[Derelict]

I'm going to Singapore in March. I'm visiting and staying with a friend studying abroad at NUS. For those that have visited, please provide recommendations and tips/advice.
Can I take my camera bag with me everywhere?
I will take a long weekend trip to Bangkok and/or Indonesia/Malaysia. Also advice on an inter-country trip like that.

Thanks

[hl0m4n]

look into backpacking, you can take a train & other transportation from singapore-->malaysia-->phuket-->bangkok.

[JayKay335i]

Dont screw little boys

[Blake]

Originally Posted by JayKay335i

Dont screw little boys

i think you're thinking of thailand...

[Tondtar]

Originally Posted by JayKay335i

Dont screw little boys

Originally Posted by Blake

i think you're thinking of thailand...

No, that's for "Do not screw little boys who may look like hot young petite babes to you" advice

[JayKay335i]

Originally Posted by Blake

i think you're thinking of thailand...

I think its generally safe advice for any country in that direction.

[NYC6]

I was there in 85 while in the USN. Overall, a very nice place. Like other places it varies from really ritzy to really bad. The govt there was very intolerant of many things. Littering(even throwing a cigarette butt in the street or spitting out gum) is trouble. Drugs, dont get caught with anything! The death penalty is given to dealers. Just smoking a joint will land you in jail for quite a while. They also use public caning for minor law breakers. Nice place to see to be careful. When in Rome......

[abisson]

Lol.

I am presently on exchange at NUS too. I probably know your friend lol.

He will show you around trust me.

[NYCGP]

"Yuu wan laaaady boy?"

But in all seriousness... You don't want lady boy...

[achien]

Originally Posted by Derelict

I'm going to Singapore in March. I'm visiting and staying with a friend studying abroad at NUS. For those that have visited, please provide recommendations and tips/advice.
Can I take my camera bag with me everywhere?
I will take a long weekend trip to Bangkok and/or Indonesia/Malaysia. Also advice on an inter-country trip like that.

Thanks

I was working there back in 2000 and 2001, very ex-pat friendly. All locals speak English. Depending on how well the economy is, they can have a big ex-pat population.

A lot has since changed, they now have a casino and Universal Studio. If you are single, there are numerous bars at Orchard Road, Boat Quay, and Clarke Quay.

Book your hotel early as finding a decent accommodation at this time (when the economy does well) is hard.

If you go to Bintan (Indonesia) for a day-trip, the ferry is very convenient.

Going to Malaysia (by car) may take time depend on the time of day you are going (could take as long as 3 hours on a bad day). I would recommend getting to the boarder very early in the morning (no later than 8am).

I am sure you will enjoy your trip, Good luck!

Originally Posted by NYC6

I was there in 85 while in the USN. Overall, a very nice place. Like other places it varies from really ritzy to really bad. The govt there was very intolerant of many things. Littering(even throwing a cigarette butt in the street or spitting out gum) is trouble. Drugs, dont get caught with anything! The death penalty is given to dealers. Just smoking a joint will land you in jail for quite a while. They also use public caning for minor law breakers. Nice place to see to be careful. When in Rome......

Wow, a lot has changed since '85. They run a tight ship in Singapore, but I think it is better for the law abiding citizens.

[endofanera7]

Generally Singapore is really safe. Safer than any other country in Asia I would say. You can carry camera bags around, nobody is gonna rob you. However, the population almost double in recent years due to the new govt policies they had. So you might find it a lil crowded. But still very safe.

To travel around the neighbor countries like Thailand, etc. LOok up a few regional airlines like Tiger Airways, or Lion Air. They normally have cheap flights around $30 or less. To go to Malaysia, you can walk across the border or take a bus across.

[Patrick303]

Try the Durian.

I went there on a business trip in 2009. They were still building the casino, so I didn't get a chance to check it out. I stayed at the Pan Pacific hotel which was very nice with some cool architecture and an infinity pool. It was walking distance to a mall and the waterfront where they have theaters and free concerts sometimes.

I was told that while you can drive over to Malaysia, that towns just across the bridge are more dangerous than further inland, so be careful.

My only other tip is use an ATM to get currency instead of going to a currency exchange place. Better rate and lower fees.

[Blake]

Originally Posted by Patrick719

Try the Durian.

[vioaltec]

You Singapore Experience should start on a Singapore Airlines, since your in boston, you can either take the all business non-stop service to singapore or fly out of JFK.

[Echo M3]

Originally Posted by Derelict

I'm going to Singapore in March. I'm visiting and staying with a friend studying abroad at NUS. For those that have visited, please provide recommendations and tips/advice.
Can I take my camera bag with me everywhere?
I will take a long weekend trip to Bangkok and/or Indonesia/Malaysia. Also advice on an inter-country trip like that.

Thanks

Lived in the region for a while, so I can give you some advice.

Singapore is a great city, if a bit stale. It's very easy to get around, you can either take cabs or MRT or buses, and the island is pretty small. Orchard st. is the main touristy/shopping area where all the hotels are. Your friend will tell you exactly where to go, but one of my favorite locations is Boat Quay. It's a nice area, with lots of great seafood - my favorite is Chili Crab.

I highly recommend Indonesia - it's not as modern as Malaysia or Thailand but it's less touristy and even more (IMO) beautiful. Go to Yogyakarta if you like history, or Bali/Lombok if you want a nice island paradise. Other places you could visit: Komodo (Komodo dragons are so cool!), and Krakatau (awesome volcano where you can go diving/snorkeling, close to Jakarta). Jakarta is hardly an hour or so from Singapore, and Bali is about an hour or so from Jakarta (both by air). Indonesians are incredibly friendly and will usually go out of their way to help you out. If you want any more info on Indo, let me know. I think it's a great place to visit, but I'm biased by my experiences there.

Thailand is pretty fun, and a bit more modern, if that suits your style. Bangkok is a crazy, crazy city - go with friends, you'll have more fun. Great nightlife, amazing food, and plenty to see in the city. If you're planning on hitting the beaches, your options are either Phuket or Koh Samui. I personally liked the latter more - it's an island, so it's a bit more peaceful.

I've only been to KL once, and when I was there I spent all of my time at Sepang (Formula 1 track), and barely saw the city. Indonesia and Malaysia are culturally quite similar, but I get the impression Indonesia is a much cooler place to visit

Your camera will be fine, Singapore is ten times safer than any American city. Your only real concern in Thailand/Indonesia/Malaysia is pickpocketers and thieves, so just be smart and don't leave it lying around. Also, Malaysia and Indonesia are culturally more conservative, so be respectful of that and ask for permission if you want to photograph people (particularly women and children).

[cooh23]

I didn't really enjoy singapore much since I don't like city life. I like outdoor activities such as hiking/trekking, scuba diving, etc. So I only stayed for 2 days and left for Phuket which I enjoyed more since I got to do what I wanted.

Also, I check Jetstar.com and tigerairways.com(like the other person said).

And yes, Singapore is very safe. Their public transportation are clean!!!

[ScaredOnce]

Originally Posted by vioaltec

You Singapore Experience should start on a Singapore Airlines, since your in boston, you can either take the all business non-stop service to singapore or fly out of JFK.

Good advice. Nothing like the dregs of US airlines...

I had a blast in Sing a few times in 2010. Orchard Road, Geylang, the Sands Casino... I was actually there during the F1 race in September 2010... it was awesome.


Make sure they're really chicks...

[Derelict]

Thanks for all the info!