Traveling (Singapore, Sydney, Bangkok) advice and tips and guidance please

[ace parsnip]

Later this year im off traveling with my girlfriend too Singapore, Sydney and Bangkok for a month. and Id just like some guidance from people who have been to these places already.

few questions i can think of this evening.
1. What equipment would you recommend taking? i will be carrying it on the plane with me as hand luggage. my all round lens is a 18mm-105mm (kit lens) and are there any pieces of equipment airlines aren't so keen on in hand luggage?
2. are there any rules about photography on the streets in singapore and temples in bangkok.
3. any locations you know that take a great photo
4. obviously cause i will be carrying a nice camera i will be more obvious to pick pockets and what not is there anything to watch out for that they may try to do?

any other advice tips etc is welcomed so please share

thanks,
Callum

 

[Shamus001]

Well i live in Singapore and generally there aren't any place where you cannot take photos and I'm quite sure your equipments are safe from pick pocket here. Just dont buy camera stuff off small shops here as they'll always try to sell you at a very expensive rate. And the weather is hot, even hotter in Bangkok.

 

[edthesock]

2. are there any rules about photography on the streets in singapore and temples in bangkok.

BKK like the rest of the Kingdom is over run with tourists. If pics are a no no in any temple a sign will be posted though I have never seen one. Street photography has never been a problem for me in S.E. Asia though I only got my DSLR last year and all my S.E. Asia pics were taken with a compact so not really obvious though when I was caught takin pics the locals were really photogenic.

3. any locations you know that take a great photo

The Grand Palace in BKK looks cool from a local bus boat

And the freak show that is Kao San Road is always good for a laugh too.

Pics are from 2006 taken with a Canon A710.

 

[faddius]

Speaking more for Thailand..as I was born there and often used to return there for months at a time.

Some temples allow photography, some dont. Keep an eye out for signs (most of the touristy temples will have signs saying whether you can or cant), if you cant see signs ask someone. It will be frowned upon if you disobey the rules, and dont necessarily expect locals to be polite or care about what rights you have in the UK if they get upset with you. Most places, as a rule of thumb are perfectly happy with photos being taken, and even happier if you leave a good tip or donation.

BUT, use common sense, dont go taking photos of military positions, they WILL get upset and they have guns, guns they are not opposed to using (I have had a gun to my head in Bangkok airport..but thats another story about me being stupid). Some of the tourist attractions in Thailand will have armed guards, and heavy weapon emplacemets.

Get a comfortable bag to carry around that meets airline carry on luggage size restrictions. A quick search on here should give you some bag suggestions as Ive seen the topic pop up a few times. Most airlines wont be happy with any sort of fluids, such as lens cleaning solutions etc. I cant think of anything else photographic related they might get upset at. For temples especially, get a wide angle

Dont go waving your camera around and attracting attention to yourself, dont go wandering down dark alleyways, dont accept services like taxi's, lifts to restaurants etc. from people who approach you in the street. Only use metered taxi's if you can. I definately wouldnt take your camera if you go out drinking. Im not trying to scare you, but you hear all sorts of horror stories of people who have been to Thailand and to be honest, seeing some of the stupid things tourists get up to there, I can see why there are so many horror stories. Just be sensible and buy insurance just incase!

Oh some attractions have monkies living there, who roam freely. If they start heading towards you, put the camera in your bag quickly

Most of thailand is beautiful, there are alot of spots you can go to, far too numerous to list them all. But I would strongly suggest the palace, temples etc. all the obvious attractions. If you can get right up north near Chiang Mai there is a national park up that way, with something ridiculous like 20+ waterfalls back to back of varying sizes, perfect if you are into your landscapes

Other advice, err...stay hydrated, drink loads of water, you dont realise how much moisture your body looses through sweat until you are feeling under the weather.

Out of personal preference, I tend to aim for nice hotels as for about £10 difference a night for us, the difference in comfort and facilities is huge between hotel.

I cant really think of much else right now. Oooh I presume you are flying into Bangkok airport (BKK), depending on which runway your plane is landing on, dont look out the window if you have a window seat as you are about to land. Wait until the plane has touched the runway

 

[ace parsnip]

wow! thank you so much gents i wasn't expecting replies at this time of the morning haha

 

[Jayst84]

BKK like the rest of the Kingdom is over run with tourists.

Ditto Sydney. Lots of photographers as well, never had anyone pay attention to me shooting up there.

If you're traveling with the missus, I'd keep kit light 18-105 is perfect when you don't know what you're up against.

Haven't been to the Asian cities, barring a couple of hours in Singapore airport. But Sydney is probably my favourite place for street photography. Crazy light, strong architecture, lots of reflections and lots of people is guaranteed.

If you're after the postcard shots, there's a great view over the harbour towards the bridge from the Botanical Gardens (not a bad little walk with the GF either). A ferry to (or back from) Manly at sunset is good too, as the sun sets behind the city/bridge with just the water between you. Centre Point tower, or Westfield Tower, whatever it's called now, is touristy, but gives a pretty cool view from the centre of the city and out over the harbour.

The 555 is a free shuttle bus that loops the CBD every 10 minutes from the harbour with regular stops along the way. Very handy, as walking up and down Sydney's hills can get pretty tiring if it's 40º+.

Oh, and all the best coffee is in Surry Hills (inner suburb 10 mins walk south of Hyde Park).

 

[Grizu]

Hey Callum, Im living in Sydney at the moment teaching kiteboarding and if your leaning towards some sports photography there are some great places around Sydney, the obvious one being Bondi, which with the right conditions and light is magical. Have a look at one of the local photographers work here.
http://aquabumps.com.au/

If your interested a group of us head out about once a week at dawn for either surfing and/or photography to some of the quieter beaches around the city. Let me know if you want to come along.
Grahame