Kuala Lumpur: Our 3-Month Love Affair with a Southeast Asian Gem (and Why You'll Love It Too!)
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| Batu Caves |
This isn't just another travel stop; it's a place that stole a piece of our hearts. So, grab your favorite cuppa (we'll get to Kuala Lumpur's amazing coffee scene soon!), and let's dive into why KL became our luxurious home away from home.
Our KL Home Base: Luxury Living with Petronas Twin Towers Views!
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| Petronas Twin Tower Views from Saloma Link Bridge |
Choosing where to set up camp in Kuala Lumpur was surprisingly straightforward. We were all-in for the City Center, specifically near KLCC Park. Why? Because a Petronas Twin Towers view was non-negotiable! And boy, did we hit the jackpot with our Airbnb in Kuala Lumpur!
Our stunning apartment at The Mews was strategically located right off the buzzing Jalan Alor and a stone's throw from both the KLCC train station (red line) and the Ampang Train station (yellow line). Imagine 37 floors of modern beauty – we were on the 7th, enjoying a serene northwestern view. And the perks? A dazzling pool and a state-of-the-art gym on the 6th floor. This building was new and absolutely gorgeous. From our private balcony, we even had a tantalizing peek of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers.
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| Fit for a King...We Loved the King Bed! |
Inside, our Kuala Lumpur apartment was a spacious 900 square feet, perfectly equipped for long-term stays. Think in-unit washer/dryer (a nomad's dream!), a full kitchen for whipping up local delights, soaring high ceilings, and a massive bathroom complete with a rain shower and a giant tub. We're talking "the whole nine yards" of comfort, topped off with weekly cleaning! Truly, we lived in pure luxury in Kuala Lumpur, and we felt incredibly lucky to call this beautiful space home for three unforgettable months.
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| Petronas Twin Towers "Decorated" for Christmas | Our Peak at them from Our Apartment |
While those two convenient transit stations were nearby, we surprisingly didn't hop on the trains as often as we thought! When we did, though, it was a breeze. Kuala Lumpur's metro system is incredibly modern – seriously, most stations looked brand new! Tap-to-pay for tokens was everywhere, and reloadable metro cards are an option. But here's the secret: our apartment's location was so utterly fantastic, and we absolutely love to walk! Getting our steps in became an exciting way to explore Kuala Lumpur and uncover hidden gems around every corner.
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| Our Building's Pool! 😳 |
A Culinary Adventure: What to Eat in Kuala Lumpur!
Get ready, foodies! The Kuala Lumpur food scene is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, especially when it comes to Asian cuisine. You'll find incredible Indian, Chinese, and Japanese dishes, of course. But you're in Malaysia, so it's time to dive headfirst into the local delights!
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| Amazing Chinese Hot Pot Spread! |
Confession: we were a little timid about Malaysian cuisine at first. But trust us, that shyness vanished the moment we took our first bite of Nasi Lemak. And just like that, we were hooked!
Oh, Nasi Lemak! The fragrant coconut rice, so rich and comforting. Then you mix in that spicy sambal paste, and oh my gosh – my mouth is watering just thinking about it! The fried anchovies initially raised an eyebrow, but after a few bites, I was completely on board. To perfectly balance this explosion of flavors, you get crunchy roasted peanuts, a perfectly boiled egg, and refreshing fresh cucumber. But wait, where's the protein? Fear not! You've got options like tender chicken rendang, flavorful chicken curry, or crispy fried chicken. Nasi Lemak is a masterclass in balancing all these incredible components. Our absolute favorite was from Oriental Kopi, a chain that's practically a Malaysian institution – you have to try it!
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| Oriental Kopi - Originated in Malaysia - It's a must-try! |
Coffee Lover's Paradise: Best Cafes in Kuala Lumpur
It's no secret around here: we are BIG coffee people. We live for a good cuppa! And let me tell you, there is absolutely no shortage of excellent (and beautiful!) cafes in Kuala Lumpur. While our travels through Europe sometimes led us to tea-focused countries (looking at you, Turkiye – though we still found great coffee there!), KL is a coffee haven.
During our stay downtown, we mainly frequented coffee chains, as small, independent roasters weren't as easily accessible from our spot. But that didn't stop us from finding incredible brews!
ZUS Coffee quickly became our top pick. This fantastic local Malaysian company made us feel good about supporting local businesses. They offer two different bean roasts (Boss & Lydia – love the names!) and, a huge win for us, a Single Origin Espresso (SOE) option! During our visit, a delicious Brazilian bean was on offer, and it was perfection.
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| ZUS SEO - Single Origin Espresso - Brazil Curupira |
Another easy favorite we have to highlight is HWC Coffee. We adored their location in Avenue K Mall and their coffee, especially their latte. They're also a proud local Malaysian company. HWC stands for "Happy With Coffee," and honestly, that just makes me smile. Their signature bean roast is utterly delightful.
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| HWC Coffee - Such a Delicious Latte! |
And yes, of course, there's Starbucks. Tons of them! But if you're a true coffee connoisseur, you must seek out the Starbucks Reserve on the ground floor of the Four Seasons Hotel (right next to the Ferrari Dealership!) at The Shoppes at Four Seasons. We will always go out of our way for a Starbucks Reserve because their offerings are truly on another level compared to standard stores. We also enjoyed Eight Ounce Coffee and the charming Cafe Mesra (at Exxonmobil Menara) – that little Cafe Mesra cart boasts some of the most amazing views of the Petronas Twin Towers!
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| Cafe Mesra with that view! 😍 |
I'm barely scratching the surface here, but if you're a coffee lover like us, you'll have absolutely no issues finding great coffee in Kuala Lumpur!
Shop 'Til You Drop (or Don't!): Shopping in Kuala Lumpur
Whew, where do we even begin with shopping in Kuala Lumpur? Let me just remind you: we sold everything and pared down to travel as light as humanly possible. I'm not trying to make excuses, but Kuala Lumpur is a tough place not to indulge in a little retail therapy!
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| Pavilion Mall - Decorated for Chinese New Year |
The city is dotted with so many incredible, beautiful malls. And you'll often find yourself in them, not just for shopping, but because they house an amazing selection of restaurants. Plus, that sweet, sweet air conditioning is a lifesaver! KL is a hot and humid city, so a blast of AC is always a welcome relief.
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| Pavilion Mall on a Weekend |
We actually ended up making a rather significant purchase: a "new-to-us" used laptop. When we embarked on this travel adventure, starting a YouTube channel wasn't even on our radar. But here we are! Our old laptop just couldn't keep up with video editing demands. Our brilliant friend introduced us to Plaza Low Yat, a digital mall incredibly close to Pavilion Mall. This place is an absolute dream for tech enthusiasts! It's seven floors packed with new and used electronics vendors! Our initial plan was to "tough it out" until we returned to the States, but honestly, our old computer was on borrowed time. Long story short, we found a deal too good to pass up.
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| Plaza Low Yat - Digital Mall |
Even if you're not a big shopper, you'll undoubtedly enjoy strolling through these magnificent malls and indulging in the delicious food on offer. And a little secret tip: if you visit TRX Exchange Mall, make sure to head to the Apple Store. Once inside, take the stairs all the way to the top and step outside. More on that incredible spot in the next section...
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| TRX City Park - On top of TRX Exchange Mall |
Green Havens & Urban Escapes: Parks in Kuala Lumpur
For us, big cities that embrace green spaces are our jam, and Kuala Lumpur absolutely nails it! Staying in the City Center near the Petronas Towers meant we had incredibly easy access to KLCC Park, and it was an absolute dream. We bravely embraced the heat and spent so much time in that park, never tiring of its beauty (or those breathtaking views!). The park boasts a rubberized walking/running path, which is so much kinder on your joints. It's simply a pleasant place to be, and the views of the Petronas Towers are utterly mesmerizing. I swear I have at least 100 photos of them on my phone!
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| KLCC Park |
TRX City Park is perhaps my favorite accidental discovery during our visit. This incredible 10-acre park sits right on top of the TRX Exchange Mall. Walking through it is surreal – you genuinely forget you're elevated above a massive shopping center. It's home to over 150,000 plants from 150 local Malaysian species, and during our visit, so many beautiful flowers were in bloom. The park features a tranquil koi pond, a fun children's playground, and a sprawling lawn space (perfectly situated outside the Apple Store!). Weekends naturally draw more people, but it never felt overly "busy." We absolutely adored this park and stumbled upon it during our very first visit to TRX Exchange Mall – which, by the way, is super easy to get to thanks to its own dedicated train stop!
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| TRX City Park Walkway |
Next up, a dynamic duo: Perdana Botanical Gardens and Taman Tugu Hiking Trails. These two are side-by-side, but they each deserve their own dedicated visit and time.
Perdana Botanical Gardens is a whopping 226-acre tropical paradise! There's so much to explore here: a sunken garden, a deer park, an orchid garden, an "oasis garden," a cool canopy structure, a hibiscus garden, a waterfall, an amphitheater, and even an aviary. I'm sure I'm missing something, but trust me, it's packed! There's a paved running/walking path that's roughly 3 miles – perfect for a leisurely stroll or even a practice 5K! A beautiful lake adds to the tranquility. You can easily spend several hours soaking in the gorgeous tropical landscape here, and it's so meticulously well-maintained. There's even a cafe and picnic tables for a relaxing break.
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| The Lake at Perdana Botanical Gardens |
Taman Tugu is a 66-acre park offering hiking trails in Kuala Lumpur that genuinely make you feel like you've stepped into a jungle – monkeys and all! With over 3 miles of trails, this isn't just a park; it's a vital conservation site. The Malaysian government, in partnership with the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM), has marked thousands of trees for preservation, and more indigenous trees are actively being planted to safeguard this natural gem for future generations.
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| Taman Tugu Jungle Hike |
Finally, don't miss Titiwangsa Lake Park. This is a lesser-known spot for tourists but a beloved haven for locals. Spanning 230 acres and featuring a massive 140-acre lake, this park offers a jogging track, cycling track, kayaking, a horse riding facility, a kids' playground, and even a radio-controlled car racing track! We visited on a weekend and it was bustling with locals enjoying the facilities. We even spotted bike rentals available for exploring the park.
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| Titiwangsa Park with Stunning Views of the Kuala Lumpur Skyline |
This is another topic where we're barely scratching the surface! Kuala Lumpur masterfully balances vibrant city life with abundant green spaces, making it one of the many reasons this city is so incredibly livable.
Peace of Mind: Healthcare in Kuala Lumpur
Now for a topic that's often on the minds of those contemplating early retirement or long-term travel: healthcare. For anyone under 65 in the United States, this can be one of the most challenging aspects. Our most frequently asked question is always: "What do you guys do for healthcare?" In our first year of retirement, we opted for catastrophic coverage, primarily for asset protection. Simply put, this doesn't include routine doctor visits, blood work, or check-ups. And this is where Kuala Lumpur enters the picture...
Prince Court Medical Centre offers comprehensive medical screenings with same-day results for around $350 per person! The price varies slightly by age, with packages tailored for those in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s. The "50s package" is the most comprehensive and slightly more expensive, but still well under $500 per person. These screenings are absolutely amazing. Trying to piece something like this together in the US would cost thousands of dollars and almost certainly couldn't be completed in a single day, let alone with same-day results!
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| Prince Court Medical Centre - Excellent Health Screenings |
These incredible screenings were the biggest reason we allocated three full months to Kuala Lumpur. We felt great, but there's always that "what-if" when it comes to health. If they had found an issue or irregularity, we had ample time to get things addressed during our stay. Thankfully, we both left with a clean bill of health and didn't need to return for any follow-ups. We had such a positive experience with our screenings, and we absolutely plan to return for them again. For now, we're thinking every other year, but we might switch to annual screenings once we hit 50 or 55, or if any issues arise that need closer monitoring. It's also worth noting that Prince Court isn't the only medical center offering these types of comprehensive screenings. You can find similar services in other incredible cities like Bangkok, Thailand and Istanbul, Turkey, to name just a couple!
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| Inside the Atrium of Prince Court Medical Centre |
Our Enduring Love for Kuala Lumpur: A City That Has It All!
All in all, we absolutely adored our time in Kuala Lumpur, and we will definitely return. We fell in love with how modern and cosmopolitan the city felt. KL is a big city that somehow manages not to feel overwhelmingly large, busy, or chaotic – and that's a huge win for us!
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| Night Views from the 37th Floor of Our Building! |
The food scene, with its incredible diversity of cuisines, was a culinary dream. We savored the local Malaysian favorites and regional dishes, but we also loved having the option of indulging in a Five Guys or Shake Shack when the craving struck! The coffee was consistently great, no complaints there whatsoever! Shopping was easy and boundless; you could genuinely find anything and everything you could ever need (and then some!). The abundant parks and green spaces were a constant source of joy and refreshment. And those health screenings? Truly invaluable. For that reason alone, Kuala Lumpur is firmly on our rotation for the foreseeable future.
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| Amazing Beef (or Chicken) Chinese Roti at Jalan Alor Food Street |
If you're looking for a vibrant, diverse, and incredibly livable city that offers luxury, adventure, delicious food, and peace of mind, put Kuala Lumpur at the very top of your travel list. We promise, you won't be disappointed!
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| We Love You KL! |
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