If you’re looking to travel around Indochina, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Macau, and Shenzhen over a few months, which city would you choose to call home base?
If you’re on a budget, consider Kuala Lumpur. If you can spend a bit more, Singapore is a great option too.
Both KL and Singapore are very well-connected to Southeast Asia, especially since you mentioned Indonesia, which is quite large.
Manila might be cheap, but its connections can be limited, with sometimes only a flight or two a day. Bangkok is massive and caters to all budgets, but Indonesia often requires multiple connections unless you’re flying to CKG or DPS.
@Clancy
I agree with you—KL or Singapore, and maybe Bangkok too.
@Clancy
I’d rank them as Bangkok, KL, and then Singapore. Prices in Singapore are significantly higher than the other two.
Luca said:
@Clancy
I’d rank them as Bangkok, KL, and then Singapore. Prices in Singapore are significantly higher than the other two.
KL’s pollution is more manageable than Bangkok’s.
I’d recommend moving between cities rather than going back to a base each time. It seems more practical.
Chen said:
I’d recommend moving between cities rather than going back to a base each time. It seems more practical.
Absolutely! The distances between these locations can be surprising.
Chen said:
I’d recommend moving between cities rather than going back to a base each time. It seems more practical.
This question sounds like it comes from someone who hasn’t traveled in Southeast Asia yet.
Kuala Lumpur could be a good choice. It’s the Air Asia hub and cheaper than Singapore.
Devon said:
Kuala Lumpur could be a good choice. It’s the Air Asia hub and cheaper than Singapore.
I was thinking the same thing. Kuala Lumpur offers great, budget-friendly connections all over Southeast Asia.
I would pick Bangkok. It has a lot to offer both in the city and surrounding areas, it’s affordable, and you have easy access with two airports (BKK and DMK) to ASEAN countries.
Johnstone said:
I would pick Bangkok. It has a lot to offer both in the city and surrounding areas, it’s affordable, and you have easy access with two airports (BKK and DMK) to ASEAN countries.
Absolutely, BKK has better connectivity compared to other cities in terms of cost and travel time.
Kuala Lumpur is definitely the way to go.
Bangkok or KL. Personally, I prefer Bangkok because I love the city, but for flights and connections, KL is unbeatable.
Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok could work well.
Kuala Lumpur is a great choice. Air Asia, which is one of the biggest budget airlines in the region, operates from there, with many direct flights to the cities you mentioned.
You’ll also find hotels and food to be quite affordable.
@kentlweis
AirAsia is great… quite cheap and usually punctual. Plus, KLIA 2 is a lot better than the awful KLIA.
I’d suggest Taipei. It’s a major airport, has a cool city vibe, and Taiwan is fantastic.
Clarke said:
I’d suggest Taipei. It’s a major airport, has a cool city vibe, and Taiwan is fantastic.
I enjoy Taiwan too, but KL seems to have lower costs for housing and food.
Clarke said:
I’d suggest Taipei. It’s a major airport, has a cool city vibe, and Taiwan is fantastic.
Taipei is wonderful, but flights to Southeast Asia (aside from the Philippines) can be quite lengthy compared to a central location like KL.