Jonas_Klittmark

Hi guys,

Wanted to see what you think about our honeymoon plans. Any constructive feedback is welcome! I would especially appreciate any specific recommendations for things to see, restaurants to go to, food to try etc. Also, if you think any of our destinations could be replaced with something better, be sure to let me know...

We are not independently wealthy in any way but for this trip we are okay splurging a bit. Here's the current plan.

Duration: 10 days
Flying in from: Shanghai (we live in San Francisco but are having an additional reception in Shanghai)
Flying back to: San Francisco

1st stop: Singapore, 3 days, staying at Shangri-La
2nd stop: Penang, 3 days, staying at Eastern & Oriental
3rd stop: Langkawi, 4 days, staying at the Four Seasons

Cheers
Jonas

Jonas_Klittmark

Forgot to mention the timeframe, sorry! We are leaving on May 27 this year and coming back 10 days later.

Kathie

I think it's a reasonable plan. I'm not fond of the Shangri-La, but many like it. For me, an important factor for a hotel in Singapore is being close to an MRT station, as it gives you mobilty to get to most places in Singapore quickly and efficiently. The Fairmont is an old favorite of mine.

We loved the E&O in Georgetown. Make sure you try some hawker food there (and also in Singapore).

Jonas_Klittmark

Cool, thanks! We will definitely go with the Fairmont instead since we intend to move around quite a bit.

Cheers
Jonas

Craig

The FS on Langkawi is gorgeous. We did not stay there but did take a walk around the common areas. Here is my photo of the beach:

http://craigandjeane.smugmug.com/Tra...x8Zpn&lb=1&s=A

travel2eat

Congratulations!!!!

You are not going to Kuala Lumpur?
It is only an hour (give or take) by land.

S'pore is like a huge mall inside a sauna!

I stayed in the Shangri-La in Shanghai and it was really nice. That little bionic train ride to cross the river was hilarious!

They even mailed my shoes back to the states!

The food is the best this side of the world but since you live in SF you have the best of both worlds.
Penang Laksa- KL Laksa!!!!! ;')

Kathie

Personally, I find Singapore much more interesting than KL. I think you've chosen well.

Smeagol

I too much prefer Singapore to KL. Loved Penang, hope to return one day.

Smeagol

In Singapore, go the Jumbo's at Dempesy Hill for black pepper crab my friend( who lives in SP and is Singaporean) said it's now the best place to get black pepper crab in SP ( book ahead) don't miss it!

StanKase

I differ with Kathie but not by much. We found that after 1.5 full days in Singapore going to Little India (1.5 hours), Chinatown (maybe for 45 minutes), the zoo is very interesting and the botanical gardens are lovely we had little left to do other than the river cruise that we chose not to take. But if we had 2 days in Singapore would be enough. Kl does not warrant more than 2 days either unless you go to the gorgeous Cameron Highlands where there are beatiful tea and flower plantations. because the trip is 5 hrs. RT we spent a full day and an overnight in one of the lovely hotels but the name escapes me. The city itself is boring and is only worth 1 8-10 hour day and that includes a visit to the Batu Caves 35 minutes out of town.
The Chinese restaurant in Raffles in Singapore though pricey is one of the best I ever eat at in 40+ years of travel. The NEW, 2 years old, casino in Singapore is a spectacle and even for the non-gambler it really is worth a visit at 10-11 at night.

galactus

In Singapore, for indian seafood cuisine - Samy's Curry in the Holland village. They serve some top-notch grilled/tandoori fish. If you are visiting chinatown in Singapore, hop into Da-Dong (Tai-Tong) for some nice chinese food.

cobbs1

Jonas - Congratulations on your nuptials. How are you getting from Penang to Langkawi? Also, at the FS, were you able to get one of their stay 4 nights for the price of 3 specials?

crellston

Sounds like a fantastic honeymoon. All three hotels you have chosen are really excellent. Do make sure they know in advance that it is your honeymoon and you will almost certainly get some special attention and maybe even an upgrade.

When we were last in Malaysia we got the ferry from Langkawi to Penang. Easily arranged and there are some great views along the way as you sail along the coast (although do check out the weather at that time of year). In Langkawi, The Datai, which is 20 mins by taxi from the FS has a fantastic open air Thai restaurant set on stilts in the rain forest canopy - great for a special meal (although the FS undoubtedly has some amazing restaurants.

As for the debate re Singapore v KL, I much prefer KL. Not that there is anything wrong with Singapore, I just find it a bit sterile for my tastes.