It took us a long time to visit Malaysia, primarily because I didn’t know much about this fascinating country. Over time, however, I met fellow travelers who spoke highly of Malaysia, its capital city, Kuala Lumpur, and its warm, welcoming people. Intrigued by their stories, I knew it was time to experience this Southeast Asian destination for myself.
I’m not the type of traveler who rushes from one landmark to the next, snapping quick photos. Instead, I prefer to let life unfold naturally and immerse myself in the places I visit. And in Kuala Lumpur, I found a city that offers a perfect blend of modernity, tradition, and rich human connections.
First Impressions of Kuala Lumpur
We finally arrived in Kuala Lumpur last September, and the city surprised us in all the best ways. Often described as a vibrant melting pot, Kuala Lumpur is where Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous cultures come together in a harmonious blend. Walking through its bustling streets, I immediately noticed how this diversity shapes the city—from its architecture and food to its street signs written in multiple languages.
What truly captivated me wasn’t the iconic Petronas Towers, which I only saw from afar, but the city’s energy. It’s a unique mix of the old and the new, vibrant yet grounded. Did you know Kuala Lumpur gets its name from the Malay words for “muddy confluence”? The city grew from humble beginnings as a tin mining settlement at the meeting point of the Klang and Gombak rivers. Today, it’s a busy metropolis with a skyline rivaling any global city, while still preserving pockets of green spaces and cultural heritage.
What Makes Kuala Lumpur Special
Kuala Lumpur isn’t just a city to visit; it’s a city to experience. Whether you’re sipping kopi at a roadside stall, exploring street food havens like Jalan Alor, or chatting with locals in vibrant markets, you’ll find that KL has a way of welcoming you with open arms.
The people of Kuala Lumpur were incredibly kind and hospitable, often going out of their way to make us feel at home. This warmth extended beyond the city itself, making Malaysia a place we were happy to explore further.
Practical Tips for Traveling to Malaysia
How to Enter Malaysia
Traveling to Malaysia is straightforward. You’ll need to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online at least three days before your arrival. This digital system simplifies the immigration process.
Make sure to submit your application at least three days before your travel date. Upon arrival in Malaysia, ensure that you have a valid passport. Keep your MDAC handy, either in print or digital form, for validation at the immigration counter.
We used the autogate system upon arrival (Currently, nationals from 63 countries, including France, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, who register for the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card at least three days before traveling and hold a biometric passport are eligible for autogate entry at Malaysian airports.), which was seamless and eliminated the need for passport stamps.
Flying to Kuala Lumpur
We flew with Vietnam Airlines, which offered a budget-friendly option with a layover in Ho Chi Minh City. The flight was on an older Airbus, which meant we had plenty of legroom—so much better than newer planes where you’re often cramped between seats. The crew was friendly and efficient, and the meals were surprisingly good, especially the Vietnamese option. While the flight was comfortable, Ho Chi Minh Airport wasn’t ideal for a long layover, especially with kids. We ended up paying for lounge access at the Apricot Business Lounge downstairs, which was a lifesaver, though the food options left us wanting. Still, the refreshing showers made it worth the splurge.
Payment is only by credit or debit card, so we used our Wise debit card and paid with a tap—quick and easy!
Arriving in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is modern and welcoming. For a family of five, booking a taxi to the city center directly in the arrival hall was convenient and cost about $50 USD. Payment was easy using Apple Pay, which is widely accepted throughout Malaysia—a refreshing convenience compared to some other Southeast Asian countries. The trip to the city center was over an hour and traffic was good as we arrived at night.
Bonus Travel Tip: Use Wise for Seamless Payments
What I loved about Malaysia is that you can easily pay almost everywhere with your phone (Apple Pay). It’s a plus compared to other Southeast Asian countries. For those planning to spend time in Malaysia—or anywhere abroad—I highly recommend using Wise.
Wise is a fantastic option for travelers because it offers no account fees, the best exchange rates, and the convenience of holding and spending money in multiple currencies. When you open your account online, which is free, you automatically get a digital card, and you can even order a physical Wise card (if available in your region). What’s great is that the physical card has a different number from the digital one, offering an extra layer of security.
Wise is incredibly transparent with its fees and always uses the real exchange rate, so you know exactly what you’re paying. Their app is excellent—you can transfer money in seconds, freeze your card, personalize your PIN, or adjust your spending limits. The higher limit is especially helpful when you need to make big purchases like plane tickets for the whole family.
I’ve been using Wise since 2016, and for me, it’s by far the best multi-currency card and account.
If you’re new to Wise, you can get a special reward through my invite link: (https://wise.com/invite/dic/ninonannieedithm) you choice of a free transfer of up to €500 or a Wise card (if available in your region).
Where We Stayed
We stayed at The Robertson, a serviced apartment in the city center. While the location was fantastic—walking distance to Jalan Alor, Bukit Bintang, and Chinatown—the accommodations left something to be desired. The apartment was clean but lacked warmth and practical amenities. That said, its proximity to major attractions made it a good base for exploring the city.
Our favorite nearby spots included:
- Jalan Alor Food Street: A paradise for street food lovers.
- Bukit Bintang: The city’s premier shopping and nightlife district.
- Petaling Street (Chinatown): A vibrant area for street food and local culture.
- GMBB Mall: A creative hub with arts, crafts, and excellent coffee shops like Too Yumm.
You can find all the spots we enjoyed on our Google map below.
Next, we moved to a quieter part of the city—the embassy neighborhood—staying at Pavilion Embassy Suites, which I booked at a great price thanks to my Booking status. I’d say it was worth it at the discounted rate, though I wouldn’t justify the usual price due to some management issues. The apartments are spacious and clean, but they feel somewhat unfinished. We weren’t thrilled with the capsule coffee machine either, as it’s not eco-friendly and you can only buy the capsules from the staff at a marked-up price—not exactly fair.
Overall the facilities and staff were excellent. The pool has a lovely open view, and there’s a clean hammam, sauna, and gym. We also enjoyed the surrounding area, with great supermarkets, bakeries, restaurants, and easy access to the city center. After some disappointing lodging experiences, this is the place I’d return to in KL. If you’re considering staying here, don’t hesitate to book last-minute for a more realistic, discounted rate.
Reflections on Our Time in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur was a city of contrasts for us. On one hand, it offered incredible cultural diversity, friendly people, and modern conveniences. On the other hand, after a month, we were ready to move on—craving fresher air and a slower pace of life. But this is the beauty of traveling: each destination offers its own unique gifts, and KL gave us an unforgettable introduction to Malaysia.
If you’re planning a trip to Kuala Lumpur, my advice is to take your time. Don’t just breeze through the city. Let yourself experience the layers of culture, history, and everyday life that make it so special. Whether you’re enjoying a bowl of laksa at a street stall, marveling at the architecture, or sharing stories with locals, KL is a city that leaves you wanting more.
Final Thoughts
For travelers who value human connections, rich cultural experiences, and modern conveniences, Kuala Lumpur is a must-visit destination. And for families like ours, Malaysia offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.
On the following Google map, I’ve pinned all the places we liked and recommend in Kuala Lumpur. If you visit the city, please share your experience and any recommendations you might have in the comments!