"As a certified glutton for punishment, I booked not one, but two nights at this property, figuring that a two night stay would more effectively amortize both my transportation costs and the time it takes to get there."

We talked about all the issues (albeit not award redemption because in the past one would not bother redeeming 10k points for a $30 stay), but since you like me had to see for yourself. Now you've been there, seen it and suffered the indignity of 2 nights at Batang Ai. Excellent documentation, better than my Batang Ai trip report of about 3 years ago. You did get a nicer suite than mine, really, a bath upstairs, and excellent idea and much better than the ladder like stairs at 2 a.m. But then again you are an American Diamond member and my stay was as a lowly gold. But, I got points for my stay.

BTW: My room was next to a couple having non-stop noisy sex. Peter informed me that all the animals had been eaten.

On the issue of mistiming, take it up with the manager of that department who rides the 8 ringit bus. He is the guy who gets off at the gas station.