Kuala Lumpur RATED on 10 Factors (Our HONEST Review)

After 2 months of living in Kuala Lumpur on our Slow Travel Exploratory Trip, it's time to take a look at the 10 factors that matter most to expats when evaluating a place to move abroad. We give each factor a thumbs up or down and give our verdict about living in KL Malaysia as an expat!

Helpful Resources:

Our AMAZING Unconventional Supporters:
Joe Stratton
Byron Jacomo

0:00 Intro
0:23 Language Barrier
1:46 Safety & Stability
2:50 Weather & Natural Disasters
4:24 Health Insurance & Healthcare
6:26 Housing
7:31 Food & Restaurants
8:57 Walkability & Public Transportation
11:10 Quality of Life
15:11 How To Fast Track Your Move Abroad
16:12 Distance from Home/USA
17:54 Cost of Living
19:00 Residency Visa Options
20:25 Our Verdict About Kuala Lumpur
22:13 Outtake

DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute consulting or advice including, but not limited to, visas, tax, medical, or financial advice. Please consult immigration attorneys, tax professionals, medical professionals and financial advisors for current information.

We are not responsible or liable for your use of the information contained in our videos, articles or linked from our web pages. We do our best to provide timely and accurate information. However, news, laws, guidelines, rules, regulations, etc. are often open to interpretation, change frequently, and sometimes we make mistakes. You must do your own research and consult professionals who are familiar with your unique situation before making any travel or moving plans.

#ameliaandjp

[MokaandChai]

Malaysian here currently in Italy. I have traveled a lot and still proud of my country for so many reasons. Thanks both of you 😊

[ninjaturtle]

We Malaysians..born and bred here DO NOT like the heat as well. That's why you don't see us walking outside or go to the beach during the day. If we parked our cars for several hours under hot Sun, it's an Oven. Leather seated Cars are worst. When we see Foreign Tourists walking in the heat of the Sun..with NO UMBRELLA, we're amazed!! I love the rain. Umbrellas sell very well here 😊

[kathleensmith]

I spent a year in M'sia in the 70's, and absolutely fell in love. The people are the sweetest, kindest, happiest and peaceful folks that I've ever been around. I would go back to live there in a heartbeat if my family issues allowed. Yes the heat can be very hard to take but you DO get used to it and they have many ways to beat it - Ice Kachang anyone? The food is wonderful, the most diverse menus on earth. The shopping is incredible, Batik fabric was my favorite. Thank you for the great reviews, the fact its far from home (US) can actually be a bonus if you dont like visitors from home, ha!

[keangwooichoo]

Good assessment of my country. But just a small correction. Malaysia does not hv typhoons unlike vietnam, china, japan, taiwan, philippines, hong kong. We just hv monsoon which brings rain. Yes flooding occurs but even europe has floodings.

Recently i was surprised thailand and myanmar were hit by a weak thyphoon.

We are protected by all the countries nearby. So blessed. And no volcanoes and earthquakes too.

[richardgascoigne]

I’ve lived from N.H. to Houston to L.A., and now 30 yrs in SE Asia - the past 13 in outskirts of KL - on an MM2H visa. The weather is no worse than Houston / New Orleans in the summer. I’ve just gotten used to being damp most of the daytime, taking 3 showers & changing 2-3 shirts per day.
I agree with all your assessments, including JP’s walking comment. The time factor is not an issue for me.
A kidney removal here cost USD 5, 000, including 6 days in a private room where my wife stayed with me!
2 comments:
KL is all you say, but it isnt representative of 90% of Malaysia. The “real” Malaysia is even more fascinating & enjoyable, particularly if you take the trouble to learn some Malay (the easiest language ever).
Also, there are numerous volunteering opportunitues to occupy your time, integrate into the culture, and use your skills.

I go back once a year (21 hrs to Chi. ), but have no intention to move back.

PS: Would love to have a cuppa with you 🍷

[NoYouCannot]

I lived there 3 months and loved it, but I stayed in Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia. Loved their Light Rail/train System. And it felt Safe and I loved how AFFORDABLE IT IS.

[darius]

Did a SE Asia trip in 2017 and to this date Malaysia was my absolute favorite country. Still is of all Asian countries. It has a lot to offer.

[shastrihabib]

We Malaysian preffered to be UNDER RATED ✅️😱🪭

🇲🇾🇸🇬

[pataxa]

With health care don’t forget to mention dental. Dental care is super affordable in Malaysia. So much better than prices in USA. Very modern facilities and you can get appointments same day as well. I am from US and live/work in Singapore and pop over to Malaysia for all my dental when needed. Love it!

[seandavie]

As an Australian, KL has so much appeal, I am used to subtropical weather, however KL and broader SE Asia is so hot and humid. That's my biggest concern. That said, I've taken 2025 off work and will slow travel looking for a new home. 4 months in SE Asia to start, then off to Central Europe. The cost of living vs quality of life equation makes no sense in Australia anymore. Thank you much for your excellent content.

[mohdhafizahmadzainuri]

My father is a retired Malaysian army officer. He used to conduct training with the US Navy, British and Scottish army. Even his Scottish friend retired here in Malaysia. He loves the hot weather, the food and people here. Not a bad choice afterall he said. 😅

[scottdorsey]

While in the US Navy, back in the 80's, I had an opportunity to visit Penang, Malaysia and loved every second there. Rich, diverse cultures and great food. I'll be back!

[donaldkinsey]

I spend a couple of months every year in KL and George Town. I love it! The secret to walking is using the UNDER GROUND pathways.

[Mariex]

I've been curious about Malaysia, thank you for the video!

[teammikeadventures]

KL is definitely on our list. The quality of life and cost of living are huge pluses for us! Thanks for the video and the content.

[blueybarnes]

Malaysia 🇲🇾 was under the Brits for generations hence the wide amount of English fluency !
It’s a great country but the humidity is hard to cope with !
Glad you enjoyed your time there

[hyderalwi]

Hi guys..Malaysian here..walkability in KL has improved so much compared to 5 yrs ago..give it another 2-3 yrs with the local government drive to make KL walkable & padestrian friendly city…BUT i dont think u will see many local using them in mid day…its too hot😅

[damianking]

Our weather is wonderful. It's hot n it rains. There never is any weather disaster like those in Japan and US.

[cfko]

I'm the neighbour of Malaysia, Singapore and I now call Malaysia(KL) my home.

[azidinzidin]

To know Malaysia is to love Malaysia because Malaysia is Truly Asia❣