cans of Carlsberg/Tiger 5.00 GBP

Bring a couple of bottles with you (spirit or wine) cheaper in UK than Malaysia.

From Puduraya to Agora Hotel?

Need some advice on getting to Agora Hotel from Puduraya bus terminal. We are a group of 8 pax (7 adults %26amp; 1 child) and we%26#39;ll be boarding Transtar coach departing SIN on May 25 at 2330 hrs. What mode of transpo do you recommend? How far is it and approx much will it cost us?

Many thanks!

From Puduraya to Agora Hotel?

Hi,

Agora is on Jalan Bukit Bintang. Puduraya bus terminal in on Jalan Pudu. Taxi and walking would take around 15 minutes as the traffic flow requires some big round for cars.

You can request Transtar to drop you off but if you have lots of luggage, they may not want to open the luggage door as it is another 5 minutes ride to terminal.

The nearest drop off to Jalan Bukit Bintang is the bus stop before or near Swiss Garden Hotel. Just tell the driver once arriving KL or on board that you want to stop near Bukit Bintang. You can see Jalan Pudu bypasses Jalan Bukit Bintang where your bus will also bypass. Walking from the bus stop before Swiss Garden to Agora Hotel is around 5 minutes.

http://www.agorahotel.net/location.html

From Puduraya to Agora Hotel?

That info will be surely be very helpful to us. Thanks Alexmcca!

By the way, walking from the bus stop before Swiss Garden to Agora Hotel is around 5 minutes. - do we have any other way for this, like cab (if it%26#39;s advisable)? Because I don%26#39;t think it will be a good idea walking with our kinda huge luggages. lol. :)

At Puduraya you can take 2 cabs(4 passengers/cab) to Agora hotel(about 2km) about US 5/cab

Cabs at Puduraya generally operate on a ';Negotiated'; basis, that means they generally refuse to use the meter. You will arrive like 4-5am in the morning and it will be still on midnight surcharge.

Bargain hard, if you find the price acceptable then take their service.

Can%26#39;t advise you on a fair price. I probably won%26#39;t pay more than RM10 per cab but that%26#39;s me.

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Vacation to Aryani Terengganu during Monsoon

Hi there... need some tips..

I am planning for a vacation to Aryani Resort Terengganu on the December and just realized that it falls on Monsson season. Is it fine to be there during the Monsoon or does the Monsoon season impact the resort in any ways. I%26#39;m quiet worried about that.

Well i guess it won%26#39;t be so bad since the resort is loacted at the coastal and not in island.

For travellers who was at Aryani during the Monsoon season, plz do spare your experience...

Thanxx ya...

Santhi

Vacation to Aryani Terengganu during Monsoon

Hi Santhi, though I have stayed in Aryani, but not during the monsoon season. However, I have been to the East Coast during the month of December, and frankly, unless you wish to spend your time in the room, monsoon in East Coast is really monsoon-where there were days, we had a whole day spoiler- heavy downpour in the late evenings, and when we woke up in the morning, it was still raining.

The ocean waves is also very choppy and high tides.

Then unless, some of 9MP projects are for better irrigation and drainage in these states, low lying areas were also flooded.

On one visit, whilst on the way to KT, we stopped in Kijal for lunch, and it was drizzling, overcast, and very high winds. When we approached KT, just after the floating mosque, sun came out, then few minutes later, droplets of rain returned.

We did not even have an opportunity to stroll along the beach or even take a dip in the pool.

Having said so, I still visit the East Coast during the monsoon, as now there is the monsoon cup where Tanjung Jara at Kuala Dungun does play host to the participants and sponsors in meeting their accommodation needs, and despite the strong winds and choppy seas, just sitting in the public lounge or your room, absorbed in some reading materials, can be rather relaxing.

Tip-if you are a light sleeper, bring some ear plugs, to silence the heavy rain against the roof top .

So it was Tanjung Jara Resort during the monsoon, and whislt we enjoyed seeing them battling in the choppy seas, we also enjoyed the Spa(which Aryani also has), playing chess or some board games, having afternoon naps, waking up for tea, then spa, and listening to the rain drops- a totally different experience.

If you are driving on the East Coast Highway, and if it is raining, be careful with your speed-prone to hydroplanning.

Pelangi beach resort

This is for Francois GM of Pelangi Beach.

We have read some unsavoury reports about the state of the resort. One guy says that he visited it in February and was appalled with the resort and the service. Is this true? We are now unsure about going to Pelangi.

Pelangi beach resort

Belquis

I know you are asking Francois to address this, but I wanted to comment too. I spent 5 days at the Pelangi in a pool view room and loved it. As I understand it some rooms have not been refurbished (some standard rooms?). This might make the difference whether people speak positively or not about their rooms. I loved our room and the resort - the gardens are stunning and the staff are unfailingly friendly and courteous. Service in my experience was great. I can%26#39;t understand why someone would have written so negatively about it. Some people have expectations and standards that are unreasonable and impossible to meet. This is their problem, not the Pelangi%26#39;s. Go with the majority of reports, not the occasional negative one.

Pelangi beach resort

Agree totally with Bayes. The resort is stunning and so peaceful. Try it. We stayed in Oct 05 but made a special day trip from our holiday in Penang in Oct 06 to see Pelangi again and both wished we had stayed there again.

Dear Belquis,

We are surely not perfect bu twe try to please and exceed allour guests expectations, a difficult task but pleasurable one when we succeed :))

I would like to thanks Bayes and Ash86 for their kind comments, it is always wonderful to hear nice comments from our guests.

If you may need any clarification, please do let me know.

Sincerely

Francois

Hi

Isn%26#39;t it obvious what answer you will get when you are asking the question to the GM of the place :-)

I stayed there in March last year and I was happy with the service, facility, room etc. The only thing that I was not happy about was the beach but that has nothing to do with the resort :-)

Regards

Gard

gardkarlsen@hotmail.com

Dear B, go to Pelangi, the prat who complained , also complained a bout the fat not being cut from his meat, next time he should take his mum with him . The Pelangi is great and the service is 2nd to none, although we have never met Francois, I am sure he is up there with the rest of the staff in so much as you will not meet more friendly individuals. We have been twice and would not hesitate to go again .

Have a great time

Jamie and Suzanne

PS is it your first time to Asia?

You can%26#39;t please all the people all the time. I think Francois does his best to cater for the needs of his guests.

We are not talking about a budget hotel here, the Pelamgiis one of the top resorts on Langkawi. All the top end resorts have european management and they are well aware of expectations.

Should read .....

Pelangi is one of the top resorts on Langkawi.

Gard,

Maybe you are like some others and travelled to many places and expectations are very high, I know you roughed it in S. America, perhaps you thought Pelangi was to expensive in Asia after Thailand !

We stayed at the Pelangi 2 years ago %26amp; enjoyed it. We did think about staying at the Datai or Four Seasons but decided on the Pelangi because of it%26#39;s location %26amp; I was glad we did as we don%26#39;t like too isolated resorts %26amp; like to be within walking distance of restaurants.

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