Kuala Lumpur

Many visitors come to Kuala Lumpur and quickly run out of ideas of what to do. Expats who temporarily work or permanently live in KL don't give a lot of praise except to the social scene and food.

The reality is that Kuala Lumpur is a large city with overwhelming diversity. The main problem is spending minimal funds to travel around the big city. Besides walking, the Hop-on and Hop-off bus is the most cost-efficient and encompassing means of seeing the highlights of KL. These include the Petronas Towers, the KL Tower, Chinatown near the Sri Mahamariamman Temple and the KL Bird Aviary. The wait between buses can be longer than the 20-30 minutes depending on traffic, so it's wise to combine the bus with walking or the metro if you want to see more sites. It's best to ride before 4pm. Most locals are fluent in English as well as Bahasa Malaysia and maybe even a third or fourth language.

For nightlife, the Skybar offers more expensive drinks in exchange for indoor pools and spectacular views of the Petronas Towers in the evening. For those who want to try the local mamaks, they can find the mid-low prices available on Jalan Alor near Changkat. The dining experience in Kuala Lumpur provides an eclectic selection from all around the globe--it's rare to find such an authentic culinary experience in one city. Whether it's curry, hummus, pasta, sashimi, or local nasi goreng, try various restaurants and food stalls for a rich foodie experience.

For those less interested in food or popular landmarks, buses and trains are cost-effective means of reaching neighboring cities and, further away, the jungles, beaches, and highlands for nature lovers.