Why go all inclusive so many good places to eat and drink- I've been to both Phuket and Penang on room only ( I prefer Penang) with both of these the food outside of hotels is usually cheap and of a very high standard.

Thanks Moppit, I will consider your advice. How's the weather during those months. Is it still too soon after rainy season? Any recommendations on hotels.

Holiday Inn's ok in Penang, not too pricey, decent pool, on the beach (Batu Ferringhi).
Great location for night market and strolling up and down at night.
Food outside is excellent and cheap, just get B+B. 4/5 days is enough though.
Very clean place, Penang, though the beaches aren't comparable to Phuket. Sea's a bit murky too.

Phuket....lots of "adult" stuff in Patong, but great restaurants. Kata and Karon are a bit more sedate, brill beaches, snorkelling trips.

Why not fly into Kuala Lumpur and do them both from there on budget flights like AirAsia? Your budget will cover that easily.

Have stayed in The Golden Sands Penang 4 times and enjoyed it, I would also recommend The Park Royal. If in penang go for a hotel in Batu Ferringhi. I agree with Chris about the sea being better in Penang being dirty but the beach is beautiful and every hotel has a wonderful pools.

May be the hurricane season in the Caribbean but its also fairly wet in Penang or Phuket in the time you are thinking of going...perhaps the later in November the better.

Hi Caveman
What about the Maldives? If you can't relax there , you can't relax anywhere. The ultimate beach holiday! We have been there twice and each time combined it with a visit to Singapore, flying straight back from there. There may not be the opportunity to walk in to town in the Maldives but Singapore is a great city for shopping, eating and sightseeing.

Have you thought about one of the Sandals resorts. We went to Sandals in Jamaica and then Sandals in St.Lucia last year in the November and we had beautiful weather, full 7 days of glorious sunshine. Sandals resorts have been all renovated(or in the process of being) and they are ultra-all-inclusive. You will find it difficult to spend money there!! Not your usual buffet restaurants and local branded drinks like other all-inclusives, they have a la carte restaaurants and premium brand drinks. A lot of the Sandals resorts are mostly 4.5 star or 5 star but even if you chose the lower category rooms you will not be disappointed. They are all really really nice. Another option for all-inclusive resorts would be one of the Secrets resorts in Mexico. They are very similar to Sandals but are supposed to be cheaper and just as nice. Check out their website for details (INVALID URL And both these resorts will suit your age group. Couples from their middle teens to retired couples go to them. Just a few ideas for you. Hope you get something you want soon.

have a look at Bali. I would not go AI though as it is so cheap to eat out. It may take you a bit over your budget, but not much and it is a stunning place

have a look at Bali.

Fiona, you took the words right out of my mouth.

Bali IS a stunning place, there's lots to see and the people are so lovely.

I think the long flight is well worth it.

You'll need to check out the best months to go, we're seriously thinking about it (it will be for the 4th time for us) for September 2007.

Polly