[bijuks]

Originally Posted by gadadhar

We all loved the trip. Kids will enjoy Singapore for Universal and Santosa.

Thank you for sharing the photos. Nostalgic about the lone KL trip done long back in 2005.

[gadadhar]

Originally Posted by StarVegabond

Hi gadhadhar

Good travelogue. I liked all the pictures, but the one i liked most was your son sporting a snake garland. indeed he is very brave.

Thanks. For me also that is the favorite snap.

Originally Posted by ampere

Nice Travelogue!

Your son is going the MX6 way !
Love for snakes?

Ampere, I didn't knew MX6 is in to Snakes... Will ask him to provide some tips for my boy!

Originally Posted by arindamray

Note to mods: Creating separate post to demarcate photos from different location.


We took a bike, grabbed a map and toured the island. It is only 20 km in diameter.
We crossed other vehicles occasionaly on the road with green foilage both the side

Rest of the time in KL was spent in visiting malls and trying different cuisines - thai, spanish, lebanese. Not been to Genting or Batu Caves.

Thanks for sharing your snaps, they look wonderful, next time in Langkwai I want to hire a cab and go driving around the island.

Originally Posted by MX6

I loved the view up from menara kl more than the ones from up the petronas. Why do people only clamber up the sky bridge?

@gadhadhar. Your son has so many fans in singapore already. check out photo 0509!

MX6 - It should be the hype created around Petronas and the movies.

I didn't notice the Singapore fans for Deva earlier!!! Seems they were chearing for him

Originally Posted by ashthedivx

Most-probably I'll be planning the same trip as of yours, Can you share the tour operator no. and approx cost per person over PM.

Will for sure ping-in future as well

Thanks for the tip !!

Will mail you all the deatils, feel free to get in touch for any details

Originally Posted by bijuks

Thank you for sharing the photos. Nostalgic about the lone KL trip done long back in 2005.

Would love to see some snaps from your trip Biju, please post them.

[ashthedivx]

Thanks again mate !!

[gadadhar]

Posting the Itenerary here, hope it will be useful for those who are planning for a trip

================================================== =========

Itenerary :
Package Cost for 1 Adults : Rs. 57,500/- net
Package Cost for 1 Child without Bed : Rs. 49,500 /- net
Total Package Cost for 2 Adults + 1 Child : Rs.1,64,500 /- net
This includes you cable car also.
17th April – BLR- Chennai
18th April Chennai – KL – Langkawi
20th April – Langkawi- KL
21st April – KL- Singapore
24th April – Singapore – Mumbai
25th April – Mumbai – Blr
Trip To Malaysia, Langkawi & Singapore
Duration 6Nights/7Days
Places Covered Bangalore –Langkawi – Kl - Singapore - Bangalore
No. of People 2 Adults + 1 child
No. of Rooms 1 room on triple sharing basis

Destination Hotels Provided
Kuala Lampur Berjaya Times Square
Langkawi Berjaya Beach Resort
Singapore Park Royal on Kitchener Road
Transportation Seat in Coach
Validity of Quote Till 31 Mar 2010
Tour Travel Period 17 Apr 2010

Day 01: Arrival Malaysia (KL) - Langkawi
Arrive to KL Domestic airport to board your flight to Langkawi. Langkawi is the archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea and these islands are a part of Malaysia's Kedah state. The name Langkawi is believed to be related to the kingdom of Langkasuka, meaning 'the land of all one's wishes'. The sandy beaches, sunny skies, lush jungle and craggy mountain peaks attract the tourists from all over. On reaching Langkawi airport meet our tour guide and transfer to the beach resort; rest of the day is at leisure. And over night stay at Langkawi.
Day 02: Langkawi
Morning after breakfast, drive out for the island tour of Langkawi. Visit the Dataran Lang, Kuah Town, mahsuri tomb, Langkawi coral, craft cultural complex, rice museum, temurun waterfalls, etc. Later on return back to the hotel for an overnight stay. Cable car also included.
Day 03: Langkawi – KUL
Morning after breakfast, transfer to airport for your flight to KL. On arrival at KL you will be transferred the hotel later proceed for the city tour of KL. Visit the Petronas Twin Tower photo Stop - the tallest buildings in the world, central market, dataran merdeka square, KL railway station, lake gardens - the city's most popular and scenic park, parliament house, national planetarium, masjid jamek, national library, national mosque, china town, Thean Hou Temple - one of the largest chinese temples, etc. Late in the return back to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 04: KL - Singapore Half a day City Tour & Night Safari
Morning after breakfast you will be transferred from KL to Singapore by AC Bus Coach. On arrival in Singapore, you will be met by our representative and transferred to the hotel. Later our tour guide will pick you up from the hotel for half a day Singapore city tour; enjoy a panoramic tour of the city’s famous landmarks. In evening transfer for night safari. Overnight in Singapore.
Day 05: Jurong Bird Park & Sentosa Island Tour
After having breakfast, Transfer for jurong bird park and in afternoon leave for the tour of Sentosa island to enjoy a slice of paradise. Visit well known Sentosa attractions such as Underwater World, Dolphin Lagoon, the Merlion and end your day with Musical Fountain - a wonder full lighting & laser show. Places like underwater world and dolphin lagoon are unparalleled. Return to Singapore city after the tour. Later transfer to the hotel and overnight stay at Singapore.
Day 06: Singapore Universal studio
Morning after breakfast transfer for universal studio and enjoy the studio whole day. Overnight in Singapore.
Day 07: Singapore Departure
Morning after breakfast at hotel, rest of the day on your own you can go for shopping. Late evening you will be escorted to the Singapore International airport to board your flight to your onward journey with happy memories
Package Inclusions
• Bangalore - KL & Singapore - Bangalore to & fro Airfare with taxes
• Bus Coach Ac or Sleeper Class Train tickets from KL - Singapore
• 2 Nights accommodation with breakfast at Berjaya Resorts in Langkawi
• 1 Night accommodation with breakfast at Berjaya Times Square in Kualalumpur
• 3 Nights accommodation with breakfast at Park Royal on Kitchener Road in Singapore
• Langkawi tour with Cable car, KL City Tour & Batu Caves
• Half Day City Tour in Singapore
• Singapore Night Safari
• Jurong Bird Park
• Universal studio pass
• Sentosa Island : underwater world + dolphin show (subject to availability) + song of the sea
• Round way airport transfers
• Meet & Greet Services by English speaking Coach Captain
• All Guide Charges & Taxes
• Malaysia & Singapore VISA & Insurance Charges
Package Exclusions
• Breakfast on the arrival day + Lunch & Dinner
• Supplement Charges at hotels on Christmas and New Year’s Eve
• Permits for cameras and videos at sights
• Tips, beverages, mineral water, laundry & any personal expenses, etc
• Any items not shown in the package includes

[harjeev]

Wonderful travelogue Bobby
I too have been to Langkawi long back (Feb 2005) though I din't stay there as I was there just for a day.
Our cruise ship (Star Cruises) docked there for a day. Wonderful place and its like a small little country within itself. Since that time I have been dying to visit that place. Seeing the pictures in your travelogue has just given me a refresher course and the inclination to visit this place again, especially the picture with the large eagle monument in the background.
Here's a picture that I took on my trip
please don't mind the crappy quality of the pictures as these pictures were taken by my ancient (2002) Sony Cybershot DSC-P9

[gadadhar]

Originally Posted by harjeev

Wonderful travelogue Bobby
I too have been to Langkawi long back (Feb 2005) though I din't stay there as I was there just for a day.
Our cruise ship (Star Cruises) docked there for a day. Wonderful place and its like a small little country within itself. Since that time I have been dying to visit that place. Seeing the pictures in your travelogue has just given me a refresher course and the inclination to visit this place again, especially the picture with the large eagle monument in the background.
Here's a picture that I took on my trip
please don't mind the crappy quality of the pictures as these pictures were taken by my ancient (2002) Sony Cybershot DSC-P9

Thanks Harjeev, I am also hooked to this place and plan to go again..With Air Asia services from India it should not burn the pockets mutch next time

[MX6]

It was on the costlier side Gadhadhar. Next time do take the air-asia stuff. You will definitely do the same circuit at half the cost. Plus you have the liberty of chosing your own itinerary and timings!

[gadadhar]

Originally Posted by MX6

It was on the costlier side Gadhadhar. Next time do take the air-asia stuff. You will definitely do the same circuit at half the cost. Plus you have the liberty of chosing your own itinerary and timings!

That's right MX6, since I didn't have other company and as going with family, wanted to make sure there are no hassles. Next time will fly AA to Langkawi and hire a self driven car and will explore the island

[harjeev]

After reading your thread I straight away went to the AirAsia (AA) website and found out the following

Approx Costs
These costs are indicative for my family
3 Adults, 1 Child (M-4 yrs) & 1 Infant

DEL-KL-DEL (US$ 795)
AA considers children above 2 years as adults and charges accordingly
KL-Langkawi-KL (US$ 230)

This comes to US$ 1025 which at the current exchange rate translates to 48175
Then the hotel stay in Langkawi
Numerous hotel 3 star to 4 star ranging from 3k per night to 6k per night.
(my gosh how cheap hotels are outside India)
so even if one were to take a hotel in the middle figure 4.5k for 5 nights(maybe 4 in Lanngkawi & 1 in KL). This comes to 22.5k
Visa's, Taxi, hotell transferrers, etc etc add another 10k, I think.

I think that 80k for an international 5 night vacation is not bad.


So I definitely know where I am headed for this year's vacation.


@Bobby
how much did you spend out of pocket for expenses like lunch and dinner???
Just a ball park figure will help me plan.
thanks buddy

[ASHISHPALLOD]

Originally Posted by harjeev

I think that 80k for an international 5 night vacation is not bad.

we had done 5 night malaysia trip for just rs 24k all inclusive without food recently in feb 10.[ ref my travelogue: 15 rajababues in malaysia.

we will again go to malaysia in july. return ticket mum-kl-mum for just 7.2k.

check AA site again tomorrow, they have some promotions opening tomorrow.


EDIT;

@mx6,

we had done it from bmt to bmt all inclusive with all taxes, sightseeing fee, visa, singapore one day everything.
in case of harjeev, the fig will be much more than 80k after all expenses.

@ harjeev,

as in case of mumbai, delhi will also get one day promotional offer for rs 1 charge for delhi-kl flight. please check AA site exactly on the day or next day when delhi-kl air asia flight resume in the coming month.

[MX6]

@AP. You did in 24K with 15 rajababus. Harjeev is talking of 80K for a family of 4. That's still 4K cheaper when considered per head.
@Harjeev. You can even try renting out a vehicle for those 4 - 5 days. It would work cheaper than paying for hotel transfers, local taxis etc. Plus, you'll completely enjoy the drive as well.

[gadadhar]

@harjeev - Food price in KL and Langakawi I felt is the same as in India, you can have a good meal for the family from 300 to 1500 INR without drinks (you will find all ranges of hotels here). I feel INR 600 per meal for family is safe for your budgeting.

Don’t miss on the suggestion from MX6 on hiring cars, you can get them at Langakawi airport. I think it costs you around 1000 INR per day (please verify this since I not very sure, but remember it as cheaper than in India) and fuel is very cheap here. Roads are terrific with hardly any traffic and driving around will give you the flexibility of exploring the island at your will

[Newpunter]

Nice pics. I visited KL and Langkawi last year in 2009. I fell in love with Langkawi. It had everything. Mountains, great beaches, rain forests, waterfalls, great views. We stayed there for 3 days and didn't feel like leaving. We hired a 2 wheeler and with a map at hand, we tried to cover everything that was on the map ( and managed to do most of it ). It was very peaceful, the beaches were very clean and there were no crowds. The roads were very good and well maintained. On one occassion, we were on our way to the north of the island when it started raining very heavily ( you have to see to believe the rains in Malaysia ) and we were in the midst of a forest, so we backtracked to the nearest village and saw fallen trees across the road on the way. When the rain subsided around 5-10 min later and we started again , the road was already cleared off all the trees . That was really very efficient.
We stayed at a hotel called Bellavista in Kuah and it was very good and cheap. I planned the entire tour by myself without any travel agents.
Also, in order to explore different modes of transport, we took the train from KL to Kuala Setar, then boarded a speed boat to Langkawi ( you have to really try this ) and returned by flight to KL directly.
Will try to post some pics later.

[harjeev]

Originally Posted by ASHISHPALLOD

we had done 5 night malaysia trip for just rs 24k all inclusive without food recently in feb 10.[ ref my travelogue: 15 rajababues in malaysia.

we will again go to malaysia in july. return ticket mum-kl-mum for just 7.2k.

check AA site again tomorrow, they have some promotions opening tomorrow.


EDIT;

@mx6,

we had done it from bmt to bmt all inclusive with all taxes, sightseeing fee, visa, singapore one day everything.
in case of harjeev, the fig will be much more than 80k after all expenses.

@ harjeev,

as in case of mumbai, delhi will also get one day promotional offer for rs 1 charge for delhi-kl flight. please check AA site exactly on the day or next day when delhi-kl air asia flight resume in the coming month.

@Ashishpallod
Thanks for the tip buddy
I will go through your travelogue tonight

Also thanks for the tip on the AA website. I will start checking the site from tomorrow and I think that they are starting operations from Delhi from August this year and I plan to go in Sep. Suits me quite well
Also if I divide the cost of 77k (approx) by 3 and the ticket for the child is being charged as actual my cost too is working out to be 24.6k per head.
Also you have also said that your cost of 24k was without food. Anyways will be getting in touch with you all when I start planning my trip.
Cheers

Originally Posted by MX6

@Harjeev. You can even try renting out a vehicle for those 4 - 5 days. It would work cheaper than paying for hotel transfers, local taxis etc. Plus, you'll completely enjoy the drive as well.

Thats a really nice suggestion. I would do just that and agree that its one of the best options too.
Is an International Drivers license necessary for renting a vehicle in Langkawi???

Originally Posted by gadadhar

@harjeev - Food price in KL and Langakawi I felt is the same as in India, you can have a good meal for the family from 300 to 1500 INR without drinks (you will find all ranges of hotels here). I feel INR 600 per meal for family is safe for your budgeting.

I had exactly this in mind. infact whenever I go on a vaccation I budget 2-4k per day for all out of pocket expenses. like food, sightseeing, hiring bikes, and other small small expenses. So I think about 3k a day give or take a couple of 100 buck should be perfect for all out of pocket expenses.
Right???

Don’t miss on the suggestion from MX6 on hiring cars, you can get them at Langakawi airport. I think it costs you around 1000 INR per day (please verify this since I not very sure, but remember it as cheaper than in India) and fuel is very cheap here. Roads are terrific with hardly any traffic and driving around will give you the flexibility of exploring the island at your will

Will do just that buddy. Thanks for the tip.

Originally Posted by Newpunter

I planned the entire tour by myself without any travel agents.
Also, in order to explore different modes of transport, we took the train from KL to Kuala Setar, then boarded a speed boat to Langkawi ( you have to really try this ) and returned by flight to KL directly.
Will try to post some pics later.

thats a great tip buddy.
Can you share some more info on the train and the ferry ride from KL to Langkawi. Also would it be advisable to be this adventurous with a small child 4 years and 1 infant 5 months old??
I too am the adventurous kind but would not like the start of the vaccation to turn into the worst day by being stranded with small children in a foreign country.
But still love the idea of the train and ferry ride.
Cheers

[gadadhar]

@Harjeev - 3K per day unless there are expensive entry tickets to some attractions. I did not track the entry ticket costs since they were part of my package. I feel you need to check for the Cable Car and Under water world in Langakawi. Items like Mangrove tour, fish/eagle feeding etc can cost you around 15K if you are not in a group.

This information is as told by myguide. You can hire a car from the airport through proper channels if you have an ILD. There are local agents who hire private cars without ILD and at a lesser cost, but they are not legal to be used as a rented car. If stopped by police you can end up paying around INR 1000 as fine. FYI. I never saw a single uniformed officer in the island other than in airport.