Bali/Thailand/Malaysia Trip
 

I'm planning to hit up Bali in late August, then Kuala Lumpur, Bangokok, then travel down the coast and ending up in Penang on Sept. 16. I'm quite concerned about weather, esp. in Thailand (hoping to spend some time on the islands in the Gulf and then fly to Phuket). Any advice? I'm a real beach-guy, and constant rain might ruin the trip.
I'll also be a recent law school grad, and money will be an issue. Any great hotel suggestions in the aforementioned cities, that are 1) well situated and 2) a lot for the money? I'm hoping not to spend much more than $50/day total. Is that unrealisitic? I'm an avid traveller in the US, but aside from west/central Europe really haven't left the confines of the States. I'm quite impressed with the level of knowledge on this board, so any help for a late 20s guy on vacation with some friends would be greatly appreciated!

you can travel in all of these areas for a very reasonable price...it is not uncommon to find lodging for $20 and under per nite...in cities it is sometimes a bit harder....use your lonely planet guides or other similar low budget guides to help...

oops, I meant to say that there will be at least two of us for much of the trip, and since we'd be splitting hotel costs, the $50/day is per person. Does that alter the level of accomodation substantially?

yes it will raise it quite a bit especially in places like bangkok and phuket

may i also suggest that you take some time looking at the lonely planet web site to get hints of budgeting