[vineet_k21]

Happy journey Ashish and co! Have a great and safe trip. Anxiously awaiting your travelogue...the airfares you have got are just unbelievable. Have started dreaming of the same....pls. share the secrets/websites et al.

Adios.

[abbey4u]

Originally Posted by vineet_k21

Happy journey Ashish and co! Have a great and safe trip. Anxiously awaiting your travelogue...the airfares you have got are just unbelievable. Have started dreaming of the same....pls. share the secrets/websites et al.

Adios.

its airasia.com

They have started operation from some of the cities and are adding more to it.
Unfortunately they had an offer of 20% discount which ended on 21st feb. I too booked from the site on last day.

I would request all members not keep such info a secret since others deserved to benefited from the same. (offers are for limited period and there is no point in knowing it after elapsed time)

[ASHISHPALLOD]

Originally Posted by abbey4u

its airasia.com
I would request all members not keep such info a secret since others deserved to benefited from the same. (offers are for limited period and there is no point in knowing it after elapsed time)

Its always easy to give the advise based on info on net. I am not the person who give such info without any experience of the service that is to be advised.

I never flown by Air Asia before and neither known to quality of their service. So, unless and until i experience it, i will hesitate to advise such service for the sake of low cost.

please read my travelogue to know the facts.

[frankmehta]

Hi guys. IF you remember correctly, I had posted a thread 2 weeks ago on a query about a trip to Kashmir/Gangtok etc. But a family discussion suddenly converted this trip to an International one.

Long story cut short, I have my tickets booked (for my Parents, sister, my fiancee and me) for KL-MUMBAI-KL (leaving on 11th of April and flying back on 18th of April)

Someone please clear my tension and confusion about how to optimize this trip and try to fit in the BEST of all worlds into it. We go for a holiday every 3 years, so I also don't want it to be a WAKE UP-RUN-COME BACK-PACK-SLEEP-WAKE UP-RUN-UNPACK trip. Some amount of leisure, with shopping etc. should also be included for the ladies (and the 2 men of the family)
Our family is not too big a fan of amusement rides etc, but if there is something really AWESOME please suggest. We don't mind seeing stuff there which is uniquely present in that part of the world.


Here's 2 plans. You guys, modify/select/cancel/add the stuff you want.

1. Day 1: Landing at KL late night (sleep right away)
2. Day 2: Leave for SG. Reach afternoon. See little of the town, then Night Safari.
3. Day 3: Universal Studios/Sentosa Island/Singapore Zoo (dunno which one to select)
4. Day 4: Leisure/Shopping/City Tour
5. Day 5: Leave for Genting. Arrive afternoon. Roam there. Night there.
6. Day 6: Leave for KL in the afternoon. Roam. City tour etc. Shopping.
7. Day 7: Chill/Shop/Roam
8. Day 8: Morning Flight, back to India.


Plan 2:

1. Day 1: Landing at KL late night (sleep right away)
2. Day 2: Leave for SG. Reach afternoon. See little of the town, then Night Safari.
3. Day 3: Universal Studios
4. Day 4: Sentosa Island/Singapore Zoo (dunno which one to select)
5. Day 5: Leisure/Shopping/City Tour
6. Day 6: Leave for KL in the afternoon. Roam. City tour etc. Shopping.
7. Day 7: Chill/Shop/Roam
8. Day 8: Morning Flight, back to India.


Plan 3:

1. Day 1: Landing at KL late night (sleep right away)
2. Day 2: Leave for SG. Reach afternoon. See little of the town, then Night Safari.
3. Day 3: Universal Studios
4. Day 4: Sentosa Island/Singapore Zoo (dunno which one to select)
5. Day 5: Leisure/Shopping/City Tour
6. Day 6: Leave for Genting. Arrive afternoon. Roam there. Night there.
7. Day 7: Leave for KL in morning. Chill/Shop/Roam there.
8. Day 8: Morning Flight, back to India.


Questions:
1. How MISSABLE is Universal Studios?
2. Is the Singapore Zoo that awesome?? To spend almost half a day there? Will the night safari suffice?
3. Genting: Hit or a miss?? I know it's a good place, but less than 24 hours there. Is it worth it?? Should I miss it? If I do, I can fit in Sentosa/Universal Studios AND Zoo!
4. Kuala Lumpur: Is it worth 2 nights? (it might be, but considering this scenario and the beautiful Genting and Singapore in this equation, is it worth spending that one extra night there?)

Looking for good, concrete, decisive replies from you guys (as always)
Making the booking tomorrow :-)

[prasad14]

Originally Posted by frankmehta

Looking for good, concrete, decisive replies from you guys (as always)
Making the booking tomorrow :-)


@mods, kindly delete the first post

Plan-1, no no Plan-3, no no no Plan-2. Its confusing even when trying to help and I can imagine your plight.

I skipped zoo as I've seen enough animals in their natural habitat in the jungles of Karnataka (and then some in Mysore zoo). I was told that the zoo, might not be that attractive for Indians, who have access to these animals compared to people from some other countries. Same argument went for Night Safari also and people directed us to the Jurang Bird Park and we never regretted. If I were you, I wouldn't visit Zoo and night safari.

Its a tough choice between Universal and Sentosa. Both have their own charms and based on different ideas. Sentosa might be hot and humid now and you'd be out doors for most of the time - factor this in. But it has several attractions and a spectacular laser show in the evening. I recommend both.

Visit Genting only if you like all sorts of crazy roller coaster rides, gaming and gambling. Might be tough for your parents to roam around in the array of huge interconnected hotels and mind boggling amount of escalators to move around. If you go there, 24hrs should be good.

Not sure whether it was helpful and decisive. Anyway let me attempt to confuse you more - why not just stick to Singapore alone and spend your time more leisurely (OR for that matter Malaysia alone?). You would need two more days to do justice if you want to visit both.

Thanks,

Prasad

[prateekm]

Here's my suggestion. Doing Malaysia + Singapore would be a bit hectic. So how about spending all 7 days in Malaysia?

Day 1: Landing at KL late night (sleep right away)
Day 2: If you wake up early in the morning, you can have a daily pass (limited numbers available) to go up the Petronas Towers. After that, you can go to Genting. My suggestion is, don't skip Genting. Even if you aren't much into rides, you will still enjoy Genting. Enroute, you can visit Batu caves.
Day 3: Taman Negara. Taman Negara is a national park in Malaysia and is the most beautiful place in Malaysia. Also, to get to the national park, you need to take a 3 hour boat ride. For staying, Mutiara Taman Negara is a great place, but is quite expensive.
Day 4: Taman Negara.
Day 5: Shop, day for leisure in KL.
Day 6: Langkawi. Langkawi is a group of islands in north Malaysia, near the Thai border. If you aren't much into beaches, then you could skip this. You need to give at least 2 days if you want to include Langkawi.
Day 7: Langkawi.
Day 8: Morning Flight, back to India.

Now, if you aren't interested in visiting beaches (Langkawi) or national parks (Taman Negara), you can skip it. You will get 2 days and along with Day 7 which is free, you can add Singapore to your list in place of TN or Langkawi.
So, it could be modified as:

Day 5: Fly early morning to Singapore, visit the Zoo and night safari.
Day 6: Jurong Bird Park in the morning and then to Sentosa at noon.
Day 7: Universal Studio.

If you need suggestions for hotels, then check out Corus in KL (located near Petronas Towers), Mutiara Taman Negara in Taman Negara (5 star, is e-x-p-e-n-s-i-v-e) and Albert Court in Singapore. For shopping, there is a mall inside Petronas, so another benefit of staying at Corus. Another benefit, Mustafa is close to Albert Court. Also, it's close to Sim Lim Square if you are interested in gadgets

[sindabad.sailor]

IMO 7 days in Malaysia can render enough excitement for you to leave apart Singapore experience. Persoanally I prefer Malaysia over Singapore.

I have spent 7 nights each in Singapore and Malaysia recently and believe me I found Malay experience quite good.

Honestly i think you can skip Genting too. As said earlier there is a lot to walk and it has more theme park like fun. I was refused a few rides as my weight was over 68 Kg which was cut off. My wife was almost refused go carting being shorter than their limits. But she stood on my feet when the guy was watching from window hence managed to sneak in.

I would rather suggest you do a 2-3 nights Kuching trip. It would need another flight from KL but it is true rainforest experience. Very scenic and totally different experience. For more details check airasia.com and flireflyz.com.my they offer very promising deal.

You also may think of perhentian islands if you fan of sea and beaches. You need to check suitability of the season however. Another good thing is you can return to KL from perhentian using jungle section train which will add some exclusivity into your itinery. Refer seat61.com for further details.

In KL itself half day city tour is adequate.

If you are hell bent on Singapore my recommendation will be Jurong over Zoo and no harm if you skip night safari. I did not feel that night safari was worth the hype. Stick to Sentosa. The cable ride to Sentosa, Carlsburg tower etc are very good experiences.

Apologies I can't recommend an itinery as I don't know your flight timings .

I hope you have a wonderful and safe trip with long lasting memories.

Rgds.

[CRV2010]

@frankmehta

Day 2 : I would not suggest Night Safari, its a waste however it's one of experience to have. You can only see indian cows, dogs, deers in night safari.
I would suggest Singapore Flyer & Orchard Street as a alternative.

Day 3 : Go as early as possible and get a ticket to Universal Studios & in the evening you can goto Sentosa for Songs of the Sea.

You can skip Zoo but do not skip Sentosa & Universal Studios.

Please note Singapore Zoo is far from the Singapore CBD & you need to take bus all the way from Ang Mo Kio MRT Station to Zoo. It will take 1hr for you just to reach the zoo.

If you visit zoo in the morning i suggest you to skip night safari.

[Fauji]

I have not been to KL but these are the must to Dos and sees in SG. Have been couple of times and have roamed around quite a bit. The list is not in order of merit but not to be missed.

a) Santosa island - There are many things to do and see here and everything has a cost. The Heritage museaum and the experience of Singapore exploration, 3D theatre and underworld museaum are must. Singapore lion which you will anyway see while walking around. Rope ways, leaning tower etc are not worth it.

b) Singapore botanical garden - Fabulous. Just spend two hours here including a visit to Orchid museaum. The best in the world!! Excellent photo ops here in the garden.

c) China town - For the sheer energy and also for shopping for handicrafts, masks etc.

d) Little India - India come alive here. Can have some best South indian food. May make a customary visit to Mustafa. But i find it is overrated and make sense only if you want some cheap stuff.

e) The new Marina bay complex which house Casino. Haven't been to SG after this opened. Should be fabulous.

f) Esplanade theatre complex - The river front esplanade and the Durian - the state fruit of SG - styled auditorium is fabulous. If you are lucky and have time go for a concert/play. Memorable experience.

g) Clarke quay - If you love sea food. this is the place.

h) Singapore flyer - For the sheer experience and see beautiful sights of SG.

i) Singapore Zoo and Night safari - Kids just love this. For adults not a big deal.

j) Orchard street - The fashionable treet of SG. Dont get tempted to buy!! It is expensive out here.

k) Bugis market - This is the bargain market and go around to get some nick nacks if you like at affordable price. Good place to shop for cheap wrist watches, ladies bags and cloth etc. Also eat, Durian - something similar to Jack fruit - here

l) Love night life? Then head to OXford towers.

m) Slim Lim Mall for all your requirement of electronic goods.

n) Asian Museaum - Excellent museaum and very well organsied. If you love museums, just dont miss this.

o) Are you a collector of Antiques? Then head straight to Dempsey Hill which has best stores. Everytime i went to SG, spent couple of thousands here

p) Singapore is also a good place for walks if you have time. Walk around Singapore Cricket grounds to get good sights of Parliament house, Supreme court etc

q) If you are a Mall rat, then are there are many temptations. Atleast go to Raffles place to get satiated!!!

Since you dont have much time, this is what i sugest.

a) Go for a conducted tour for one day so that you wont miss anything.
b) Keep a day for yourself to explore city on your own. You can buy the dailiy pass in Metro and use it.
c) Keep a day for Santosa in the morning and Safari in the evening.
d) The best transport in SG is Metro. It is amazingly efficeint.
e) Also go for a boat cruise on Singapore river at Clarke Quay to see some fabulous sights.

Thus you really require a minimum of three full days in SG. You need energy to move around and need to wlak quite a bit. Singapore now will be hot and humid. Always carry water with you.

[ASHISHPALLOD]

@Frank,
in all three plans you put here, i find that you are landing at kl late night and leaving for sg in the morning/afternoon.
Don't go to the city hotel for this first night at kl as airport is almost 70 km away from klcc.
Take the airport hotel at klia, if you are landing at lcc of klia, take tune hotel which is just 5 min walking distnce from lcc.

You need to refine the plan.

[SS-Traveller]

Would suggest the following:
Day 1. Take a night bus to Singapore from KL soon after you land - there are plenty of very comfortable and luxurious buses running between KL & SG, and the ride takes about 5 hours. Do check and choose a bus that has entry permit into SG / choose a SG regd. bus, otherwise the bus drops you at the border and takes a U-turn back into MY, leaving you to take a cab (expensive in SG) to the city centre.

Day 2. Spend a full day at Sentosa Island - lots to see and do. Get a composite ticket which includes the return ferry / cable car ride plus entry to a majority of the sights on the island. Return to the city in the evening and spend time around Clark Quay / Orchard Road / Little India / shopping at Mustafa Centre (an experience in itself, can spend 2-3 hours easily there).

Day 3. Universal Studios in the morning, Jurong Bird Park in the early afternoon (say 12-3pm), SG Zoo & Night Safari (located next to each other) late afternoon (4-9pm). Catch a late night (11pm) bus to KL again, arriving early morning Day 4.

Day 4. Rent a car (Avis Malaysia Car Rental, Rent A Car and Leasing - costs @1100-1400 INR to rent a self-drive 5-seater sedan per day, plus fuel - which is much cheaper in MY) and drive from KL to Genting (if you love those roller coasters and the theme park atmosphere) or Penang (my choice) - spend a day or two on the beach.

Or spend the night of Day 4 in Genting and Day 5 in Penang.

Day 6. Return to KL in the morning, hand in the car, and, as you said, chill/shop/roam.

Day 7. KL sightseeing.

Day 8. Morning flight.

This way you spend 2 nights on a bus, but those buses are so comfortable, they're worth spending a night in!

[amtak]

I have spent a couple of days in KL and can speak about it. As covered already by a few friends, i suggest you also do some street shopping in KL. To me, the only places of interest were the Petronas Towers, and some thing at Petaling street (street shopping at night).

[LonelyPlanet]

Recommended Places in SG - Universal Studios, Jurong Bird Park, Orchard Street, Merlion/ Esplanade , China Town.
Recommended places in KL - Petronas twin tower, Aquarium, china town/ little india for bargains. Plan a trip to Langkawi if you can.

[sindabad.sailor]

BTW I forgot to ask in my reply how did you manage to get multiple entry malaysian tourist visa ?
I was informed that if one gets multiple entry tourist visa, minimum gap between consecutive entries should be 6 months. Is it true?

Rgds.

[ASHISHPALLOD]

Originally Posted by sindabad.sailor

BTW I forgot to ask in my reply how did you manage to get multiple entry malaysian tourist visa ?
I was informed that if one gets multiple entry tourist visa, minimum gap between consecutive entries should be 6 months. Is it true?

Rgds.

Afaik,
Malaysian tourist visa is multiple entry visa.
There is no rule as such of minimum gap of 6 months between consecutive entries.
Last year, we rajababues left KL in the morning @5am to sg and returned back to kl after 18 hours.
It means we re entered Malaysia within 18 hours and there was no problem.
If you read my Rajababu travelogue, i had mentioned the incidence about re entry and welcome by Malaysian immigration officer at 1 am early morning.

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/travel...ml#post1816992