Some final thoughts.
MH flight on the new A330 Neo.
Crew were lovely. First impression on boarding was that the aisles were super narrow! My rollaboard suitcase barely squeezed though. The seats are also pretty compact, and there is a lack of storage. I ended up stashing things against the window, as there is only one compartment and it contained the water bottle. The tray table didn't click into place properly and kept sliding towards me, and the wireless charging pad didn't work. Comfortable for a day flight, but no idea what it would be like overnight. The door was nice for privacy (and the kid enjoyed being "locked in").
The Movenpick at KL was fab! Though such a huge suite is wasted on an overnight transit, but the separate bedrooms meant everyone got a decent sleep. The buffet breakfast spread was amazing (right down to the ice cream machine), and the shuttle back to the airport worked well.
The Sands Khao Lak.
We loved this hotel! I was a bit worried about sharing a room with the kids, but it actually worked out very well. They had the sofa bed/futon which was situated closer to the bathroom, with our bed closer to the swim up pool (which was also securely gated). There was a sliding screen between the two sleeping areas, however some of it was frosted glass which isnt ideal. We loved having access to a pool at our room, great for when the kids want to swim but you dont. I was a bit underwhelmed with the buffet breakfast the first day but it was better (less busy) on subsequent days. Our package was supposed to have "evening drinks in the Sands Luxury Club" every day, but it was converted to an hour of drinks at one of three bars at specific times each day. We chose the beach bar at 3pm, and the staff got to know us so well that my mojitos kept arriving without me having to say a word
The hotel is in a great location, just a quick walk up the driveway puts you in town with a tonne of restaurants. The kids loved the water park, we went on the lazy river every day, and Miss TC loved the waterslides. We will definitely go back.
SQ
The short flight from HKT to SIN was ok. Seats are nice for a short hop, and the crew were nice but I got the feeling they found us a bit annoying. Miss TC needed the loo on boarding. Then the seatbelt sign was left on for a ridiculous amount of time after takeoff, during which Master TC became desperate for the toilet. We had to ignore the sign and head to the loo, the crew were less than impressed but it was that or deal with an accident. Apparently ordering a fruit plate for the meal means you don't get the entrée or dessert, so I had to ask for the dessert, and then follow up my drink order as they didn't deliver it with the meal.
The flight from SIN to MEL was the complete opposite, the crew couldn't do enough to help us out. Constantly checking that the kids were ok, what they needed to eat/drink etc. I love the seat, its great for lounging and watching tv (though it would be nice if the pause button didn't require a swipe then press). It was only after the flight that I realised I'd left my shoes on the whole time, because slippers weren't offered. I didn't bother asking for an amenity kit as they arent very useful, but I did request the teddies for the kids which they were thrilled with.
