Hi all--

My husband and I are considering taking a trip -- about two weeks in length -- to Singapore and Malaysia in mid-February. I've been doing a bunch of research for the trip, and am now completely overwhelmed by the variety of possible destinations and itineraries! I'd be most greatful for your advice.

Here's what we're interested in: we're foodies who like cities and urban life, nature, hiking, biking, visiting ruins and experiencing local culture. We're not beach people; I mean, we like beach-y places, as long as there's more to do than just sit around and drink. We don't dive or snorkel. I am particularly fond of monkeys and elephants.

At the time of the trip, we'll have completed about 9 months of our 2 year assignment with the US gov't in Afghanistan. We're restricted to living/eating/spending leisure time on the Embassy compound in Kabul; we're already suffering from some serious cabin fever and restaurant withdrawal! So we want to use our vacation to get in some city time (food, shopping, civilization), and some nature time (green places, animals, a chance to stretch our legs).

Thanks in advance for your help!

Oops, forgot to mention that we're young and fit, and are quite interested in doing some strenuous hiking/trekking/adventure activities. Cheers!

Oh, you are so right - you have so many choices!

A few thoughts: If you want adventure and wildlife you can't do better than Malaysian Borneo. The most protected of the refuges is the Danum Valley Conservation area. Our trip there was really incredible. WHile my trip report is a few years old, it will give you a sense of what the possibilities are.

http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...rip-report.cfm

You'll find wonderful food no matter where you go in Malaysia. But one of the places most known for its food, especially hawker food, is Penang. The Georgetown area of Penang is a fascinating historic area and the hawker food is just incredible. Here's another trip report:

http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...rip-report.cfm

Singapore itself has great food. It's rather expensive in comparison to most of the rest of SE Asia. There are lots of threads here about things to do and see in Singapore.

Personally, I find KL rather boring. You may want a brief visit, but I'd see other parts of the country.

Another thought re Sabah, How about climbing Mount Kinabalu? It is hard and I ended up with altitude sickness but thats the luck of the draw! Also its fairly cheap to fly to Borneo from KL and Singapore with Air Asia.

singapore is of course huge on the food front....i less like the malay food...

what about bangkok....tons of food and certainly its urban...the north of thailand has some hiking--look at chiang rai area...

Thanks to everyone for the input! Mind if I bother you with another question?


What would be your dream Malaysia/Singapore itinerary, money and logistics not withstanding?

I've visited quite a few places in Malaysia and I can't give you just one dream itinerary. It depends on what you are looking for.

For adventure, you can't beat Borneo. I'd fly to Singapore for a few days, then on to Kota Kinabalu. Stop for a day or two, pick up a few books at Borneo Books, then fly on to Lahad Datu to be picked up by the Borneo Rainforest Lodge. I'd stay there for three or four nights. You have a guide who walks with you everyday, usually three walks a day, so you'll have lots of opportunity to see wildlife.

The back to Kota Kinabalu. We visited Kinabalu Park and were very disappointed as we'd already been in the Danum Valley and had seen real conserved areas. In contrast, Kinabalu Park was very degraded. I suppose if you went there first you wouldn't have that contrast effect.

I'd then fly to Kuching. Sabah and Sarawak are quite different from each other. You can visit some of the parks from Kuching (which is a charming city in itself) or you can visit longhouses.

There are nice beaches in both Sabah and Sarawak if you'd like a few days at a beach.

Then you could fly back to Singapore for a few last days.