Flying into Singapore to begin blank slate 2 month trip
Mar 26th, 2010, 02:47 PM
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Flying into Singapore to begin blank slate 2 month trip
Well, I've got to start asking questions about SE Asia coming up at end of year. Came on here a few weeks back and just got mightily distracted reading all the great writing and repartee here on the Asia board. Death on the Ganges, Gpanda's recuperation, and the Boston GTG are just too interesting.
Husband and I are 60ish - not quite sure how THAT happened - and have taken to two-month trips in Jan/Feb to escape gray DC winters (sure turned out to be a good decision this year!). We've been doing a lot of Costa Rica, Panama, and Mexico in years past. H really loved the little he saw of Asia 20 years ago - Singapore, Bali, Jakarta - oh yeah and Vietnam 30 years ago under less than ideal circumstances.
So we're using some miles and flying to Singapore at end of December. Plan on coming back March 1. In between is a big blank slate. H wants to show me Sing, Bali etc. and both of us want to see Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos. . . etc. etc. etc. Realize distances involved, but we do have a fair amount of time. .. .
We like nature (esp birds/hiking), good food, markets, art/culture. Plan to hunker down STARTING NOW and read threads BESIDES the ones mentioned earlier for ideas - but
am definitely open to any suggestions anyone is willing to send my way.
Thanks. . .
Husband and I are 60ish - not quite sure how THAT happened - and have taken to two-month trips in Jan/Feb to escape gray DC winters (sure turned out to be a good decision this year!). We've been doing a lot of Costa Rica, Panama, and Mexico in years past. H really loved the little he saw of Asia 20 years ago - Singapore, Bali, Jakarta - oh yeah and Vietnam 30 years ago under less than ideal circumstances.
So we're using some miles and flying to Singapore at end of December. Plan on coming back March 1. In between is a big blank slate. H wants to show me Sing, Bali etc. and both of us want to see Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos. . . etc. etc. etc. Realize distances involved, but we do have a fair amount of time. .. .
We like nature (esp birds/hiking), good food, markets, art/culture. Plan to hunker down STARTING NOW and read threads BESIDES the ones mentioned earlier for ideas - but
am definitely open to any suggestions anyone is willing to send my way.
Thanks. . .
Mar 26th, 2010, 03:19 PM
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What a wonderful luxury to have two month to explore SE Asia!
Here are some ideas. I know I'm giving you way more than you can cover even in two months, but you can save the things that look interesting that you can't get to for next year.
From Singapore, you might want to head to Bali first. It's a great way to begin this trip. You'll want at least a week in Bali, perhaps divided between the beach and inland (Ubud area). If you want some more of Indonesia with an entirely different culture, hop over to central Java to visit Borobudor and Prambanam for a few days.
When you say "We like nature (esp birds/hiking)" I immediately think of Borneo. Click on my name and you'll see all of my trip reports. Our trip to Borneo was simply amazing. We talk about returning, but we have so many places on our yet to be visited list, we're delaying our return. If you decide to go to Borneo, fly from Bali or Java to Singapore and then on to Kota Kinabalu.
From Kota Kinabalu you can fly back to SIngapore and on to your next destination or, you can fly Air Asia (very inexpensive) to Kuala Lumpur then on to your next stop. If it were me (and it's not), I'd probably go from the wilds of Borneo to Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Air Asia has a flight from KL. Do some reading ahead of time. Dawn Rooney's book, Angkor: A Guide to Cambodia's Wonderous Temples is a great way to prepare. It will help you figure out how much time to spend there. We spent a week and would have loved to have had even more time. It takes a full three days just to see the major temples. Also, consider this: www.theplf.org a wonderful organization started by a Fodorite.
From Cambodia (decide if there are other stops you want to make), I'd head to Laos. Luang Prabang, of course, is the must-see, but consider Vientiane and perhaps the Plain of Jars, depending on your interests.
From there, head to Vietnam. Generally, it makes the most sense to do either a north to south route or a south to north route, depending on the convenience of the air connections from your last location. At a minimum, VN will require 2 weeks unless you plan to just visit one or two locations.
I note that you didn't mention Thailand, which has a lot to offer. Bangkok is my favorite city in the world and I never tire of it (I've been there 20 some times as a part of other SE Asia trips). You might consider flying into Singapore and out of Bangkok, depending on your frequent flier tickets.
A picture is worth a thousand words. Let me invite you, then, to peruse a few million words. www.marlandc.com This has photos of most of our SE Asia trips and a few others as well. May it inspire you!
Here are some ideas. I know I'm giving you way more than you can cover even in two months, but you can save the things that look interesting that you can't get to for next year.
From Singapore, you might want to head to Bali first. It's a great way to begin this trip. You'll want at least a week in Bali, perhaps divided between the beach and inland (Ubud area). If you want some more of Indonesia with an entirely different culture, hop over to central Java to visit Borobudor and Prambanam for a few days.
When you say "We like nature (esp birds/hiking)" I immediately think of Borneo. Click on my name and you'll see all of my trip reports. Our trip to Borneo was simply amazing. We talk about returning, but we have so many places on our yet to be visited list, we're delaying our return. If you decide to go to Borneo, fly from Bali or Java to Singapore and then on to Kota Kinabalu.
From Kota Kinabalu you can fly back to SIngapore and on to your next destination or, you can fly Air Asia (very inexpensive) to Kuala Lumpur then on to your next stop. If it were me (and it's not), I'd probably go from the wilds of Borneo to Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Air Asia has a flight from KL. Do some reading ahead of time. Dawn Rooney's book, Angkor: A Guide to Cambodia's Wonderous Temples is a great way to prepare. It will help you figure out how much time to spend there. We spent a week and would have loved to have had even more time. It takes a full three days just to see the major temples. Also, consider this: www.theplf.org a wonderful organization started by a Fodorite.
From Cambodia (decide if there are other stops you want to make), I'd head to Laos. Luang Prabang, of course, is the must-see, but consider Vientiane and perhaps the Plain of Jars, depending on your interests.
From there, head to Vietnam. Generally, it makes the most sense to do either a north to south route or a south to north route, depending on the convenience of the air connections from your last location. At a minimum, VN will require 2 weeks unless you plan to just visit one or two locations.
I note that you didn't mention Thailand, which has a lot to offer. Bangkok is my favorite city in the world and I never tire of it (I've been there 20 some times as a part of other SE Asia trips). You might consider flying into Singapore and out of Bangkok, depending on your frequent flier tickets.
A picture is worth a thousand words. Let me invite you, then, to peruse a few million words. www.marlandc.com This has photos of most of our SE Asia trips and a few others as well. May it inspire you!
Mar 26th, 2010, 03:29 PM
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For nature - birds/hiking, Malaysia is probably your best choice. If you are willing to (really) rough it, northern Laos would be a great place to hike and experience the local tribal cultures. Northern Vietnam is another option for hiking/tribal cultures but with better tourist infrastructure and hence more tourists.
For food, I'd pick Bangkok - markets, too.
For the most unique culture in SE Asia, Bali - also some art.
For history, the Vietnamese version anyway - Hanoi, Vietnam - also great food and some art.
You shouldn't miss Siem Reap, Cambodia and Angkor Wat.
Luang Prabang, Laos is a unique small city - worth spending some time there.
Do a tour with "Tong" to the "secret" fishing village on the Gulf of Thailand and feed the monkeys.
Myanmar (Burma) - unique and fascinating country with many of the attributes you require - NOT TO BE MISSED.
Note of disclosure: I have not been to Malaysia yet nor have I been hiking in northern Laos. I have however researched both areas in depth and am planning a trip to Malaysia next year.
For food, I'd pick Bangkok - markets, too.
For the most unique culture in SE Asia, Bali - also some art.
For history, the Vietnamese version anyway - Hanoi, Vietnam - also great food and some art.
You shouldn't miss Siem Reap, Cambodia and Angkor Wat.
Luang Prabang, Laos is a unique small city - worth spending some time there.
Do a tour with "Tong" to the "secret" fishing village on the Gulf of Thailand and feed the monkeys.
Myanmar (Burma) - unique and fascinating country with many of the attributes you require - NOT TO BE MISSED.
Note of disclosure: I have not been to Malaysia yet nor have I been hiking in northern Laos. I have however researched both areas in depth and am planning a trip to Malaysia next year.
Mar 26th, 2010, 03:32 PM
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No surprise that Kathie and I are proposing similar itineraries simultaneously. It seems we have been following each other's footsteps for the past 10 years. Our photos are at:
http://craigandjeane.smugmug.com/Travel
http://craigandjeane.smugmug.com/Travel
Mar 26th, 2010, 04:39 PM
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these are both very good first ideas from two veterans...
i too would suggest that you allow some thailand into your trip as it is such a good place to work from as it lies smack in the middle of SEA..
kathie's suggestion of bali is an excellent one...it is unique to the area and the world... a week would be perfect....
singapore is a city state with very little to offer other than good food, shopping and a few sites, plus streets that sparkle with tidiness and organization... 2-3 days would do it for most people...
i have spent 60 days in SEA in the past....it literally flies by....i think the key to your success will be to pick and choose carefully and not to try to do too much.....remember its very hot and humid there most of the time ...
i too would suggest that you allow some thailand into your trip as it is such a good place to work from as it lies smack in the middle of SEA..
kathie's suggestion of bali is an excellent one...it is unique to the area and the world... a week would be perfect....
singapore is a city state with very little to offer other than good food, shopping and a few sites, plus streets that sparkle with tidiness and organization... 2-3 days would do it for most people...
i have spent 60 days in SEA in the past....it literally flies by....i think the key to your success will be to pick and choose carefully and not to try to do too much.....remember its very hot and humid there most of the time ...
Mar 26th, 2010, 05:44 PM
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Bali has the knack of making us 60ishers feel as we did in THE 60's. It's full of boomers doing yoga, trekking, spa-ing and remembering what the magical mystery tour was all about. Before you swoon from all the patchouli, I also like the chic and svelte side of Bali -- beautiful villas, beautiful restaurants, moonlight on the sea.
As for Jakarta, not a recommended destination in itself, but I'm sure it would be a sentimental journey for your husband -- as we hope it will be for President Obama.
Central Java -- Yogyakarta and Borobudur -- are worth the effort. I would also consider Sulawesi -- The Manado area for the phenomenal coral reefs and Tanah Toraja for profoundly beautiful scenery and fascinating culture. You can get to Tanah Toraja by flying from Bali/Denpasar to Makassar/Ujung Pandang. From there to Manado then from Manado back to Singapore.
My must sees would be Bali, Bangkok, Angkor. Singapore isn't the most interesting, but it makes a good travel base. I'm less enthusiastic about Vietnam but can understand the attraction of nostalgia. The other suggestions -- Laos, Borneo, Sulawesi, Java, Burma, Malaysia -- you just have to pick whatever place speaks to you. I can make a case for all of them! [Read Conrad's story Youth for inspiration.]
Bear in mind that Lunar New Year is February 3. This is a big holiday in Singapore, Vietnam and some of the other places as well. Also I would plan Bali at the end of your trip to get as far away from the Christmas high season as you can.
As for Jakarta, not a recommended destination in itself, but I'm sure it would be a sentimental journey for your husband -- as we hope it will be for President Obama.
Central Java -- Yogyakarta and Borobudur -- are worth the effort. I would also consider Sulawesi -- The Manado area for the phenomenal coral reefs and Tanah Toraja for profoundly beautiful scenery and fascinating culture. You can get to Tanah Toraja by flying from Bali/Denpasar to Makassar/Ujung Pandang. From there to Manado then from Manado back to Singapore.
My must sees would be Bali, Bangkok, Angkor. Singapore isn't the most interesting, but it makes a good travel base. I'm less enthusiastic about Vietnam but can understand the attraction of nostalgia. The other suggestions -- Laos, Borneo, Sulawesi, Java, Burma, Malaysia -- you just have to pick whatever place speaks to you. I can make a case for all of them! [Read Conrad's story Youth for inspiration.]
Bear in mind that Lunar New Year is February 3. This is a big holiday in Singapore, Vietnam and some of the other places as well. Also I would plan Bali at the end of your trip to get as far away from the Christmas high season as you can.
Mar 27th, 2010, 04:09 PM
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"Ya think January 7 or so is far enough out to miss "Christmas high season"?"
In Bali, maybe not. I was there this year January 3-9 and room rates and occupancy rates really hadn't dropped much from Christmas. Restaurants were packed. Lunar New Year will also be busy. I thought the global recession would eventually hit Bali, but so far, no.
In Bali, maybe not. I was there this year January 3-9 and room rates and occupancy rates really hadn't dropped much from Christmas. Restaurants were packed. Lunar New Year will also be busy. I thought the global recession would eventually hit Bali, but so far, no.
