My friend is having his wedding receptions in Singapore and Malaysia (Sarawak) -- groom is Malaysian, bride is Singaporean.

I've been invited to both events in both countries. I hear Singapore Airline is the best in the world but it's $1700++ just for the airfare. Malaysia Airline is around $1500++ so is there is huge difference in the quality of aeroplane and service onboard?

Also, would it be cheaper to book the flight nearer to the flying date (June 12) or should I book the tickets now?

Where should I go as a side trip since I'm going to be in the SE Asia region? Between Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines, which country/city should I visit?

Thanks for you advice.

Malaysian Air is excellent.

Unless you've spent a lot of time in Malaysia already, I'd suggest staying in Malaysia for your extra time. You might be interested in reading my Borneo Trip Report. Do a search and it will come up as Kathie's Borneo Trip Report.

If you're flying coach, your fares are way high. Wait a little. And check out local Asian travel agents - they may have better consolidator fares. I say wait until early March.

I've been on both airlines, flying within Southeast Asia and Malaysia Air was excellent. Where in the world are you flying from for that high airfare? I fly from L.A. to Singapore and a few months ago, I checked out airfare on Singapore Air for this coming August and L.A.-Singapore-Bangkok-Singapore-L.A. in Economy priced out at $1500.taxes included. I called Singapore Air directly. I've decided to use frequent flyer miles though and am ticketed on an award. Keep calling the airline...prices change all the time...even within hours. Happy Travels!

Keep in mind that if you fly SQ's ultra-longhaul nonstop EWR-SIN or LAX-SIN, then you should be paying more because you get an Executive Economy seat that are wider, and have more recline and legroom than regular economy.

As a side trip I would recommend you Bali. Gorgeous! If you don't want to go to Bali, Malaysia has a lot to offer, I was there last year and enjoyed it but Bali is Bali!!!!

Thanks for all your responses.

I checked the Singapore Airlines website and the on-line registration fare for JFK-SIN for June is $1,524.35.

Malaysian Airlines does not have an on-line published fare for June yet.

Yikes!!