7 reasons why you should definitely visit Kuala Lumpur when you're in Southeast Asia

We just finished a month-long stay in Malaysia; which we spent mostly in the capital, Kuala Lumpur (or KL as it's locally referred to as). It certainly wasn't the first major city we've seen on this trip, but it's definitely my favorite.

The Petronas Towers at sundown

Here are seven reasons why you shouldn't miss it if you're in Southeast Asia:

It's clean

Central KL

Southeast Asia, while developing rapidly, isn't exactly known for pristine streets and advanced public sanitation. If you've never been in the region before, one of the first observations you'll make is how dirty the streets and how pollution is a part of every day life. Not so in Kuala Lumpur. There are no open sewers. Shops, restaurants and stores, even on the lower end of the economic scale are kept clean. The streets and sidewalks are well maintained and garbage is collected regularly. The proof is the shoes: literally. I spent many days walking the streets wearing flip flops. Doing this in Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh or Cebu resulted in dirty, grimy feet. After walking around KL for eight hours in the same shoes, my feet we practically still clean.

It's Modern

Kuala Lumpur is relatively young having been carved out of the jungle during British colonial rule in the 1800s. However, city planners have gone to great efforts to ensure that fast growth was met with stringent standards. This has resulted in a cutting-edge metropolis with space-age skyscrapers jotting out over the well-preserved colonial-era buildings. Air-conditioned passageways make beating the heat child's play. The shopping is top-notch with everything from designer brands to an IT mega-mall that makes even the most frugal nerd gleefully open their wallets. There's high-speed Internet everywhere and the expansive public transport network is constantly expanding, which leads me to my next point...

It's Easy (and Honest)

Metro arriving in KL Sentral

Getting around KL is a piece of cake. The public transport network is the most expansive one I've seen so far in Southeast Asia and it's only getting bigger. From the high-speed train linking the airport to the city center, to the wide-reaching subway and train system, to the bus network and even the monorail, you can cheaply and effortlessly move freely about the city, leaving you little need to take a taxi. Oh and if you do need a taxi, don't fret about being ripped off or having to haggle with the driver like everywhere else in the region: cabs will always run the meter and forbid haggling. At major bus, train and airport terminals, you simply go to a taxi counter and tell them where you need to go. They'll give you a price and once you pay, you'll receive a voucher that you give to the next available taxi driver. Easy!

It's one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse places in Asia (and for that matter the planet)

The national tourism slogan is “Malaysia Truly Asia,” and as kitsch as that might sound, it actually fit's the country's definition. Malaysia is literally at the crossroads of Asia, nautically sitting in between East Asia and South Asia with Africa and the Arabian peninsula just across the Indian ocean. This has created a uniquely diverse city of Chinese, Indians and ethnic Malays, not to mention a slew of people from across the sea. Throw in the lingering influence from the colonial days of the Portuguese, Dutch and British and you're left with a culture not quite like any others on the planet.

Along with all of these traders, migrants and travelers came their religious beliefs. While Malaysia is a majority-Muslim nation, there is a large population of Hindus, Confucianists, Buddhists and Christians. They tend to get along with each other and as a consequence, Malaysia boasts an impressively tolerant society. It's a great place to learn about other religions and get a wide sampling of what Asia as a whole has to offer.

Many Tourists Overlook It (and that's a good thing)

Petalang Street; One of the few tourist districts in KL.  Even then, it's pleasant

Almost every destination in Southeast Asia that's recommended by guidebooks (Lonely Planet, Le Routard, Rough Guides, etc) is probably worth seeing.  These sites and cities are replete with historical sites, national and regional monuments and in some cases, amazing outdoor activities.  However, the one trait they have in common is that they are all full of tourists.  This isn't an issue in itself, other than the fact that the locals are well aware of it and will approach you as such.  While the bubble has it's benefits, it also has it's drawbacks; primarily, you're in a bubble. 

Not so in Kuala Lumpur.   Here, you're not treated differently because of being foreign.  You don't get weird looks nor do you get hustled while walking down the street.  Instead, you can sit back, blend in, and watch people.   For me, this is one of the greatest parts about going to some place new.  You see the real side of a destination and learn what local life actually looks like, beyond on the iteration of the 'everything is awesome' tourist facade. 

The Food Is Incredible

Speaking of 'wide sample,' the food is some of the best in the region the world. The various elements that make up Malaysian society have all brought their ethnic food to the table (literally). You'll never run out of choice when you can have some of the world's finest Indian, Chinese and Malay cuisine (some of the finest being street food on the infamous Jalan Alor). You'll find foods like Persian, Egyptian, Lebanese, Indonesian and other exotic fares that you've probably never had the joy of sampling. Tired of oriental food? No problem! Western food is in rich supply with a vast selection of both American chain restaurants and various European cuisines. Prices vary depending on where you eat but no matter what your budget is, you're bound to eat well!

Learn how to eat in Southeast Asia
Go Go Global Gringo's Guide to Eating in SE Asia

You're Going To Be Pleasantly Surprised

Malaysia in general and Kuala Lumpur in particular is the big exception to the region. There isn't any place quite like it and will more than likely blow your expectations out of the water considering what part of the world it is in. From the food to the people to the modernity, there's nothing you can do to fully prepare for it, but you won't be disappointed, even if you're only passing through to recharge your batteries (KL's airport rivals Singapore and Bangkok in terms of connections throughout the region).

So if you're in the region and you can't quite decide where to go next, or if you're planning a trip to Southeast Asia and want to get the most out of your time in this part of the world, do yourself the favor and checkout one of the world's most dynamic, diverse and surprising cities. You'll be glad you did!

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