5 Things to Love About Kuala Lumpur
When I was applying for the job I have now, I couldn’t name a Malaysian city besides the capital of Kuala Lumpur - which I now know as KL. I wasn’t sure what language Malaysians speak, or what they wear or eat.
Some know that Kuala Lumpur has the Petronas Towers - the tallest twin towers in the world - and a beautiful city skyline. That’s about it. Some know that the majority of the population is Muslim or that it’s a major oil-producing country.
Google searches on moving to Malaysia returned very little or outdated information, which is why I wrote the Expat’s Guide to Living in Kuala Lumpur for Away Abroad. After three years of living in Kuala Lumpur, I’ve come to know and appreciate the city better.
Here are 5 things I bet you’ll love about Kuala Lumpur:
Cityscapes
Vertigo’s rooftop bar provides 180 degree views of the skyline, making it a great place to catch a dazzling city sunset with a yummy cocktail.
I’m originally a small-town girl, so big cities feel pretty chaotic for me. Greater Kuala Lumpur is home to more than 7.5 million people (2018). For scale, my hometown of Timmins, Ontario, Canada is home to just under 41,000 people.
Yet the skyline of Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) is undeniably one of the most beautiful I’ve seen.
The number one thing I recommend to visitors is to treat yourself to a couple of cocktails at a rooftop bar around 6:30PM, when you can enjoy stunning sunset reflections on skyscrapers, and then the beautiful lighting of the Petronas Towers at night. My favourite is Vertigo, located on the 59th floor of the Banyan Tree Hotel in Bukit Bintang.
2. Food
No one could deny Kuala Lumpur its culinary riches! I feel spoiled for choice during lunch breaks in Brickfields - aka Little India - where I can eat a mountain of Indian food at Ghandi’s or Sri Lankan at Yarl for 10-15 ringgit (~$2.25 - 3.40 USD).
Naan platters at mamaks are simple and tasty, served with a mild yellow curry and a spicy red curry.
My favourite local food spots are mamaks - Muslim Indian eateries - with standard options of fried rice, tandoori, curries and fried breads like naan or roti. With their plastic chairs and tables scattered outside, mamaks are casual places to eat and hang out with teh tarik (milk tea) or fresh juice.
3. City Breaks
Langkawi is easily accessible for a weekend away from Kuala Lumpur, and its beach sunsets won’t disappoint!
Being a small-town girl, I look to get out of the city pretty often. Sometimes, that’s with an urban jungle hike like Bukit Gasing or Bukit Kiara. Other times, it’s an escape to a tropical paradise. Malaysia is scattered with beautiful islands, and while those on the east side can be challenging to get to, there are accessible options for a weekend escape.
On the west coast, you have Langkawi - a duty-free tropical island with direct flights from KL. Find budget cottages and hostels or splurge on stunning resorts, enjoy beach bumming and fiery sunsets. Meanwhile, Georgetown, Penang - my favourite city in peninsular Malaysia, is a leisurely train ride away. It boasts a beautiful historic centre and natural beauty in nearby Penang Hill.
4. Cultural Riches
You’ll learn about many different cultures and traditions while in Malaysia - like the Hindu festival of lights, Deepavali (or Diwali)!
Malaysia has 18 national (and even more regional) public holidays per year, including days like Eid Al-Adha (Islamic holiday), Thaipusam (Hindu procession) and Vesak (Buddha Day).
It’s always fun to experience the festivities, like dragon dances for Chinese New Year, rangoli sand art for Diwali and crowded food bazaars for Ramadan. The celebrations are fun, and the days off don’t hurt either!
5. Cost of Living
My first apartment, a 1.5 bedroom unit on the 27th floor of a new build in Bukit Bintang (just 10 minutes walk to lively Chinatown or Jalan Alor) cost 3000 ringgit per month (2019-2020), including access to a gym, pool and rooftop dipping pool.
Finally, perhaps saving the best for last, the cost of living for foreigners is very reasonable in Kuala Lumpur.
Expats can find a luxurious 1-2 bedroom in a new condominium for around 2000-4000 ringgit per month (~$500-700 USD) in a central area like Bukit Bintang or Bangsar. They usually include beautiful shared facilities like gyms, pools and rooftop seating areas.
Alcohol isn't cheap (similar in price to Canada), but eating out and getting around is very affordable.
From epic skylines to delicious food, and the festivities and getaways in between, I wish you a great time in Kuala Lumpur!
