Planning Your Trip
As of May 2007, Singapore has placed restrictions on liquids, aerosols and gels that passengers may carry with them on all flights departing from Changi International or the smaller Seletar airport. All containers must be under 100ml (3.40 fl. oz.) in size, and must be packed together in a plastic bag with a total volume no greater than 1 liter (about 34 fl. oz). Sound troublesome? My advice is to just pack all your liquids, aerosols and gels in your checked luggage -- some European airports have rules that are even stricter than Singapore's so be prepared for hassles along the way. Soon after, Malaysia also passed the same aviation safety restrictions for liquids, aerosols and gels that can be taken aboard international flights.
Malaysia has made huge strides in catering to the hygiene of its visitors. As part of its Visit Malaysia 2007 campaign, the country introduced high-tech toilets, which are metal toilet booths that are air-conditioned and fully automated to completely wash and dry the bowl after each use, and scrub down the entire booth after every 5 uses. In addition, the government is initiating special training for toilet management to teach staff how to properly maintain public toilets in a bid to change the reputation that Malaysia has for abominable toilets. Don't expect them to flush out all their trouble spots overnight.
A word of warning to those of African descent who plan to travel to Malaysia: The BBC has reported incidents where black travelers have been harassed by Malaysian police officers, who have dragged tourists with valid visas into custody for what the officers claim are merely routine immigration checks.
Getting Around
Singapore and Malaysia have been in talks to open direct flights from Singapore to some of Malaysia's smaller cities. While no time frame has been set or destinations agreed upon, if it happens this could open new possibilities for quick side trips from Singapore to Malaysia and vice-versa. Currently, a flight between Singapore and most of Malaysia's smaller destinations requires a plane change in Kuala Lumpur.
Fly Asian Xpress (www.flyasianxpress.com), a tiny rural airline operated under the Air Asia umbrella (www.airasia.com) has just been approved to fly international routes, targeting destinations in China, India, the Middle East, Australia, Japan and even Europe. They're currently scouting around for new planes. The company expects to carry 10 million passengers by 2012, selling flights for as cheap as RM10 (US$2.95) -- this is not a typo.
Where To Stay
Singapore's Millennium & Copthorne Group has taken over the Regent Kuala Lumpur. The hotel changed its name to the Millennium Kuala Lumpur (www.millenniumhotels.com) in June 2007, and is currently undergoing renovations, which are expected to be completed in September 2007. The official launch of the fully renovated hotel will be in December 2007.
An extraordinary resort is opening in peninsular Malaysia's east coast state, Terengganu. The Terrapuri Heritage Village is slated to open in mid-2008. This oceanfront resort is constructed of 28 traditional Terengganu-style Malay houses, some as old as 200 years. Lovingly restored to the tune of RM2 mil (US$590,000) using only traditional methods, each house will also provide guests with a background of its architectural style and reconstruction details. The resort is located just next to a turtle wildlife sanctuary, looking out to the islands of Redang and Perhentian, which offer excellent scuba and snorkeling, and 45 minutes from Kuala Terengganu's great handicrafts shopping -- making it truly a Have-It-All vacation spot in Malaysia. Advance bookings can be made through Ping Anchorage at tel. 09/626-2020.
Where to Dine
In Singapore, Dempsey Road, an old military barrack in a lovely wooded area has been renamed Tanglin Village. For years it's been a favorite shopping spot for well-heeled expatriates looking for antiques, art, teak furniture and Oriental carpets. Now, many of the old buildings have been refurbished, welcoming wine bars and al fresco restaurants into the mix. Check out Oosh (22 Dempsey Rd.; tel. 65/6475-0002; www.oosh.com.sg), a 110,000-square-foot al fresco bistro decorated in Balinese style that serves Japanese, European and Asian cuisine, plus wine and cigars. The artsy and atmospheric Wine Company (Block 14-3 Dempsey Rd., tel. 65/6479-9341) can be a happening spot, attracting a sophisticated drinking crowd on the weekends.
What to See & Do
Exciting things are happening on the visual arts front, as Singapore has announced plans to transform its historic Supreme Court and City Hall buildings into a new art gallery which will serve as a regional and international visual arts hub. It will focus on the display, promotion, research and study of Southeast Asian art including Singapore art, as well as play host to international art exhibitions. Unfortunately, visitors can't enjoy the exhibit until 2012, its scheduled date of launch. In the meantime, expect to find construction and restoration work in progress as early as late 2007.
If you're heading out to Sentosa Island in Singapore, Underwater World (80 Siloso Rd., Sentosa; tel. 65/6275-0030; www.underwaterworld.com.sg) has a novel attraction. Visitors can soak their feet in a warm tank filled with garra rufa, aka Turkish spa fish, who will dine on the dead skin they nibble off your soles. Combine your foot bath with a 20-minute foot massage for S$35 (US$22.90).
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