1️⃣ The People – Kindness Level 100
If Malaysia were a person, it would be that ultra-chill, friendly neighbor who always greets you with a smile and never raises their voice. Seriously, I never heard a single argument or even an irritated tone. Everyone we met was welcoming, respectfully curious about us, and just overall pleasant to interact with. Bonus: This country is an absolute paradise for families and kids—it was, without a doubt, the highlight of our experience.
2️⃣ A True Cultural Melting Pot
Malaysia is a beautiful blend of cultures and religions, and despite the predominance of hijab-wearing women, I never once felt any pressure to dress a certain way—not even in mosques. Of course, I’m just a tourist, but with such a diverse mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and other communities, it felt easy to just be yourself without judgment.
3️⃣ Medical Services – Affordable & Excellent
Getting sick on a trip is never fun, but if you have to, Malaysia is a great place for it. The healthcare was top-notch, abundant, and shockingly affordable. Daniel’s doctor visit plus all the meds cost us just $25—honestly, that’s cheaper than a dinner out in most places.
4️⃣ The Mysterious Case of the Missing Local Markets
Somehow, despite our best efforts, we never found a proper local produce market where everyday Malaysians shop for budget-friendly groceries. I refuse to believe they don’t exist, so either we were living too centrally, or they’re just really good at keeping them hidden from clueless tourists like us.
5️⃣ Food – A Love Story With Some Missed Chapters
This one’s complicated. We had some fantastic meals—Mee Tarik was a standout favorite, alongside roti canai, egg tarts, and even our last-day sushi feast. But overall, we struggled a bit. The cuisine leans heavily on fried dishes with rice, which, when combined with the relentless heat, isn’t exactly what our stomachs were craving. Plus, a lot of it is influenced by Indian flavors, which we like but don’t naturally gravitate toward. That said, we probably didn’t give Malaysian food enough of a fair shot to truly appreciate it. On the bright side, fresh produce was solid—Marat cooked a lot at home, and everything turned out great (except, oddly, the lack of tomatoes!).
6️⃣ The Heat – Nature’s Way of Forcing You Indoors
Now, for the real struggle—the heat. It’s the kind of relentless, soul-draining heat that dictates your entire schedule. Mornings and evenings? Fine. Midday? Forget it. While Malaysia is an incredible place for families, I just can’t imagine living life hopping from one air-conditioned mall to another just to survive.
7️⃣ Glasses, Glasses Everywhere
And finally, a completely random observation—so many Malaysians wear glasses! No idea why, but if there were ever a country that could single-handedly keep the eyewear industry thriving, this might be it.
Final Thoughts
Malaysia was a great experience—full of warmth (both literal and figurative), cultural richness, and surprises. It wasn’t always perfect, but it was always interesting, and that’s what makes travel so rewarding.