Panama, Colombia & Ecuador OR Indonesia & Malaysia

Hi everyone,

I know I am constantly posting new travel plans and asking for advice, and I apologize, but I am about to do it again.
I am wondering if given the choice to spend February 2012-May 2012 would you rather spend it in Panama, Colombia and Ecuador or Indonesia and Malaysia? Why?
I worked out the price and for flights, etc. and it works out to about the same. I am on a tight budget though, with roughly $3500 alotted for Feb.20-May15 ish. So roughly 3 months. Which area of the globe do you think would be cheaper? I reckon if I do South America I will volunteer in the Amazon in Ecuador for a few weeks to cut my costs down a bit. I've read a lot on BootsnAll about Colombia and tons of people rave about it, so I'd like to see what all the hype's about, however going alone still sort of freaks me out. Moreso than South East Asia (though I've never been). Malaysia and Indonesia also picque my interest, just as much actually. Tropical islands and Borneo and orangutans...sounds good to me!
I don't speak Spanish (well, barely). I've been to Asia (India, Sri Lanka) and all through Central America except Panama and El Salvador, though never touched foot South America.
Both seem reasonable weather-wise that time of year...no monsoons or anything...correct me if I'm wrong please.
Anyways, where would you choose and why? Which area would you think I'd spend less money? Which is warmer and less wet that time of year? Panama, Colombia & Ecuador OR Indonesia and Malaysia? Thanks everyone in advance!
Ben

Its a crapshoot for me.

I've not been to Panama or Ecuador, and I speak Spanish, so those would be cool places to go for me.

I've been to Indonesia and Malaysia, and have nothing but good things to say about Malaysia as a tourist destination. Indonesia was a good learning experience, but it was more depressing and stressful than enjoyable, though it was thoroughly cheap. I never went to Bali, however, which is a tourist magnet for good reason. I would go there just to see Bali, I think.

It will be a question of comfort. Malaysians speak English, and many in Indonesia speak English. English speaking people in Panama City will be quite a few, but Ecuador is another matter.

What culture interests you more? That would be my prime consideration.

I must admit that I'd probably want to save Ecuador for a trip with more budget. While it's not an expensive country overall, the Galapagos Islands are unique and well worth seeing, but they are expensive. It would be regrettable if you missed out on them solely because of budget.

Thanks for the replies. I am leaning more towards Panama and Colombia (and saving Ecuador for another trip with a bigger budget--that way I can include the Galapagos). Mostly because of flights. The flights look much cheaper into Central/South America than to South East Asia. Plus, I've never been to South America and would love to see even just a small piece of it. Plus taking a boat through San Blas islands from Panama to Colombia has been on my bucket list for years now (yes, I'm only 23...so what!) haha
Anyways, thanks again for the replies. If I plan on being gone 8 weeks (say Dec.19-Feb.12) do you think $40/day is reasonable. That would be $2285 budget + $1215 for the flights = $3500 for 2 months in Central/South America. Opinions?

Thank you!
Ben