To Malaysia... and beyond!

blunther

owains wrote: »

Thanks, this was really helpful. From my quick check, it looks as though it should be pretty easy to book any day trips at the park HQ when I arrive. I was just a little concerned that I would arrive and find everything was fully booked!

Perhaps you could just clarify one thing for me. Can you remember the name of the place you stayed in? Was it in the Mutiara Taman Negara resort or somewhere in Kuala Tahan village (across the river)?

Sorry mate, I can't remember the name - it was the opposite side of the river to the National Park itself though - the same side as the floating restaurants on the river, if that helps....

amictus

Moonchild wrote: »

The Mutiara is *so* tired and *so* overpriced you will probably feel ripped off (even though it is cheap). Stay across the river (can't remember where I stayed).

blunther wrote: »

Sorry mate, I can't remember the name - it was the opposite side of the river to the National Park itself though - the same side as the floating restaurants on the river, if that helps....

OK thanks guys. The Mutiara certainly is more expensive than the guest houses and resort accommodation in the village. There are a few fun looking places on the outskirts of the village, but it just means a bit of a trek to get access to the the park itself.

Moonchild wrote: »

Highlight for me (but I'm odd ) was an afternoon coming down the river in a big rubber tube. Basically they take a bunch of you up river by boat, then you just float down the river enjoying the sounds and sights of the jungle! Might sound boring but I loved it (and no boat noise!). They are waiting for you back at the village to pull you in a couple of hours later!

That sounds like fun to me!

totallybored

I don't want to hijack op's thread bit I have a question for all you helpful people.

I'll be in Singapore in April and have 3 spare days to go somewhere else. I was thinking of KL but friends have told me it's a bit dull. I'm now considering Bangkok or Hanoi. I can leave Singapore very early day 1 and return late day 3. I don't want a beach destination so any opinions or suggestions on where to go would be great.

Doshwaster

totallybored wrote: »

I don't want to hijack op's thread bit I have a question for all you helpful people.

I'll be in Singapore in April and have 3 spare days to go somewhere else. I was thinking of KL but friends have told me it's a bit dull. I'm now considering Bangkok or Hanoi. I can leave Singapore very early day 1 and return late day 3. I don't want a beach destination so any opinions or suggestions on where to go would be great.

Depends on what you want to do. Shopping, sight seeing or nightlife? KL has the advantage of being closer to but if you are looking to let your hair down after the restrictions of Singapore then Bangkok is the perfect party city. Three days is just about the ideal time to spend there - any longer and the constant noise, pollution and craziness will get to you and you will wish you were back in nice boring Singapore.

Never been to Hanoi but I'm told it's a fun place too.

totallybored

Doshwaster wrote: »

Depends on what you want to do. Shopping, sight seeing or nightlife? KL has the advantage of being closer to but if you are looking to let your hair down after the restrictions of Singapore then Bangkok is the perfect party city. Three days is just about the ideal time to spend there - any longer and the constant noise, pollution and craziness will get to you and you will wish you were back in nice boring Singapore.

Never been to Hanoi but I'm told it's a fun place too.

Well I do love to shop which is one of the reasons I was considering Bangkok. And I like nice hotels too. However, I'm thinking I should be a bit more adventurous and try somewhere less touristy hence Hanoi. Not too bothered about nightlife as this is an unexpected holiday so want to make the most of the few days I have and see a bit of the world I've never been to.

Doshwaster

totallybored wrote: »

Well I do love to shop which is one of the reasons I was considering Bangkok. And I like nice hotels too. However, I'm thinking I should be a bit more adventurous and try somewhere less touristy hence Hanoi. Not too bothered about nightlife as this is an unexpected holiday so want to make the most of the few days I have and see a bit of the world I've never been to.

If you want shopping and good hotels then both KL and BKK fit the bill. In KL you are looking at the KLCC/Golden triangle area http://www.kuala-lumpur.ws/klareas/golden.htm and in Bangkok, Sukhumvit Road which has a load of top end hotels and several huge shopping malls http://www.bangkok.com/sukhumvit/ though the best is MBK which is a collection of thousands of small stalls spread across 8 floors and a great foodcourt.

totallybored

Doshwaster wrote: »

If you want shopping and good hotels then both KL and BKK fit the bill. In KL you are looking at the KLCC/Golden triangle area http://www.kuala-lumpur.ws/klareas/golden.htm and in Bangkok, Sukhumvit Road which has a load of top end hotels and several huge shopping malls http://www.bangkok.com/sukhumvit/ though the best is MBK which is a collection of thousands of small stalls spread across 8 floors and a great foodcourt.

Think it will be Bangkok. Found what looks like very nice hotel and the shopping appeals. I'd love to go to Vietnam but not sure if I'd enjoy it as much

amictus

I've just had a quick look for accommodation for my time in Bangkok... but I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed by the choice! I'll be staying for 5 nights mainly exploring the city (one day trip to Ayutthaya planned) so I don't have any need to be immediately close to any particular area. I'd be looking to pay in the region of £50 per night.

Any advice on where to start? Even if it's just to narrow down the choice to a particular area of the city!

Can anyone else pass on any recommendations based on places they have stayed before?

totallybored wrote: »

Think it will be Bangkok. Found what looks like very nice hotel and the shopping appeals. I'd love to go to Vietnam but not sure if I'd enjoy it as much

Would you mind telling me where you have decided to stay and why?


Thanks!

Doshwaster

owains wrote: »

I've just had a quick look for accommodation for my time in Bangkok... but I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed by the choice! I'll be staying for 5 nights mainly exploring the city (one day trip to Ayutthaya planned) so I don't have any need to be immediately close to any particular area. I'd be looking to pay in the region of £50 per night.

Any advice on where to start? Even if it's just to narrow down the choice to a particular area of the city!

Can anyone else pass on any recommendations based on places they have stayed before?

As above, I would suggest the Sukhumvit Road Area http://www.bangkok.com/sukhumvit/ as it's pretty safe, close to a lot of the shopping and nightlife, there's a wide range of hotels at all price levels and it's right on the Sky Train network so getting around the city is easy.

In that area I have stopped in the Holiday Inn - though you may not be able to get it for £50/night. It was pretty good (though the other Holiday Inn on Silom Road is nicer) but I'm sure you can get better value nearby by avoiding the international chains.

totallybored

owains wrote: »

Would you mind telling me where you have decided to stay and why?


Thanks!

I've booked the Hansar Bangkok. It's about £90 a night but is 5 star and has only just opened and looks very nice. I do like nice hotels though and am very picky. Still haven't booked flights yet as am still considering alternatives.