I must confess, even though I have an irrational hatred of these books I do own one. Where my hatred stems from I can only guess at but I have a feeling after touring East Malaysia and having access to a copy of 'South East Asia on a Shoestring' after I had visited some of the places mentioned ... Read review
Discover Malaysia Singapore & Brunei Have your fortune told by a psychic parrot ... more
then dig into dosa in Singapore's Little India. Trek in the footsteps of tribal war parties on the Headhunters' Trail in Gunung Mulu National Park. Travel the length of Peninsular Malaysia through the world's oldest rainforest on the Jungle Railway. Give the turtles plenty of space as they haul their 750kg-bodies up the beaches of Cherating. In This Guide: Top adventure activity coverage - the best hiking snorkelling caving diving or bird-watching info. Five authors and 2731 hours in-country researching this edition. More listings of sustainable businesses to help you make the right choices for the environment. Find out how you can minimise your impact at "lonelyplanet.com
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If you're planning anything more than a Kuala Lumpur stopover or a fast overland commute ... more
from Thailand to Singapore,Lonely Planet Malaysia, Singapore&Bruneiis an essential companion. In fact, clocking in at nearly 700 pages, it may even inspire you to spend extra time in this region, which has only been divided into the three distinct countries since WWII. Encompassing Chinese, Indians, Malays, rainforest tribes, "original people" and sea-gypsies, with their innumerable religions it has one of the most diverse cultures in Asia.The cover is emblazoned with a turtle and the vague slogan "The adventure starts here". Neither gives you an idea of what you'll find in an area so hard to categorise. Culture ranges from the hi-tech of Kuala Lumpur's Cyberjaya zone or the 88-storey Petronas towers to the ancient longhouse communities deep in Borneo's jungle. You can shop in Singapore's Orchard Road malls or experience the abundant wildlife of Taman Negara National Park in Peninsula Malaysia. You could check out the water villages of Brunei, one of the worlds smallest but richest counties; discover bat caves and orang-utans in Sarawak; climb Mount Kinabalu in Sabah; or check out the incredible diving waters off Semporna.Lonely Planet Malaysia, Singapore&Bruneiis rammed with reasons why the region, arguably the least-fashionable bit of Southeast Asian backpacker itineraries, should be given more thought. One Amazon.co.uk reader complains that the previous edition was disparaging, but Lonely Planet should be praised for their honesty in pre-warning travellers where other guides might gloss over the negative. Equally, this guide puts many of the preconceived notions in context. Yes, Singapore is obsessed by fines and orderliness, but it also has a surprisingly vibrant nightlife, joyous hawker centres overflowing with cheap tasty food and is a fascinating microcosm of Asia. And yes, there is alcohol scarcity and problems for women in some Moslem areas of Peninsula Malaysia, but it is also a very multi-ethnic country. However, popular notions of Brunei being expensive and boring are confirmed--not being a place for budget travellers, it gets just 26 pages. --Sarah Champion
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If you're planning anything more than a Kuala Lumpur stopover or a fast overland commute ... more
from Thailand to Singapore, Lonely Planet Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei is an essential companion. In fact, clocking in at nearly 700 pages, it may even inspire you to spend extra time in this region, which has only been divided into the three distinct countries since WWII. Encompassing Chinese, Indians, Malays, rainforest tribes, "original people" and sea-gypsies, with their innumerable religions it has one of the most diverse cultures in Asia. The cover is emblazoned with a turtle and the vague slogan "The adventure starts here". Neither gives you an idea of what you'll find in an area so hard to categorise. Culture ranges from the hi-tech of Kuala Lumpur's Cyberjaya zone or the 88-storey Petronas towers to the ancient longhouse communities deep in Borneo's jungle. You can shop in Singapore's Orchard Road malls or experience the abundant wildlife of Taman Negara National Park in Peninsula Malaysia. You could check out the water villages of Brunei, one of the worlds smallest but richest counties; discover bat caves and orang-utans in Sarawak; climb Mount Kinabalu in Sabah; or check out the incredible diving waters off Semporna. Lonely Planet Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei is rammed with reasons why the region, arguably the least-fashionable bit of Southeast Asian backpacker itineraries, should be given more thought. One Amazon.co.uk reader complains that the previous edition was disparaging, but Lonely Planet should be praised for their honesty in pre-warning travellers where other guides might gloss over the negative. Equally, this guide puts many of the preconceived notions in context. Yes, Singapore is obsessed by fines and orderliness, but it also has a surprisingly vibrant nightlife, joyous hawker centres overflowing with cheap tasty food and is a fascinating microcosm of Asia. And yes, there is alcohol scarcity and problems for women in some Moslem areas of Peninsula Malaysia, but it is also a very multi-ethnic country. However, popular notions of Brunei being expensive and boring are confirmed--not being a place for budget travellers, it gets just 26 pages. --Sarah Champion
Postage & Packaging:£2.75 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
If you're planning anything more than a Kuala Lumpur stopover or a fast overland commute ... more
from Thailand to Singapore, Lonely Planet Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei is an essential companion. In fact, clocking in at nearly 700 pages, it may even inspire you to spend extra time in this region, which has only been divided into the three distinct countries since WWII. Encompassing Chinese, Indians, Malays, rainforest tribes, "original people" and sea-gypsies, with their innumerable religions it has one of the most diverse cultures in Asia. The cover is emblazoned with a turtle and the vague slogan "The adventure starts here". Neither gives you an idea of what you'll find in an area so hard to categorise. Culture ranges from the hi-tech of Kuala Lumpur's Cyberjaya zone or the 88-storey Petronas towers to the ancient longhouse communities deep in Borneo's jungle. You can shop in Singapore's Orchard Road malls or experience the abundant wildlife of Taman Negara National Park in Peninsula Malaysia. You could check out the water villages of Brunei, one of the worlds smallest but richest counties; discover bat caves and orang-utans in Sarawak; climb Mount Kinabalu in Sabah; or check out the incredible diving waters off Semporna. Lonely Planet Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei is rammed with reasons why the region, arguably the least-fashionable bit of Southeast Asian backpacker itineraries, should be given more thought. One Amazon.co.uk reader complains that the previous edition was disparaging, but Lonely Planet should be praised for their honesty in pre-warning travellers where other guides might gloss over the negative. Equally, this guide puts many of the preconceived notions in context. Yes, Singapore is obsessed by fines and orderliness, but it also has a surprisingly vibrant nightlife, joyous hawker centres overflowing with cheap tasty food and is a fascinating microcosm of Asia. And yes, there is alcohol scarcity and problems for women in some Moslem areas of Peninsula Malaysia, but it is also a very multi-ethnic country. However, popular notions of Brunei being expensive and boring are confirmed--not being a place for budget travellers, it gets just 26 pages. --Sarah Champion
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Advantages: Consisely written and available in paperback Disadvantages: Often wrong and out of date. The people who write it look like hippies from the pictures
I must confess, even though I have an irrational hatred of these books I do own one. Where my hatred stems from I can only guess at but I have a feeling after touring East Malaysia and having access to a copy of 'South East Asia on a Shoestring' after I had visited some of the places mentioned I found myself thinking that the book's descriptions didn't do them justice. I also have an irrational hatred of backpackers too and these books seem to me ... ...my disliking for them further. Finnaly I found the above mentioned book too brief in everything which is why I bought a copy of 'Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.'
Enough about my thoughts on them anyway. What are they good for and where are they left lacking? It has to be agreed that the 'places to stay' sections are one of the most useful parts in the book providing you with an accurate and wide choice of places to stay. Putting this in perspective ... more
I must confess, even though I have an irrational hatred of these books I do own one. Where my hatred stems from I can only guess at but I have a feeling after touring East Malaysia and having access to a copy of 'South East Asia on a Shoestring' after I had visited some of the places mentioned I found myself thinking that the book's descriptions didn't do them justice. I also have an irrational hatred of backpackers too and these books seem to me to be written for backpackers which only serves to inspire my disliking for them further. Finnaly I found the above mentioned book too brief in everything which is why I bought a copy of 'Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.' Enough about my thoughts on them anyway. What are they good for and where are they left lacking? It has to be agreed that the 'places to stay' sections are one of the most useful parts in the book providing you with an accurate and wide choice of places to stay. Putting this in perspective however all it saves you is a trip to the tourist information office. Helpful in planning the framework of a trip though. The sections on History and Information about the countries are also interesting for killing time on a train although again I prefered to use this to meerly inspire things such as conversation and further reading. All in all I would not say I could disagree with anything written in either of the books although I so much prefer the more in depth 'Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei' because the term 'shoestring' and hence 'backpacker' is missing and you feel you are getting a more all round insite into the country. I have only ever used the books for inspiration and basic planning and this has worked well for me. The description that accompanies their website actually says 'down-to-earth travel information designed to kickstart your travels and help you on your way.' I would though like to hear from anyone who has actually tested the 'travel survival kit' clams on the front cover. At the end of the day these books wern't suited to my style of travelling which is why I don't like them. I know of no-one who raves about them apart from the a bit in the 'STA guide' which was probably sponsered anyway. At the same time though I know of few people who have not heard of them. Sure its worth paying the money for one but if you ever meet someone who has the entire collection on their bookshelf you should at least have your doubts. Take a look at my hot tips section for some main points.
Briz's Hot Tips
When buying go for the most in depth guide you can find. For a start its better value for money but you will appreciate more information if and when you need it.
Double check the information and look for alternatives. 90% of the time the book will be right but especially in a place like Malaysia where things change so fast even the latest edition will contain a fault.
Don't get into the habit of relying on the information. Its very tempting get into relying on these books totally as some parts of them are very well researched and guide you well. However there are some parts that lack considerably.
Are you a backpacker? Do you think I'm arrogant? Reply to this opinion.
Briz_Hatchings 05.02.2001
Ciao members have rated this review on average:
very helpful
Review of Lonely Planet Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei - Lonely Planet
Advantages: Compact. Good detail on rural Malaysia and Brunei Disadvantages: Out of date for big cities
I bought this guide for when I last visited Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei and on the whole found it very helpful. It covers 3 countries (OK so two of them are tiny!) and so has to be a bit skimpy on detail to still be portable - and there are times reading it that you do wish for a bit more info. There's a great section on the history of the area but sometimes this is a little overdone at the expense of useful travel info. And there's a long section ... ...always find irritating as I usually only read the book once I'm already there! Then it does each region in turn and gives a good commentary and what there is to see there, how to travel to and within the region and where to stay and eat. It doesn't just cater for backpackers and really does list a good selection of places for all budgets.
What I must recommend it for though, is its coverage of the lesser known places, particularly in Malaysia. I ...
SaikatSantra 16.08.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Lonely Planet Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei - Lonely Planet
