Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Ilsanman]

That's the trip we're planning later this year. We hope to do a few days somewhere nice in Thailand, then take a bus or train to Kuala Lumpur, then to Singapore, before eventually heading back to Kimchi land.

My wife is convinced that it's not safe. Would flying from Bangkok be a better option? I guess many people on this board have travelled to these countries so I wonder.

[soviet_man]

Air Asia (www.airasia.com) fly BKK-SIN for about US $60-70 including taxes (say 2000-2500 baht or about 90,000 won).

Sure beats a 48 hour train trip, unless "the wife" really likes slow, old school style trains (I doubt it).

The main expense will be accommodation prices in Singapore, which are higher than most people here would think. Usually far cheaper to stay across the border in either Johor Bahru (Malaysia side) or Bintan (Indonesia side) where you can get a 5 star place for the same price as a 2 star place in Singapore.

[Ilsanman]

Old ass trains. Got it.

We'd only be staying in Singapore for 2 days or so, more like 7 days in Thailand and 2 in Malaysia.

Ok, we'll fly.

[Xuanzang]

Air Asia and Bangkok Airways are pretty reasonably priced and safe. Just flew with them myself.

[Ilsanman]

I am guessing to get to Bintan, you'd have to boat it and to get to Johor Bahru, you'd taxi or bus it.

Is it a pretty quick, hassle-free border crossing?

[lsrupert]

If you're asking about the safety in each of these countries, I would say don't worry. I am a single female teacher, and have travelled to each of these countries with other single females. Never did we feel threatened or even worried for our safety. I would say watch your valuables, but that should be a given. I have only visited Bangkok in Thailand. The only thing that I would say there is to trust NO ONE. If you have your maps and have done your homework, you should be ok. Nearly every person that we met in Bangkok was out to get our money. They would all ask where we were going, and did come across as kind. When they heard our answer, no matter what we said, we were ALWAYS told, " Oh, that place is not open until later. My cousin (brother, uncle, sister..) has a shop that is just like that. Let me get a tuktuk for you and you should go there!" No, no, no, no, no! Just jump on the train and go on your own. You destination WILL be open. They are just sending you someplace where they get a commision. Take the boats on the river. They are fun, you see a lot of beautiful scenery, and it gets you to different parts of the city quickly! Don't try to buy a ticket at the dock. Just get on the boat. A person will come around and take your money once you board. It's very cheap! If you are there for the weekend, Do NOT miss the Chatuchak market. It's enormous, and you get great deals!!! I would go back just for that! Just be ready to haggle.
Singapore is more expensive, but it's beautiful. There is a lot to see, and most everyone there speaks English, beautifully. I recommend going to Sentosa Island. Not only is it absolutely gorgeous, but you will also be able to say that you went to the southernmost point in Continental Asia. I also enjoyed visiting Little India. The food was amazing, and if you are at all interested in buying saris, this is the place! I bought several, not to wear, but just for the beautiful fabric.

I only took a day trip into Malaysia. We visited a palm plantation, a beautiful nursery, and a fishing village there. It was interesting, to say the least. You would see people living in shacks, and assume that they were very poor. The guide would inform you though, that they were in fact very wealthy. They just spent their money on cars, rather than homes. I would assume that what was said before is true. Staying in Malaysia would most likely be less expensive.
Hope you have a great time!

[chris_J2]

A recommended itinerary for Bkk > Singapore (I've done this trip several times)

Bangkok > Hua Hin
Hua Hin by train > Surat Thani
Surat Thani > Chaweng (Ko Samui) (a fleet of busses met my train at 7 am. Just get on the one marked Ko Samui (in English). You can buy a train / bus / ferry combo ticket, from Songserm Travel)
Ko Samui > Hatyai (avoid the south east corner of Thailand, where it borders Malaysia. That area IS dangerous)
Hatyai > Penang (don't hang around in Hatyai any longer than you have to)
Penang > Ipoh (for the 2 cave temples)
Ipoh > Cameron Highlands (Tana Rata)
Cameron Highlands > KL
KL > Melaka
Melaka > Singapore

If you have more time, you could add Krabi on the west coast of Thailand. Make sure you book air conditioned train carriages. It's bloody hot in Malaysia. But perfectly safe.

[bangbayed]

I found Malaysia to be much safer than Thailand. They're like a mellower version of Indonesia. Don't recommend KL much though, unless you like shopping in big malls. Penang, Melaka and the Cameron Highlands were definite don't-misses.

[Ilsanman]

We've now ruled out Bangkok. We'll probably fly into Singapore and then go to Bali from there. We may or may not cross the border into Malaysia.

Thanks everyone for your help.

[chris_J2]

There's nothing much at Johor Bharu in Malaysia

A more interesting trip is the hydrofoil to Batam & Bintan Islands (http://www.pelangihotel.com/Location.htm), to see the stilt villages.

http://www.pelangihotel.com/Location.htm

Or Pulau Ubin near Singapore, which is much closer:

http://www.wordtravels.com/Travelguide/Countries/Singapore/Map

http://www.wildsingapore.com/ubin/index.html

The 3 Gili Islands off Lombok are great, but avoid spending any time in Bangsal Port. And carry your own bags to the boat, & your own water, for washing off sand from your ankles, or they'll try to charge you.

[tefain]

[bangbayed]

Speaking of Batam, an Indonesian island just south of Singapore, it's way cheaper to fly out of there to Bali or elsewhere in Indonesia than it is to fly directly out of Singapore. Most locals take the ferry to Batam and fly out of there to go to Indonesia. You can find cheap domestic flights with www.airasia.com.

[DCJames]

Exchange ALOT of won, you WILL need to because the value of the won is absolutely WORTHLESS around southeast asia.