Is there a train that goes between these two places and if so how long is the ride. It seems that its close enough so that flying is not necessary but then again how are the fares for flying? Any ideas? Thanks!

There are plenty of cheap flights... Air Asia, Jetstar Asia, I'm sure there are others. As I remember, the train takes all day.

Thank Kathie.

We booked a cruise SIN-SIN with stops in Brunei, HCM city, Nha Trang, Cambodia and two stops in Thailand but its a ways off, Feb. 2016. We took advantage of a special offer by Princess which included paid gratuities and some OBC. We picked this cruise as it appealed to us though its a ways off.

I will figure out a pre or post cruise stay in KL, probably post.

Cheers, Larry.

Enjoy your cruise.

Are you aware that Brunei has recently decided to impose Sharia law - on everyone, Muslim and non-Muslim, residents and visitors - as of next year? I expect that will reduce tourism and I wonder if Princess will still stop there.

No I was not aware of this. If this somehow poses a danger or a hassle to tourists then cancellation is a good possibility. If so they usually substitute another port. We will have to see how this plays out. Thanks for this info. I will follow this development.

Larry.

Let us know. I will be interested to see how they manage this. While this poses no danger, the hassle factor is unknown.

Hopefully, they will substitute a port in Malaysian Borneo.

I was thinking (hoping) for Bali.

BTW do you know if cruise passengers touring VN need a visa?

I've flown from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur but after doing some research, I think it would be as fast and probably cheaper and more comfortable to take a VIP bus. I will do that next time.

Got a link to that? Thanks!

http://www.busonlineticket.com

The ride from Singapore to KL takes 5-6 hours. An executive or VIP bus would cost 30-50$.

Yes, if you plan to get off the cruise ship, you must have a VN visa. Indeed, given the ports you posted, you will need a multi-entry visa. You'll have to get it at your closest embassy or consulate. There are pre-arranged visas, but they are only good for entry by air.

I have such fond memories of a Malaysian Air flight between KL and Singapore that I can't give up on the idea. I was told there were no more economy seats on the flight. I asked how much more for First and was told $20. So we bought the First class tickets (total cost was not much more than $100 pp). When we got on the plane, it was a brand new 777 (so you can tell how long ago this was) configured for international flights. The FA sprinted down the aisle to lift our carry-ons into the overhead bin. On our one hour flight, we were served a hot duck entree and several glasses of Dom Perignon.

Thank you. Depending on the time it may be better to fly.

Cheers, Larry.

Wow Kathie! Those are days gone by, sadly.

Looks like we will have to get VN visas but we have plenty of time for that. As there are two stops in VN the it's good to know about the multi-entry visa.

Cheers, Larry.

Yes, those days are gone...

Have a great trip!

Info on the train: http://www.seat61.com/Malaysia.htm

Although I have to say that the long distance buses in Malaysia are pretty good.

I've taken the train from S'pore to KL. We left Singapore about 9 or 10 pm, and arrived in KL around 6 the next morning. The sleeper cars were very comfortable with a private bath. The only thing I didn't like was going thru Malaysian immigration. You have to get off the train, walk through the customs building, then get back on. In my case, I had just fallen asleep!

When we left KL, we took a bus to Penang. Very comfortable buses and excellent roads. I am not a bus fan, but this one was pleasant. They served a tasty lunch, stopped for a while at a rest stop halfway and showed a movie while traveling.

Thank you. A train is a good possibility as well.

Thanks Kathie. It's a long way off but it's something to look f/w too and besides that I have a friend in KL so I'm thinking to fly ORD-SIN-KUL-ORD. It am be best to go from the ship to KL for a few days, then home. .

like mcb said, the bus takes about 6 hours. nice ride. i saw a special for 20sd a few months ago.