What's the best way to spend 3 weeks in Southeast Asia in June?
Mar 19th, 2010, 10:50 AM
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What's the best way to spend 3 weeks in Southeast Asia in June?
I'm a female solo traveller planning a 3-week trip Southeast Asia during the first three weeks of June.
My original plan was to spend 8 days in Bali, fly to Singapore for three to four days, take the train to Kuala Lumpur and pick another destination in Malaysia to take a little side trip to, giving me about 8-9 days in KL and Malaysia. It seemed like a good idea to sway away from Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam because of the notorious monsoon season there at the time.
Any thoughts regarding this kind of itinerary, or suggestions for specific destinations? Should I consider replacing any of the points on the route with any other cities? I am interested in the culture/history as well as local arts and traditions, but hope to spend a few days on the beach relaxing, and meet as many people as possible. Quality over quantity, insider insights over getting smashed on the beach, that kind of thing.
I've gathered that the weather should be as hot as usual, but drier as the rainy season will have ended by then in that region. Or is it going to be so scorching hot that I should re-evaluate?
Any suggestions for any specific places to stay, or any local tours to embark on? In Bali, I've been pointed towards Ubud and the Gilis (maybe Lombok). Should I check out Langkawi in Malaysia?
Thank you very much!
My original plan was to spend 8 days in Bali, fly to Singapore for three to four days, take the train to Kuala Lumpur and pick another destination in Malaysia to take a little side trip to, giving me about 8-9 days in KL and Malaysia. It seemed like a good idea to sway away from Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam because of the notorious monsoon season there at the time.
Any thoughts regarding this kind of itinerary, or suggestions for specific destinations? Should I consider replacing any of the points on the route with any other cities? I am interested in the culture/history as well as local arts and traditions, but hope to spend a few days on the beach relaxing, and meet as many people as possible. Quality over quantity, insider insights over getting smashed on the beach, that kind of thing.
I've gathered that the weather should be as hot as usual, but drier as the rainy season will have ended by then in that region. Or is it going to be so scorching hot that I should re-evaluate?
Any suggestions for any specific places to stay, or any local tours to embark on? In Bali, I've been pointed towards Ubud and the Gilis (maybe Lombok). Should I check out Langkawi in Malaysia?
Thank you very much!
Mar 19th, 2010, 11:32 AM
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Take a look at one of the weather sites. www.weatherbase.com is the one I use. Note that there are several monsoon systems, so when it is monsoon on the Adaman sea side of Thailand, it's drier on the Gulf of Thailand side. And VN is so long and thin, that there are three distinct areas in terms of when the rains come: north, central and south. So there is no nice, neat general rule about when the monsoon season occurs in SE Asia.
Bali is lovely. Dividing your time between Ubud and a beach is a good idea. The Gilis get mixed reviews. I like Lombok for pretty, uncrowded beaches. Check out Qunci Villas. We loved it there.
Singapore has lots to do and three or four days is a good visit. Personally, I find KL a bit boring. I wouldn't add Langkawi to this itinerary, as it's just a beach resort area. You will have had some beach time already and unless this is just meant to be a beach vacation, I'd opt for a different destination. You might consider the historic Georgetown area of Penang. Click on my name and you'll see a list of my trip reports, including one to Penang.
Do you have plane tickets yet? If not, I'd consider a different approach. From Bali and maybe Lombok go to central Java to see Borobudor and Prambanam. You could finish up with time in Singapore.
Bali is lovely. Dividing your time between Ubud and a beach is a good idea. The Gilis get mixed reviews. I like Lombok for pretty, uncrowded beaches. Check out Qunci Villas. We loved it there.
Singapore has lots to do and three or four days is a good visit. Personally, I find KL a bit boring. I wouldn't add Langkawi to this itinerary, as it's just a beach resort area. You will have had some beach time already and unless this is just meant to be a beach vacation, I'd opt for a different destination. You might consider the historic Georgetown area of Penang. Click on my name and you'll see a list of my trip reports, including one to Penang.
Do you have plane tickets yet? If not, I'd consider a different approach. From Bali and maybe Lombok go to central Java to see Borobudor and Prambanam. You could finish up with time in Singapore.
Mar 19th, 2010, 12:59 PM
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Thanks so much for the reply! I haven't bought tickets yet so I will definitely consider the option of traveling to Java from Bali. Borobudor and Prambanam both look amazing. It looks like in order to go to either of the places I should find a way to get from Bali to Jogyakarta (probably best by plane - Garuda?) and then from Jogyakarta to Singapore (via Jakarta, with Garuda and Philippine/Singapore Air).
In terms of flights, traveling up to Singapore via Jogyakarta and Jakarta would add about 150-200 CAD/USD to my travel expenses so it's not too bad - but is it worth missing out on Malaysia altogether?
Is there anything I should consider when it comes to traveling as a single female in choosing Java over Malaysia, or are the areas pretty much the same in terms of safety/people's friendliness, etc?
In terms of flights, traveling up to Singapore via Jogyakarta and Jakarta would add about 150-200 CAD/USD to my travel expenses so it's not too bad - but is it worth missing out on Malaysia altogether?
Is there anything I should consider when it comes to traveling as a single female in choosing Java over Malaysia, or are the areas pretty much the same in terms of safety/people's friendliness, etc?
Mar 19th, 2010, 01:26 PM
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The weather will be perfect in Bali in June. I would say 5-6 days Ubud, 5-6 days beach, and then you have 10-14 days elsewhere. Thailand and Angkor Wat would be great to fill up the time, but AW will cost lots more becxcause of air carriers. Thailand, bangkok and Northern Thailand can be done cheaply through discount carriers like Air Asia. Singapore can be thrown in for abouy 3 days, but doesn't need any more time than that. i would pit together a draft itinerary and post it and we will give you our nearly worthless advice.
Mar 19th, 2010, 01:27 PM
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I've traveled lots of areas of Malaysia and have enjoyed it, but Malaysia has nothing to compare with Borobudor or Prambanam. All of these areas are safe and friendly for a lone woman traveler. Consider this your first trip to SE Asia, if you fall in love with it like many of us have, you'll be back for more.
Yes, you'll want to fly to Jogyakarta, Garuda is the best of the Indonesian airlines.
Where to go really depends on your interests. There is so much to see and do in SE Asia.
Yes, you'll want to fly to Jogyakarta, Garuda is the best of the Indonesian airlines.
Where to go really depends on your interests. There is so much to see and do in SE Asia.
Mar 19th, 2010, 01:52 PM
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My current itinerary
Day 1 - Day 9 Bali, late at night on day 9 KLM flight to Singapore.
Day 10 - Day 13 Singapore, on day 13 take a train to Kuala Lumpur.
Day 14 - 22 Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia (Penang, Georgetown)
Modified itinerary including Java:
Day 1 - Day 9 Balita
Dat 10 - Day 13 Jogyakarta area?
Day 14 - Day 17 Singapore?
Day 18 - Day 22 Kuala Lumpur?
Not sure if I should throw Thailand into the mix - maybe only Phuket? Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam seem like a good separate trip if I only get 3 weeks off at a time.
Day 1 - Day 9 Bali, late at night on day 9 KLM flight to Singapore.
Day 10 - Day 13 Singapore, on day 13 take a train to Kuala Lumpur.
Day 14 - 22 Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia (Penang, Georgetown)
Modified itinerary including Java:
Day 1 - Day 9 Balita
Dat 10 - Day 13 Jogyakarta area?
Day 14 - Day 17 Singapore?
Day 18 - Day 22 Kuala Lumpur?
Not sure if I should throw Thailand into the mix - maybe only Phuket? Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam seem like a good separate trip if I only get 3 weeks off at a time.
Mar 19th, 2010, 02:35 PM
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rhkkmk - how so? What's your experience with Jogyakarta?
I'm definitely drawn to the amazing Buddhist temples. I guess the only other thing holding me back (other than having to skip Malaysia) is the heavy history of natural disasters in the area. I guess the entire region is highly susceptible to earthquakes, so it's a bit of a gamble wherever you go in SE Asia...
I'm definitely drawn to the amazing Buddhist temples. I guess the only other thing holding me back (other than having to skip Malaysia) is the heavy history of natural disasters in the area. I guess the entire region is highly susceptible to earthquakes, so it's a bit of a gamble wherever you go in SE Asia...
Mar 19th, 2010, 03:49 PM
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If you choose Jogya, three days would be a minimum for me. There is more than just Borobudor and Prambaanam. You might take a day trip to the Dieng Plateau, spend some time wandering Jogya, shopping for crafts, maybe go to the Ramayana ballet performance.
Bob may not be the best person to advise you about Java since he hasn't been there and their trip to Georgetown, Penang is scheduled for later this year.
Really, it depends on what you are interested in.
In your second itinerary, what about substituting Georgetown for KL? It's really much more interesting.
Bob may not be the best person to advise you about Java since he hasn't been there and their trip to Georgetown, Penang is scheduled for later this year.
Really, it depends on what you are interested in.
In your second itinerary, what about substituting Georgetown for KL? It's really much more interesting.
Mar 19th, 2010, 07:06 PM
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Indonesia – Bali and Java – will be HOT. It’s always HOT. You just need to move slowly and take some midday time outs.
I think that Central Java has a lot to offer, but I would say for a solo traveler three to four days is about right. People are overwhelmingly kind and hospitable but they’re not big talkers and it’s not so easy to interact with other travelers in the area. I'd spend two days in the Borobudur area (it's good to visit more than once) and two days in the town of Yogya. Prambanan is accessible from Yogya.
Without knowing your budget it's difficult to recommend accommodations. Around Borobudur, the Amanjiwo is phenomenal (but also phenomenally expensive). The Manohara is also very near Borobudur, but is quite basic -- and cheap. The Losari Coffee Plantation is charming and in the middle price range, but is not as close to the monument.
In Yogya I like the Hyatt because it has spacious green grounds. Yogya's a hot, crowded, busy Asian city so it's nice to get some relief.
In Ubud, same situation -- many, many choices depending on your budget. For a solo you might want to stay in Ubud proper. The resorts in the surrounding countryside are lovely, but very quiet. The exception to that would be the Alam Sari as they're very helpful in organizing activities.
In Ubud I'd look at the Uma Ubud and the Komen resorts.
I haven't been to the Qunci in Lombok but it's well liked. For the beach in Bali I like the Legian in Seminyak. Also, the Sofitel is a lively and social place.
Garuda is best for Bali Denpasar. To get to Singapore you can fly non-stop from Solo (Surakarta) on Singapore or SilkAir certain days of the week. Solo is about an hour’s drive from Yogyakarta and equidistant from Borobudur.
I know you said the early June but if you have some flexibility you might consider joining this group. They are very, very good and I believe they would be flexible if you’d want to pick and choose from their itinerary.
http://www.danutours.com/bali_backroads01.htm
I'm not that enamoured of Malaysia, but if I had to choose, I’d agree that Penang is more interesting than KL. You could get there from Singapore by bus or train. I haven't been to Langkawi, but you might want to consider it for the beach portion.
I think that Central Java has a lot to offer, but I would say for a solo traveler three to four days is about right. People are overwhelmingly kind and hospitable but they’re not big talkers and it’s not so easy to interact with other travelers in the area. I'd spend two days in the Borobudur area (it's good to visit more than once) and two days in the town of Yogya. Prambanan is accessible from Yogya.
Without knowing your budget it's difficult to recommend accommodations. Around Borobudur, the Amanjiwo is phenomenal (but also phenomenally expensive). The Manohara is also very near Borobudur, but is quite basic -- and cheap. The Losari Coffee Plantation is charming and in the middle price range, but is not as close to the monument.
In Yogya I like the Hyatt because it has spacious green grounds. Yogya's a hot, crowded, busy Asian city so it's nice to get some relief.
In Ubud, same situation -- many, many choices depending on your budget. For a solo you might want to stay in Ubud proper. The resorts in the surrounding countryside are lovely, but very quiet. The exception to that would be the Alam Sari as they're very helpful in organizing activities.
In Ubud I'd look at the Uma Ubud and the Komen resorts.
I haven't been to the Qunci in Lombok but it's well liked. For the beach in Bali I like the Legian in Seminyak. Also, the Sofitel is a lively and social place.
Garuda is best for Bali Denpasar. To get to Singapore you can fly non-stop from Solo (Surakarta) on Singapore or SilkAir certain days of the week. Solo is about an hour’s drive from Yogyakarta and equidistant from Borobudur.
I know you said the early June but if you have some flexibility you might consider joining this group. They are very, very good and I believe they would be flexible if you’d want to pick and choose from their itinerary.
http://www.danutours.com/bali_backroads01.htm
I'm not that enamoured of Malaysia, but if I had to choose, I’d agree that Penang is more interesting than KL. You could get there from Singapore by bus or train. I haven't been to Langkawi, but you might want to consider it for the beach portion.
Mar 19th, 2010, 11:41 PM
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I guess the problem with picking something that I'm interested in is that it's hard to tell what exactly the Malaysian experience will be like in comparison to the obviously mindblowing temples near Yogyakarta. I think that I would definitely want to check out Bali, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, so I think I'll have to essentially choose between Yogya and Penang for the extra days that I'll have left over.
Hmm, decisions, decisions
Hmm, decisions, decisions
Mar 20th, 2010, 12:03 AM
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Curious to know what about KL appeals to you? If you want to add another Asian city, I'd lean toward Bangkok.
Also, I mixed up Penang and Malacca in my earlier post. Malacca is easily accessible from Singapore by ground transportation and is a good location for history and Peranakan (Chinese/Malay) culture. Penang is reachable by train but it's much farther.
Penang and Yogya are so different that it's hard to draw comparisons. Borobudur is in a category by itself.
Also, I mixed up Penang and Malacca in my earlier post. Malacca is easily accessible from Singapore by ground transportation and is a good location for history and Peranakan (Chinese/Malay) culture. Penang is reachable by train but it's much farther.
Penang and Yogya are so different that it's hard to draw comparisons. Borobudur is in a category by itself.
Mar 20th, 2010, 11:18 AM
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Thank you all for the advice - it's been very helpful.
I think I am indeed going to go ahead and alter my trip to check out Yogyakarta and the fabulous temples. Should I be worried about Garuda?
Day 1 - Day 9 (Tue-Wed) Bali
Dat 10 - Day 13 (Thu - Sun) Jogyakarta area?
Day 14 - Day 17/18 (Mon - Thu/Fri) Singapore
Day 18/19 - Day 22 (Fri/Sat - Tue ) Kuala Lumpur
What would be the best way to get from Yogyakarta to Kuala Lumpur? I'm thinking that it might be an excellent idea to switch KL and Singapore around and fly back home from Singapore. That would be a smooth transition and also allow me to enjoy Singapore on a weekend as opposed to mid-week.
The reason I am interested in KL? A friend from Thailand has been hyping it up for me as his favorite city in the region so I am curious to see where he is coming from. Besides, that would be the only real big city on this journey other than Singapore, so I'd be curious to experience it.
So close!
I think I am indeed going to go ahead and alter my trip to check out Yogyakarta and the fabulous temples. Should I be worried about Garuda?
Day 1 - Day 9 (Tue-Wed) Bali
Dat 10 - Day 13 (Thu - Sun) Jogyakarta area?
Day 14 - Day 17/18 (Mon - Thu/Fri) Singapore
Day 18/19 - Day 22 (Fri/Sat - Tue ) Kuala Lumpur
What would be the best way to get from Yogyakarta to Kuala Lumpur? I'm thinking that it might be an excellent idea to switch KL and Singapore around and fly back home from Singapore. That would be a smooth transition and also allow me to enjoy Singapore on a weekend as opposed to mid-week.
The reason I am interested in KL? A friend from Thailand has been hyping it up for me as his favorite city in the region so I am curious to see where he is coming from. Besides, that would be the only real big city on this journey other than Singapore, so I'd be curious to experience it.
So close!
Mar 20th, 2010, 01:30 PM
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Getting from Jogyakarta to KL is very easy. Air Asia has a non-stop flight from Jogya to KL. They also have a non-stop from Solo to KL, but flying out of Jogya will be more convenient. Air Asia tickets are cheap. Do opt for the pre-selected seats and extra baggage allowance if you need it. And remember no refunds, no changes on Air Asia.
I'm fascinated that your Thai friend considers KL his favorite city in the region. I'm afraid most of us consider it the most boring city in the region. But it will be your first exposure to a large Asian city, and I'm sure you'll find things to like about it. I've heard people say they find it not as overwhelming as other Asian cities. I've been to KL a number of times, and the one thing I always do is to shop at the Central Market for hand-made textiles from the surrounding countries.
I'm sure you'll have a wonderful trip. I think you'll be wowed by Borobudor and Prambanam.
I'm fascinated that your Thai friend considers KL his favorite city in the region. I'm afraid most of us consider it the most boring city in the region. But it will be your first exposure to a large Asian city, and I'm sure you'll find things to like about it. I've heard people say they find it not as overwhelming as other Asian cities. I've been to KL a number of times, and the one thing I always do is to shop at the Central Market for hand-made textiles from the surrounding countries.
I'm sure you'll have a wonderful trip. I think you'll be wowed by Borobudor and Prambanam.
Mar 20th, 2010, 02:14 PM
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Final itinerary:
Day 1 - Day 9/10 (Tue-Wed) Bali
Dat 10/11 - Day 14 (Thu - Mon) Jogyakarta
Day 15 (morning) - Day 18 (Mon - Fri) Kuala Lumpur
Day 18 - Day 22 (Fri - Tue ) Singapore
All flights booked except for Denpasar to Jogyakarta. Is Garuda really the best way to go?
Also have to figure out the best train to take from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore...
Any suggestions?
Day 1 - Day 9/10 (Tue-Wed) Bali
Dat 10/11 - Day 14 (Thu - Mon) Jogyakarta
Day 15 (morning) - Day 18 (Mon - Fri) Kuala Lumpur
Day 18 - Day 22 (Fri - Tue ) Singapore
All flights booked except for Denpasar to Jogyakarta. Is Garuda really the best way to go?
Also have to figure out the best train to take from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore...
Any suggestions?
Mar 20th, 2010, 03:21 PM
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Within Indonesia you have to fly Indonesian carriers, among which Garuda is the best choice because it has the best management, funding and the most routes.
Most of the time Garuda is fine. My major complaint is that when there are delays -- which of course there are on any airline -- information is hard to come by. Otherwise I wouldn't worry about it. Indonesia is a huge country, and thousands of people fly every day.
Most of the time Garuda is fine. My major complaint is that when there are delays -- which of course there are on any airline -- information is hard to come by. Otherwise I wouldn't worry about it. Indonesia is a huge country, and thousands of people fly every day.
