Living in Kuala Lumpur

[Gold60]

Hi All,

Anyone had a slightly longer stay in Kl or Malaysia than the usual touristy few days/weeks?

I am thinking of basing myself in KL or somewhere similar and doing Malaysia in greater depth than the usual tourist holiday. I might also let this trip bleed over into Thailand for an extended stay too.

Anyone ever done anything like this? If not, can you point me to an expat (or similar) forum so i get some some info on accommodation, and general expat-like living conditions/arrangements in Malaysia.

TIA

 

[QF WP]

@trippin_the_rift to the thread please

 

[RB]

This is a group that has been covering a fair bit of detail recently-more designed around moving there permanently but may help
International Living Australia Edition - Live, Retire and Invest Overseas

 

[Gold60]

Thank, RB. Very interesting reading. i am sure i can pick a few gems out of this website.

This is a group that has been covering a fair bit of detail recently-more designed around moving there permanently but may help
International Living Australia Edition - Live, Retire and Invest Overseas

 

[trippin_the_rift]

Before moving to Malaysia I had been visiting 3-4 times/year to visit the in-laws. There is a big difference between being a tourist and taking up permanent residence - especially as a foreigner. For long-term tourist type activity (ie: you arrive on tourist/short term visa), I would aim for Airbnb accommodation, but keep in mind most condos have strict anti-home sharing rules and you may be evicted at inconvenient times of day/night, with zero notice. While this is not the norm - I've heard of it happening.

Malaysia is very special in how things operate, and once you understand and accept that as a foreigner you will be de-prioritized for everything outside tourist zones, it's a beautiful country with genuine and welcoming locals.

For an AFF'er, there are some important notes:
- Malaysia Airlines Enrich is hands down the #1 'standard' Emerald tier in Oneworld in terms of benefits.
- Status runs on MH are can be extremely cheap, even crediting to other programs (under AU $2/SC on QF)
- Maybank Malaysia has the #1 miles earning credit card in the world, earns ~4 Enrich/Krisflyer/Asia Mile (per AUD equivalent)
- Malaysia has very cheap 5-star hotels and multiple brands within short distances. Great for mattress runs.
- Everything in Malaysia is on-demand. Grab Car/Food/Pay, there is an app for someone to pickup your washing and return it, an app for just about everything.

 

[michjfro]

I live in KL - let me know if you have any questions.

Great place to base yourself. 3 1/2 hour drive to Singapore. BKK etc are only an hour flight. We house swap, so you might be able to get 4 or 5 weeks in July / August (but our house is taken - sorry) if you can find something. If you are looking at particular areas I can let you know...

I probably wouldnt stay in inner city.

 

[michjfro]

By the way - there are a couple of facebook forums that might be good. Look for Expats living in KL or Mont Kiara. Often have car rentals etc that might be useful. Loathe to recommend a real estate agent for you though....