Search the Community

Just came back from a road trip recently to Ipoh. As it is the first time up North, I relied on the GPS to guide me all the way. After the trip, I had a discussion with my colleague and was told that the route I've taken is not the fatest. The GPS guided me through KL, paid some toll and continued onto the NS expressway. My friend was saying that there is a direct link all the way north till I reach Ipoh before paying toll. Could someone probably advise me where is this connecting point and what should I look out for on the next trip. Thanks a million

I have been planning this road trip for a couple of months already. Read through the various blogs of ppl who have done the same road trip. Also find out what is the current procedure to cross the Thai border at Sadao. Booked the hotels, printed and filled the necessary forms to cross into Thailand by car. Arranged with my brother to come along with me for the drive up to Bangkok, then he flies home from Bangkok. My wife will fly into Bangkok and join me on the trip back to Singapore. So its basically chiong all the way up and take the scenic route back while enjoying the drive. SG -> Hatyai -> Surat Thani -> Hua Hin -> BKK -> Hua Hin -> Surat Thani -> Hatyai -> Ipoh -> KL -> SG The day before the set off, filled the car to the brim and took photo of my odometer as this is going to be a very long road trip. 6th July 2019 (Saturday) Kiss and hug my wife goodbye and set off at 4am to pickup my brother. I didn’t want to set off so early but my brother wana avoid the causeway jam. There were indeed no jams at all and we are into NSHW. I took the first drive. Stopped over at Pagoh Reststop for pee and topped up TNG card. We switched drivers, my brother took over the drive. Next stop was Tapah Reststop as the sun begin to rise. Fuel the car to the brim and I drove now. Our initial plan was to stop at Alor Setar and enter Thailand the next day. But since we are so early, might as well try to enter it the same day. By 1pm, we arrived at Changlun town. It is the last town in MY before reaching the border. It is only 10km to the border. We went to the Petronas station for fuel and to get our 3rd party Thai insurance and white card. Then drove further ahead to a coffeeshop for lunch, our first meal of the day. We had bak kut the and was pretty disappointed as there is no pork ribs. Owner said the ppl here are stingy and not willing to pay so cannot cook pork rib. So funny. Anyway, just fill the tummy and move on. Arriving at Bukit Kayu Hitam, MY side is a new custom and immigration building. No tolls/road charge/VEP to be paid. Just stamp passport and we are off, same as SG/MY crossing. However as we exited the building, we are stuck in the jam already. Traffic has built up from the Thai side till MY custom. Inching forward every few 5-10mins, it was painful. When we were near the Thai immigration checkpoint, the police ask my brother, the passenger to alight and go through the normal walk-in immigration. He did the same for cars around me, asking passengers to alight. When I was just four cars away from the counter, I messaged my brother to check where he is in the human queue. Alamak, he still queuing at the outside of the building, not yet even enter it. So I did what everyone in front of me did, I called my brother to come over to my car and we will clear immigration together. The process is very weird. You drive up to the counter, everyone alights from the vehicle and stand in front of the counter to clear immigration. The immigration officer don’t care how many ppl in the vehicle, he will just process your documents. So thatz what everyone did, calling their passengers to join them at the counter. The human queuing also has those tour buses passenger so would take longer time. After having my passport stamped, I proceeded to the counter in the next building to “import” my car into Thailand. There was no queue at all here. I walked up and let the officer process the documents. He printed out the importation form and told me to let officer sign and remember to return it once I exited Thailand. As I begin to walk away, the officer shouted at me to come back. He kept saying let officer sign and point to his back, the other guy seating behind him. I tot I was to drive the car up and there is an officer at the gate to sign it. So I handed the form to the officer to sign and he also reminded me to return the form upon leaving Thailand, otherwise 10,000 baht fine. By then, there was a guy walking to me and told me that my car has breakdown as my brother was unable to start the car. Therefore there was a jam at my lane. Oops, went back and saw my brother trying to start the car to no avail. Then spare remote I passed to him got no more battery juice and he don’t know how to start it manually. Faster start and drove off!!! Took us a total of 2 hours to clear this Thai immigration. Woohooo, we are in Thailand. As we were stuck in the jam, I quickly made an online booking with The Regency at Hatyai for the night. We gave up our hotel in Alor Setar and went straight into Hatyai. Hatyai is 50km away from Sadao border, the drive there was smooth. Not much traffic jams. Using Waze to guide us there. The Regency has underground private carpark and it is in the night street stalls area, just opposite Lee Gardens Plaza hotel. Very well known area. The hotel room was dated, like in the 80’s feel. We rested in the hotel room till dinner time and proceeded to take a tuk tuk to Greenway market for dinner. After that we came back to the hotel area and walked the street stalls. Then we rest for the night. Makan photo here : https://www.mycarforum.com/topic/2711591-makan-in-thailand/?p=6711758

Yo bros and sis...need advise liao. Maiden trip to Batam with my Missus coming Wednesday for a short getaway. Staying at BCC hotel & Residence. Any nearby good makan/spa/massage (clean) to recommend? What else to do there huh? Check the threads here and last one is in April and not really relevant. Dun turn my thread into la sup thread ok. [laugh]

Goin to australia soon. Which to get? Existing starhub data roaming or icc sim card? Telstra? Optus? Thks

I have read on some of tips given by forumers here but those posting are quite old (a few years back) already. Am planning for a road trip early November. Will be having 12 days (including touching down and flying off days). Will be landing in Christchurch and flying off from Auckland. My friend told me that AKL is very boring so I intend to leave only one full day for Auckland. Will be spending most of the days in South Island. hence, I have only having 9 or 10 days in South Island. I am trying to cover everything that was recommended (eg. Sky diving, Milford cruise, Penguin watching, baby seal watching, whale watching...etc etc....) At first, I thought of getting a campervan, but after reading some review, better switch back to normal car. I will be traveling with one friend and I am the sole driver. Some questions: (my first trip to NZ) 1. Looking at the distance given by google map, from one place to another (eg. ChC to Lake terapo) seems very far, like around 220km, going through winding road. Does these road same as those in Msia old trunk roads? I wonder how far can I cover in one day. 2. Is it possible to cover from ChC to Dunedin, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Mt Cook, Arthur's pass, Kaikoura in just 9 days?? 3. Must I book the lodging place/motel in advance or can I book upon arriving? Without advance booking, I can determine when I'm tired, then can find a place to lodge and do not need to pressing on till reaching certain pre-booked lodging place. 4. Will there be ample stop/ lay-by areas for toilet break and rest or petrol top up? 5. Does parking in town area need parking payment? Thank you for any advice.

Sea view at port dickson

Hey guys, planning a driving holiday to taiwan end oct. anyone done a driving trip with an itenary to share? 6d 5 night thanks! Starting city is taipei

Dear bros (and sisters), I know there have been threads about this, but I would be very grateful for a patient and helpful reply. :) I'm planning a trip (around 4 nights) to Cameron Highlands in early June with my family. My first time there. I'd like to stay near the summit of the hill if possible (not at the foothills). I'm thinking of putting up at the Brinchang Equatorial. Do any of you have any helpful pointers about reasonably priced but comfortable accommodation nearer the summit? There will be a total of 4 adults and a child, with 2 adults and the child (5 years old) in one room/chalet. Not particular about meals, since we're all strict vegetarians, so would be packing our own food. I have AA and NTUC membership - any accommodations with special discounts for these cards? Also, I would be grateful for any tips or pointers on the best route to take (I'm driving there). Thanks in advance.

Had been driving in Thailand by a Thailand registered car very often. Most my drive is at the North Thailand, to the Golden triangle, Mae Hong Son, Pai, Chiang Rai, Nana etc. This time I'm gonna drive all the way from Singapore to Northern Thailand. I have a few doubts hope that any bros and sis can advice. My furthest drive so far is to Genting. Time is not an issue because I have the full months off ( July 2011) . My main concerns are the stop over as I tend not to drive over 600km per day except for the first day, Singapore to Penang. I hope someone can guide me through. Like the border crossing in Jalan Kayu Hitam. What must I do step by step. I had already have my log card ready, valid passport and IDL. But is it really necessary to buy another comprehensive insurance that cover Thailand since the local one only covers 80.5km from Thailand. A company quoted me $426.00 for 15 days coverage in Thailand but is out of my budget, anyone can comment on this or any recommendations will be appreciate!!! Can I buy the third party insurance for 1 month in Thailand border as I planned to stay in Thailand for around 16 days but the Visa crossing the border by road only stamp 14 days, what must I do to extend? And what is the preferred province to stop over for a night or two before heading North to Chiang Mai? Initially my plan is SG - PENANG - PHUKET - PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN - LOP BURI - CHIANG MAI. Is this route okay? For bros and sis have similar experience before, PLEASE , I really need your help advice on the route planning. Thank you very very much! [/font][/b][/size][/size]

Hi guys, I'm wondering if any of you have done a road trip in Tasmania? Few questions I have so far: 1. When would be the best time to go? 2. If I want to do a canter van trip, would I need additional licence? 3. Any most preferred location that you've been to? Thanks in advance. Cheers.

Has anyone tried the Jetpac esim from Circles.Life before, when going on trips? It costs $20/month, for 20 GB of global roaming data, and can cancel anytime (but will charge per month basis - meaning if go for 7-day trip and cancel on 8th day, still charge 1 full month). Is this a good idea? i'm on SingTel plan, and will be in M'sia and Thailand for a few days, so am considering between this or the readyroam by Singtel, which is cheaper at $15, but only 4GB. Any feedback or suggestion is appreciated. Thanks.

My little one is now ten months old and we figured that we might try a short road trip first, before venturing further afield or flying. We don't want Johor, so it's going to be Melaka! It's only a few hours drive, enough to try out how to handle any toilet issues, meltdowns and others but with driving, I can make as many pit stops as I need and just slowly make my way there. It's been at least three years since I entered M'sia, so any tips will be most welcome. We don't really need to sightsee, just trying it out Currently the plan is to go in mid November, before the school holidays begin .. Some things we need: Hotel - a decent tourist class hotel - kid friendly - near a mall (aircon) - some nice eateries - safe parking for our car Is Makota still the go to mall? I'll probably use the NS highway but if there are interesting side tours I'll be happy to try them. Might drop by the Ayer Keroh A&W on the way there or back if it's still there.. Thanks in advance - and I'll post lots of pics when I do go, cheers

Hi All, anyone familiar with Langkawi? I will be bring my family of 4 for a short holiday in Dec. I've booked the flight but arriving time will be 8pm. Thinking of renting a car for our stay there, but feel that it will be quite a waste for the 1st night. So likely to take a taxi to hotel upon arrival. Do the taxi there go by meter? If not do they chop carrot when they see me & my family arriving so late with no other option? Thanks!

Hi Bros, Any recommendation on which Villa to stay? The location would be better if it is near or at patong. If it's not around patong area, which beach is nearer to patong? I understand that there are several Villa's that is near (but a walking distance) to patong and there are some that are really far from patong but still part of phuket. And, aside from the "happenings" in patong, anywhere in phuket has the same "happenings"? is patong the only happenings area? oh btw, it's just merely a 3D2N stay.. hehe.

My wife’s friend invited us to go over to New York, USA to visit her and stay at her place. So we agreed and planned for a visit in Autumn before the winter snow comes and it will be too cold to walk around. My wife’s friend stays at the suburbs of New York City but still within New York state so it is a good place to stay and still able to visit New York City. After extensive search on various websites, we settled for Qatar Airways flight with a stopover at Doha, Qatar. Initially, wanted to try the SIA direct flight but wifey say she does not want to seat in the aeroplane for 19 hours and also the cost was more than double of what we can get on Qatar Airways. We listed down the places of interest we wanted to visit since it was our first time to USA. And since it was NYC, most of the places will be what we saw in the movies and TV. Then we planned for shopping and throw in a road trip to satisfy my desire to drive long distances in USA. My wife’s friend provided some tips on places to visit and my colleague/trusted friend in the office provided me with lots of tips on what to see, where to eat and how to get around NYC as he is a regular to USA. His twin brother stays there and he visits him every year. There was enhanced security check for everyone bound for USA at Doha, Qatar airport. They first check if you have ESTA, if yes, your name will be already on their list. Then it is time to strip down your clothes. No sweater or jackets, remove belt, footwear, keys, coins, wallet, hp and anything from your pockets. Next, empty all your hand carry items in your bag. All electronic devices like laptop, camera, drone, tablet, hp, etc must be placed separately in another tray. They wipe down all electronic devices and put the cloth into the ion scanner to check for traces of explosive/gun powder (I guess). I left my drone in my carry-on bag and when the x-ray detected it, was told to go back to the line and repeat the process again. Passengers were already boarding the plane while I was still going thru the checks. Many ppl were in the same scenario too. Touch down in JFK airport. It was a wet morning. I left SG on Fri night and reached NYC on a Sat morning. Woohoo, as if time stood still. But in fact, it was already Sat night in SG. Have flown exactly 24 hours and the time difference between NYC and SG is exactly 12 hours. The queue at immigration was terribly long, 45 mins before we get to see the officer. And over here, they see u as a family. Ya, whole family stand in front of the officer and he ask questions and stamp passport. For us, he didn’t ask much as it was our first time there, only ask how long we will be in USA. Retrieved our luggage and followed the instruction that Enterprise car rental had provided me. Took the air train to where all the car rentals are located. For Enterprise, got to take a shuttle bus after alighting from the air train as it was further away. The temp was around a cool 14°C. Had booked a Rav4 but there was no Rav4 on site so the guy provided me with a Hyundai Tucson. Less than 10,000 miles on the odo, still got new car smell. Loaded our luggage and drove to my wife’s friend home, another 40+km away. Had to keep awake and ensure I drive the correct direction. Somehow lost my way while I was on the freeway as there was a split 3 ways and I guessed the wrong one. Did a few rounds in a neighbourhood and got back on to the freeway. Entrances to the freeway were not clearly indicated on the road, no big signboard.

Just come back from Desaru last Saturday. When with wife for short holiday. Drove in last Thursday. Stay at Lotus Desaru Beach Resort. I dont know whether u guys remember Impiana Desaru. The resort was abandon for more than 8 years. The Lotus group took over last 2 years, refurbish it and recently soft launch it. They having promotion now RM160 ++ for one bedroom suite. Going back there this Dec.

Has anyone ever been on a round the world trip? Been dreaming of one since 2004. As I get older I think to myself my life is half over.... I plan Singapore to Seoul by plane Seoul to China by ship China to Paris by train via transfer sobering and whatever rail there is Paris to new York by plane New York to West coast by land West coast to Japan by plane Japan to Singapore by plane Anyone ever had such dreams? Anyone ever travelled from Seoul to China by plane or china to Paris by train? As I get older I thinking to myself just yolo.

How often have we heard about the adventures of a man born about two thousand years ago? And now at Christmas, we celebrate His birth, and so what better way to know Him than to see His life and journey for ourselves? That was one of the main reason I set out to make this journey, to a place where strife and conflict mix with history, politics and adventure. It was also a bucket list item to see the place where they filmed Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade... Petra, who can forget the two Joneses riding out... So to see it for yourself is a really big deal:

Hi Everyone, I'm going to Italy in June for two weeks. Going Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan. Any tips on things to look out for? Any things that I should or must buy? Any restaurant or food that I must try? Any places that is out of the ordinary that I should or must go? Appreciate everyone's contribution. Thank you! Rayd8or

Think there is something wrong with my built-in oven . I can switch on the oven, but when i turn the selector (select different cooking) knob and the oven trip the house power supply. Anyone can advise what is the problem?

STB partners Trip.com Group to market Singapore as a travel destination SINGAPORE: The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is collaborating with travel services provider Trip.com Group to market Singapore as a travel destination. Announcing the three-year Memorandum of Understanding on Tuesday (Nov 17), both parties said they will also customise and promote travel products, itineraries and experiences to cater to different types of travellers. These include free and independent travellers, leisure groups and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) visitors. It comes as Trip.com Group recently set up its international headquarters in Singapore, focusing on marketing, sales and research and development. The partnership will “leverage Trip.com Group's fast-growing global network as a leading international online travel services provider, as well as its ability to draw insights on travel behaviour and needs from its large user base”, they said in a joint news release. “As Singapore gradually and safely reopens our borders, this partnership will help drive the recovery of Singapore’s tourism sector as consumers look to travel in this new COVID-19 environment,” STB CEO Keith Tan said. “We look forward to safely welcoming visitors back to Singapore, to enjoy our great food, unique culture, beautiful parks and fun experiences.” This is the latest collaboration announced by STB, as Singapore gradually reopens its borders following restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Last week, STB announced a partnership with the Hong Kong Tourism Board to promote travel between the two destinations, before the first flights begin under the Singapore-Hong Kong travel bubble. MARKETING COLLABORATIONS, SHARING INSIGHTS The partnership between STB and Trip.com will cover areas such as marketing, data analytics and product and industry development, both parties said. This includes joint marketing campaigns to attract visitors to Singapore, which will focus on markets such as China, Hong Kong, South Korea and Thailand. “STB and Trip.com will curate and deliver inspirational and engaging content via various media channels to showcase the Singapore destination story and to position Singapore as a safe and compelling destination of choice for travellers,” they said. The campaigns will be rolled out in phases based on their readiness to travel and prevailing travel policies. “STB and Trip.com Group will also exchange insights on key traveller segments and regional travel trends, with industry stakeholders in Singapore and key markets,” they added. “This is to equip them with useful insights that can help them reach out to consumers more effectively and to enhance the visitor experience in Singapore.” Trip.com Group’s chairman and co-founder James Liang said Singapore has “always been one of the most sought-after destination by global travellers”. He noted that searches for flights and hotels related to Singapore jumped 379 per cent within hours of the announcement on the easing of travel restrictions on visitors from mainland China. “As international travel resumes, we believe Singapore will be the first port-of-call for many international visitors and we are delighted to have the opportunity to work closely with STB to develop and grow Singapore’s standing as one of the top tourist destinations over the next few years,” Mr Liang said. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/stb-partners-trip-com-group-tourism-travel-13577678 time to look beyond 2020 and covid19.

hi bros, I am planning a road trip up north with few families. about 3-4 cars and am considering we need the walkie talkie for the drive journey. any bros here know is there anywhere we can find walkie-talkie for T-loan? need abt 3 sets for a week. hope bros with experience can share. E.g. which range type is suitable etc. thanks much.

I will be doing a road trip with my group of friends to Thailand. I have not done this before and will appreciate any suggestions from forumers here. BTW, there is 9 of us going in 2 cars , most probably an SUV and a Sedan. What to look out and prepare for in terms of the car conditions to minimise it having problems along the trip If I need essential stuffs for the car along the way, is it safe or avaliable to replenish them in malaysia My friends are ambitious and would like to drive all the way to Bangkok, How many days does that take (to and fro) What are some of the stops recommended for overnight stays Any other things that I should take note of Thanks guys

On behalf of Ah Lau..... Anyone for a drive trip to Yangon??? Details to be shared by Ah Lau.

So, today travelled to China, gonna be a long one, 2 weeks. The trip starts in Foshan. Arrived hotel 9.30pm, tired and hungry Pretty large room