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rockababes · 02-09-2009, 09:19 AM

I just want to share my plan with you guys and hopefully I could get some useful advise and tips. I'm a woman from Philippines and I think I like the idea of travelling alone. I guess it suits my personality. The original plan was to fly from Cebu - Philippines to Male - Maldives where my friend is working in a resort. A probable work opportunity awaits me there, since he is looking for someone to replace him in his work. He advised me to fly from Singapore going to Maldives. So I'm thinking of starting my backpacking adventure from Singapore to nearby countries before flying to Maldives. I know that it costs a lot to fly there, so I have to save and maximize my money while on my southeast asia expedition. I'm a punk too, which means i would'nt mind staying in cheap motels or riding a bus.

I would'nt have a problem staying in Singapore since I have a friend there who will accomodate me while I'm there. I guess I need some advice as to how to go to Malaysia in cheapest way as possible, then where else to go from there, then how/where to finally book a flight to my final destination - Maldives.

I'm excited and at the same time afraid. I guess I need this solitary journey to get to know myself, find life, and quit my long term stressful corporate job that burns me out.

Thanks!

**Esterina** · 02-09-2009, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockababes

I'm excited and at the same time afraid. I guess I need this solitary journey to get to know myself, find life, and quit my long term stressful corporate job that burns me out.

Good idea, you will find all this and more!

You have an awesome project planned, especially having contacts abroad. The experience, both human and at work, should be a more meaningful than with a typical backpacking one.

I'ved travelled solo in Laos, Vietnam and a little bit of Thailand and didn't encounter any problem. In Laos and Thailand, you will probably at times find it difficult to find by yourself, you'll see. If you include these countries in your travel, I'll be happy to share some tips.

p.s. I moved the thread in the Asia forum.

rockababes · 02-09-2009, 11:16 AM

Thanks Mam, I'm really on a tight budget..I'd probably be carrying only around $2,000. Or maybe I'l just stick to singapore-malaysia then fly to Maldives?

How far do you think my money can take me to? Or should I just go directly to Maldives from singapore sticking to my original plan and forget the whole backpacking trip?

**Canadian Bacon** · 02-09-2009, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockababes

I'm excited and at the same time afraid. I guess I need this solitary journey to get to know myself, find life, and quit my long term stressful corporate job that burns me out.

Thanks!

You will find all these things in your journey - solitary trips are the best in my opinion...

although as I say to all single travellers (not just women) just be aware of the risks involved in travelling alone and take relevant precautions.

rockababes · 02-09-2009, 12:57 PM

@Canadian Bacon, I understand it's kinda risky specially for a first time backpacker...

I'm gonna have to do a lot of careful plannin' before finalizing it. So I'd appreciate all the tips, advices and precautions from you guys, I'l post here my final plan soon, and hopefully be able to know where not to go, how to deal with the locals and not be fooled and not be taken advantage of...

**worldwidemike** · 02-10-2009, 01:38 PM

Welcome to Travelpunk, Rockababes!

I think your plan sounds fine, so far. You should be able to find cheap flights from the Philippines to Singapore, then start your backpacking from there. Malaysia will be a good beginning. The people are indeed friendly there, and it'll have the modern accommodations and amenities to ease you onto your travel path. I'd suggest heading north from there to Thailand, which to most folks, is Asia 101 for backpackers. Of course, you being from the Philippines probably won't have the culture shock that some westerners get when they show up in Asia, but Thailand is well set up for travelers nonetheless. Plus, there is the full range of accommodations and you can see how "low you want to go" on budget stays and eats and transport, etc.

If you're doing fine, at that point, have time and money, and want to see more, I'd suggest roaming around SE Asia a bit. Cambodia and the ruins of Angkor Wat are a must-see for history buffs (like me). If you enjoy them, then you might want to include a trip to Myanmar to see the amazing ruins of Bagan (sometimes spelled Pagan). If you enjoyed the budget backpacker trail, then perhaps head out to Laos for more low key adventure. With Malaysia and Thailand, you should get good primers and find what you enjoy most about travel. So, that should decide your next step. When you are ready to end the trip and head to the Maldives, then Bangkok is a major air hub and should have some sort of flight there (though definitely check this out ahead of time!).

Good luck, and feel free to ask questions. We have members who have done extensive travel in these countries, and at least one LIVED in Malaysia...

worldwidemike

rockababes · 02-10-2009, 02:11 PM

@worldwidemike, thank you so much for the tips!

I won't be staying too long in each countries. Aside from having a budget, I really have to head to Maldives very soon. I would also visit my friend in Singapore, so I would not have any problems in looking for a place to stay there.

I guess my question would be, is it possible to get a one way ticket to Bangkok then start from there then travel over land to Malaysia then to Singapore? Then From Singapore I'd get a 2way ticket to Maldives?

Like stay in Bangkok for 3 days, then Malaysia 3 days etc. not including the travel time?

Thanks all!

**worldwidemike** · 02-15-2009, 08:56 AM

Here's some info on train from Bangkok to Malaysia:
Rail routes in South East Asia
Of course, buses might be cheaper, but less comfortable...

As for just 3 days in each, well, that's kind of a specialty of mine! What with working full time, I don't have lots of time for my trips. I think you can see a nice slice of each in 3 days. Check out my travelogs from those countries in my signature. I'd recommend a day trip to Ayuthaya if you want to get out of Bangkok a bit, and for sightseeing within the city, take the Chao Praya River Express. Lots more quiet and scenic than the hectic Bangkok traffic!

If you have any questions, feel free to ask...

worldwidemike

rockababes · 02-15-2009, 07:07 PM

Thanks for helping me out with my plan. I'd be sharing my travel stories here once I get there.

Thanks to all!, Love this site!

polarbear · 02-17-2009, 02:18 PM

im definitely eager to hear about your Maldives experience. that place looks amazing! be sure to let us know!

blue crush · 02-26-2009, 01:30 AM

That's a rather brave thing to do.

I never travel alone and I guess I'd be scared too if I ever do try it, LOL.

Well goodluck on your backpacking journey and hope you have a great time.