[navan49]

Day 3 of Hong kong Trip but in Macau

As usual we started the day with a cup of self made tea. One of our friends went down the hotel and brought some sandwiches from the 7 Eleven shop. We had our break fats at 7.40 Am and we crossed Nathan's Road and followed the parallel road of Nathan's road on the right about a KM. We reached the Hong kong China mall and that was the harbor or pier for Macau and island ruled by Portuguese till 1993. The ticket was Hk$185 for return from Kowloon China ferry terminal as well as from Hong kong side terminal too. It is also one of the heritage city.There are lots of places to see for the people who are interested in History,Senado Square, Ruins of St Paul, St Lawrence Church, A Ma temple, Macau Fisherman Wharf, The lake, Casinos and so many. It took us one hour to travel in the ferry. We can really feel the difference of the culture of Hong kong and Macau. The immigration and visa for both ends were smooth and free of cost.I will write the interior tour in my next post.

[navan49]

Once we came out of the ferry, we were lead to the immigration, and the process was very fast and the visa was issued for two days only, I mean one night two days at free of cost. When we came to the main hall of the pier, there were many agents came to us and told that they will show all the places for 100HK$ or Macau money each. I went to the tourism information center in the ferry pier.There were two ladies and one gentle man was attending the visitors.I asked how can I make the trip on my own.He told there won't be any problem and took out a map and told that only there are 3 pockets of places to visit. He noted down the bus number of each point and to reach back till the pier.Macau is famous for the casinos.Every where casinos. We found the tourist information center in all the four countries were really giving importance to the tourism industry. Where as in our stations people are sleepy and lacking the multi language skills. We should feel shy on seeing them. If Hindi people talks in Hindi in Tamilnadu tourism center the PRO cannot explain in Hindi, A tamil guy talks in English the PRO in Delhi will reply in Hindi.No need to mention about helping a Japanese or French or an English. In Hong kong and Macau they explained in Chinese to Chinese,English and French and Portuguese to concern people. In Kowloon ferry center to Macau one person was guiding me in Hindi too. So the tourism blooms there. Our first point, pointed out by the tourist officer was Senado Square. We got down there from the bus and visited the Senado square,Ruins of St Pauls, St Domingos Catholic Church and a park. No body checks how much you put in the box. In fact 3.20 was the fare per head for 3 we dropped 10HK$ the driver gave a smile and welcomed.Our total sight seeing transportation of Macau was 30HK$ for 3.

[navan49]

After visiting the places around Senado square, we walked down the main town area. We found a park there with old heritage buildings. The park was well maintained and they had many fitness equipments to use free of cost. Here are the pictures of the park and the action pictures of me and my nephew doing exercise at free of cost in MACAU.

[navan49]

It was about lunch time. We saw lots of people were anxiously looking at a menu in one of the small restaurant and they were on line to get their turn.We looked and found that looked like porridge with some flour balls cooked with some spices. On enquiry we came to know that they cook mince beef or pork with that. So we gave up the highly demanding stuff and walked down further and found a lake. From there we saw the tallest tower of Macau and which is considered as the 10th tallest tower of the earth as well as the 3rd tallest tower of Asia. As we had seen the similar KL tower in Kuala Lumpur we did not like to go up and see. We enjoyed the lake and enjoyed the city beauty from this side and took some rest.

[navan49]

After the visit of the lake side we took a bus number 3 and got down near the A Ma temple. It seems to be the temple of mother. We saw some people were cracking crackers as offering in this temple. In the temple premises itself there is a cracker shop. Small but seems an ancient temple like Kanyakumari, the deity who helped a captain to find the shore. In front of this temple is the Marine Museum which is worth visiting on payment of 20 Macau $.There were some restaurants here and we had some noodles and the area near by this temple are full of automobile work shops. We walked along the road for one bus stop distance to see what were there in that street. Here are some pictures of the temple.

[ASHISHPALLOD]

@navan,
sorry for late reply from my side.
congratulations on this superb trip report and nice pics.
Your trip planning and execution is as good as my ''rajababu trip''.
Your experience about this trip certainly deserve separate thread in travelogue section.
I suggest you to make new thread in travelogue section and post your experience there-
--or request to mod to move your posts from this thread to new thread in travelogue section.
Your new thread in travelogue section will have more readership,
that will be useful for travelers going to sg, hg, malaysia.
Again, congrats for nice trip.

[navan49]

I could do a successful trip with in 62000 for 12 days, inclusive all expenditure, due to the support of this thread and AP, who gave valuable suggestions. It might not have been a successful trip with out a thorough reading of this thread. I did give a thought of a new thread, but once again landed here. Now I am almost finishing the thread with the finishing of the Hong kong and Singapore.It would be nice that I can start a new thread with more details in preparation of the trip and making it a guide to our members on an economy trip with comfort.

[navan49]

After visiting the A Maa temple, we took the bus and went around the city.The bus from A Maa temple to the harbor, took us through all the important land marks of the town. It covered all the places, we missed in Macau.Finally got down in the bus terminal near the harbor. To our surprise we saw the grand prix Macau ground and tracks in front of the Macau pier. It is a surprise to find a famous grand prix track in the heart of the city.

[navan49]

We reached back to Kowloon from Macau at 9 Pm. We had our dinner in one of the Indian restaurants in Nathan's road which was of 100 mtrs from our Hotel. Next day was our trip to Ocean park. Ocean park is like our theme parks. We took the ferry to reach Hong kong Central. We crossed the famous IFC mall where the apple store is also situated. From there we took bus number 30 to Ocean park. We crossed the race course and the bus went through a road inside a tunnel.

[one-77]

I'm planning to go on a one-week trip to Malaysia in the last week of November, with some friends. We're on a budget; not exactly shoe-string, but still on a budget. None of us has been to Malaysia before, so I have a lot of queries. We have exams at college till Nov 7, so we'll be making the arrangements only end of next week, that's about two weeks in advance.

This is the sample itinerary:
Sun 25 Nov – Depart from COK
Mon 26 Nov – Arrive at KL, Fly to Langkawi, Check in at hotel, Langkawi sightseeing
Tue 27 Nov – Langkawi
Wed 28 Nov – Langkawi
Thu 29 Nov – Check out, Fly to KL, Check in at hotel, KL sightseeing
Fri 30 Nov – KL – Genting Highlands - KL
Sat 01 Dec – KL sightseeing
Sun 02 Dec – Return to COK

ECR. First things first, My passport has an ECR stamp. Got it when I was still in school, and I understand I won't have the time to get it changed before the trip. I know emigration rules have changed, but can this still be a problem at the airport?

Visa. Malaysia requires that one submits a three-month bank statement with the tourist visa application. How important is this statement? Asking because I still am a student and live with my parents, so I've never really felt the need for a bank account. My account has only a few thousand rupees for the last two months; will be transferring a large sum from my parents' account prior to getting the statement. Can this be a ground for visa denial?

Air Asia. How good are they? Find very mixed reviews on Mouthshut. Though most of the bad reviews are from 2010, when they started services from India, this is not very reassuring; as is their no-refunds policy. I'm keeping a four hour buffer time between arriving in KL and the flight to Langkawi. Will this be sufficient? Also, do they cancel services to and from Cochin often?

Money. Should we carry USD along, as INR will be difficult to convert? Or will a traveler card do?

Renting a car in Langkawi. This seem to be a good option. But will they lend you one on your Indian license? Do they ask for a huge security deposit?

Stay. We are on a budget, so prefer mid-range accommodation. Just needs to be spotlessly clean, with a comfortable bed and AC, and a window. Tata's Ginger Hotel types. Some such options seem to be available in Kuah, Langkawi, but not in KL's tourist districts. Most "budget" places seem quite run-down and cheap even in the internet pictures. Can anyone recommend such places in Brickfields/ close to the KL Sentral transport hub? I liked a place called Hotel 1915, but they are already booked out. :(

Getting around in KL. Will this be difficult? Will taxi drivers take you for a ride?

Language. Do people usually follow English?

Food. Is street food safe? Or should we just stick to the bigger restaurants or the regular McDs? Does Malaysian food suit our palate? (Asking because though Creole food - for example - is very highly rated by many, I've found it very bland; and it burnt a huge hole in my wallet as I tried it at an upscale restaurant.)

I know that was a long post, and I've asked too many questions, but please do help me out. Thanks in advance!

[Y@SH]

ECR. I dont think this would be of any problem since the rules have changed post 07' and you are aware about it, however you can consult a travel agent who has experience in dealing with passport queries.

Visa. I seriously have no idea ask your travel agent.

Air Asia. I have traveled in Air Asia (not from indian subcontinent) and didn't like it because its a budget airlines, but nothing to stop you from not choosing it. However since they dont have a refund policy and have poor reviews, I would suggest travelling Malaysian Airlines.

Money. I have seriously never exchanged Rupees anywhere abroad. INR wont be difficult to convert but USD works best, acceptable at any travel exchange ourlet. Carry travel cheques if you want have a safer method or an international prepaid card.


Renting a car in Langkawi. Again depends on the rental company. You may require an international licence.

Stay. USe trip advisor's hotel finder. They include traveller reviews as well. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g2...an-Hotels.html

Getting around in KL. Extremely easy, plenty of taxis available, english will do!

Language. English works.

Food. I love food and to try out different places. I have eaten from local street food to food courts to high end restaurant and never had any problems. However know what you eat, you dont want to end up eating insects

[bhunu AMG]

Hi there, twice I have been to Malaysia. For visa give your passport to an agent n as Malaysia is a very tourist friendly country they don't have too rigid visa norms but it is always better to use the service of an agent.
Money: you can easily change indian currency over there.
Transportation: taxis are common n affordable or you can use monorail which covers almost all parts of KL.
Hotels: depends up on your budget.you can find very good hotels under rs5k
Language : English will do.
Rent a car: you need an international license n in lankawi you actually need a boat!!😄
Air asia: Never travelled so can't comment.
Regards

[abhijitvp]

Visa: Not an Issue. My parents got the visa even without showing return tickets. We travelled Malaysia by car from Singapore.

Air Asia: It’s not that bad. I travelled many times with them. From Singapore though. It’s cheap. That’s it. You can buy drink or food at reasonable price. They are strict about baggage. So buy additional baggage at the time of booking the tickets. Make sure your handbag is not more than 7kg.

Money: All over Malaysia Foreign Exchange is not a problem. You will easily find money exchangers on the streets. They do accept Indian Rupees. But hotels usually take MYR, USD, SGD, GBP only.

Car Rental: They do accept Indian Driving license. I have rented car in Malaysia for many times. But when you are at the counter, never ask that do they accept Indian License or not, just hand over your license to take photocopy. In Langkawi it would be cheaper to rent a car than roam in Taxis. You can also rent out bikes in Langkawi.

Stay: You will find Malaysian hotels more value for money than in India.

If you want more details PM me.

[.anshuman]

I have visited Malaysia twice and Langkawi once in Nov '10 so i guess my reply could be f some help to you.

Originally Posted by one-77

ECR. First things first, My passport has an ECR stamp. Got it when I was still in school, and I understand I won't have the time to get it changed before the trip. I know emigration rules have changed, but can this still be a problem at the airport?

Not a problem, even i had ECR stamp on my passport which is quite old.

Visa. Malaysia requires that one submits a three-month bank statement with the tourist visa application. How important is this statement? Asking because I still am a student and live with my parents, so I've never really felt the need for a bank account. My account has only a few thousand rupees for the last two months; will be transferring a large sum from my parents' account prior to getting the statement. Can this be a ground for visa denial?

In Nov '10 i was not asked for bank statement, please check if rules have changed after that .

Air Asia. How good are they? Find very mixed reviews on Mouthshut. Though most of the bad reviews are from 2010, when they started services from India, this is not very reassuring; as is their no-refunds policy. I'm keeping a four hour buffer time between arriving in KL and the flight to Langkawi. Will this be sufficient? Also, do they cancel services to and from Cochin often?

AFAIK Air Asia stopped their Indian operations last year. I flew Air Asia once, i found the Airline good considering i got the tickets real cheap, i did not mind paying for the meal and luggage.

Renting a car in Langkawi[/b]. This seem to be a good option. But will they lend you one on your Indian license? Do they ask for a huge security deposit?

I rented a Nissan Sentra Automatic at the price of small car. I rented the car directly from the Airport after comparing and negotiating offers from various operators there, i got a very good deal, i don't remember the amount. Whole process was very smooth, fuel was very cheap, roads are good with close to no traffic on some sections.



Indian Licence works fine, deposit is not big.

Stay. We are on a budget, so prefer mid-range accommodation. Just needs to be spotlessly clean, with a comfortable bed and AC, and a window. Tata's Ginger Hotel types. Some such options seem to be available in Kuah, Langkawi, but not in KL's tourist districts. Most "budget" places seem quite run-down and cheap even in the internet pictures. Can anyone recommend such places in Brickfields/ close to the KL Sentral transport hub? I liked a place called Hotel 1915, but they are already booked out. :(

If you plan to rent the car find some secluded place to stay, somewhere close the beach.

I got a good deal on Beach side Cottage on this resort with access to private beach for Hotel- http://www.tripadvisor.in/Hotel_Revi...ict_Kedah.html

http://www.mutiarahotels.com/burau-bay/

I always use Booking.com for my international stays, my experience till date has been very good.

Getting around in KL. Will this be difficult? Will taxi drivers take you for a ride?

Language. Do people usually follow English?

Finding cabs at many places will be a problem. Everyone knows English.

[naveen.raju]

Originally Posted by one-77

I'm planning to go on a one-week trip to Malaysia in the last week of November, with some friends. We're on a budget; not exactly shoe-string, but still on a budget. None of us has been to Malaysia before, so I have a lot of queries. We have exams at college till Nov 7, so we'll be making the arrangements only end of next week, that's about two weeks in advance.

Air Asia - I have used Air Asia on couple of trips. Cant say it's bad but not good enough. It's a budget airline. Dont expect goodies in there and you will find it hard to spend time (I kept reading their old magazines. Was even surprised to see the same old magazine during my last trip to China). The leg room sucks big time. We usually get the "hot seats" which is in the front (few hundred extra). Lavish leg room and moreover it's got priority check-in. You will be catered first always.

Money - Carry USD. Never exchange at airports. Try local exchange centers. There are many scattered across major shopping areas.

Stay - In Malaysia, the best bet would be somewhere around Bukit Bintang. There are many shopping malls in and around this place, local eatouts (including Indian), Pubs and hotels. Rooms are very cheap when compared to India. You can easily afford a 3-4 star rooms.

Getting around in KL - No issues, you have taxis (many are tamilians) then you have the monorail. Pretty cheap.

Food - No problem at all. If you stay at Bukit Bintang, you have street food everywhere from local delicacies to south indian menu's. You also have MCD, KFC and pizza.

English - No problem!

I think Air Asia is still operating here or atleast in Cochin. Think they have increased the number of flights from Cochin too. Please check on this. Visited their stall few months during an expo. Couldnt get to talk as people were busy booking the tickets.