On Singapore and Malaysia

* Just once in your life you owe yourself a flight on Singapore Airlines in "Raffles Class."

We flew round trip from Newark to Singapore in February '05 on the world's longest commercial flight. The aircraft, service and food were far, far superior to those of any flight we had previously experienced. After the flight of 18-19 hours, we didn't want to leave the plane!

As a bonus, this round trip actually circles the world, as you fly east from Newark to Singapore and then east from Singapore to Newark.

* Equinox Restaurant is located on the 69th and 70th floors of the outstanding Swissotel The Stanford in SINGAPORE. As expected, this restaurant offers possibly the best views of the city.

The imaginative menu, superb service and excellent food make this restaurant a "must" when visiting Singapore. Our meal cost US$30$35 each with dessert and without alcohol (alcohol is expensive in Singapore).

* Use the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) to get from the airport to your hotel if your hotel is located near an MRT station. There is an MRT station in the airport, and a customer service booth in the station provides change for paying your fare plus directions on how to use the MRT to get to your hotel. You will need to change trains at least once, but transfers are easy.

The cost was only about US$1 per person, one way.

* When planning a visit to Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA, don't plan on doing a lot of walking. This otherwise welcoming city is a pedestrian nightmare. Sometimes you simply can't get from point A to point B on foot. Streets can be almost impossible to cross. Taxis are cheap but can be a very slow means of transportation due to the heavy traffic. Use the LRT (Light Rail Transit) and monorail to travel within the city.

* In Kuala Lumpur, the Islamic Arts Museum (enter from the side facing the National Mosque) is an excellent learning opportunity about mosque architecture, Arabic writing, Islamic history and many related subjects. Information is presented in a reasonably neutral manner; non-Muslims will be welcome and comfortable. Exhibits are well conceived, and all information is provided in English.

STEPHEN O. ADDISON

Charlotte, NC

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