Toot or Boot? Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur has an eclectic mix of cultures, cuisines and architecture. It’s no wonder that this diverse city sees over 13 million visitors each year, munching their way around the street food markets, experiencing the impressive Batu Caves and taking an iconic selfie in-front of the Petronas Towers. Enjoy cocktails, shisha and stuffing your face with Roti Canai Curry – a national favourite.

Pros

• Diversity: Being the capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is home to a rich dose of different religions, cultures and their customs. Travellers can experience festivals such as Chinese New Year, Thaipusam, Deepavali and even a hot air balloon festival, all in this central hub.
• Amazing cuisine: Anywhere you walk in the city, the delicious smell of food follows. Visitors can enjoy a variety of specialities from different cultural backgrounds such as Nasi Lemak (coconut rice dish), Wan Tan See (dumpling soup) or charcoal grilled Satay skewers from a local vendor.
• Fun nightlife: This city has a watering hole on every street corner and even most rooftops! This means you’re never far from a cold refreshment, after a long day of sightseeing. Check out this website for some of KL’s extravagant rooftop bars.
• Huge shopping centres: Kuala Lumpur’s shopping malls are renowned for their extensive size and endless shopping opportunities for eager spenders. Berjaya Times Square is KL’s largest mall, housing more than 1,000 shops.
• Cheap accommodation: For a city this size, you’re sure to find a bargain guesthouse, hotel room or hostel. I always rely on Hostel World if you need last minute, low cost accommodation and if you’re happy to share with others.

Cons

• Busy! It’s a city, so what else would you expect?! Some travellers prefer the quieter side of life and may want to visit a destination that enables them to relax. However, if you enjoy the buzz of a city break, why not choose Kuala Lumpur?
• Expensive: Compared to other major South East Asian cities, KL may come across as slightly more expensive than the likes of Bangkok and Phnom Penh. However, Kuala Lumpur’s prices pale in comparison to cities such as Singapore, where you’ll really notice a jump in costs.

Toot or boot?

Kuala Lumpur has to be a toot! It’s got the character, the cuisine, the nightlife and so much more. Even if you have a brief stopover before a connecting flight, you must treat yourself to the sights and smells of this wonderful city. Just try to avoid spending all your money on sampling the many, delicious dishes on offer.