Hello everyone! We're sharing our thoughts and experiences after living in Malaysia for the past 10 months. Today is a special holiday combining the King's birthday and the Dragon Boat Festival. We even enjoyed some delicious Malaysian Zongzi this morning, which had a unique blend of ingredients. We want to share what we've enjoyed most and some things we're still getting used to. Keep in mind that these are our subjective opinions based on our experiences living in different countries like the UK, the US, and China.
What We Love About Malaysia
Friendly People and Cultural Preservation
One of our favorite aspects of Malaysia is its people. We especially appreciate the strong presence of the Chinese community, which actively preserves Chinese culture and language. This makes us feel very comfortable and happy. Beyond the Chinese community, we've found the Malay people to be incredibly friendly and helpful. They are always willing to offer assistance and introduce us to local customs and places.
Malaysians are generally very patient and relaxed. They don't rush things, even when dealing with customers or answering questions. This "chill" attitude is quite refreshing.
Positive Interactions with Foreign Workers
We've also been impressed by the positive attitudes of the many foreign workers in Malaysia. Despite working hard in service industries, they remain optimistic and dedicated. We find their work ethic and positive outlook to be very respectable.
Affordable Luxury and Transparent Business Practices
Another significant advantage of living in Malaysia is the affordable luxury it offers. Services like haircuts, beauty treatments, and massages are very reasonably priced. Unlike some experiences we've had in other countries, businesses here don't seem to inflate prices or pressure customers into buying unnecessary packages. The service feels honest and straightforward.
Lively Community and Golfing Culture
Compared to our time in the UK, we find our current community in Malaysia to be more lively and convenient. The presence of shopping centers and various shops open late at night creates a vibrant atmosphere. In addition, golf is a popular and accessible sport here, with relatively low costs for coaching and playing. It's easy to find a community of golfers, which is something we enjoy.
Convenient Driving and Parking
Surprisingly, we've found driving in Malaysia to be quite pleasant, despite hearing concerns about traffic congestion. The roads are well-designed, and parking is readily available and affordable. Unlike cities like London or Shanghai, we rarely have to worry about finding parking or paying exorbitant fees. The low cost of fuel, car washes, and other car-related expenses makes car ownership very manageable.
Challenges and Things We're Adjusting To
Mobile Signal and Wi-Fi Connectivity
One of the main drawbacks we've experienced is the inconsistent mobile signal and Wi-Fi connectivity. We often find ourselves needing to stand on the balcony to get a reliable phone signal. We suspect the building materials of our apartment, particularly the steel walls, may be interfering with the signal. The internet speed can also be a bit slow and unstable compared to places like Taiwan or Shanghai.
Hot and Humid Weather
The weather in Malaysia can be challenging at times. The climate is heavily dependent on rainfall. When it rains, the weather is quite pleasant. However, when there is less rain, it can become very hot and humid, particularly recently with the heat wave. The extreme weather has made us less inclined to walk around outside as much as we used to.
Limited Outdoor Activities
Finally, we've noticed that there are fewer opportunities for outdoor activities in the city. Unlike cities like Shanghai or London, there aren't many pedestrian-friendly streets or areas designed for strolling and enjoying the outdoors. This can lead to a feeling of driving from home to a mall or city center, limiting the opportunities for spontaneous exploration.
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