Kota Bharu - Page 4 - Ajarn Forum

toong tao daeng · 4th May 2008, 21:54

Actually I may have changed my mind on Kota Bharu.

I might fly to KL and do it there. Air Asia has a fare of 4200 baht RT which I don't think I should pass up.

However, it would require my spending 3 nights there (the only flight from Krabi gets in too late to drop off the application the same day, and the flight back leaves too early to pick it up on the day it would be ready), so I'm not really sure what to do.

If I were to drive it would certainly cost 3500 - 4000 in gas, plus the 800 for Malaysian car insurance. However, I'd only have to spend two nights (at the most) in a hotel.

Any thoughts?

grasshopper · 5th May 2008, 00:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by toong tao daeng

Do any of these places have secure parking? And do you think reservations are required at this time of year?

BTW, I'm planning on doing a Non-O Visa run in about a week, and will try to keep a log of important data/details and take a lot of photos and post it all here.

should be ok and don't know in that order - Muslim town, any Islamic stuff going on soon?

LeedsLeedsLeeds · 5th May 2008, 01:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by toong tao daeng

Actually I may have changed my mind on Kota Bharu.

You won't regret it!

Cyrille · 5th May 2008, 01:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by toong tao daeng

Actually I may have changed my mind on Kota Bharu.

I might fly to KL and do it there. Air Asia has a fare of 4200 baht RT which I don't think I should pass up.

However, it would require my spending 3 nights there (the only flight from Krabi gets in too late to drop off the application the same day, and the flight back leaves too early to pick it up on the day it would be ready), so I'm not really sure what to do.

If I were to drive it would certainly cost 3500 - 4000 in gas, plus the 800 for Malaysian car insurance. However, I'd only have to spend two nights (at the most) in a hotel.

Any thoughts?

The airport is 2 hours drive from the embassy.

Do a search here on travellers experience of air delaysia.

'nuff said.

If you are in krabi then you can bus it straight to Butterworth, then ferry to Penang.

If you're feeling lazy there are dozens of agencies that will pick you up literally at your doorstep for an extra 20 baht or so.

I can't see any reason whatsoever why you'd do it anywhere else unless you are barred from Penang.

toong tao daeng · 5th May 2008, 14:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyrille

If you are in krabi then you can bus it straight to Butterworth, then ferry to Penang. If you're feeling lazy there are dozens of agencies that will pick you up literally at your doorstep for an extra 20 baht or so. I can't see any reason whatsoever why you'd do it anywhere else unless you are barred from Penang.

I don't really like traveling by bus or minivan in Thailand---the drivers are psychotic.
As far as Penang is concerned, no, I haven't been barred from there---and didn't even know that specific embassies and consulates could bar people---but I have read here and on TV that in Penang it has become difficult to get a 1 year multi-entry. Recent posts indicate that if your paperwork is in order, it is smooth sailing in KL.

So, I bought the ticket on Air Asia to KL.

Sorry, there won't be a report on KB coming from me upagumtree.

grasshopper · 5th May 2008, 19:51

yeah right - go to Penang if you're feeling lazy - like go to a labour camp if you're feeling lazy

LeedsLeedsLeeds · 5th May 2008, 20:52

Penang was certainly my first choice in the past and, due to the efficiency of one particular visa agent, it is certainly a very easy choice. I was always able to enjoy three days looking around the place while someone else took care of my visa.

grasshopper · 6th May 2008, 17:10

one man's fish is another man's poisson I guess - Penang's ok for a few days' fun but not often 4 me, KB is ok for laid back atmosphere lazy stuff - I wouldn't go near an agent but I'm sure there are plenty of people who have had successful dealings with said shady gentlemen - but then the guy in the prison who had a less successful outcome.....hmmm..........

LeedsLeedsLeeds · 6th May 2008, 19:00

.... obviously went to the wrong agent.

grasshopper · 6th May 2008, 19:22

yeah maybe it's just this thing I've got about handing over certain documents to anyone for any length of time - passports, degrees, work permits, driving licences - don't like letting them out of my grasp - shouldn't have to either (lawbreakers excepted)

LeedsLeedsLeeds · 6th May 2008, 19:40

Back home I always applied for my Thai / Aussie visas by post so handing my passport over to a reputed agent isn't a big deal to me.

grasshopper · 6th May 2008, 19:49

reputed ok

street agents I wouldn't go near tho'

upagumtree · 26th June 2008, 10:46

UPDATE:
Did another run to KB. This time took the wife. Still a really dull place but Consulate really helpful and friendly. No grief at all. AND, they pointed me to a guesthouse just around the corner. Run by a very courtious and friendly Malay/Chinese gentleman who speaks excellent English AND he's got a cooler stocked with beer!! Ha, KB boringness over.
PM me if you'd like details of the place.