Many of us have not visited Yangon, let alone see the rest of Myanmar. I have visited Yangon at least 10 times, the last was with Ivan Lim last year. Myanmar has been close to the world for many years; and it’s only in the last 10 months that there are signs of the country opening up. Today, Myanmar has many visitors, all wanting to have a look at this unexplored country.
I have just returned from Yangon, and I am planning to go back this time to celebrate the water festival, which will fall on 12 – 16 April 2012. Actually, it is a weeklong holiday, and I am hoping to have a few good water splashes. This period is expected to be very hot. The local currency is the Kyatt. However, most hotels and tourist areas transact in USD. Current exchange rate is about 1 USD = 850 kyatt. 1 SGD = 650 kyatt.
5 star hotels are expensive and limited. However, 3 and 4 star hotels can be available for around USD 40. Some of you may have gone to Myanmar for meditation; Others for the temples; while others for the shopping. There are good Singapore and Malaysian food; these are easily available as many Singaporeans venture there for business and excitement of the unventured.
The trip is not confirmed; subject to hotel availability. However, the likelihood of me going is high. If you like to visit Yangon, I like to invite you to join me and a few other Singaporeans. Tourism wise, it does not have many of the tourist places we see in other countries. You will also get a chance to meet William Chew, one of SHC co-founders who has been there for the last 20+ years. Enjoy the local food and get a taste of local shopping, morning markets, catch a glimpse of the lady, the lakes and local culture.
A tourist visa is needed, SGD 35, taking two days to apply. Flights are not cheap, you can fly direct or you can fly via bkk. Time wise, it is 1.5 hours behind Singapore. There are plenty of cockcroaches, and there is no hot water. If you like to join, simply indicate here. You can withdraw at a later date.
And, for those who have been to Myanmar, in particular Yangon, feel free to share your experience and knowledge of this golden country.
Terence Seah
Hi Terence and all would-be Myanmar travellers!
Terence: Maybe you should nail down some costs so that SHCs can make a commitment. For the moment it looks quite expensive: USD40 for hotel, flight?, a tourist visa for an Asean member? (Singapore passports are visa-free for other Asean, even US and China) I guess they need the money..
I think the water festival should be like Songkran in Thailand and Laos where you would be drenched with water cannon, buckets and the like. Why not go to Thailand where it will be much cheaper? No, I’m not trying to pour cold water (haha!) on this. It will be a new discovery and experience especially to a country which has been “closed” and restrictive of foreign tourists. But maybe, more info and some attractive aspects of the place?
Hi Terence,
I visited Myanmar as early as 1986, I think. So obviously a lot has changed, except for the military rule.
I stayed in Rangoon, Mandalay, Maymyor and perhaps another place which I may have forgotten. My travels lasted for close to 2 weeks I think.
I don’t know whether to pen my experience here as most of them are negative. That is why I never revisited the place
Terence,
Yes, Myanmar is still unexplored, there are plenty of beautiful places besides all the temples. In Yangon, there are lots of beautiful places and sceneries where you can take good photos. You can take a flight to Mandalay and visit Pyin Oo Lwin, 42 miles north east of Mandalay at 3700 feet with pleasant cool climate. There you can visit Peik Chin Myaung Cave, Pwe Kauk 3 step waterfall and Kandawgyi National Park with seasonal flowers. Pyin Oo Lwin market with seasonal fruits, flowers, vegetables and colourful woolen sweaters are sold.
You also can take a flight to Heho from Mandalay and drive to Nyaung Shwe, a small town at the northern end of Inle Lake, famous for unique leg rowers and the floating gardens. You visit the Phaungdaw Oo Pagoda, five Buddha Images almost shapeless because of the thick gilded of the believers, and floating market , many colourful tribes and seasonal fruits and vegetables buying and selling, then to Inn Paw Khon, silk weaving village and Nga Phe Chaung ( the biggest and oldest monastery around Inle lake). There are also places like Bagan, Thanlyin, Bago, Mt. Popa, Mingun, etc.
I will be flying to Myanmar in Apr the last day of the Thingyan Festival to experience the water festival and enjoying the beautiful country’s sceneries. Above are some of the places I will be visiting. Yes, you need to get a Visa application before going there and to take direct flight with either MAI (Myanmar Airline) or SilkAir to Yangon but Apr 12-16 on or before, most or can say all the flights and accommodations in Yangon have been fully booked. Chances you might not get any airtickets with this 2 airlines, others I am not sure. Hotels wise think almost fully booked and taxi during this days are very expensive because of the Public Holiday there. Most of the shopping centres and offices are closed too. Everyone is celebrating and enjoying themselves. The atmosphere is almost close to the celebration in Thailand.
Yes, you can use US$ or Kyat there. The most recent exchange is S$1 = 640 Kyat and US$1 = around 840-860 Kyat exchange at the Airport at Yangon. There are *** and **** hotels available around S$100-$140. You should give yourself a try going there to experience the difference. Good luck to all those going and those who dare not, think again of another horizon to visit.
Hi Danny,
You are right in that Myanmar is a photographers paradise. But also Laos. Which is less crowded, easier to travel and move around.
Some cities in Myanmar you can go freely, meaning you do not need a permit. But there are some for which you will need a special permit to visit, aside from your visa. Further, I understand you would need to indicate the time and sequence of the visit, upon which you have to follow. Eg if you land in Yangon, and you want to visit Maymyor, Pegu and Pagan/Bagan. Assuming you need a permit to visit Bagan and Pegu and you apply in that order. Assume also that you change your itinerary from Yangon, Maymyor, Pegu and Bagan to Yangon, Bagan, Pegu, Maymyor. You are in contravention of your permit. One SHC member told me this but I forget who it was, maybe Terence.
When you apply for the permit, you have to state which you will be visiting, and when. Change the schedule/timing invalidates the first permit. Am I correct? Terence?
When I was there, there is an official exchange rate and the black market rate. I am sure it still exists. And the difference is not insubstantial.
Charles,
As far as the permit you mentioned, I have no ideas or informations on it. I only know that I need to apply Visa permit and that’s all. The rest will be my personal tour guide’s duty to arrange or apply as accordingly if needed. Maybe I will try to fish something out for your information later. This is my first attempt going there and if the country is good, will consider to go again in the near future.
Hello Terrance,
Myanmar or Burma as was known previosly bring back memories some 30 years ago when I partnered with my ex-boss for business with this military controlled countries.
You are right! It is closed to the world, however, it gave us opportunity (previously) to do business with them without under cutting by third party.
I have not been there and business contact was done by partner who took it as a “retirement business”. I handled the business in Singapore.
During that time I mainly import live Mynah (birds), crocodile and mangoes. I even taught them how to keep those birds alive. With those flights it can easily kill them and I cannot collect money from our local importer.
They were not enterprising and very slow.
During that time 70% of their economy was black market.However our business was “white” I mean through their military government (proper channel)
The mangoes taste good. I don’t think Singaopore import them.
Have you travel within their countries with its plane (or cessna)? I was told scary. Is old and shaky.
You mention cockroaches and my wife said better don’t go.(ha ha).
Hope some other time join you in your trip.
Terence and those who are interested to explore Myanmar…
I landed Singapore from Myanmar last night at 11:35 hrs after a 5 hrs delayed on MAI AIR (Myanmar Airways), wonder can claim Insurance or not?
My 6D Myanmar experience (Yangon – Kyaikhtiyo – Bago – Yangon) was memorable and an eye-opener. The main attraction was the much talk about “Golden Rock”, covered by gold leaf and delicately balanced on the edge of a cliff. The road to the mountain top was narrow and very steep. As such, my group of 10 have to transfer from the Tour Bus to an “Open Truck” (a smaller version of our Singapore army truck), in order to get to the Rock. If you still can’t figure out what kind of “Truck”, Terence said it’s similar to those used to ferry the Pigs and Cows….hahaha. We have to balance ourselves on the “Truck” throughout the 1 hr journey to the Top. OMG! All of us are Silverhairs, age from 55 to 67, hahaha….
At the “Golden Rock”, we stayed at a Resort style called “Mountain Top” Hotel. The Cockroaches seem to follow Terence wherever he goes. But for Myanmar you might find a baby Iguana inside your hotel room. That was a scary encounter for me.
In Yangon, we stayed at Central Hotel, next to a 5 star Traders Hotel and a stone throw away, Park Royal, also a 5 star Hotel. The weather now is terribly hot, about 38 degree C. We had our customized sumptuous dinner mostly at the 5 star hotel restaurants every night. Beer is very cheap in Myanmar, you can drink till you drop. There’s nothing much to shop except Jade, precious stone, Gems & Pearl if you like. I bought 4 big Avocados (very cheap)and some raw cashew nuts from chinatown.The cost for the whole journey is $935, including VISA application and taxes.
Tian Soo, my first time to Myanmar and my first time travelling on an “Open Truck”. What an experience!
Ah Nee
Dear Ah Nee,
I have visited Myanmar before. The “open truck” (more like a ricketty lorry with handrails overhead) only brought us t the base. We had to climb the slope to reach Golden Rock. Alternatively, there were “sedan chairs” for hire i.e. one sits in the bamboo chair with one carrier in front and one behind, to hoist one up the slope to reach the Golden Rock. Is it still the same?
Cheers – Jane
Hi Ah Nee or anybody else,
Has anyone here ever taken the train in Myanmar?.
Can share what is it like? Air-con? Sleepers? Good food? Crowded?
I took the train from Yangon to Mandalay, I think, up north. Even tho’ I like train travel, I would not take the same train anywhere.
Dear Jane,
The “Open Truck” do not have any hand rails overhead, only those who are seated along the side of the truck will get to hold on to the side rails. We have to balance ourselves whenever the truck is moving upwards on the rocky road, more so when negotiating a bends and corners.
Yes, the truck only brought us to a certain level, the base. After that you either walk up the steep road or paid US$20 by “Sedan Chairs”. It’s take about another 45 mins to reach the Rock.
I and another guy opt for “Sedan Chairs”, so embarrassing because both of us are the youngest but didn’t take the challenge to climb up. I really salute the rest of the silverhairs, they are so determined and strong, all managed to reach the Top after 50 mins of “hey hey chuan” WALK…..
After enjoying the view & surrounding till 7.00 pm, it was getting dark, we decided to go back to hotel. Going down is not easy for a lady in my group, so I let her have my “Sedan Chair”. Wow…it’s so difficult to walk down the steep slope with my torchlight! What a good work out….
Charles, I heard Mandalay is a nice place to visit but unfortunately it does not include in our itinerary. From what you write about the train service, is there anything wrong with the Train?
Ah Nee
Hello Terence
Welcome the opportunity to visit Myanmar again but would rather do it during the cool weather. My first visit was almost twenty years ago during cool November and covered Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan, Heho and Inle Lake.
Country is definitely worth visiting before the highways start to criss cross and dissect the land and start of the tourist invasion.
Didn’t think local Burmese food was palatable but took what I could for sustenance. We invaded the kitchen in several places to request for porridge and omelettes as they were the easiest to request for.
Remembered the hotel in Mandalay did not have cemented floors in the rooms and electricity supply was intermittent.
My seat belt on the plane from Heho to Yangon was faulty and one or two screws from my seat must be missing cause it could shake quite badly
Remembered too the beautiful landscape, pagodas in Pagan, sunset and the cloud formations in Mandalay and Pagan, the lazy Mekong river, feeding of the seagulls on Inle Lake and the Bogyoke Market.
Daisy
Hi Terence and fellow SHC members
I have been to Yangon a few times on work assignments and have some knowledge on Myanmar.
Now May I borrow your post to publicize the planned trip to Taiwan on Free and Easy basis. The tour is 6D5N (6 Apr to 11 Apr 2012).
Interested parties, please contact me via hbrong37@gmail.com
Robert Ong
I see not much interest with the Yangon trip, although there are plenty of write ups on feedback and experience. Maybe, Yangon frightens some travellers.
Maybe, I shall rewrite my plan altogether. As Myanmar is opening up, I am inviting a number of Myanmese companies and foreign companies to meet up in Yangon, with the aim of finding business opportunities in Myanmar. I plan to go up to Myanmar 3-4 times a year this year. However, this requires some coordination of the local Myanmese executives and the foreign executives, both wanting to meet one another. If you are retired, kind of internet savvy and like conference and business networking type of activities, I would ask for the assistance of 2 SHCians to join me in Yangon a few times a year. This would require the person/s to get to know the Myanmese owners/executives and the foreign parties online in a club, similar to SHC. You probably need to work about 15 minutes a day, saying hello to them. I wont be able to pay you; but it will be an all expense trip to Yangon 3-4 times a year. Strictly for retired SHC members only, male or female. If interested, please email me directly.
Terence Seah
Several years back, a massive Myanmar Culture Festival was held in Bt. Batok nearby Danny Lye’s house in a neighbourhood Nature Park. Teams of dancers, singers and a full Myanmese traditional orchestra were flown in from Myanmar. I won’t know whether Danny Lye & his wife June were aware of the proceedings of the festival behind Bt Batok St 21. A huge stage was erected for the performances. Myanmese nationals of both genders all over Singapore congregated at the performance site singing and dancing below the stage. At the end of the approx. 3-hr
stage cultural performances, some Myanmese began splashing water at one another not dissimilar to the Thai Songkran Festival. The festive occasion also co-incided with the Myanmar Water Festival. Myanmese revellers were careful not to splash water onto Singaporeans for fear of offending them.
How come I knew about it. I was an appointed Festival Official for security and crowd control. In future, should such a festival be repeated in Bt. Batok I would let SHC members know as I am now aware that many inside SHC are interested in things Myanmese.
Terry Tang
Further to no: 14, one each of Thai and Laotian cultural dance performances were slotted in the program. No doubt Thailand, Myanmar and Laos are predominantly Buddhist, there were some distinct differences in dress styles, hands and leg movements and facial expressions as portrayed in the dances on stage.
Myanmese culture also has the equivalent of the Chinese God Of Wealth (GOW). To the tune of catchy Myanmese music, one very tall, active and clownish Myanmese ‘GOW’ in full cultural regalia smilingly danced from the stage right down to below stage carrying a huge bronze bowl canvassing for donations from the Myanmese public. Many inserted $50, $10, $5 & $2 notes into the bowl until full to the brim. We were given the understanding that the collection was taken as tips for the paid singers, dancers, orchestra and compere and Myanmese organisers etc., etc. The GOW, understandably, didn’t approach S’poreans for donations.
End of story.
Terry
Hi Terry #14,
You may have just triggered a PING! If another country’s nationals are celebrating their New Year, wouldn’t it be nice that we as SHCians, participate and join them in these festivities. Of course, the SHC EO would have to be familiar with the organisers or leaders of the event, and we can participate as a group. It’s really up to the EO’s planning.
For other members who have connections with foreign organisations in Singapore, from any country, please explore the idea. Ask Geraldine or other senior SHCians for suggestions and views. You never know.
Terence Seah
Hi Terence,
Please pardon my ignorance. I really don’t pretend to understand what a “PING” (#16) is other than that of a sound emitted from a guitar string plucked by a player. Does a ping signify something unwholesome or simply unintended red herring to distract attention?
I guess the best way forward on clearing a doubt is to engage the author of the word for an explanation. Apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Thanks Terence.
Terry Tang
Hi Terry #17,
A PING! is like a good idea. It’s like suddenly seeing a great idea, and that this idea generates more ideas. Well, you have struck on something. Have fun.
Terence Seah
Terence,
You should take a look at this sunset village offering in Hua Hin to build a SHC chalet for short-term stay or maybe time sharing amongst sunsetting SHC members.
https://www.facebook.com/sunsetvillageproperty?sk=app_4949752878
Just my 2 cents worth.
Best regards,
KC
On this forum, there is always talk about retirement homes, either locally or overseas. The recent ones are from KC Lau and Abel Tan. There are many more, if we can scroll back in time.
Most of the ideas of retirement homes centered around pooling resources to set a place, or around a developer who shared similar dreams for seniors and has the money to make the project come through. Then, there are members, who talked about leasing, short term rental.
On the other hand, we have feedback on the dangers of overseas properties, the wisdom of staying at home during retirement and the caution that the grass over the hills are greener.
I hope to invite those who have strong solid ideas on how to make this dream feasible sometime this or next month. I dont think we should guarantee ourselves the ideas will turn into something workable; but we can at least hand our ideas to to someone who can make it happen.
If you have a SOLID idea, and think we can work together firm the ideas up, please put your names here. I shall invite you for a meeting soon.
Terence Seah