Arriving in Kuala Lumpur (KL) was a cultural shock after spending over a month in Chiang Mai. The language, people, and infrastructure were completely different. Suddenly, I was surrounded by high-rises, 30-degree-plus weather, and shawarma restaurants on nearly every corner of Bukit Bintang.
I chose KL as a last-minute destination after missing my flight to Vietnam, having completely overlooked the fact that I needed a visa. Rookie mistake, I know. Since my friend from the Thai monastery lives there and the Petronas Towers are iconic, I thought, Why not? Wouldn’t it be easier if all life decisions were made based on the question, Why not?
KL felt like a breather—a way to ease into the new year and back to “real life” after the monastery.
There’s no comparison to experiencing a place from a local’s perspective. My friend tells me about Malaysia as we watch the sunset from a rooftop in Bukit Bintang. The Petronas Towers adorn the background while I learn that the country is a fascinating mix of Malay, Indian, and Chinese cultures, with schools even separated by ethnicity. While this approach helps preserve cultural diversity, it also keeps the country somewhat segregated. The blend of so many races makes people-watching fascinating, and the food scene incredibly diverse. Jalan Alor Food Street is a place where you can find local Malaysian dishes like satay, nasi lemak, and salted egg squid.
Economically, Malaysia isn’t growing much, though the high-rises might suggest otherwise. The country experienced a boom due to oil but has since entered a period of decline. As a small nation, Malaysia looks outward for growth opportunities. Overall, I found the infrastructure impressive, and despite the occasional catcalling, the city felt very safe.
Kopitiam and Batu Caves
Breakfast at a kopitiam is a traditional Malaysian experience—a nostalgic, Chinese-inspired coffee shop. We ate kaya toast, a delicious bread spread with jam and butter, accompanied by soft-boiled eggs. And, of course, there was kopi: strong coffee sweetened with condensed milk. After breakfast, we headed to the Batu Caves, home to several Hindu temples nestled inside a massive cave. Malaysia is a multireligious country, with Islam and Buddhism being the main religions, alongside Hinduism and Christianity.
A Flavorful Friday
We indulged in a tasting menu at Chocha Foodstore in Chinatown, inspired by Borneo flavors. That’s when I learned about East Malaysia, located on Borneo Island. The food was vibrant and fragrant, featuring dishes like ambuyat, stingray, oysters, samosas, a variety of fish, and, for dessert, jackfruit mousse. Smoky and herbal flavors dominated the meal, but the real highlight of the evening was the conversation. We talked about meditation, schools, family, and of course, new experiences, travel, and how everything new is great.
After dinner, we explored KL’s Chinatown nightlife, hopping between techno bars. For those looking for something more mainstream, there’s Changkat Street with its lively club scene. But we needed dark, industrial techno to really scratch the itch. We found ourselves in a hidden venue—also a school and, coincidentally, a former office where my friend had worked—and danced the night away. Or should I say meditated to the beat?
Suddenly, it’s morning. The Merdeka Tower keeps me company from my studio window as I pack. On to the next flight.
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