I am currently planning a trip to Asia in April. I have narrowed down my choice to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia or Phuket, Thailand as I will be able to use airline miles and hotel points for a quick 4 day getaway.

My questions are this: which place has the most to offer?, which has the best sightseeing opportunities?, which is more affordable (food, transport, drinks..etc)? I am a single 30-something male that will be going by himself. I like to have a good time, but hard nights of drinking until 4am probably wont be in the picture.

I like the idea of the Thai beaches for the relaxtion but don't want an over touristy vacation. In Kuala Lumpur, I am able to stay at the Hilton Kuala Lumpur ( any info about this hotel?) which is just a short train ride from the airport to KL Sentral. Are there any good beaches close to Kuala Lumpur good enough for a day trip?

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

A quick answer to this question would be: No. All the beaches within an hour or two drive from KL are somewhat dirty and unenticing. Port Dickson and Morib come to mind. The only form of public transportation to the beaches near KL is by bus. There are, however, plenty of world-class beaches within an hour's flight of KL (Langkawi, Pangkor, Penang, Tioman, Redang, Perhentian, etc.). If you want some beach time without too much hassle, Phuket is the better choice.

That said, KL will have more sightseeing opportunities and will most likely be cheaper than Phuket. Food and drinks in KL are excellent and cheap and transportation is transit-based. Ultimately, I think it all boils down to whether you want 4 days of beach time or 4 days of city time. You could do both (BKK/Phuket or KUL/Langkawi) but you'd be pretty rushed.

I dont think Penang qualifies to be on the list of "world-class" beaches

I don't think so either but anything's better than PD

I assume you have already done this, but just in case.....

If you're leaving from the U.S. (not sure if you are), check your days available vs. flying time. Travelling on an award ticket you may not be able to get the most direct routing and you could find that your 4 days on the beach suddenly turns into 1 day on the beach and 3 days on the airplane.

Please note that a large portion of Phuket has been devastated by a tsunami today.
Kate

I think that KL is more expensive than Phuket. I stayed in Phuket this summer for 4 days or so, and it was 50% less than my stay in KL. Food, lodging, taxi's, etc

Yeah, it looks like the Phuket trip is off for now. Im looking at rescheduling for November or December. I do feel for the people of Thailand.

Thanks for your input everynody..I think Phuket will be the better choice...I'll just have to put it off a little bit.

I cannot recommend the Hilton KL highly enough! For the money it is the best Hilton in the world IMHO! I paid a rate of around 80 bucks US and was given an amazing suite with access to a fantastic lounge(HHonors Gold riff raff). The staff were great, the gym is world-class, pool is awesome. I have no complaints except being so new the place is still working out some kinks. I am going back to KL simply for this hotel and shopping on Petaling St.. You won't be disappointed with this hotel.

Cheers,
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