Kuala Lumpur travel

Living in Kuala Lumpur for a month: Is it really right for our family? Based on my own experience as a father in his 40s, I'll share all the realistic pros and cons of shopping, tourist attractions, and food. This article is all in one place. All your questions about living in Kuala Lumpur for a month answereddo.

Honest Review of a Month-Live in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is known as a good place to immigrate to for many Koreans.

There are many international schools, as well as Mont Kiara, Koreatown in Kuala Lumpur. It's a pretty good environment for Koreans, with low prices, numerous shopping malls, and a variety of food.There is no doubt about it.

Not only immigration 🔎[This is a great place to live for a month Kuala Lumpur]. From now on, I will share with you my honest reviews of everything I experienced in Kuala Lumpur, including its culture, food, shopping, and attractions.

Before reading this article, be sure to watch this video for a quick overview of Kuala Lumpur's culture and history!

👉 Go watch the Kuala Lumpur video!

1. Cultural Characteristics of Kuala Lumpur

 

Kuala Lumpur is the capital and economic center of Malaysia and a fast-growing metropolis in Southeast Asia. Famous for its many skyscrapersIt's one place.

Additionally, Malaysia is a multi-ethnic and multicultural country with a unique racial structure, which has a significant impact on Malaysia's economy and culture, with each ethnic group maintaining its own unique traditions and culture.

Major ethnic composition of Malaysia

• Malay
  • It accounts for approximately 65% to 69%They are a politically and economically privileged class in Malaysia.
  • Most people are Muslim, and Islam is the state religion of Malaysia.
  • We speak Malay.

• Chinese
  • With a market share of approximately 211 tbsp;3tn to 241 tbsp;tn, the Chinese are prominent in the commerce and finance sectors and play a very important role in the Malaysian economy.
  • They mainly believe in Buddhism and Taoism, and some believe in Christianity.
  • Chinese (Cantonese, Mandarin, etc.) is mainly used.

• Indian
  • It accounts for approximately 6% to 7% and is active in agriculture and service industries.
  • Most Malaysians of Indian descent are Hindu, with some also practicing Christianity and Islam.
  • Tamil is spoken.

• Minorities and foreigners
  • It accounts for approximately 11% and includes Sabah natives, Sarawak natives and foreign workers.

2. Kuala Lumpur Shopping

 

Kuala Lumpur is a shopping mall paradiseIn Kuala Lumpur, where it is not easy to walk due to the heat, wouldn't it be a shopping mall paradise since people naturally seek out shopping malls for walking?

Shopping malls offer a unique shopping experience, offering everything from world-class luxury goods to local specialties. Next, we'll introduce some of Kuala Lumpur's must-visit shopping malls.

Suria KLCC

This iconic shopping mall is located within the Petronas Twin Towers, a landmark of Kuala Lumpur. The adjacent fountain park offers a variety of activities, including strolls and photo opportunities.

• Available in a wide range of price ranges, including both luxury and local brands
• Cultural experiences are also available, including Aquaria KLCC (aquarium) and Petronas Art Gallery.
• A place to take a picture of your life with a landmark

Check out the Suria KLCC building and surrounding parks in this video.

👉 Check out Suria KLCC in action

Pavilion Kuala Lumpur

Bukit Bintang is the heart of Kuala Lumpur.Located there is a luxurious and large shopping mall called Pavilion, a must-visit for any traveler to Kuala Lumpur.

• There are approximately 700 stores, ranging from luxury brands such as Jimmy Choo and Jo Malone to fashion brands.
• In the underground food court, you can find a huge collection of restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, including Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and local cuisine.

The Exchange TRX

As of 2025, The hottest new shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur is 'The Exchange TRX'It is attracting attention as Southeast Asia's newest attraction with a variety of modern shops.

• Because it is a newly built shopping mall, it is luxurious, clean, spacious and has ample space.
• The underground food court offers a variety of cuisines from around the world, and is bustling with people on weekends.
• On the top floor, there is a pretty space where families and couples can take pictures or take a walk.

Petaling Night Market

🔎[Petaling Night Market is Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown, known for its fake goods market.] Go see the article. Although it's called a night market, it's open from 10 AM to 10 PM.

• A place to observe the culture of the Chinese, a pillar of Malaysia's membership.
• You can see a lot of tourists visiting Kuala Lumpur.

Central Market

Opened in 1888, Kuala Lumpur's Central Market is a shopping center steeped in history and tradition, making it a crucial location for understanding Malaysia's traditional clothing, culture, and traditions.

• A wide variety of products are available for purchase, including traditional costumes and clothing, antiques, and souvenirs.
• It is a two-story market that can be described as a sophisticated traditional market.
• The public restroom located on the second floor charges a fee to use.

🎥 Watch Petaling Night Market and Central Market in Video

IOI City Mall

Located in Putrajaya, Malaysia, this large-scale shopping mall offers a variety of experiences including shopping, food, and entertainment. It is the largest shopping mall in Malaysia.

There are over 650 stores, including international luxury brands as well as local brands.

• It is suitable for families as it has many play areas and facilities for children.
• There is a movie theater showing the latest movies.
• It is very wide, so we definitely recommend wearing sneakers.

3. Places to visit in Kuala Lumpur

 

Kuala Lumpur, a city with a long history, offers many places worth visiting. I've recommended a few below. Since I visited Malaysia with my family, it's also a great option for families with children.

Majid Jamek (Islamic Mosque)

Built in 1909, the Masjid Jamek Mosque is the second most famous and best mosque in Kuala Lumpur after the National Mosque.

It is a great place to take pictures of the magnificent and beautiful architecture, and it is also close to the historical site that is the origin of Kuala Lumpur (Kuala [confluence] + Lumpur [muddy]).

Merdeka Square

This park was built to commemorate Malaysia's independence from British colonial rule, and is beloved as a symbolic space for Malaysia's independence.

• Visit the world's tallest flagpole, at 95 meters high
• The surrounding buildings are also places with symbolic meaning for Malaysian independence.
• I love Kuala Lumpur. There is also a place here where you can take pictures with the sculptures in the background.

Min nature

This place recreates Malaysia's history, culture, past and present in miniature. It's a great place to appreciate Malaysia's past through miniature models and gain a deeper understanding of its culture and spaces.

• It's a lot bigger than I imagined, so wearing sneakers is a must.
• It's fun to find hidden figures with your kids.
• It's fun to appreciate small, precisely crafted pieces.

Batu Cave

On a trip to Kuala Lumpur 🔎[Batu Caves, a must-see attraction] Go see related articles!

It is a holy place for Hindus and a representative tourist destination with its fantastic nature preserved intact.

• At the entrance to the Batu Caves is the world's tallest (42m) Murugan statue, and next to it is a 272-step staircase.
• As it is considered a sacred space, women must wear long pants or a long skirt, or if not, they can borrow one at the entrance.
• This is the largest number of wild monkeys and pigeons you'll ever see. Those with bird or monkey allergies should avoid this area.

4. Kuala Lumpur Restaurants

 

First, Kuala Lumpur's cuisine is heavily influenced by Islamic culture. As a result, most dishes are chicken-based and can be quite spicy.

Kuala Lumpur's signature dish

• Nasi Lemak
  • It is a dish of rice cooked in coconut milk, served with side dishes of fried anchovies, eggs, and cucumbers, and mixed with a sauce called 'sambal', similar to our country's gochujang.
• Satay
  • Saetae refers to grilled skewers made with beef, lamb, chicken, etc., and is enjoyed with rice. It is one of the foods that is relatively popular with Koreans.
• Laksa
  • This classic Southeast Asian noodle dish is made with Kuala Lumpur's signature spices and coconut milk. Its flavor is similar to Korean kimchi stew.

Kuala Lumpur Restaurant Guide

If you wander around any of Kuala Lumpur's large shopping malls, you'll easily come across a local restaurant called Oriental Kopi.

This is one of the most popular local restaurants, offering a fine dining experience in Malaysian cuisine.

• Nasi Lemak: You can enjoy nasi lemak with various chicken.
• Oriental Kopi Cincau Ice: Coffee drink with jelly
• Egg Tart: One of the most popular desserts after a meal.

5. Kuala Lumpur Koreatown

 

In Kuala Lumpur, there is a neighborhood called 'Koreatown' where many Koreans live. Mont KiaraIt is an area called , and when you go there, you will see many familiar signs and restaurants, as if you were looking at a little Korea in Malaysia.

There are Korean restaurants, Korean markets, and Korean churches, and the area is also home to many Koreans.

• The cost of living is higher than in other areas.
• You can commonly encounter Koreans on the street.
• You can find quite a few Korean supermarkets where you can buy Korean products and restaurants owned by Koreans.

If you haven't seen the Kuala Lumpur video yet, you definitely should!

👉 Check out the must-see attractions in Kuala Lumpur

In closing

My honest opinion after living and traveling in Kuala Lumpur for a month was, "It's one of the best places to travel with family."

I had a great time in Kuala Lumpur, a place not too far from Korea, but very exotic and diverse, with plenty of places to visit at low prices.

🔻Good articles to read together🔻

• 📌 40대 아빠의 말라카 당일치기: 쿠알라룸푸르에서 떠나는 필수 코스

• ✅ [A Dad in His 40s' Conclusion] What Malaysian dish will satisfy your family without any 'likes or dislikes'?

• 📚 5 Essential Things to Know Before Visiting Kuala Lumpur's Batu Caves

✅ 3분 요약 : 말레이시아 음식은 어떤가?(필자의 주관적 관점)

conclusion : 말레이시아는 다양한 민족으로 구성된 이국적인 나라! 다음 음식은 꼭 도전해 보기!

📍반드시 맛봐야 할 음식 : 말레이시아 대표음식 - 나시르막 / 꼬치 사테
📍한국인이 느끼는 음식 맛 : 미식의 도시라 불리는 페낭마저 맛있는 음식을 찾지 못함.
📍caution : 음식맛에 민감한 사람이라면 말레이시아가 힘들 수 있음.

#말레이시아특징     #말레이시아음식     #솔직후기       #먹어봐야할음식

Features of traveling in Malaysia

 

I'm currently traveling the world with my teenage son, so we've been to many countries, but especially Malaysia offers 90-day travel to Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Penang, Kota Kinabalu, etc.(You can check it out on the YouTube channel @traveljoong.)

I would like to record the honest feelings I had while traveling in Malaysia for the benefit of Koreans who visit this country in the future.

Malaysia is a great place to travel

 

• exotic country

Malaysia is one of the most exotic travel destinations, yet it is close to our country.Although it is located very close to our country, the buildings built during the European invasion create the illusion of being in Europe.

Additionally, their clothing culture (hijab) and food culture (halal food), which are formed within the Islamic cultural sphere, are also very unique.

※ Halal food(Halal Food)

Halal food refers to food permitted according to Islamic law.It must be manufactured, distributed, processed, etc. in accordance with Islamic law and must not contain pork, alcohol, non-Islamic slaughtered meat, or their ingredients.

• Religious characteristics

In particular, because of their religious beliefs, they He rarely drinks alcohol and absolutely hates being involved in bad crimes. Therefore, you will not see drunk and violent people, which you can easily see at tourist destinations.

It is also a country so quiet that no matter how many times you cut in on the road, you won't hear anyone honking their horn.

• economic development

Of course, there are countries in Southeast Asia like Singapore that have developed into developed nations. However, the image of Southeast Asia still evokes images of developing countries in need of further development. Of course, I felt the same way before my trip to Malaysia.

I used to think Malaysia was a very underdeveloped country, but that's not the case at all. Especially in the capital, Kuala Lumpur. There are skyscrapers lined up that rival Seoul's and there is more economic development than we can imagine.was achieved.

• cultural diversity

Malaysia is made up of Malays, Chinese, and Indians who originally lived in this land. Therefore, the government is trying to lead diverse races and ethnicities. Policies that recognize and embrace their cultural diversityis unfolding.

As a result, various ethnicities and races have come together to form a culture, which in turn has led to a diverse culinary scene. There's even a term for dishes prepared by Chinese settlers in Malaysia using local ingredients.

Malaysian food as perceived by Koreans

 

If I had to describe Malaysian food in one word, 'It's tasteless'If you travel to different countries, you will find places that sell Korean food in each country.

I admit that there are limitations to creating a Korean taste using local ingredients. Especially, all the food, including Korean food, in Malaysia is tasteless.

• Why does Starbucks coffee taste like this?

You might be thinking, 'How can I say this?' but I generally enjoy almost any food, and I don't have any prejudices against food from other countries.

However, the food here wasn't easy to match.

malaysia Nasi Lemak, the signature dishFrom Starbucks coffee, McDonald's, and even chicken from fast food restaurants all taste bad.. ‘It's enough to make you wonder, "How can someone make food like this with the same ingredients?" (This is just my impression.)

• The author's request

It's easy to think of it as akin to foreigners finding the soybean paste stew, cheonggukjang, and fermented skate that we enjoy so deliciously difficult to prepare.

However, while our country has foods like bibimbap, tteokbokki, bulgogi, and samgyeopsal that suit the tastes of people from other countries, it seems like Malaysia doesn't even have those foods.

I am preparing for a trip to Malaysia and I If you are very sensitive to food and scents I think you can feel deep in your bones what I mean. It's best to come to Malaysia prepared for the food.

• Malacca City Restaurant

I feel like I've been too negative about Malaysian food. But not all of it was like that. If I had to name just one restaurant that I found most delicious, it would be Sae Da Restaurant in Malacca.

In a country where Islam is the state religion A place where you can enjoy delicious pork without worry in a country where pork is hard to come by.This is right here.

Right here A restaurant called Beh Leh Hainam SatayAlthough it is about 10 minutes away by car from the Malaysian Dutch Square, it is popular with many Koreans. Word of mouth spread and the store had a menu in Korean (A4 paper)It is enough to have .

If you're traveling to Malacca, I highly recommend trying this dish. It's reasonably priced and delicious! For more information about this restaurant, please visit 🔎[Honest Review of a Satay Restaurant in Malacca]You can check it through .

A 40-something dad's overall review of Malaysian food

 

Malaysia is a multi-ethnic and multi-racial nation, so even a visit to a shopping mall food court offers a truly diverse menu. However, for picky Koreans or those with young palates, the food can be challenging to adapt to.

For a man in his 40s who believes that food is the most powerful medium for travel, Malaysia was less impressive in many ways. Even in Penang, known as the city of gastronomy. Is there something wrong with my taste?

※ Please understand that my thoughts and feelings about Malaysian food are entirely my own and that you may disagree or have different opinions.

🔻Good articles to read together🔻

• ✏️Complete the Malaysian Entry Card 3 days in advance! Complete it in 5 minutes on your mobile phone.

• 📚 Recommended Airbnb accommodations in Kuala Lumpur for 46,000 won per night (reviews)

• ✅ 10 Essential Items for Traveling Abroad with Kids: Recommendations Based on Real-Life Reviews