The Klang Valley is completely surrounded by hills except to the east, where it opens up to include the Kuala Lumpur International Airport and the Sepang District. The hills around the city are covered in rainforest, which is a haven for wildlife such as monkeys, birds, and lizards.
Peninsular Malaysia is the long finger of land that stretches down from mainland Asia and is sandwiched between Thailand and Singapore. Kuala Lumpur is located on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, about halfway down. It is just over 350km from the border with Thailand and about 275km from the border with Singapore. The city sits in the Klang Valley, where the Gombak River and the Klang River meet. These rivers have historically been crucial to the development of Kuala Lumpur and many of the oldest parts of the city are built around their winding courses.
Kuala Lumpur is a diverse city and home to a multitude of different cultures, languages, and religious groups. The city is a mixture of old and new, with gleaming skyscrapers and colonial architecture standing side by side. The Petronas Twin Towers are the iconic symbol of the city and are the tallest twin towers in the world. It is even possible to walk across the sky bridge that connects the two towers. The Menara Kuala Lumpur, also known as the KL Tower, is another popular tourist attraction and offers amazing views of the city.
Kuala Lumpur is the bustling capital of Malaysia and its largest city. Founded as a tin mining camp in 1857, it has rapidly grown into a modern, cosmopolitan metropolis and is now the cultural, economic, and financial centre of Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur has many exciting experiences to offer, from its rich and varied food scene to its bustling nightlife. As the cultural hub of Malaysia, it is no surprise that the city is full of amazing sights and tourist attractions.
Overview of Kuala Lumpur
From a humble tin-mining town in the 19th century to the bustling metropolis it is today, Kuala Lumpur is a city on the move. Modernisation hasn’t taken away the old-world charm of this former colonial city, as visitors will see when they wander the city streets and explore its many sights. With a skyline that’s forever in flux, the city and its dwellers are always looking to the future. But for all its brashness, there is an unexpected beauty to be found here: the fusion of cultures, traditions, and religions that make the city what it is – a place where past, present, and future all come together. Whether you’re in the mood for shopping, a tourist in search of the best holiday destinations, or craving a taste of the local cuisine, there’s something for everyone in KL. Rich with history and culture, you’ll find that this is a place where tradition meets modernity seamlessly. Also, as the federal administrative centre of Malaysia, KL showcases the very best of this beautiful country. Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, and Selangor all have places of interest located not too far from Kuala Lumpur, ensuring that visitors seeking unrivalled sights have a wealth of options to choose from. But take our word for it – there’s so much to see in KL that you might not even want to venture out.
Importance of Travelling
Travelling has been considered important for both the individual in general and also for society. Travelling may involve going from one’s home to a journey miles away or just going to another place which is so close to the hometown. In general, travelling is a way of movement from one place to another. There are various reasons why we travel and this applies not only to those individuals travelling from one place to the other but also to society at large. First and foremost, in the modern world, we travel for business, for sightseeing and also for vacationing. It is very clear that the biggest advantage of travelling is to find some peace, to escape from our busy daily lives and to broaden our minds through new experiences and to feel the world. When we travel, we will have the possibility to meet new people and learn some new culture. Travelling is an experience that has great educational value. It expands our knowledge and widens our perspective. To view new customs, different ways of living is fantastic for the mind. Through travel, it is possible to experience new cultures firsthand. When we learn about a new place or a new culture, our capacity to learn, to adapt and to assimilate new things is being increased. In addition, by being exposed to new places and new people, we will develop a better understanding of others. This is very important in the modern world, where there is such a tendency towards disliking and fearing people from other cultures. Also, it is a popular belief that by the time people return from a travel, especially a long one, the travelers would be changed at least in one way. This is because when we travel, we have to get along with a new environment; we will be in a new place, we may have to live with new ways and habits, so the travelers may have to learn from these. We can always learn some new things from the journey and most of all, finding the beauty of a new place no matter what kind of travelers we are. Last but not least, travelling gives us the opportunity to step away from the regular life, to face new challenges, to remove problems and to find some new pleasures in all the good things that our lives have to offer. Through travel, the traveler can escape the daily routine and can be exposed to new things and to new ways of thinking. It also provides a stress-free environment, to forget our problems and to make peace with ourselves. In conclusion, travelling is good, both from the individual perspective and the wider society point of view. Nowadays, many people take the chance to travel because it helps them to relax and to be a more informed and wiser person who is able to get more out of life. Also, by traveling the world and by learning about other works, individuals can help to spread the values of their own society. Ok now, pack your things, start your travel and enjoy the beautiful moments out there!
Preparing for the Trip
Once I have made the decision to go to Kuala Lumpur, it is important to start researching the city so that I can make the most of my time there. A good guidebook can be a great help in finding relevant information. I have also joined travel forums on the internet, so that I can get first-hand advice from people who have visited Kuala Lumpur. In the past, I have found the TripAdvisor website to be particularly helpful when researching other holidays, as it contains a range of reviews on different hotels, attractions, and restaurants in Kuala Lumpur. I spoke to friends and family who have been before to get their advice and recommendations. I also went to the library to look for any useful books on Kuala Lumpur there. Most people who travel to Malaysia will need airport accommodation, at least for the night that they arrive. Some people travel to their airport of departure the night before their holiday. There are a number of hotels in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia which are either situated at the airport or a short distance away. These range from 5-star luxury to more budget-style hotels, so there is something to suit all types of travelers. By booking a package holiday through a travel agent, it is possible to book your accommodation as part of the package. However, I prefer to take control and book my flights and accommodation separately. This allows me to find the best possible flight times and hotel. It is worth noting for those who book their hotel individually, airport accommodation will usually require transport to the airport on the day of the flight. I have found that some hotels include this in the accommodation price, whereas others will require payment. Therefore, it is always important to check the hotel details when booking. In addition, I like to look at other travelers’ ratings of their experiences at different airport hotels, using travel forums and holiday websites.
Researching Kuala Lumpur
My family and I had been visiting Kuala Lumpur recently and it is such the best travel experience I have ever had! I have been to many fantastic places like Putrajaya, the National Palace, the National Monument, and so much more. Can you imagine how cruel it is to be given only a short period of time and be a first-time visitor over here? We have to do a lot of planning of where the places that we want to visit, what is the opening and closing time, where to find nice foods, the best shopping place, and etc. With the help of Google Maps and my previous research of the places I wanted to visit in Kuala Lumpur, and finally I am able to come up with my own version of a travel itinerary so far. Before I started my research, I am quite confused sometimes by looking at some information which is given by different bloggers or websites. However, once I started to focus on some important points and my research task by steps, I found it is not difficult to organize all the details and come up with a well-prepared itinerary. It is also very useful if I pay some attention to the travel blogs by the travelers to Kuala Lumpur because what they had experienced and shared with me is something exciting and practical! And hence, now I know how to plan wisely for such a rich and joyful trip to Kuala Lumpur, by planning out where to go and what you can see and do for the whole day. First and foremost, get to know the general information about the places you might visit is what you should do. Secondly, look at some of the itineraries that others had done before and this makes your research become easier. Last but not least, based on the whole analysis that you had done, start planning for your own travel itinerary! Besides, it is vitally important to assess whether the places that you are interested in are located nearby or far apart from each other, such as the time taken for transfers between places and public transports and the opening and closing time of the attractions, so that you can come up with a perfect and realistic plan for the journey. Well, it is worth spending time on research for travel planning because it gives you full control over your journey and of course, a nice and smooth trip as what you expected!
Other than the location and the weather, what should you wear? Throughout the year, it is pretty hot in Kuala Lumpur, so I packed a lot of t-shirts, skirts, and shorts. However, sometimes I might have a visit to the places where strict dress code is being imposed such as the Batu Caves, so I needed to pack some clothes that can cover my shoulders and knees (for both sexes) too, otherwise I will be trapped in the tourist-designed garment there! The temperature in Kuala Lumpur will be very high for the whole year, while the sky will always get a chance to shower, so what I need in my luggage is simple, just some thin and cool clothes as well as an umbrella. Not forgetting my camera bag as well, but only a few clothes can match with the formal attire. What am I forgetting?
Planning the Itinerary
Now we will need to turn our attention to planning the actual trip itself. Here are a few things that you need to consider when planning your itinerary. First, what are the opening hours of the various sights and how long does it take to get from one to the next. You can group things like visiting the Petronas Towers and the KL Tower as they are both in the same area. That will free up the rest of the day when you can explore some of the lively markets that Kuala Lumpur is famous for. Second, work out how you are going to get from one sight to the next. There are a number of options in Kuala Lumpur. There is a very efficient train system using the Light Rapid Transit and Monorail which’ll get you around quickly. Taxis are also plentiful and quite cheap but the traffic in the city can be quite heavy. When the itinerary is set, you’ll be in a position to book the ground components, such as the hotel stays and the transport, secure in the knowledge that everything’s going to fit together nicely. And, on that note, as we’re not flying from any of the UK airports served by Malaysia Airlines or one of the Oneworld members, it may be a better option to fly into Singapore and out of Kuala Lumpur, or vice versa, in order to make the best use of the international departure lounges and gain the benefit of hosting access for our return journey. It’s recommended to book the flights through a reputable agent and, as we’d like to visit in October, try and get this organised as soon as we can to take advantage of any offers or deals that may be out there.
Booking Accommodation and Transportation
It is essential to book the accommodation and the transportation early so that we can enjoy greater cost savings. In addition, we will be able to compare the rates from different travel agents or hotel booking portals. We have to decide whether to stay in a hotel, hostel, or service apartment. Staying in a hotel is generally more expensive, but it offers better facilities, room services, and better security. The next consideration will be the location. Staying near the monorail or the LRT station will be very helpful because we can travel easily without worrying about traffic jams. However, the accommodation cost will be more expensive. We can choose to book the accommodation through the online booking portals such as Agoda, Booking.com, or Trivago. From these websites, we are able to view different deals from various hotels at different locations. After selecting the hotel, we can easily make the booking and also receive instant confirmation once payment is made. For transportation, I would recommend to utilize the public transportation such as the monorail, LRT, or the newly launched MRT. This is because the public transportation in Kuala Lumpur is systematic, save and very convenient. We have to apply for the Touch n Go card, which is a prepaid smart card that used for all the rail systems and can be used to pay for the bus fare as well. The card costs around RM10 with RM5 preloaded into the card. For those that prefer for a free and easy travel experience, you can choose to use taxi services or rent a car. There are numerous car rental companies in Kuala Lumpur and they offer a wide range of choices from the types of car, rental rates, and the terms of lease. However, I will not recommend this option based on several considerations. First, the traffic condition in Kuala Lumpur is very bad due to the never-ending road constructions. Second, the drivers in Kuala Lumpur usually drive recklessly. And last but not least, finding a parking space can be stressful and difficult, especially during the peak hours. Also, please be mindful that the cars in Malaysia are right-hand drive. Therefore, I would recommend everyone to utilize the public transportation in Kuala Lumpur. By doing so, you are able to travel like a local and you may get the chance to experience the culture of people in Kuala Lumpur.
Exploring Kuala Lumpur
If you have only a short time in Kuala Lumpur and want to explore as much as you can, it is best to take a guided tour of the main city attractions. There are day tours and night tours offering visits to the most interesting places in the city. Kuala Lumpur is an interesting destination with a wide range of attractions, both historical and modern. This city is vibrant and bustling, featuring 40% green area right in the middle of the city and some of the world’s tallest skyscrapers. Local people are diverse. Kuala Lumpur, in Malay Peninsula, is a mix of the old and the new, a mix of the East and the West. So, it is not surprising that cultural tours are getting very popular lately. One fascinating popular tour is the “cultural night tour” where you will be taken to the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Chinatown, have a night walk around the Central Market, have dinner and enjoy a cultural show. There are several tours focusing on local food such as ‘street food tours’ – telling participants what to eat and where to eat for the most genuine, the most delicious local dishes. A number of tours are quite customer-friendly. For example, there are cool, lively, knowledgeable tour guides to share their expertise in a professional way, making it an enjoyable and relaxing tour for the participants. As the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur is constantly developing, there will be new ways to explore the city in the near future. It is reported that there is new transportation coming to Kuala Lumpur – the electric scooter city tour. The city has a lot more potential to be discovered as well. There will always be fabulous attractions and interesting places to go for different types of tours, catering for various tourists. By the end of the day, it means whatever your interests are, from history to food, from culture to modern life style, you will always find a tour to suit your appetite for exploration in Kuala Lumpur.
Must-Visit Tourist Attractions
One of the must-visit tourist attractions in Kuala Lumpur is the Menara Kuala Lumpur, also known as the KL Tower. Located in the heart of the city, the KL Tower is one of the tallest telecommunication towers in the world. The gleaming structure stands at 421 metres and offers a panoramic view of the entire city. Tourists can take the high-speed elevator to the observation deck, which is a breathtaking 276 metres above ground. The observation deck provides a 360-degree view of Kuala Lumpur, and on a good day, sight of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers and even the Genting Highlands is virtually unobstructed. There are also several old, historical tourist attractions located within a day’s trip outside of Kuala Lumpur. Just an hour’s drive from the city, for example, is the historic city of Malacca. A busy, active port city, Malacca has been significant since it was made the capital of the Sultanate in the 15th century. Today, Malacca has been recognized as a World Heritage City by UNESCO and many of its buildings have remained well-preserved. The various museums and century-old buildings stand as proof of the city’s rich history and attract millions of tourists every year. Some of the must-visit tourist attractions in Malacca include Christ Church, St. Paul’s Hill, A’Famosa, and Jonker Street. Christ Church and St. Paul’s Hill are historical buildings dating back to the Dutch and Portuguese colonial era while A’Famosa is a 16th-century Portuguese fortress. Jonker Street is the center point of Malacca’s Chinatown. Full of rich cultural heritage and strong historical touchpoints, Jonker Street is also the best place for visitors to experience Malaccan lifestyle and local delicacies. Last but not least, for those who want to know and discover firsthand the local Malaysian life, you should not miss the opportunity to visit the rural heartland of Selangor to the well-known Royal town of Kuala Selangor and the Batu Caves temple. Just 45 minutes traveling from Kuala Lumpur city, visitors are able to catch a beautiful sight of hundreds of thousands of fireflies at close range and surroundings. This fascinating tour not only takes you to explore the world’s largest natural park of mangrove swamp or ‘melawati’ where you can easily view the rich birdlife with species of eagles flying overhead the passage through the mangroves but also travel the exotic old Malaysia traditional lifestyle of fishermen and the opportunity to taste the popular raw-fresh seafood meal too.
Experiencing the Local Culture
Soon, you will find that Kuala Lumpur is a place where tradition intermingles with modernity. The local Malay culture has its own unique charm, from the enchanting music to the diverse styles of martial arts. As you walk down the streets, observe the mesmerising wayang kulit (shadow puppet play), which is a tradition that dates back to the 13th century! This form of entertainment uses shadows cast by the cowhide puppets to tell the stories from ancient folklore. For a more interactive experience, you can try a traditional dance class and learn the ‘joget’, a dance combining fast, graceful movements with lively music. The traditional Malay costume is worn during celebrations and ceremonies, and if you are in the mood for a complete cultural immersion, there are many places in Kuala Lumpur where you can dress up in the elaborate and colourful ‘baju kurung’ (for the ladies) or ‘baju melayu’ (for the gentlemen) and have a unique cultural photo taken. Also, do not miss the traditional games and sports. Try playing the ‘congkak’, a traditional Malay board game that requires constant attention and smart thinking. The ‘wau’, a type of kite, is another interesting traditional treasure. It is a beautiful and intricate masterpiece, with each part of its body contributing to different symbolic meanings. When you find yourself enjoying the myriad of activities, make sure you do not neglect the local music! The Malays have a wide variety of musical instruments and one of the most commonly performed types of music is ‘gamelan’, an ensemble based on percussion instruments. The rich and melodious songs produced are often accompanied by a traditional dance, where dancers would move in slow, deliberate and graceful motions to tell a story. Last but not least, do take the opportunity to appreciate the skill of ‘silat’, a collective word for indigenous martial arts from the Malay Archipelago. Don’t be surprised to see the strokes suddenly slow down to highlight grace and strength, for the performer is aiming to present a dance rather than a combative form! It’s no wonder that this elegant and complex martial art form is beloved by many and is officially recognised as the national sport of Malaysia. By appreciating and experiencing these traditional activities, you are taking the first step in understanding and immersing yourself in the local culture.
Trying Local Cuisine
When trying local cuisine in Kuala Lumpur, there are a number of prominent dishes that you should try, which can be found in many restaurants and food stalls across the city. One of the popular dishes is Nasi Kandar which consists of steamed rice and a variety of curries and other Malay delicacies. It is traditionally eaten with your hands, and Nasi Kandar restaurants are open 24 hours a day. Another must-try food is Banana Leaf Rice, commonly found in South Indian restaurants. The rice comes on a banana leaf with three vegetables, and you can choose from a variety of meat or fish which will be served on your plate separately. The dish is usually eaten with the right hand, so do not be surprised to see people washing their hands in the wash area nearby before and after dining. You should also try the popular breakfast dish Roti Canai, which is an Indian-influenced flatbread that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, usually paired with dhal or curry. There are also sweet variations of Roti Canai, such as those served with condensed milk or sliced bananas. Another unique food that you should try is the Hainanese Chicken Rice, which is a famous dish that is adapted from the early Chinese immigrants originally from Hainan province in southern China. These are just a few of the many dishes that you can try – in addition to traditional Malay food, do look out for other culinary influences such as Chinese, Indian, Indonesian and even Western, whether it is in high-end restaurants, modern fusion cafes or humble food stalls set up by a little road in the city. Whether you prefer a spicy or non-spicy meal, a heavy Midwestern or light Mediterranean diet, no one will leave the table with an empty stomach in Kuala Lumpur.
Shopping in Kuala Lumpur
Designed to transform the retail experience in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s premier shopping mall, Suria KLCC, offers an extraordinary selection of top international and local brands and attractions, all in a single location. Since its opening in 1998, the 1.17 million-square-metre mall has drawn accolades from all over the world. If the visitor is looking for something extra, there are a few stores that might be of interest. Niki Cains (Lot C21A, 21B and 22B, Concourse Floor) offers an impressive range of authentic Batik wear. Renowned for its elegant, eastern-inspired fashion, it combines traditional quality garment-making with cutting-edge style. Besides ethnic fashion on the Concourse Level, Suria KLCC is also a magnet for fashion-conscious shoppers. If you seek exclusivity and accessibility for luxury products, Starhill Gallery is the place. Starhill Gallery is more than a mere luxury retail centre. Opened in 1996, this is a palatial and stylish complex and provides the perfect atmosphere for luxury retail therapy. With concierge and valet services, complimentary parking for Member Card holders and an entire four floors dedicated solely to beauty and indulgence, Starhill promises its every visitor a comfortable and indulgent shopping experience. However, Starhill Gallery is no ordinary shopping destination. It seeks prominence as Asia’s premier shopping haven and houses the largest number of global luxury brands under one roof in Malaysia. Starhill is favoured and patronised by many name brands, both global and local. The presence of numerous exceptional retail experiences and world-renowned brand names in the Gallery only serves to enhance its position as of today. On top of that, the mall’s signature ‘A Journey of Taste’ experience where the carefully curated gastronomic choices drift from the ‘street food’ vibe all the way up to ‘fine dining’ elegance, the mall’s luxury watch emporium, ‘The Watch Galleria’, and the world’s largest and most esteemed watch emporium, Cortina Watch combined to offer an unprecedented choice for watch enthusiasts, and the extraordinary presence of the ‘Harrods’ store under one roof can only enhance any shopping and indulgent experience. With 300 stores and open space to browse and roam around, there are also branded show galleries and outlets for various interior design products and services. Of course, what makes Starhill Gallery special is the no-compromise attention to the comfort of its visitors and the opulence provided in every little detail-gap. Every aspect of the mall is crafted to present a place of luxury and leisure worthy of the most esteemed names that grace the shops and galleries. Of that much, there is no doubt. And the specialty of the Gallery does not simply end there. Through myriad boutique stores and global brands, Starhill Gallery seeks to encourage not just indulgence and exquisite taste, but also the finding and understanding of the ‘art’ within luxury beauty and designer products. Every element and detail, from architectural aesthetics to the antique showcase in Mita Martini, all work together in order to create a truly awesome atmosphere; a place to understand and indulge in luxury products in a manner fitting for modern day. The galleries show everything from the luxurious refinement of exotic perfumes in 37, fragrances that can only be described as both chic and wild on the third floor, up to elegant timepieces in The Gallery, a spacious and beautifully-constructed view into the top-quality world of fine watch designs.
Practical Tips for Travelling
To ensure a worry-free trip, it is important to be aware of safety and security measures. Travelers should stay informed about the latest developments and travel advice for Kuala Lumpur, which can be found on official websites or at local embassies. It is advisable to take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover any potential risks. Personal safety should not be overlooked. For example, when using public transportation or visiting crowded, popular attractions, travelers should keep an eye on their belongings and be mindful of the possibility of petty theft. As a general rule, passports and valuable items should be stored securely. Phones and bags should be kept close to prevent snatching. If travelers find themselves feeling unwell or in need of urgent assistance, knowing the emergency contact numbers and locations of hospitals and embassies can make a great difference. In Kuala Lumpur, the general emergency number is 999 for ambulance and rescue and 994 for fire department. The non-emergency hotline for police is 03-2115-9999. Meanwhile, medical and healthcare assistance can be obtained by calling the 24-hour hotline at 03-2935-4822. When visiting another country, it is essential to understand local customs and etiquette. In Malaysia, shaking hands is a common way to greet people and it is a sign of polite and friendly behavior. Also, when receiving or giving objects, the right hand should be used as it is deemed as the cleaner hand in local culture. Crossing legs, both men and women, should be avoided when being in a social gathering as it is considered disrespectful. Additionally, shoes should be taken off when entering a place of worship, someone’s home and also certain social and dining places. Shoulders should be covered and long trousers are recommended for temple visit. These practical tips and local knowledge will enable travelers to show respect and navigate social situations appropriately.
Safety and Security Measures
Another important topic to be covered is safety and security measures. Begin by telling a little bit about how Kuala Lumpur is known to be a relatively safe city. However, like in any other major city, it is vital to stay alert to avoid danger. Do you know how to keep yourself safe in Kuala Lumpur? It is important to discuss key safety measures and good habits. For example, be vigilant against crimes such as pickpocketing. Always lock your cash, passport, and valuables in a hotel safe. Avoid taking out large sums of money in public areas. In fact, carrying minimal cash and only one credit card might be a good idea. You should also avoid showing off your jewelry, camera, or other valuable items. This is to minimize the risk of temptation to thieves. Besides, when you are outdoors, try walking on the main streets where others could see you. Street crime tends to be more common in dark, quiet neighborhoods. Always be cautious and watch out for stranger scams. It may come in different forms, such as the old snatch theft strategy or the infamous ‘drugged drink’ scam. In addition, we should be careful with traffic in Kuala Lumpur as well. As much as we are excited about exploring the city, we must never jaywalk. The look-right-look-left routine should be practiced every time we wish to cross the roads. Last but not least, remember that the emergency number in Kuala Lumpur is 999 for police, ambulance, and the fire brigade. It is helpful to have a list of emergency numbers in your phone or wallet too. By adhering to these measures, we could avoid different kinds of danger and ensure a worry-free trip.
Communicating in Kuala Lumpur
If you don’t speak Malay or Tamil, communicating with locals in Kuala Lumpur may seem challenging. However, many people in Kuala Lumpur’s service industry can speak English. So, use simple English when you communicate. For example, when asking for directions, keep your sentences short and clear. Don’t use too much slang, and speak at a normal speed. It’s important to speak clearly and not too fast. Malaysians don’t like to say “no”. Instead, they might say “perhaps” or “I’ll try”. If you get a response like that, it means the person doesn’t know the answer or is not 100% sure. So, when asking for help, be patient. If you get that kind of response, it’s better for you to ask for suggestions from the person. If you enjoy traveling or visit Kuala Lumpur frequently, you might want to pick up some basic Malay online or even attend a Malay course. There are a lot of language courses available that cater to the specific needs of travelers, where the focus is more on conversational learning. I believe you can easily find a Malaysian language class near your area. Such classes are fun; it’s also a great way to meet fellow travelers. Learning basic phrases like “thank you” and “you’re welcome” can be very useful and locals will surely appreciate your effort for trying to speak their language.
Understanding Local Customs and Etiquette
Besides the actual laws that are enforced, there are also many unwritten rules (or etiquette) that you should keep in mind. After all, a little respect for the locals and the culture will go a long way! If you do not wish to draw any unwanted attention or run into any trouble, it is important to understand the local customs and behave appropriately. For example, kissing, hugging, and touching in public is not well received – especially between adults. Public displays of affection are frowned upon and, in some cases, may even result in public humiliation and arrest. Hence, it is advisable to show respect and restrain yourself from any intimate behavior in public. The same goes for staring at others. Staring is generally considered rude, whether it is directed to the locals or other travelers. If you find yourself in a situation where the local is being curious and staring at you, do not stare back. It is best to simply smile and nod slightly before carrying on. This is an acceptable acknowledgment in Malaysia and this way, no offense will be caused. Also, please be aware that standing with your arms crossed over your chest might indicate hostility or coldness. Instead, keep your arms loose and to the side. Always try to appear relaxed and never raise your voice in public. Keep your tone moderate if you have to speak and always smile to people that you talk to. However, do not be surprised if you come across some locals using their fingers and hands to eat at a “mamak” (outdoor restaurant). This is a cultural way of eating, known as “makan bersila” and it is accepted. In fact, it is said to be a hygienic method as it is believed that squatting down helps to promote good posture for bowel movement as well. I hope that the above information will help you to have a better understanding of the local customs and be able to respect it while you explore the city!