Thread: Contacts for Singapore & Malaysia

^ Fair-enough.

What about reasonably-priced long-stay mansions, or reasonably-priced hotels (3-star is probably enough) - similar to what Thailand has?

What I'm trying to get away from is being hounded with exorbitant 'tourist' rates, where what I'm looking for is a base from where to scout. I'm happy to stay for the duration of the entry visa & then bill out. Repeat the exercise on the next visit.

Most of Chinese & Japanese business, for instance, operates on a 2-tier system - one for the westerners & the other for the locals. The local stuff is fine, but doesn't have all the glitz that most tourists/foreign-businessmen prefer.

budget chain hotels like Hotel 81 or Fragrance hotels in areas like Geylang, Joo Chiat or Balestier are around S$45-S$50 a night. They are basic but clean. A bit depressing though. One guy I met in a bar who was here to set up a business here had stayed in one for four months and he told me he had got a discount for a long stay.

Basic tourist class hotels in Bencoolen/Beach Road kind of area are over a S$100 a night now. Closer to $150 in many cases.

Short stay apartments are rather expensive. Most of the $1500 studio places I mentioned above require you to at least stay a month.

I did a bit of research when my wife kicked me out of the house

About going in and out from Malaysia etc. I know one Swedish guy who has been doing that for over 6 months now. Once his month social visit pass is up he will either go over to JB or Batam for a couple of days.
The good news is that they will now give one month entry passes at the causeway or when entering by ferry. Previously the most they could give is 14 days

^^ Thanks so much SBF. That'll get me moving in the right direction.

Necessity is the mother of invention - that's when research goes into overdrive.

Are there any internet links to these kinds of places - eg. direct websites - other than the normal tourist skimming booking sites?

^ Interesting about the Malaysian entry being extended from 15 - 30 days. I wonder if they'll do this via other entry points? I'll see what their govt website has to say.