The first step in planning a trip anywhere in Asia is to buy the Lonely Planet book for that area. "Southeast Asia on a Shoestring" covers most of southeast Asia, but there are also books for each country, including one for Malaysia and Singapore.

The books include information on how to get to the country inexpensively, how to get around, where to stay, where to eat, what to see, what to do and what not to do, with approximate prices. There are also sections on history, culture and other useful topics. Reading the book gives you a good idea of what it's like to be there. If you can't find the book in a local bookstore you can order it from: