Where we stayed, how we got there.

KL Day 2: timed the Batu Caves climb (under 6 minutes), ate the best Bak Kut Teh, EQ Club Lounge afternoon tea, boba taste test, and Sky51 rooftop cocktails.

First time in Kuala Lumpur: why we took the KLIA Ekspres over a Grab, EQ Hotel rose bouquet welcome, Nasi Kandar Pelita dinner, and the Twin Towers at night.

Full-day Perhentian Islands boat tour: coral reefs, a sea turtle at Turtle Point, lunch at Fisherman's Village, and island mosquitoes at dinner.

Day 1 on the Perhentian Islands: tropical storm on arrival, crystal clear water snorkeling, finding kittens on Long Beach, and chili prawns in the rain.

Our Penang food tour: Michelin-listed Hokkien Mee, Assam Laksa, Claypot Rice, satay, fried oysters, and Penang White Coffee.

Capri by Fraser China Square: under $200/night, central Singapore location, and a honeymoon towel display the staff set up completely unprompted. Good value.

First time in Singapore: biking Marina Bay, a Komodo Dragon eating a fish whole at the zoo, fresh sugar cane juice, and trying frog legs for the first time.

Singapore Sentosa day trip: 1962 heritage dim sum, Resorts World casino, Malaysian Food Street, and racing the Skyline Luge.

Landing at Changi Airport past midnight: the Jewel at 1AM, Paris Baguette peach bread, and waiting for the Changi Lounge to open at 6AM.

Changi Lounge at Jewel: free with Priority Pass, spacious shower rooms, Dyson dryer, hot meal voucher, and Teh Tarik. Worth stopping for.

Las Vegas to Singapore in 30 hours: Centurion Lounge, a 2-hour delay, overnight in SF, ANA Business Class sashimi, and a Narita layover.

PHX Terminal 4 has two lounges side by side but you can only pick one. Here's the honest comparison: same kitchen, very different crowd levels.