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Malaysia trip, August: help planning
Hi all,
I've just redeemed some miles for travel this coming summer to Malaysia. Flying into KUL and out of PEN (a mix of TG C and SQ C), arriving from Europe. There are 2 people, I and GF. We won't spend more than a day in KUL, and are planning to do a relaxing trip. We are seeking advice as to where to go in order to enjoy our trip. Ideas where bringing us to Kota Kinabalu, Penang and Langkawi. Flights on Air Asia are very cheap so we will be using them instead of MH for domestic flights. When we started looking more accurately into the destinations, we feel like we don't know if that is really what we want to do or where we want to go. Other options include Redang and Perhentian (the level of the properties here seems inferior and there is less choice); Pangkor Laut is another possible destination. However, looking at Air Asia's destination, we were intrigued by many other possible trips within the trip: Bali (even though we went there last summer), Cambogia, Vietnam or even Sanya (Haikou). I know that Cambogia and Vietnam are more sightseeing destinations, but for a couple of days we wouldn't mind. Please come along with your ideas, considerations, suggestions. Thanks |
Depends what you are after.
A couple of days in KL is good for shopping. If KL is your first stop, I would suggest a couple of days to go shopping for clothes. No need to pack very much on for your arrival flight. In terms of beach resorts (luxury or budget), Langkawi is the place these days. Nothing glamourous of Penang's beaches these days - overbuilt and poluted. Just to flag that July/Aug is the rainy season is for Penang/Langkawi. I was in Langkawi last July and it rained the whole time we were there; except for one day. Tioman, Perhentian and Redang is on the other side where the monsoon rains are in Nov/Dec so it would be dry in August. Perhentian is still very unspoilt. Just a word of warning; Perhentian and Redang are in one for the few Muslim government controlled states; Kelantan where there are rules about separate swimming pools for men/women etc. It is fine in the westernised resorts but you might find some strange practices. Tioman; further south is in a state where there it is more westernised. If you want to hike uphill in the tropical rainforest, the Kota Kinabalu is the place. You will also get to the the orang utan reserves around the area. KK is a couple of hour flights from KUL at least so be prepared for some travel. An alternative is the Taman Negara where you go up river into the rain-forest. Just remember to bring along 100% deet from the UK to keep the mosquitos and other insects away. |
Malaysia is a great place, and 8 days seems fine. I wouldn't bother trying to fit in Cambodia, VN, etc., since -- especially once you take travel time into account (roughly a half-day in each direction) -- you'll be rushed and have very little time in either place.
Langkawi can still be nice in the rainy season - it really depends. I think KUL is worth a couple of days, and would include a day trip to Malacca for the history / culture of the place. I haven't been to KK (yet!) but from all I've heard it sounds great. - Michael |
Thanks for your replies.
We are actually staying 10 days and not 8, still not a very long trip, but availability for awards wasn't very easy to find! GF has been to KUL before, that's why we are not staying long. Arriving around lunch and thinking of leaving late afternoon/evening of the day after. I think we will be staying at the Hilton in KUL. Don't really know yet where we will be staying anywhere else, even though we know what the options are, or at least most of them! If it's the rainy season, we won't be going to Langkawi and possibly only get to PEN for a day or so, as we already experienced rain in Bintan (Dec. 06) and Ubud (Aug. 07) and are really not looking forward. Where would you stay in KK? Shangri-la, Nexus and Le Meridien are the options, the latter being in the city though. Thanks for the advice on the Muslim territories. |
Originally Posted by KenJohn
(Post 9424207)
DTioman, Perhentian and Redang is on the other side where the monsoon rains are in Nov/Dec so it would be dry in August. Perhentian is still very unspoilt. Just a word of warning; Perhentian and Redang are in one for the few Muslim government controlled states; Kelantan where there are rules about separate swimming pools for men/women etc. It is fine in the westernised resorts but you might find some strange practices. Tioman; further south is in a state where there it is more westernised.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Perhentian http://wikitravel.org/en/Redang |
Thanks for the links.
The most important thing for us in this trip is to avoid rain as much as possible. Anyone with first hand experience on the resorts in Perhentian and Redang? |
KK Hotel options
Last visit to KK was slightly less than a year ago.
My choice for best hotel is the LM, yes, in town but a very good property. Shangra-la Rasa Ria is 45 minutes north. It had maintenance and staff issues my last visit and we were disappointed. Nexus is further away and have not stayed there. The other Shangra-la (Tanjung Anu) property is near the airport, have also not stayed there because it is in the same area as the worst vacation property in KK-Sutera Harbour. Near the airport, but not much cheaper by taxi than downtown. From your posts, it appears that you are looking for a relaxed beach destination. There are other properties near KK, one south of the city that is less expensive than the others and was a rave by a couple I met at Rasa Ria two years ago. I personally am not high on Langkawi having stayed at what is now the Westin. If you can describe your expectations more fully, we should be able to give better guidance. BTW: Hilton KL is really great if you are at least HHonors Gold. Agree that there are better places to spend limited time than KL. Have you perhaps considered Khao Lak in Thailand? |
Originally Posted by opushomes
(Post 9433829)
My choice for best hotel is the LM, yes, in town but a very good property.
That's where I was ready to go, but my GF is not keen on staying in the city. But LM is much cheaper than the other options. Plus, from the pics the Nexus has ugly rooms! Shangra-la Rasa Ria is 45 minutes north. It had maintenance and staff issues my last visit and we were disappointed. Nexus is further away and have not stayed there. The other Shangra-la (Tanjung Anu) property is near the airport, have also not stayed there because it is in the same area as the worst vacation property in KK-Sutera Harbour. Near the airport, but not much cheaper by taxi than downtown. From your posts, it appears that you are looking for a relaxed beach destination. YES!and possibly NO rain! There are other properties near KK, one south of the city that is less expensive than the others and was a rave by a couple I met at Rasa Ria two years ago. I personally am not high on Langkawi having stayed at what is now the Westin. If you can describe your expectations more fully, we should be able to give better guidance. We really want to relax and enjoy the sun. If we don't feel like doing anything more than laying in the sun, having drinks, eat and sleep in the same place for 2,3,4 days then we should be able to do that. BTW: Hilton KL is really great if you are at least HHonors Gold. I'm gold. Agree that there are better places to spend limited time than KL. Have you perhaps considered Khao Lak in Thailand? What about the weather there?Properties? As I said, I'm welcome any advice, regarding any destination within a 1000 miles radius or more (AK destinations preferred!) Thanks for your help |
Originally Posted by MACH81
(Post 9432372)
The most important thing for us in this trip is to avoid rain as much as possible. Anyone with first hand experience on the resorts in Perhentian and Redang?
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Originally Posted by jpatokal
(Post 9447385)
You can't "avoid rain" in the tropics. You're going in the summer dry season, so it's highly unlikely to rain all day, but you'll probably get afternoon showers most days and/or the occasional thunderstorm at night. Plan accordingly -- hit the beaches and sports activities in the morning, when it's usually clear, and snooze away the afternoon like the locals do.
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Re: your responses
"That's where I was ready to go, but my GF is not keen on staying in the city. But LM is much cheaper than the other options. Plus, from the pics the Nexus has ugly rooms!"
To reduce your costs somewhat and get a feel for KK, stay the night of arrival and night of departure at the LM. That is what we do, especially if driving to the Shangra-La. Rasa Ria provides what you want, it just was not at the same level as on my first visit. Personnally, if I was traveling as far as KK, I would spend my time at the beach. Rasa Ria is more wallet friendly than Tanjung Aru, but you are captive whereas at the TA, you are about 25 ringgit from KK. There are comments written about it by me and others on FT. There is another property on one of the islands that are visible from the LM, about a 25 minute boat ride that looks interesting. Pool and beach at Rasa Ria are quite nice. One can reduce costs by buying beer and non-alcoholic drinks at the store on property that charges 2X 7/11 price in town. Bars are the most expensive. Restaurants for drinks are middle between the two. Food at all the resorts is expensive compared to restaurants, but the captive feature forces one to eat at the resorts. One can also book tours in KK for less than at the Rasa Ria. Although the orangutan sanctuary is (possible more now) 50 rm and a short walk. "YES!and possibly NO rain" Jpatokal answered your question completely. It rains in the tropics all year round. If you want to stay dry, stay home and watch beach travelogues in the house. Be sure to crank up the heating to 38 degrees C. No one can guarantee no rain except in the Deserts of North Africa and Chile. "We really want to relax and enjoy the sun. If we don't feel like doing anything more than laying in the sun, having drinks, eat and sleep in the same place for 2,3,4 days then we should be able to do that." Pretty much answered above. "I'm gold" As a gold, I've been treated very well at the Hilton KL. Executive floor, sometimes lounge access, and a very good breakfast. Nice contemporary rooms. Good staff, IMO the second best Hilton in SE Asia behind Bangkok. YMMV. "Khao Lak-what about the weather there?Properties? As I said, I'm welcome any advice, regarding any destination within a 1000 miles radius or more (AK destinations preferred!) Thanks for your help As above, no weather guarantees. Just about as hard to predict the weather as it is to guarantee seeing a Sumatran Rhino. Where I live, the forecasters get it right about 50% of the time and we have sophisticated satellite technology to help. If your other half has a hard time understanding that than perhaps the tropics are not the place to vacation. I know of a very nice indoor tropic adventure not far from Berlin where the Europeans experience the tropics vicariously in a giant hemisphere. A nice resort in Khao Lak, less expensive (slightly less to considerably less than the Shangra-la's) but not in the same category is the Le Meridien. Phuket would be the airport. Transfers should be about $10 US more each way than the Rasa Ria and one can catch a songtao into town (fair walk to the highway) to save money on food. In other words, approximately $40 OW rather than $30. Again, I need to emphasize that food and drink is considerably more expensive in any resort, anywhere in the world, than it usually is in a restaurant or on the local economy. With the favorable Euro conversion, you should do very well almost anywhere in SE Asia. In discussions with Europeans, it seems that often they are able to get really good prices through travel agencies particularly in Germany and the UK. The problem is that you will not get some or all benefits of your status at many properties. Another thought, if you want it hot and dry, have you thought about Phoenix in August?? And, it is extremely inexpensive. |
Originally Posted by opushomes
(Post 9448034)
"That's where I was ready to go, but my GF is not keen on staying in the city. But LM is much cheaper than the other options. Plus, from the pics the Nexus has ugly rooms!"
To reduce your costs somewhat and get a feel for KK, stay the night of arrival and night of departure at the LM. That is what we do, especially if driving to the Shangra-La. Rasa Ria provides what you want, it just was not at the same level as on my first visit. Personnally, if I was traveling as far as KK, I would spend my time at the beach. Rasa Ria is more wallet friendly than Tanjung Aru, but you are captive whereas at the TA, you are about 25 ringgit from KK. There are comments written about it by me and others on FT. There is another property on one of the islands that are visible from the LM, about a 25 minute boat ride that looks interesting. Do you know the name of the property on the island?In the event of bad weather better not to be on the island though, much less to do! Pool and beach at Rasa Ria are quite nice. One can reduce costs by buying beer and non-alcoholic drinks at the store on property that charges 2X 7/11 price in town. Bars are the most expensive. We don't drink that much so it usually isn't an issue. Restaurants for drinks are middle between the two. Food at all the resorts is expensive compared to restaurants, but the captive feature forces one to eat at the resorts. We seem to do a lot of room service as sometimes we are too lazy to go to the restaurant or enjoy a snack by the plunge pool or common pool. If a buffet breakfast is available we have that, skip lunch, have a snack in the afternoon and then dinner. One can also book tours in KK for less than at the Rasa Ria. Although the orangutan sanctuary is (possible more now) 50 rm and a short walk. "YES!and possibly NO rain" Jpatokal answered your question completely. It rains in the tropics all year round. If you want to stay dry, stay home and watch beach travelogues in the house. Be sure to crank up the heating to 38 degrees C. No one can guarantee no rain except in the Deserts of North Africa and Chile. There's no guarantee I'll stay dry! It's very humid here! :p "We really want to relax and enjoy the sun. If we don't feel like doing anything more than laying in the sun, having drinks, eat and sleep in the same place for 2,3,4 days then we should be able to do that." Pretty much answered above. "I'm gold" As a gold, I've been treated very well at the Hilton KL. Executive floor, sometimes lounge access, and a very good breakfast. Nice contemporary rooms. Good staff, IMO the second best Hilton in SE Asia behind Bangkok. YMMV. I hope they will treat us well. "Khao Lak-what about the weather there?Properties? As I said, I'm welcome any advice, regarding any destination within a 1000 miles radius or more (AK destinations preferred!) Thanks for your help As above, no weather guarantees. Just about as hard to predict the weather as it is to guarantee seeing a Sumatran Rhino. Where I live, the forecasters get it right about 50% of the time and we have sophisticated satellite technology to help. If your other half has a hard time understanding that than perhaps the tropics are not the place to vacation. I know of a very nice indoor tropic adventure not far from Berlin where the Europeans experience the tropics vicariously in a giant hemisphere. Didn't know that, but Berlin is high on my list!:D A nice resort in Khao Lak, less expensive (slightly less to considerably less than the Shangra-la's) but not in the same category is the Le Meridien. Phuket would be the airport. Transfers should be about $10 US more each way than the Rasa Ria and one can catch a songtao into town (fair walk to the highway) to save money on food. In other words, approximately $40 OW rather than $30. Again, I need to emphasize that food and drink is considerably more expensive in any resort, anywhere in the world, than it usually is in a restaurant or on the local economy. With the favorable Euro conversion, you should do very well almost anywhere in SE Asia. In discussions with Europeans, it seems that often they are able to get really good prices through travel agencies particularly in Germany and the UK. The problem is that you will not get some or all benefits of your status at many properties. Another thought, if you want it hot and dry, have you thought about Phoenix in August?? And, it is extremely inexpensive. Why not!?!:eek: not even if they were paying me!!! Thanks for your help! |
Just to second the ^ for the Hilton KL. Stayed there last month on an award. Was sent up to the exec floor and had full lounge access. Actually skipped a few meals because of the great lounge food. Great views all around, easy access right on top of KL Sentral Station.
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Answers to your questions
The resort on the Island (Manukan Island Resort) is a Sutera resort. www.tripadvisor.com has bad reviews. My feeling since it is a Sutera property is that they are probably correct. One can take a day trip there-approximately 20-30 minute boat trip and come back to KK for the night.
Here is the web-site for the Tanjung Aru. http://www.shangri-la.com/en/propert...resort/details Since you usually do as we do and eat breakfast, perhaps a snack and dinner here is a trick to cut your breakfast cost in half. Sign up for Shangri-la's Golden Circle should you decide to stay at either of the two Shangri-la properties. One of the benefits is half price breakfast. Breakfast buffet will last you through the day. If I recall correctly, it ran something like $US28 per person, so a $28 savings per day just for requesting the free card. [email protected]. I would e-mail them and tell them that you expect to have a few stays in the coming year; technically you need 2 different hotels, but they seem to ignore the requirement. There are also applications in the lobby, but I do not know if they will honor them at the time of sign-up. I find that the humidity in KK is not excessive. It is on the coast, thus getting sea breezes. " I hope they will treat us well." (Hilton KL) Everyone who I know who has stayed there tells the same tale. I'm sure they will. "Didn't know that, but Berlin is high on my list!" The tropical island is off the Autobahn Berlin-Dresden about 60km south of Berlin. The building is extremely obvious even though it is approximately 5km off the autobahn. It is gigantic. It was a great place for a WC break on the way to Berlin since the toiletten are on the free side of the facility. Best wishes on a great trip. Chao. |
Are you into diving or snorkeling?
If so, you should consider Manado instead of Bali. They're both in Indonesia but you did say you've been to DPS before. Manado is located in North Sulawesi. http://www.visit-manado.com/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manado |
Originally Posted by opushomes
(Post 9469344)
The resort on the Island (Manukan Island Resort) is a Sutera resort. www.tripadvisor.com has bad reviews. My feeling since it is a Sutera property is that they are probably correct. One can take a day trip there-approximately 20-30 minute boat trip and come back to KK for the night. Will probably take a day trip!thanks
Here is the web-site for the Tanjung Aru. http://www.shangri-la.com/en/propert...resort/details Since you usually do as we do and eat breakfast, perhaps a snack and dinner here is a trick to cut your breakfast cost in half. Sign up for Shangri-la's Golden Circle should you decide to stay at either of the two Shangri-la properties. One of the benefits is half price breakfast. Breakfast buffet will last you through the day. If I recall correctly, it ran something like $US28 per person, so a $28 savings per day just for requesting the free card. [email protected]. I would e-mail them and tell them that you expect to have a few stays in the coming year; technically you need 2 different hotels, but they seem to ignore the requirement. There are also applications in the lobby, but I do not know if they will honor them at the time of sign-up. thanks for the info, but when I checked, even the cheapest rate for each SL I checked uncluded buffet breakfast; I might sign up anyway though. I find that the humidity in KK is not excessive. It is on the coast, thus getting sea breezes. " I hope they will treat us well." (Hilton KL) Everyone who I know who has stayed there tells the same tale. I'm sure they will. Great! "Didn't know that, but Berlin is high on my list!" The tropical island is off the Autobahn Berlin-Dresden about 60km south of Berlin. The building is extremely obvious even though it is approximately 5km off the autobahn. It is gigantic. It was a great place for a WC break on the way to Berlin since the toiletten are on the free side of the facility. Best wishes on a great trip. Chao. Thanks again! |
Originally Posted by MACH81
(Post 9432372)
Thanks for the links.
The most important thing for us in this trip is to avoid rain as much as possible. Anyone with first hand experience on the resorts in Perhentian and Redang? I have also stayed that KL Hilton. Had a 1 bedroom suite that was huge. 2 LCD TV's, LCD TV in the very large bathroom and very nice living room area. Would definitely stay there again. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...an_Pahang.html |
Originally Posted by aSiAnRiCk
(Post 9472723)
Are you into diving or snorkeling?
If so, you should consider Manado instead of Bali. They're both in Indonesia but you did say you've been to DPS before. Manado is located in North Sulawesi. http://www.visit-manado.com/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manado |
Originally Posted by SaigonCyclo
(Post 9473099)
I really enjoyed JapaMala on Tioman Island. Nice, secluded place to hang out with the GF (unfortunately, their website was down when I tried it today). But here are a few reviews from Trip Advisor.
I have also stayed that KL Hilton. Had a 1 bedroom suite that was huge. 2 LCD TV's, LCD TV in the very large bathroom and very nice living room area. Would definitely stay there again. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...an_Pahang.html |
Originally Posted by MACH81
(Post 9473630)
Thanks for the tip. Is there a cheap way to get there? Air Asia doens't fly there.
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Originally Posted by aSiAnRiCk
(Post 9473914)
I believe Silk Air (LCC of SQ) fly there but you have to go via SIN.
While the diving in Bunaken (Manado) is indeed spectacular, the problem for non-divers is that there is absolutely nothing else to do. Most of the islands are covered in mangroves, so many resorts don't even have beaches, and there's virtually nothing in the way of nightlife, good restaurants, cultural attractions, sports other than diving, etc. |
Thanks for claryfing this. the lack of cheap transportation options and activities besides diving won't cut it for us.
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Malaysia holiday for 3 adults and 2 young children?
Great topic and almost on point for me too!
I am looking into a 2 week holiday trip for the family. We are 3 adults and 2 young children (7 & 5 yo). I will be using *Wood points for accomodations and we prefer to fly on a 1World carrier since the Mrs. and I are both PLT with American. We are definitely looking for a beach resort property b/c the kids pretty much want to play on the beach & pool all day long. The Mrs. & I would be able to sneak away during the day to sightsee and go scuba diving as we have taken care of child care. We are considering flying into KUL and then maybe spending a couple of days in KUL to see the sights. The Mrs. is pretty hesitant about Malaysia since it is such a long flight for us, especially with the youngin's but I am trying to convince her that the trip won't be that bad and worth the long haul and so I am constrained on how much flying/airport time we can handle. The Sheraton & Westin Langkawi seem pretty nice. How difficult is it to get to Langkawi from KUL and what are my best options? Thanks for everyone's help! Onedog |
Langkawi
Originally Posted by onedog
(Post 9521646)
The Sheraton & Westin Langkawi seem pretty nice. How difficult is it to get to Langkawi from KUL and what are my best options?
If you are doing such a long trip to come over, maybe worth considering The Datai (or The Andaman) which are set in the rain forests. I am not a fan of the Sheraton Langkawi, and while the Westin Langkawi has nice rooms the beach is nothing to shout about. |
Originally Posted by jpatokal
(Post 9479329)
SilkAir is SQ's regional full-service carrier and most definitely not an LCC. Alas, they're also the only airline with international connections to Manado, so your only other option for getting there is to transit via Jakarta or Denpasar. It's also considerably further away from SIN than Malaysia, SIN-MDO direct is over 3 hours and detouring via CGK pushes the flight time alone up to almost 6.
While the diving in Bunaken (Manado) is indeed spectacular, the problem for non-divers is that there is absolutely nothing else to do. Most of the islands are covered in mangroves, so many resorts don't even have beaches, and there's virtually nothing in the way of nightlife, good restaurants, cultural attractions, sports other than diving, etc. I've always thought that SilkAir is the LCC version of SQ but perhaps they're cheaper due to the regional routes that they fly. And yes I did mention for him to go to Manado if he's into driving/snorkeling. Though I'm sure there are more things to do/visit there than what you made it seem to be ;) |
If you are doing such a long trip to come over, maybe worth considering The Datai (or The Andaman) which are set in the rain forests. I am not a fan of the Sheraton Langkawi, and while the Westin Langkawi has nice rooms the beach is nothing to shout about. - Michael |
Originally Posted by mario33
(Post 9521666)
There are easily 10-20 flights each day from KUL which takes no more than 1hr.
Originally Posted by mario33
(Post 9521666)
If you are doing such a long trip to come over, maybe worth considering The Datai (or The Andaman) which are set in the rain forests. I am not a fan of the Sheraton Langkawi, and while the Westin Langkawi has nice rooms the beach is nothing to shout about.
Thanks for the continued help. Onedog |
Originally Posted by onedog
(Post 9523347)
Are there direct flights from Hong Kong?
Originally Posted by onedog
(Post 9523347)
I think we are pretty much stuck with staying at a *wood property.
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Maybe we have a plan! A coupla days in KL, 2 days in Cambogia (REP) then off to KK for 5 days (1 nt LM and 4 nts at Shangri-la TA), then PEN for one nigh thinking about the G Hotel, anyone has an idea about this hotel? Recommendations for Siem Reap? We could splurge at the top hotels, but we feel it'll be a waste as we will be sightseeing and we are leaning towards LM. Restaurant recommendations for all destinations? Thanks
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Some comments
REP: Siem Reap has a large number of hotels for a place of its size, and in all price categories. I stayed at Auberge Mont Royal 3 years ago for about the same price currently offered. It was basic and fine for what it was.
http://www.asiarooms.com/cambodia/si...ont_royal.html Unless things have changed, there are no 2 day passes to Angkor, only 1 and 3 days. Be sure to bring a picture of each of you for the pass since it is laminated into the pass. My recommendation for a KK restaurant is "Port View" It is located on the harbor front across from the LM. Prices are somewhat high for Borneo, but much less than you will pay in much of the Western World including Singapore. When you enter, you will see the tanks on the right of the entryway. Ask any of the ladies for pricing and preparation style. The restaurant touts itself as Chinese seafood, but one can get a number on preparations if you know what you want. Seafood is priced by the kilo and they will tell you if there is a minimum weight required. Price includes the preparation that you request. There are other restaurants around the city; I'm sure that the conceirge at the Tanjung Anu can provide recommendations. The dinner buffet at Rasa Ria was expensive, expansive and good so I'm sure that the other property's will be as well. Frankly, if you are into them, buffets at most higher end hotels in Asia, and even many lesser ones, are really good. Please remember that sanitary standards in Malaysia are normally quite good. I cannot say the same for Cambodia. A picture of Port View's seafood tanks that someone posted is here. http://flickr.com/photos/25230080@N02/2410545019/ KK restaurant reviews. http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel...a_Kinabalu-BR- Try www.google.com for other recommendations. |
Originally Posted by opushomes
(Post 9640676)
REP: Siem Reap has a large number of hotels for a place of its size, and in all price categories. I stayed at Auberge Mont Royal 3 years ago for about the same price currently offered. It was basic and fine for what it was.
http://www.asiarooms.com/cambodia/si...ont_royal.html Thanks for the tip. I was pretty much set on LM because we will be sightseeing and thought it would be a waste to splurge for Amansara or the other top hotels (HDLP,Rd'A, etc). Unless things have changed, there are no 2 day passes to Angkor, only 1 and 3 days. Be sure to bring a picture of each of you for the pass since it is laminated into the pass. Thanks! we will! My recommendation for a KK restaurant is "Port View" It is located on the harbor front across from the LM. Prices are somewhat high for Borneo, but much less than you will pay in much of the Western World including Singapore. When you enter, you will see the tanks on the right of the entryway. Ask any of the ladies for pricing and preparation style. The restaurant touts itself as Chinese seafood, but one can get a number on preparations if you know what you want. Seafood is priced by the kilo and they will tell you if there is a minimum weight required. Price includes the preparation that you request. I like seafood, this is great! I'm not too familiar with the different preparations, I'll look around for some. There are other restaurants around the city; I'm sure that the conceirge at the Tanjung Anu can provide recommendations. The dinner buffet at Rasa Ria was expensive, expansive and good so I'm sure that the other property's will be as well. Frankly, if you are into them, buffets at most higher end hotels in Asia, and even many lesser ones, are really good. Please remember that sanitary standards in Malaysia are normally quite good. I cannot say the same for Cambodia. We were actually thinking of getting the rate including buffet dinners, as it is not more expensive than a B&B rate, and it includes free wireless among other amenities. Or we could get a club rate. Leaning towards Rasa Sia more than TA now. Thanks! |
Originally Posted by onedog
(Post 9523347)
What about from Hong Kong? Are there direct flights from Hong Kong? I tried researching online and I couldn't find anything. We are using American Airlines points for airfare so we are stuck with Oneworld (Cathay to Hiong Kong) carriers to get as far across the Pacific towards our destination as possible.
Onedog You should consider spending a couple of days in KL for the experience. Love the food there. |
Port View restaurant in Kota Kinabalu is good. Cheap as well. If you are game, try the open air eateries in the market.
Shangri-la Tanjung Aru Resort (STAR) is nice. Go to the Shangri-la site to look for deals. Also check HK based online sites for deals. I have always got breakfast for free. Buffet dinner isn't that expensive considering the spread. Abount RM80 (USD28) per person. There is a local open air eatery about 15 minutes away ...there you can get cheap food - satay (local version of kebabs), grilled chicken wings. There isn't a beach at STAR but the islands are just 20 minutes by boat away and you can get it from the hotel jetty. You can also arrange for scuba dives at the hotel jetty. I had lots of fun at KK. |
Originally Posted by salfcl
(Post 9653482)
Port View restaurant in Kota Kinabalu is good.
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Originally Posted by mario33
(Post 9654253)
Food is quite decent, very convenient for those staying at the Le Meridien; but quite expensive for local standard (I dont consider USD50-60 for a 1kg lobster to be "cheap"). KK is getting very touristy of late, but I agree its still fun.
I doubt I'll try the local eateries, as my gf's stomach ain't that strong. $50/60 for the 1kg lobster is cheap compared to Europe but I was expecting a lower price. Sounds pretty much in line with Bali prices though. |
Lobster
Lobster all over the world is one of the priciest seafood. Try the chili or black pepper crab, bamboo clams - if they have them, clams and the large shrimp instead. Or any of the multitude of seafood swimming, floating or lying in the tanks. Less expensive and normally sweeter lobster is available in Maine and Nova Scotia, so wait for your next trip over the Atlantic to savor our delicacy. It is different from what you will find in Sabah.
Order, also, some of the local vegetables, but I suggest that you pass on the jungle ferns because they use Balican in the sauce. I suggest that you look in trip reports for LarryU's Sarawak trip report for a review of this typically Malaysian stinky delicacy. As I said before, Port View is not the cheapest around, but I have found it consistently good with good service. |
Originally Posted by opushomes
(Post 9895692)
Order, also, some of the local vegetables, but I suggest that you pass on the jungle ferns because they use Balican in the sauce. I suggest that you look in trip reports for LarryU's Sarawak trip report for a review of this typically Malaysian stinky delicacy.
To the OP, for more details about some of your food options in Malaysia, my original trip report is located here and the specific chapter describing various forms of jungle grub (accompanied by photos and videos) is located here. |
Originally Posted by LarryU
(Post 9897420)
Jungle fern can be prepared without the delicious belacan, although it will still exude copious amounts of the yummy black slime.
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Originally Posted by mario33
(Post 9897743)
That "black slime" is actually belacan ;)
The fellows who dined with me told me that jungle fern always exudes black slime. Of course, they were the same people who made sure that everything we ordered was well doused with belacan, knowing how much I enjoyed it. :rolleyes: I guess in their case they were being quite accurate when they said that it always secretes black slime because they always ordered it with belacan. Indeed, several days prior, I had specifically ordered my jungle fern without belacan and the color of the slime was considerably more brown than black. |
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