Which Asian city for 5 days?

Singapore is a good starting place for Asia as English is taught in schools as the 'Common language' (the national language is Malay which in general only the Malay population speak).

Most people 40 years old or younger will speak passable to good English. It also allows you to ease in to the Asian culture a little easier.

5 days would be my suggested max for a tourist visit here though but due to it's position you can catch a plane to Phuket (1.5 hours) or Bangkok (2 hours) or Malaysia (by train or coach is also possible) or a ferry to Bintan (indonesia) or Bantam.

It is possible the new casino will be open by that time with all associated entertainment in Singapore along with the resort world theme park on Sentosa (also part of Singapore).

Singapore zoo is ok, the Night Safari is also quite good, the Singapore Flyer (equiv of the London Eye), Clarke Quay for the bars, Funan and Sim Lim Square for the consummer electronics and computer parts although in my experience they are more expensive than our beloved OCUK. Take a look at Zouk or St James Power Station for clubbing.

The weather is hot, the skirts are short, whats not to like :D.

RB
 
Spie said:
Singapore is very nice but I think 5 days is too much.
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Agreed as you can see the island with a decent 2 day tour/shopping/food (3 days max if you spend 1 whole day in Sentosa, a southern tiny island, south of Singapore).

However, from Singapore, you have the option of doing to all sorts of tourist/fun places like Batam/Bintan, a holiday place in Indonesia, a short boat trip away. Or take on a 'high class VIP' coach ride up into Malaysia (literally 14 to 26 seats on a normal big coach, you can certain kick your legs up and relax whilst enjoying some sights on the way up - something an Aeroplane cannot do from a few thousand miles up).

I would suggest go north to JB or take a coach right straight up to Penang. You get to do some shops/food and sight on the way. However if you're not a fan of sitting on coaches longer than 10 hours, even if real comfort, then Airasia flight is the best.

Langkawi http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Langkawi
Is the place I'd recommend. You get almost the best of both worlds, the lovely food and feel of Malaysia, and the lovely beach much like Thailand's :) a nice little holiday spot if you don't stick to the usual tourist beach.
 
A number of friends have been to Langkawi and have given good reports. Bali is also fairly easy to reach (2.5 hours).

AirAsia is not the only local 'Easyjet' type airline. Take a look at Silkair (run by Singapore Airlines), Tiger Airlines, Bangkok Airlines and new kid on the block, Jetstar who are currently offering S$76 (around 35 quid) for return flights from Singapore to Phuket inc airport taxes but hand lugguage only (an extra 12 quid to take 20Kg baggage).

Cheers
RB
 
philstanbridge said:
Although I loved the experience of visiting my first 'eastern' city as such we were a bit underwhelmed with HK. Can't really put my finger on it but it was so different at times it was uncomfortable?
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Kowloon is, the island could be anywhere in the world and has no "culture" worth speaking of
 
Just come back from Singapore, 5 days is way too much unless you love humidity and hookers. Stay at the Mandarin Oriental if you can.
 
Couple of things:

- I'm travelling alone, so will just be taking walks, shopping, taking in the sights. I just want a small insight into Asian culture, I want it to feel 'different'. I don't want to spend too much, although I hear that Thailand in general is very cheap.
- I'd rather not take any more flights out, because it seems like more hassle. Even if the flights are only a few hours, you have to take into account getting to the airport, getting through customs, etc.
- I would have expected HK and Singapore to have enough for 5 days, aren't they quite big cities?
 
apeZ said:
Couple of things:

- I'm travelling alone, so will just be taking walks, shopping, taking in the sights. I just want a small insight into Asian culture, I want it to feel 'different'. I don't want to spend too much, although I hear that Thailand in general is very cheap.
- I'd rather not take any more flights out, because it seems like more hassle. Even if the flights are only a few hours, you have to take into account getting to the airport, getting through customs, etc.
- I would have expected HK and Singapore to have enough for 5 days, aren't they quite big cities?
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Get yourself to Thailand mate. It covers all your requirements and you wont be dissapointed.
Ive just been to my "secret" beach (you dont see any expats there) snorkelling amongst all the coral, its 45mins away from where I live, and now Im back in a bustling city. Really easy to get about in Thailand, the bus network is excellent and costs peanuts.
 
I've been to all three, Singapore is cool with plenty to do - I did 4 days there which was enough for me. Spent a day at the Zoo/Night Safari, 1 wandering around little india/chinatown and visited some temples and stuff, another messing around in the shops and another just checking out other stuff. I stayed in a hostel in Little India which was good and cheap.

I'd go to Thailand but maybe a couple of days in Bangkok and then maybe go to an island like Krabi or Chiang Mai or something. Bangkok itself is fine but the other places in Thailand are nicer.
 
Been having a think, and going to cut NY out of the itinerary and instead fly UK - Asia - Australia - Asia - UK. Hotels in NY seem really expensive, and I can't seem to find any of the budget counterparts that we have here (Etap, Accor, Formule 1 etc).

Definitely heading to Bangkok on the way back, rather than on the way, as it gives me chance to burn off any unspent money. £12/night hotels, £1-2 meals - fantastic!

I'm currently looking at stopping at Singapore for 2-3 nights on the way over, if only to experience the culture and city. I don't expect to do a lot of Asia, they are just stopovers for a few nights before pressing on to Australia, but I think it will still be worth it.
 
it is definitely worth stopping over in both directions, and it's not like you're going out of your way :p

the cheapest place to stay in NYC are hostels.
or stay out of town, but that'd suck.

although BestWesterns can be quite good value for money..
 
apeZ said:
I'm currently looking at stopping at Singapore for 2-3 nights on the way over, if only to experience the culture and city. I don't expect to do a lot of Asia, they are just stopovers for a few nights before pressing on to Australia, but I think it will still be worth it.
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What culture?
:D
 
Contrary to most people it seems I much prefer hong kong to bangkok which I thought was pretty awful. Bangkok is full of people trying to scam you and rip you off. Hong Kong is amazing and has beaches and nice scenery just a bus ride away.
 
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