sqskybed

We're planning a trip to Malaysia in december 2004. We don't know which hotel to choose: The Datai/Tanjung Rhu/Pangkor Laut Resort/Tanjong Jara. Does anybody has good/bad experiences with one of this hotels? I heard good things about the Tanjong Jara and they have attractive fares but in december there's monsoon. Is the monsoon really so horrible as they say??

And for K.L.: which to choose: Ritz Carlton, Mandarin Oriental or JW Mariott? I really like all, though I only stayed at the Mariott...

Please help because it's so hard to choose...

Cicerone

I am a big fan of the Tanjong Jara, but I would not go in December. The rains are pretty heavy, it can rain for days on end; but what is also bad is the waters are all churned up so the clarity for snorkelling and diving is not good. The rates are low because it is really the off season. I would save the east coast for another trip.

I also have to say I am not a fan of Langkawi. I know it has lots of fans, but I don't think the beaches or water clarity and color compare to a place like Phuket. It was a tin mining island for hundreds of years and it still shows, IMO. Just my two cents. If you have to choose one in Malaysia, I would choose Pankor Laut.

If this were my trip, I would do Christmas in Hong Kong as the weather is great and it is really a fun time to be there with all the skyscrapers lit up. I would then go on the Phuket. KL is the most boring city in SE Asia, IMO. I would pick Singapore or Bangkok over KL for Christmas is you don't want to go to Hong Kong.

lacontessa

Hi--we are also trying to decide what we will do. We are spending Christmas and New Year's in Maldives and will be stopping off in Singapore on our way home so were thinking of visiting Malaysia. The oriental express train trip would be ideal--but is outrageously expensive. So, are now looking at visiting Malacca and perhaps one of the other islands on the west coast(pangkor, langkawi). Would love to get suggestions for birdwatchers.

redstar

hi

the monsoon is 'horrible' only in the sense that you'd have to be indoors and the sea would be rough .. hence not advisable for diving/snorkelling ... in short it wouldnt be too much fun to be at a beach resort then

the ritz is a more business orientated hotel while the mandarin is more touristy ... both are relatively new and service is on general, good ... the mandarin is right next to the twin towers and posh new mall while ritz is nearer the 'old' shopping area where there's a good mix of places for bargains (sg wang, imbi) and designer stuff (lot 10, starhill). but they are both in the town centre (not far from each other really) and it's easy to get a cab to move around. fares are reasonable.

Guenmai

In Kuala Lumpur,I stayed at the Ritz Carlton...Club level...floors 17-20...and absolutely loved it...had a GREAT stay.I had a private driver who hangs around outside of the Ritz Carlton. He was great. I'll post his name and number later. The information is at home. Happy Travels!

Walter_Walltotti

For KL I'm a big fan of the Shangri La. Join their loyalty club which is free of charge for breakfasts and room upgrades. The hotel has arguably the best restaurant in town - Lafite.

DebDale

I can only comment on one point in your email. We have just returned from a week at The Datai - just first class - wonderful location - fantastic wild life in their own natural environment - great food. Could not fault it. However think you will be very lucky to get a booking at some of these resorts at Christmas time as they are very popular at that time of year.

Guenmai

I've done a separate post listing my private driver in KL...you can pull it up under"My private driver in Kuala Lumpur." Happy Travels!

hobbes

We did new years at Tanjong Rhu in 2002 and LOVED it. It is an amazing property. We did not leave the resort at all. I have also heard good things about the Datai and Pangkor Laut so is a tough call!

CRAIGdotWHITE

Mandarin Oriental -- regarded as the best in KL by the locals and expats who frequent KL. Location, comfort, location, service & location.

Langkawi:
Typically tropical, hot, sunny and humid with light showers - a beach holiday can be enjoyed at any time of year in this part of Malaysia.
More rain falls in September and October but even during the rainy season on the west coast it is still possible to enjoy a week's holiday with little more than the occasional short tropical downpour.

Kuala Lumpur:
Hot and humid throughout the year, the west of Malaysia can be enjoyed at any time. With a tropical climate, showers occur almost daily and downpours during the rainy season are not much worse than the rest of the year.

-Craig

PS -- come down to Sarawak or Sabah to see some real monsoon -- it is worse than they say.