About Malaysia

Welcome to Malaysia

To know Malaysia is to love Malaysia - a bubbling, bustling melting pot of races and religions where Malays, Indians, Chinese and many other ethnic groups live together in peace and harmony.

Our multiculturalism has made Malaysia a gastronomical paradise and home to hundreds of colourful festivals. It is no wonder that we love celebrating and socialising. As for our people, Malaysians are known to be very relaxed, warm and friendly. Geographically, Malaysia is almost as diverse as its culture. 11 states  and 2 federal territories (Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya) form Peninsular Malaysia which is separated by the South China Sea from East Malaysia which includes 2  states (Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo) and a third federal territory, the island of Labuan.

One of Malaysia’s key attractions is its extreme contrasts which add to this theme of ‘diversity’. Towering skyscrapers overlook wooden houses built on stilts while five-star hotels sit just metres away from ancient reefs. Rugged mountains reach dramatically for the sky while our rainforest-clad slopes sweep down to  floodplains teeming with forest life. Cool highland hideaways roll down to warm, sandy beaches and rich, humid mangroves.

What To Expect?

Kuala Lumpur (also known as KL)is a relatively big city, you can find almost anything to your taste here. Quite chilled out and easy to get used to.

  • Food

    Food is one thing which you cannot go wrong with in this country. As a melting pot of cultures, you are guaranteed almost all types of cuisines at affordable prices.  From high class (western) restaurants, to fast food giants (KFC, Mcdonalds etc), and street markets where you will find numerous food stalls selling different local delights  (Jalan Alor is probably the most famous one). Food can be very cheap in the local eateries (mamak). From as little as RM 5 - 8 you have a decent meal. But you can  make it as expensive as you like.

  • Shopping & Leisure

    Shopping malls are a major attraction and the majority have almost everything one is looking for - designers  brands, theaters, theme parks, restaurants etc. In fact, 3 of the top 10 largest shopping malls in the world are in Malaysia. Popular shopping malls include KLCC, Times  Square, Mid Valley, Sunway Pyramid, 1 Utama and Publika. So, if you like to shop, KL will have plenty of options for you.

  • Nature

    If you enjoy Mother Nature, be sure to check out our National Parks & waterfalls. You can always go for a short hiking trip or a picnic during your stay. Outside of KL, there are plenty of nice beaches and cities to go to. General favorite cities are: Malacca, Penang &  Ipoh within a few hours drive. For the asian beach experience, options are: Tioman, Langkawi, Perhentian, Pangkor, etc. We  promise you will love the flora and fauna in this region. And Kuala Lumpur is very well connected by air, rail and road. There you go,  something you can look forward to when you visit us!

     

Food and Beverages

Kuala Lumpur is the melting pot of cultures, and offers a wide range of local and international cuisines. Whether you are craving mediterranean, Arabic, Japanese, Fusion or Western dishes, KL will have a spot for you. Food lovers will expect to find their choices available either at the restaurant or corner street stall.

  • Upmarket Restaurants

    Prices: RM 60-150 (USD 15-35) per person
    Meals: Lunch or Dinner
    Location: Hotel restaurants chains, Yellow Brick Road, Fuego Sky dining, Pavillion etc

    KL is full of upmarket restaurants and fine dining spots that offer a wide variety of cuisines. Most places are family friendly, and are conveniently located in shopping malls.

  • Fast Foods & Food Chains

    Prices: RM 20-50 (USD 5-12) per person
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner
    Location: Mcdonald’s, Nandos, TGI Fridays, KFC, Burger King, Wendy’s, Domino’s etc

    Most local and international food chains are available in Kuala Lumpur. So if you are worried about trying new delights, you can always check out your nearby McD’s or Papa John’s.

  • Street Food Markets

    Prices: RM 5-20 (USD 2-5) per person
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner
    Location: Jalan Alor, Corner shops/mamaks, local cafes and food courts etc

    The street food markets of KL are the place to go if you want to taste the true local flavours of Malaysian and Asian delicacies. The street food markets are always busy with both local and international food lovers.

Moving Around

  • Transport Information

    GETTING AROUND*
    Getting around KL is pretty much fun and easy as long as you have planned ahead or not stuck in a traffic jam, otherwise it can get a little pricey without prior planning especially driving in taxis. If you need to move around KL and you are not in the mood of commuter trains it's advisable to use the ride sharing apps as this will save you time and a few pennies.

    Ride Sharing & Taxis
    Apart from public transport (Bus or train) the most convenient way to to move around is via GRAB. This ride-sharing service will save you a lot of haggling with taxi drivers, who always prey on tourists.

    Trains & Buses
    Kuala Lumpur has a pretty extensive rail network that covers a significant part of the Greater Kuala Lumpur region. This option is cheap, and can save you precious time (traffic jams).

    Buses are also available, but you would need to be a seasoned veteran to master most of their routes and times. Also because KL has serious traffic jam problems road use is  usually discouraged during peak hours. You can download this public transport PULSE app to plan your bus and rail travel.

    * Shuttle buses will be provided to and from BTC venue and designated hotels.

Things To Note

  • CULTURE: What to do and look out for
    Malaysia is a very nice and multi-cultural country. Around 60% of the population is Muslim, but many other religions are practiced as well. As a Muslim nation, there  are certain things one should look out for which may be considered inappropriate. As the saying goes, “When in Rome, do as Romans do”. While Malaysia is  extremely accommodating towards non-Muslims it is advisable to respect the culture of the locals - especially in certain areas. In general, you’ll be fine in KL, but if in doubt about anything, ask a member of our team.

    SAFETY
    Malaysia is generally a safe country. Kuala Lumpur, just like any other big city, has its share of crime obviously. This mainly consists of pickpockets and bag snatching, so it’s always important to be aware of your surroundings and possessions. There is a general threat from terrorism, as in many other places. As a foreigner, most people will try to help you. But, like in all other countries, there are some who may exploit you. If you are unsure about anything, do not be afraid  to ask. The majority of people can converse
    in basic english.

General Information