Travel Tips: How to save money while traveling through SE Asia

I'm slowly becoming more familiar with South East Asia as I spend more time here.  I've been to the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia (not to mention other countries throughout Asia too).  I hope to continue adding to this list and really get to explore these countries further in the years ahead (it is amazing how diverse different cities can be within a single country).  The great thing about traveling in this region is that it can be pretty inexpensive once you're actually here.  Travel, accommodations, and food can be very reasonable while still maintaining high standards (keep it chic 'n cheap always!)

Here are some tips I've used to save money while traveling:
1. Research low-cost airlines (as well as land routes)

Is it easier/cheaper to fly or to take a bus/train?  Flying is a great option in this region because there are a few low-cost carriers.  My favorites are SilkAir (division of Singapore Airlines), Jetstar, and Air Asia - in that order.  We have had a few late flights and poor flight management with Tiger Airways so I wouldn't recommend them.  If you don't fly, it is definitely possible to take a bus or train.  The options will vary by city or country, but the hotel front desk is a great place to ask.

1a. Check out local travel websites
A group buying site from Singapore or Malaysia like Reebonz or Groupon would also be a good place to start looking at flight and hotel packages (the price can be really low - just check out the hotel reviews on an independent site like Tripadvisor!)  Also start researching in country websites for a location in that country.  E.g. Metrodeal.com and cashcashpinoy.com were recommended to us when searching for deals to El Nido/Palawan (one of the best beaches in the world!) and we will be using this when we plan our trip there!  Just check that you can register your foreign credit card on that site!

I had mixed feelings about Bali, but it is a beautiful place!

2. Pick a hub.
It is good to pick one central place and then plan your travels from that hub.  When you pick your starting point, think about the proximity of it to the countries that you really want to visit and the ease of transportation from that location.  E.g. if you want to stay in Cambodia, but also want to visit Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, it may be easier to actually stay in Malaysia or Singapore because their airports are well developed and more people in those countries speak English.

You can use Kuala Lumpur as a hub and easily get to remote parts like Cameron Highlands to view the tea plantations!

Singapore is a small place, but there are some great fashion events here, like the Hermes graffiti event!

3. Research hotels and negotiate the rate
Is the advertised rate the lowest advertised rate?  Well it doesn't hurt to ask the hotel and confirm their lowest rates.  Let them know if you are going for a special event and it doesn't hurt to tell them about your blog either (especially if you will write about the hotel like I have).  You may get a lower rate and even if you don't, you may get extra services thrown in.  Who doesn't like a free massage right (yes my husband and I both got them in Cambodia when we visited for our anniversary!)
Otherwise, I try to book through hotels.com or agoda.com because they have loyalty programs that span across diverse hotel chains (I am a Hilton Honors member as well and if the price is the same, will book directly on the website).  You can get one free night for every ten nights even though some of those hotels may have been boutique hotels and the others ones are multinational hotel chains.

I negotiated free massages and we got to see a few of my favorite temples in Cambodia!

4. Carry USD
Hmm you're in Vietnam but are asked for US Dollars (USD)?  Does this make sense?  Well to some people in SE Asian countries, it does make a lot of sense, especially if they want to get away from their own currency.  I've also paid for Cambodian and Indonesian on-site visas, as well as Philippines exit tax with USD.  I would actually suggest you carry a decent amount of small change ($5, $20 bills) for both entry fees and tips.  You may also be negotiate a lower rate if you offer USD vs. the local currency (calculate the exchange first of course to make sure it works out for you!)