How's Malaysia?

[alexei]

I've been invited to visit Kuala Lumpur this December on business. I know this specific event will be safe, but I've heard that American's are often not generally welcomed, especially as of late due to Muslim/American tension. Has anyone been? In particular, should I stray from Kuala Lumpur? Are there any recommended destinations?

 

[globetrotter]

Originally Posted by alexei

I've been invited to visit Kuala Lumpur this December on business. I know this specific event will be safe, but I've heard that American's are often not generally welcomed, especially as of late due to Muslim/American tension. Has anyone been? In particular, should I stray from Kuala Lumpur? Are there any recommended destinations?

I've been, I don't see any problem. its a nice city, safe, great food

 

[Toiletduck]

Its fine...its just that theres a lot of crime on the streets....esp. around Plal area

 

[acidboy]

i've never heard of kl being unsafe. i am also planning to go to kl and penang in the near future and i dont see any risk involved in it. toiletduck is the authority here.

 

[lefty]

I lived there for a number of years and witnessed little to no crime. I also ate the best food in SE Asia.

The only anti-Americanism will be a result of you acting like an idiotic American. Respect the culture and the customs, and you'll be fine.

Enjoy.

lefty

 

[stuartSan]

I've also heard about robberies every five minutes in NY or most of the general population in U.S. totting guns because they're so easy to get. But I bet they're just rumours.

Malaysia isn't one for reputation either, but we usually want nothing to do with the ongoing wars. You're not likely to find Jihads or suicide bombers here. Come, it'll be fun!

 

[alexei]

Great! I figured it was more fear mongering from my xenophobic friends.

 

[EL72]

KL is a great city. Much better than Bangkok imo. From KL, you can go to awesome beaches in Penang. We also went to a National Park further inland called Taman Negara, which has one of the world's oldest rainforests. You have to ride in a lonboat for half a day to get there but it's worth it. Amazing flora, birds, monkeys... well worth the visit if you have the time.

 

[lefty]

Originally Posted by alexei

Great! I figured it was more fear mongering from my xenophobic friends.

The food is fantastic. The best of Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisines. Put aside your sensitivities and eat at the street stalls. Your local hosts should be able to steer you toward the better ones. Try everything. Prepare to put on weight.

If you can, extend your trip and visit neighbouring countries and islands. Bali is pretty magical and there are still a few places where you can get lost in Thailand.

lefty

 

[acidboy]

Originally Posted by lefty

there are still a few places where you can get lost in Thailand.


I bet.

 

[georgekok_uk]

Kuala Lumpur is a great city. I've lived there for a few years. IMHO it it much better than Bangkok or Singapore. The food is excellent. Good hospitality. Fantastic nightlife, if you're single.
KL is as safer than most cities in South East Asia. Definitely safer than London or New York. As anywhere, stay away from the fringes as a precaution.

 

[MasterOfReality]

KL is fine.

Cheap, good food and pretty safe. You will sweat your ass off if you have to wear a suit.

Just use common sense, and watch for pickpockets on the monorail.

Only one casino in the country and its a bit of a hike to get there (Genting Highlands).

 

[JustinW]

Great food and good shopping in KL. Very pretty countryside if you want to take a day-trip out. Personally, I like Malaysia a little more than Singapore and Hong Kong.

I haven't been there for a few years, but I doubt there has been a massive upsurge in crime recently. More common are petty currency changing scams and the whole fake Rolex/Coach scene.

Have a great trip and remember to try soto ayam and mei goreng.

 

[S. Paul]

Originally Posted by JustinW

Great food and good shopping in KL. Very pretty countryside if you want to take a day-trip out. Personally, I like Malaysia a little more than Singapore and Hong Kong.

I haven't been there for a few years, but I doubt there has been a massive upsurge in crime recently. More common are petty currency changing scams and the whole fake Rolex/Coach scene.

Have a great trip and remember to try soto ayam and mei goreng.


Good advice, but it looks like georgekok_uk revived a thread that was 3 years old...so it doesn't look like anyone is headed over there right now.

I've spent a lot of time in Penang and definitely enjoy many aspects of the culture and food.

SP

 

[suited&booted]

I was at the Westin KL last month and hit the basement Spanish bar in the evenings. Great Colombian band and hordes of hungry hookers on the prowl. Just a snapshot of certain part of the city and not the large picture.

Love KL, nice people and more laidback than Singapore (home), HK, Tokyo or Seoul.

As for your concerns about anti-Yankee BS, I had colleauges from Houston who had similar feelings before the trip and did a 360 turn after visiting by asking for a transfer to KL.

Welcome or Selamat Datang as they say it in the Malay language.