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KL Survival Kit
A rough survival kit for Kuala Lumpur. Start packing and book your flights after you are done reading this!
1. Raincoat or umbrella
Kuala Lumpur is famous for their rapid onslaught of rain which suddenly comes and go. It is a good idea to pack a small raincoat or an umbrella. Alternatively, get one disposable poncho at a local convenience store or 7-11 once you are here for under US2 dollars. If you don't mind getting wet, why not just dance and sing in the rain!
2. Mosquito / Insect repellent
If you have sweet tasting blood, it is highly recommended for tourist to get a can of insect repellent if you plan to walk around during the night in the city. Alternatively, some long sleeve and jeans would do the trick, but then again, it is kind of hot over here. Make sure you test out the insect repellent if you have sensitive skin. Mosquitoes are on "vampire mode" during dawn and dusk, so avoid walking outside during these times and instead head over to the shopping mall, where your blood will be safe.
3. Vaccination (Cholera / Yellow Fever)
It is advisable no matter where you are travelling to ensure that you have all the recommended vaccination prior to travelling. Consult your local doctor prior to coming to Kuala Lumpur.
If you are dining in Kuala Lumpur, look for the health cleanliness rating sign prior to entering the premise. Most clean outlets have a rating of "A" .
Quick Tip - The water quality in "ice" cubes might be questionable at certain places, therefore if you are drinking at some "shabby" road side hawker, it is recommended that you drink it straight from the bottle or the can instead or alternatively remove all the ice. (This does not apply to established restaurants and diner outlets)
4. Clothes
Wear light clothes due to the warm tropical climate. Shorts, skirts and tees are ideal for walking around the city and shopping malls. However please note if you plan to hit the clubs at night, they enforce a strict dress code.
(Ladies – dress to kill, Men – Cover up those hairy legs)
5. Food Alert
Traditional Malay cuisines are generally spicy. If you cannot tolerate hot and spicy food, please convey the message to the waiter when you are placing your orders. If you are a brave soul on the other hand, please say "Extra Spicy with Chilli Padi" instead. (Chilli Padi = Small red chilli with a spicy punch) If you are a Muslim travelling in Kuala Lumpur, look for the "Halal" sign outside the premise to ensure that food is prepared according to Muslims religious beliefs.
6. To walk or take a taxi?
Get a good pair of walking shoes if you love to roam around the city, there are free maps available and signboards all over the city. If you ever get lost, do not worry. A lot of the locals can speak English fluently and would be able to direct you to your desired location. On that note, to avoid being cheated by taxi drivers, ask nearby locals on roughly how far is your destination before getting into a taxi. We all know the taxi scam that is rampant all over the world; they seem to take you in circles when it is probably just around the block. Another trick is to take a taxi to a nearby landmark to your hotel since sometimes additional charges may be imposed for lobby service.
Thinking of hopping on a city bus? Even locals get confused and frustrated with the bus service in the city. Take the LRT instead (Light Rail Train) service to get around the city but avoid travelling around the city during peak hours. (7-10am / 5-8pm)
7. Driving in the city
If you plan on renting a car, ensure the rental company provides insurance coverage and please take time to read the fine prints. (Some rental companies would expect you to pay for damages below US600 dollars upfront in cash). Kuala Lumpur is home to the right hand driving, similar to the United Kingdom.
Driving around the city may be a challenge if you are unsure of the roads since multiple lanes, flyovers and slipways are common in the city. Therefore, a quick solution is to get a rented car with a Satellite Navigation unit fitted.
8. Money Changer
Most shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur has several money changers within the mall, make sure you compare the rates between them before committing yourself to change money. Avoid changing money at the airport and just have enough to survive for a day or two. Head over to your nearest mall to get the best exchange rates. If you are changing a large sum of money, try bargaining a little for a better rate.
Most merchants accept Credit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) for payment above US 20 dollars. Travel with a decent amount of cash to avoid loss in currency exchange and maximise the use of your credit card. An average meal would set you back US 5 dollars per person.
9. Free and easy travel
If you find yourself travelling to Kuala Lumpur without an accommodation booked, it is more likely that you are going to end up walking into every hotel and realising that the rack rates are higher than the online rates or worst sold out. However if you are a looking for budget lodging for backpackers, our advice is to head over the Petaling Street area or Chinatown. There are a lot of budget hotels that caters for walk in customers.
Most of the hotels in Kuala Lumpur are fully booked during peak holiday season as locals and tourist rush to the city.
10. Alcoholic beverages
If you are an alcoholic, you can stop packing crates of beers into your suitcase. Although Malaysia is a Muslim country, alcoholic beverages are easily available. It is a good idea to get a bottle at the duty free when you exit the airport. However please note that drinking is only advisable in pubs, clubs, restaurants and in the comfort of your own hotel room. Respecting each other cultural differences is a high priority in Kuala Lumpur as 70% of the population of Malaysia are Muslims. Drinking in public areas like parks, sidewalks and outside of 24 hour marts is not advisable though not strictly enforced by authorities.
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