Planning holiday in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia

[RandomSand]

Hi folks,

My family are planning a holiday (vacation) lasting several months and I'm looking for advice on the following countries:

Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.

I have suggested flying into KUL or SIN and then then heading over to East Malaysia (Borneo) to experience the wildlife before hopping down to Jakarta for a tour through Java ending up on Bali for a flight onwards to Aus/NZ for the next leg on their holiday.

I wondered what any members here though about this region (Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia) and maybe you can share some tips and suggestions ?

Cheers.

[Lissos]

My guess is that folks are going to ask you to be far more specific in the advice sought.

I can give you more recommendations for things in Indonesia, but will wait to see what you're looking for.

[craigt3365]

Several months is a long time for a trip like that, unless you are really planning to go slow. In Borneo, are you talking about the places near Kuching? Easy flight from KL over there on AA.

For something really interesting, head up to Miri and do the Head Hunter Trail. Quite the trip. And the caves are very impressive in the national park.

I love Bali. Easy to spend several weeks in various spots around the islands. Maybe even head over to the Gili's?

[RandomSand]

Several months is a long time for a trip like that, unless you are really planning to go slow. In Borneo, are you talking about the places near Kuching? Easy flight from KL over there on AA.

For something really interesting, head up to Miri and do the Head Hunter Trail. Quite the trip. And the caves are very impressive in the national park.

I love Bali. Easy to spend several weeks in various spots around the islands. Maybe even head over to the Gili's?

Thanks for the "Borneo" suggestion. I think the schedule allows for a 3 to 4 week period starting in KL and ending in Bali.

Has anyone done treks & excursions in both Borneo-Malaysia AND Borneo-Indonesia (Kalimantan) ?

I see both countries are selling the "Borneo" experience.

[Lissos]

Just general advise then.

If so, if you like hiking then Indonesia is stunning in regard to its volcanos (Gunung Api) which are dormant or semi active. It has many, ones with straighforward and clear trails, and ones that would require bush whacking pioneering in cases where they haven't really been explored much. In a north to south direction, the ones I've hiked up and can recommend are : Sumatra - Sibayak, Sinabung and Marapi. Java - Sindoro, Merapi, and Mt. Penanjakan which overlooks Gunung's Bromo, Batok and Semeru. Lombok - Rinjani. Of those, Java's Sinabung has since been blowing itself apart since last year, so that's a no go right now. Given the proximity of Sibayak (very easy hike), best to check on air quality. If ok, Sibayak has superb thermal pools down on one side of it where locals go. It is bliss soaking in these pools after a hike, looking up at the steaming volcano.

Sumatra's Marapi is probably still ok to go up, best done at night ot arrive for sunrise. Java's Sindoro and Merapi are ones where conditions change all the time due to changing activity, so its best to get the latest info if you can. Most volcanos are best avoided in rainy season, due to the combination of rain and gases making it less safe to hike.

Aside from Sibayak (a short day walk), most of the volcanos are best experienced on night ascents leaving late at night and arriving just before sunrise. Absolutely spectacular colours all around. No camping required. Just have plenty of warm gear for the summits. Hiking aside, Sumatra has various forest experiences to try, and it is fascinating to go through coffee growing country around places like Takengon (east of Banda Aceh). Great food, friendly people, Indonesia is certainly worth a visit.

Below is a website dedicated to Volcano Hiking in Indonesia, with info ( not always current, but usually good enough).

www.gunungbagging.com/

[ExPratt]

If your kids are young have a few days on Sentosa island

Malaysia , KL, Malacca,Highlands , Penang , Langkawi

[Aussieroaming]

Look into Manado in Indonesia if you like diving. 3 hour flight from Singapore and I think it's a fantastic place and totally not tourist based. Once you get there accommodation, food and diving costs are very cheap and you can snorkel for days around the marine park. I was lucky enough to work there for a couple of years.

[phuketrichard]

Bali is great, taxi to Ubud an than rent a car, gas is cheap

Sumatra is really nice lake toba

Penang a great small walkable city

Cameron highlands is shit ( was there last year)

Genting is better

Singapore, yep stay on Sentosa if u have young kids, they'll love it, otherwise stay in town

[ExPratt]

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Bali is great, taxi to Ubud an than rent a car, gas is cheap

Sumatra is really nice lake toba

Penang a great small walkable city

Cameron highlands is shit ( was there last year)

Genting is better

Singapore, yep stay on Sentosa if u have young kids, they'll love it, otherwise stay in town

I think the Highlands are appreciated more by Malaysians or Farangs who live in Malaysia. After spending Months living in hot, grid-locked KL or Penang its a pleasant break having a few days in the Highlands. For a holiday Penang is much better on the weekend , they close a lot of Georgetown down to traffic on a Sunday and you can be free to walk about and admire the colonial style town, Traffic is awful during the week

Edited November 11, 2014 by ExPratt

[phuketrichard]

when was the last time u went up to Cameroon highlands?

the road is dirty, traffic is really bad

the hills have been covered with Strawberry plantations

everywhere full of Chinese tourists

Once--- never again

although the drive from there over to the east coast and Kota Bharu was fantastic.

[MrWorldwide]

I think everyone needs to see Jakarta once - having done so, I'm happy to leave it at that.

[ExPratt]

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when was the last time u went up to Cameroon highlands?

the road is dirty, traffic is really bad

the hills have been covered with Strawberry plantations

everywhere full of Chinese tourists

Once--- never again

although the drive from there over to the east coast and Kota Bharu was fantastic.

Not been for a few years , as I mentioned though its more for Malaysians on a weekend break. I went through for Kota Bharu from Penang , through Kulim and then Grik. Grik is a strange place in Malaysia, most places it is pretty clear who is Malay , Chinese or Indian. Because Grik was cut off and in the middle of nowhere a lot of the Malaysians who made it out there became a bit friendly with The Orang Asli and settled down with them. As a result none of the people there look anything like Town or City Malaysians

Edited November 15, 2014 by ExPratt

[soihok]

Took my 7 year old to Universal studios theme park on Sentosa in Singapore last weekend.

Nice day out for the kids.