Hello all.I put together the following itinerary and would be very greatfull for feedback.
lax--direct flight to singapore.
3 nights-- shang-ri la hotel--singapore.
fly to penang--3nights eastern and oriental.
fly to kuala lampur--2 nights mandarin oriental.
fly to kutching--sarawak borneo--4 nights-hilton hotel.
fly to bali--5 nights--ritz carlton.
fly to singapore--1 night raffles.
wish to experience the following--
singapore--ethnic districts,night safari,colonial heritage,raffles,museums,shopping bridge over kwai.
Penang--city heritage.
Kuala Lampur--batu caves,petronas towers etc.
Borneo--national parks,river trips orangutangs,proboscus etc.
Bali--beach time,temples,scenery,crafts shopping.
What do you guys think.

Sounds pretty good except I don't think 2 nights in KL will be enough. There's a lot to do in KL and I would try and add another night if possible. You will love the MO by the way, it's gorgeous. If you can swing it, get a room on one of the club floors, the perks are great.

Singapore
1. Ethnic districts: suggest making a trip to (i)Little India: u can get indian clothings/cloths; indian cuisine along Race Course Road - Gayathri or Muthu's Curry; do visit Mustafa Center 24 hours - spread over 3 blocks - electronics/electricals, cheap clothings and all sorts of knick knacks, etc. (ii) Chinatown: walk thru the Mosque/Pagoda...streets

2. Eating Places: 'Tien Tien' Hainanese Chicken Rice @Maxwell Food Center; Chilli Crab @East Coast Seafood Center; Kaya Toast & local coffe @Ya-Kun; 'Katong' Laksa & Nasi Lemak @Holland Village; Hock Lam Beef Kway Teow (rice noodle) @Scotts food court. Alternatively, u can also go to Newtown Hawker Center.

3. Just to hi-light that Shangri-la is situated a little off the busy street. You may wish to consider Raffles The Plaza/Swissotel The Stamford hotels. Both are situated above the underground exchange; adjacent to Raffles Hotel too. Shangeri-la has a sanctuary feel and the latters are business hotels.

4. Try the eatery at Botanic Garden too. Nice ambience.

KL
1. Eating Places: famous Bak Kut Teh (spare ribs in herbal soup) coffee shop near Ritz Carlton KL; Jalan Alor -street stalls in evening for their bbq seafood, try the grilled fish and fried hokkien noodles; Sakura Nasi Padang - u select different malay dishes to go with fragrant rice; go to Starhill Plaza basement if u r looking for formal western meals.

Penang
1. You may wish to visit the fruit farm where they breed some 'in-house' fruits. You can also do a side trip to Hatyai, Thailand, which is situated across the border of Penang.

Penang's E&O is a good choice to stay. It's near Penang Street, walking distance, the hub of everything. Remember to check out Armenian Street, Cannon Street, Love Street, Beach Street and Presgrave Street for fabulous strait chinese antiqued shophouses and temples. For extras, try Weld Quay - stilt houses perched on sea front that are recognised by UNESCO as world heritage site. It's about 5-8km walk from E&O

Sounds like fun! Three nights may be too long in Penang if you are going for city heritage (and no beach) -- could probably do two there and add a third to KL per another post. If you can splurge, go for the Valley Wing at the Shangri-La in Singapore (we found the other wings of the hotel overrated). The MO in KL is wonderful -- stay on the Club floor and ask for a "Petronas view" room (the view of the towers at night is spectacular). Have a great trip!!