Foreign visitors to Malaysia, when asked about our ibu negara, have nothing but praise for its affordability, impressive facilities, great food, and the locals’ fluency in English everywhere.
In a recent viral video by Youtuber Ben Fishermin, tourists from all over the world open up about Malaysia’s capital, and why they love to visit and stay here:
“It’s like Europe, but in Asia.”
For one visitor from the south of France, Kuala Lumpur’s calm, family-friendly vibe was a surprise. Visiting for the first time, she was impressed by how peaceful and clean the city felt, likening it to European cities in terms of cleanliness and organization.
“I didn’t expect this kind of town. I mean, it’s a cool town,” shared the woman. “Very calm, slow and very clean. One of the most family friendly places. The street is clean and everybody is very nice. It’s like Europe, but in Asia.”
After a few days in KL, she plans to explore other parts of Malaysia, like Borneo and Langkawi, but KL’s slower pace made a lasting impression.
“Malay is really easy to learn.”
For one computer science student from Eritrea studying at Universiti Malaya, has lived in Malaysia for two years and has grown to love the city.
Although adjusting wasn’t easy, he found Malaysians to be much friendlier than he had anticipated.
“I was warned that, like, they’re not so friendly, but when I got here, it wasn’t the same as what I was told. They’re really, really nice. And I think anybody who visits, they will get to experience it firsthand as well,” he said.
The student added that he loves how everyone speaks English, but he has started learning Malay as part of his university course structure, and he finds it really easy to learn.
“I have started learning Malay because I think it’s ranked the easiest language in the world right now. There’s no grammar, there’s no gender. There’s barely plural. You just know what word means what and you just connect it together. So it’s really easy.”
While he enjoys life in Malaysia, he has noticed some challenges as a foreigner. Transitioning from a student visa to a working visa, for example, isn’t easy.
“It is actually difficult to transfer from a student visa to a working visa. They work hard against you doing that. I think it’s encouraged that the moment you graduate that you should leave,” he mentioned.
Nonetheless, the warmth of the people and KL’s affordability have kept him hoping for a way to stay after graduation.
“It’s a miracle city”
For this Russian visitor who’s traveled to 7 different countries, 37 different cities and towns, he has placed Kuala Lumpur among his top five favorite destinations. What impressed him most, he said, was KL’s tropical jungles nestled among its bustling streets.
“It’s a miracle city,” the Russian said. “Because in Dubai you cannot find the same. Dubai, it’s only a metallic jungle. But here you have the green spaces and tropical jungles right in the middle of skyscrapers and streets.”
The Russian man was also struck by Kuala Lumpur’s ranking as one of the top destinations for expats, which he saw as well-deserved. He found it affordable, especially compared to Singapore, yet it offered the same conveniences and quality of life.
“It’s very similar to Singapore. So you have the good parts of Singapore also, which is the food, like the cultures living together, the nature inside the city. And it’s more affordable.”
What do you think makes KL special? Share your thoughts with us!
Email us at hello@inreallife.my and you may be featured on In Real Life Malaysia.
Also read: Why I Love Malaysia as a Singaporean Woman Who Moved to Kuala Lumpur 7 Years Ago
Why I Love Malaysia as a Singaporean Woman Who Moved to Kuala Lumpur 7 Years Ago
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