Ask Muzzammil: December 2013

Asked

Dear Mr. Muzzammil

I saw your message on Pakgrid. I also need some advice. I'm joining UTM, Johor Bahru campus in Feb for my doctorate program in Engineering Education. I think I got a good deal on the airfare (ISB-KL for Rs. 38,500).

I need your advice on the KL-> JB section. Should I take a plane or bus, which is more convenient/economical.

Secondly, can you recommend a low-price but comfy hotel near UTM for the first days of my arrival till I settle in the university hostel?

Thanks,

Replied

Dear Mr. Azhar

Thanks for your email.

Firstly, I'd suggest to check with the travel agent if there is a possibility to fly ISB-JB, with immigration at Johor Baharu. Even a little bit extra charge, say 5,000, would save you from unwanted hassle with all the luggage.

For air ticket, having a look at matrix.itasoftware.com will be helpful. This website will also be useful for your future travels.

If ISB-JB is not possible then I'd recommend bus over flying/train. The best option would be the Yoyo bus from the airport, KLIA: http://www.journeymalaysia.com/ptaklia.htm

This option will save you from going to KL, which is far away from the airport and will be quite time consuming.

The above website will also be helpful during your stay in Malaysia.

Train and budget airlines, especially Air Asia, may also be useful afterwards.

Regarding accommodation, I'd recommend booking.com which is a trusted resource and provides amazingly flexible filters.

Hope this is helpful.

Best of luck for your future endeavors.

Muzzammil

Asked

Dear Muzamil Saab Asalam Alikum,

I have few questions if you can help me out with these are regards to your trip to East Asia.I will really appreciate it.

1- what is the name of your travel agent and did you book your flights through the agent?

2-how many days you spend in Indonesia?

3-My travel agent Gerrys is saying if I apply visa through them then I have to buy the whole package from them.

I will appreciate your reply.

Thank You

Replied

Dear Mehdi sb., walaikum salam, and thanks for your email.

We spent one week in Indonesia, all in Bali. Getting Indonesian visa was not easy and my travel agent was also asking to buy the whole package from them.

However, first I got the Malaysian visa and ticket from my travel agent which was easier. Then I went to the Indonesian embassy myself and asked if they could give me the visa without going to the travel agent.
They asked to book a flight and hotels, which I did online, and submitted the documents. Finally, got the visa in a couple of days without any further issues.

You can see further details here:
http://mozumbus.blogspot.com/2011/02/planning-notes-3-oriental-outings-visa.html

Hope this will be helpful.

Regards

Muzzammil
http://mozumbus.blogspot.com

Asked

Dear Muzamil,

Thanks for your advice I just have couple of things to ask you more.

1- I heard that you need to have certain amount of Singapore currency or equivalent with you if you have Pakistani passport.

2- can you tell me the place where u stated in Bali and Srilanka.

3- also with regards to Nepal we get the visa at the airport?

Thank you

Regards

Mehdi

Replied

Dear Mehdi

This is my pleasure. Here is the response to your questions:

1. I'm not sure and never heard about this.

2. There are plenty of places around Sri Lanka and Bali for all budget ranges. I would suggest using www.booking.com to search a suitable place as per your preferences.

3. Yes.

Here goes details of our SEA trip:

http://mozumbus.blogspot.com/2011/04/travelogue-oriental-outings-from.html

http://mozumbus.blogspot.com/2011/04/travelogue-oriental-outings-day-1.html

http://mozumbus.blogspot.com/2011/04/travelogue-oriental-outings-day-2.html

http://mozumbus.blogspot.com/2011/04/travelouge-oriental-outings-day-3.html

http://mozumbus.blogspot.com/2011/05/travelogue-oriental-outings-day-4.html

http://mozumbus.blogspot.com/2011/06/travelogue-oriental-outings-day-5.html

http://mozumbus.blogspot.com/2011/06/travelogue-oriental-outings-day-6-kecak.html

http://mozumbus.blogspot.com/2011/06/travelogue-oriental-outings-day-7-water.html

http://mozumbus.blogspot.com/2011/06/travelogue-oriental-outings-day-8.html

http://mozumbus.blogspot.com/2011/08/travelogue-oriental-outings-day-9.html