Going solo in Malaysia and Singapore
MUDRA MUKESH
If you crave independence, travelling alone is the way to go. It is not all that complicated really – once the requisite permissions and finances have been organised, the rest is a breeze.
First things first. If you have trouble convincing the parents, here’s a tip - prepare your itinerary, the estimated expenditure (including airfare) and the list of places you are likely to stay with the emphasis being on economy. Do all the dirty work and at the end of the day, they will be impressed enough by your organisational skills to finance your trip! Speaking for myself, I was lucky to get away with a trip to Malaysia and Singapore by myself without much coaxing.
Malaysia is a country that is not only rich in culture, but also very well equipped to deal with changing times. The Kuala Lumpur airport is huge. You actually need to take a train to travel from one terminal to another. Fortunately, it doesn’t stop at a gazillion places so I did not get lost like I feared I would.
Besides the usual tourist attractions like the Petronas Twin Towers and KLCC, the huge shopping center in Kuala Lumpur, other places of interest are PutraJaya, the administrative capital of Malaysia. For those fascinated by Islamic architecture, this city is surely a feast for the eyes, with a man-made lake, food courts, botanical gardens and mosques. Another favorite among tourists is Genting Highlands, situated several thousand metres above seal level. There is also an outdoor theme park offering a number of thrilling rides.
On arriving at Singapore, the first thing that comes to one’s attention is the Changi Airport. Be it shopping, food or free Internet, it has it all. The people are friendly and helpful, so be sure to leave your “Delhi frown” back home. The airport is well connected - one has the option of taking the MRT (mass rapid transport) or a bus to the city, and taxis are available too. The favorite shopping haunt is Orchard Street, with malls that are sure to gratify any shopaholic. For those on a tighter budget, Bedhok Street is a good option.
The Night Safari, as the name suggests, is a spectacular rendezvous with nature and wildlife. The tram ride, the animal show at the amphitheater and the chicken satay there make for a memorable experience. Another place one cannot afford to miss is Sentosa Island. Accessible by cable car, ferry, cabs or buses, it offers a wide variety of entertainment at a nominal entry fee. The underwater world, the dolphin lagoon, the Merlion - Singapore’s tourism icon with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, the sky tower and the pristine beaches like Siloso make for one exciting adventure.
With excessive shopping, temporary tattoos and food binges on the agenda, your trip is sure to be a memorable one - parental permission, finance and weather permitting, of course!
If you crave independence, travelling alone is the way to go. It is not all that complicated really – once the requisite permissions and finances have been organised, the rest is a breeze.
First things first. If you have trouble convincing the parents, here’s a tip - prepare your itinerary, the estimated expenditure (including airfare) and the list of places you are likely to stay with the emphasis being on economy. Do all the dirty work and at the end of the day, they will be impressed enough by your organisational skills to finance your trip! Speaking for myself, I was lucky to get away with a trip to Malaysia and Singapore by myself without much coaxing.
Malaysia is a country that is not only rich in culture, but also very well equipped to deal with changing times. The Kuala Lumpur airport is huge. You actually need to take a train to travel from one terminal to another. Fortunately, it doesn’t stop at a gazillion places so I did not get lost like I feared I would.
Besides the usual tourist attractions like the Petronas Twin Towers and KLCC, the huge shopping center in Kuala Lumpur, other places of interest are PutraJaya, the administrative capital of Malaysia. For those fascinated by Islamic architecture, this city is surely a feast for the eyes, with a man-made lake, food courts, botanical gardens and mosques. Another favorite among tourists is Genting Highlands, situated several thousand metres above seal level. There is also an outdoor theme park offering a number of thrilling rides.
On arriving at Singapore, the first thing that comes to one’s attention is the Changi Airport. Be it shopping, food or free Internet, it has it all. The people are friendly and helpful, so be sure to leave your “Delhi frown” back home. The airport is well connected - one has the option of taking the MRT (mass rapid transport) or a bus to the city, and taxis are available too. The favorite shopping haunt is Orchard Street, with malls that are sure to gratify any shopaholic. For those on a tighter budget, Bedhok Street is a good option.
The Night Safari, as the name suggests, is a spectacular rendezvous with nature and wildlife. The tram ride, the animal show at the amphitheater and the chicken satay there make for a memorable experience. Another place one cannot afford to miss is Sentosa Island. Accessible by cable car, ferry, cabs or buses, it offers a wide variety of entertainment at a nominal entry fee. The underwater world, the dolphin lagoon, the Merlion - Singapore’s tourism icon with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, the sky tower and the pristine beaches like Siloso make for one exciting adventure.
With excessive shopping, temporary tattoos and food binges on the agenda, your trip is sure to be a memorable one - parental permission, finance and weather permitting, of course!
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