Yeah, I suppose I've always been fascinated with SE Asia. That and South Africa. But it's harder to redeem NW miles to Africa. Of all SE Asia, Malaysia and Singapore seem to be the safest choices: English speaking and very politically stable with few extremists.

Believe me, a guy who built up his points staying at HI in West Lafayette, Ind, and Champaign, Ill, excited to finally get a chance to experience these legendary Conrad hotels in Asia.

Asian_Traveler: Despite the long bus trip, it sounds like you're saying Batang Ai is worth only a day or so, not a full week. i have been reading up on the region and the longhouses (for one thing, I borrowed about six Malaysia/Singapore travel books from the library), so I'm familiar with the fact that the hotel is in the middle of nowhere with little to do except experience the hotel and go on these side trips. That's part of its appeal. Being back to nature w/o giving up many of life's little luxuries (How close is the Orangutang sanctuary? That sounds best out of all the activities you mentioned) Also, does the basic $35 rate suddenly climb to $120 a night when all meals are included? I am Diamond, so I will request the area you mentioned. Much appreciated.

If I want to include a sidetrip to a beach, mainly to do some of the snorkeling I had been planning for Guam, do I go somewhere in Borneo or in Penang/Georgetown? Are inter-Malaysia flights better than simply renting a car?

Again, sorry to be peppering everyone with questions. But it's a totally new experience for me. And I'm excited about it. Which is probably a good thing, to paraphrase Martha Stewart.