who's done it? worth the risk?

apart from the normal keep it bagged unless I'm using it and dont go flashing it around when not needed etc anything to watch out for?

Heading to malaysia and thailand in a couple of weeks and I'm debating wether or not to buy a cheapish camera that does most of what I want that I'm not gunna cry if I drop it in a river or get caught in a major downpour. But I'd also hate to have an awesome shot there in front of me that I would miss out on. I'm also going on my own so it would help fill in those first couple of days before I find other random backpackers to party with.

Give me your thoughts?