Korean Job Discussion Forums

BoholDiver · Joined: 03 Oct 2009 Location: Canada

My family and I are heading back to Canada early next year. We want to take one last trip in Asia before we start touring the Caribbean. It might be a while before we come back here, if ever.

Since this may be our last trip, we want a really memorable trip, so I feel it's very important to choose the right place.

Here are our ideas so far. I'd like anyone's opinion. Please do not post something like 'It depends on what you want.' We want all of these trips, but can not do all of them.

1. Kuala Lumpur-----Langkawi.

2. Singapore-----Penang

3. Palau

4. Kuala Lumpur-----Bali

5. Bangkok----Koh Samui

6. Ho Chi Minh City-----Nah Trang

7. Cambodia----Thailand border. (This one is a long shot)

8. Guam (also a long shot)

9. Other: We may come up with another idea later.

Any insight would be appreciated.

Not interested: Philippines anywhere (been there twice) Phuket (been there recently) Pattaya (too sleazy) Hong Kong (not what we want) Hainan (not worthy of a final vacation)

Louis VI · Joined: 05 Jul 2010 Location: In my Kingdom

pandemic902 · Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Location: Dorim-dong, Seoul

Langkawi is beautiful, laid back, and affordable. Went there in 2008 and got round trip flights from KL thru AirAsia for $50USD. KL is overrated but Singapore is great for a couple of days.

Harpeau · Joined: 01 Feb 2003 Location: Coquitlam, BC

# 4. KL & Bali. Bali is such an amazing place!! It's one of our favorites! I highly recommend it. You might want to read the final chapter of "Eat, Pray, Love." It's about Bali.

My wife went to Singapore 5 times (on business) before she met me. She refuses to go back. I really want to go. Enjoy!

Missihippi · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Location: Gwangmyeong

OP, if you are going with your family, i would recommend renting a car in Kuala Lumpor and driving around the peninsuala. Lot's of sites, the roads are well maintained and you can even cross into Singapore easily (although parking there is expensive and a nightmare). You fly into KL and rent a car then drive up to Cameron Highlands, Georgtown, head to the east coast and the Perehetian Islands, drive down to Singapore and finish back in Kuala Lumpor. Really good trip which i did earlier this year. Lots to see and do.

BoholDiver · Joined: 03 Oct 2009 Location: Canada

Thanks to all who replied except for dip-poop Louis.

Missihippi, my wife was also very impressed with pictures of Perhentian Islands, but it's an inconvenient route. We're considering it for sure.

Any more replies would be appreciated.

hari seldon · Joined: 05 Dec 2004 Location: Incheon

Tioman used to sound appealing. Maybe it's losing its appeal. Could someone who's been there recently weigh in?
http://wikitravel.org/en/Pulau_Tioman

BoholDiver · Joined: 03 Oct 2009 Location: Canada

Looks really nice. I will add it to the list.

Summer Wine · Joined: 20 Mar 2005 Location: Next to a River

I would go with Palau.

They are not the most touristy place, but from what I have seen (not personally, though on film) Jelly fish lake looks incredible. (well compared to all the other places you mentioned)

http://www.fishnfins.com/Jelly%20Lake.html

Though this person says it best:

BoholDiver · Joined: 03 Oct 2009 Location: Canada

Thanks for the link. The only real problem with Palau is that we'd have to either

a) spend a heck of a lot. 600,000 plane tickets, 150,00+ hotels, food and services are expensive.

b) Go on one of those crappy tours. Given, this tour is not bad. There is very little time to spend with the group outside of meals. I just hate those tours. We may consider it regardless. Palau is actually my wife's #1 pick.

Summer Wine · Joined: 20 Mar 2005 Location: Next to a River

Yeah, cost kicks in every time.

Though I hate tours. Never take them (unless forced by the school, and even then I am kicking and screaming the whole way).

Yeah, its an expensive trip, though (maybe find out from the hotel if their are any special deals they could do for you), same for the airlines.

Especially if the Hotel has sold most of thier rooms through an agent (usually at a loss) They may accept a direct deal if it means no payout to the tour seller.

yeah I was surprised to learn that too, but most tour agents buy in advance at a major discount based on numbers and extra money on meals.

Its worth a shot, (There are usually chances based on popularity as to options).

BoholDiver · Joined: 03 Oct 2009 Location: Canada

There is very limited information on Palau on the net. The tour has mostly free time, and the price is right. Most of the food is Korean, which sucks. I am not a fan of K food.

The tour price is lower than the cost of just the airline ticket during low season. I wouldn't consider going any other way to that location, but any other location, I will not be going on a tour.

asylum seeker · Joined: 22 Jul 2007 Location: On your computer screen.

I think Phuket's a bit nicer than Koh Samui but I'm sure others will disagree.

BoholDiver · Joined: 03 Oct 2009 Location: Canada

I liked Phuket a lot, but I was there in March. I would go again if there was nowhere else I hadn't seen yet.

DrugstoreCowgirl · Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2010 10:22 pm Post subject:

I think I'd choose Palau if money isn't that big of an issue. It's probably the most expensive place to get to outside of the Asia/Oceana area. From the US it's over $2,000 rt, while going to Thailand/Malaysia etc would be much less than that.