Managing expectations is an important step when it comes to planning and preparing for a big change. Whether it's in the context of moving abroad or a career change, it's essential to consider what will change and that move will impact your personal life in the expatriation process. Luckily, Kuala Lumpur is one of the best cities in the world to move in. Once you find your rhythm there, you will feel right at home.
The climate
Due to its proximity to the equator, Malaysia enjoys a warm climate all year round. You can expect high humidity (average 78%) as well as a monsoon period. During the monsoon, it sometimes rains over several days. The southwest monsoon, which brings the most rain to Kuala Lumpur, begins in March and ends in May. The eastern part of the country experiences heavy rains from October to January, but the western areas are partially protected by mountains. The country is generally well prepared for intense rains that occur throughout the year. You may find that very impressive at first sight, but the local utilities know how to face such. In recent years, heavy flooding in urban areas has angered some Malaysians, who believe that rainwater drainage systems are inadequate. Following this, the government invested heavily in the restoration of existing drains and the construction of new ones.
The high humidity associated with high temperatures requires a period of adaptation for newcomers to Malaysia. Hence, it is important to be well hydrated at all times because the effects of humid heat are rapidly felt.
From May to August, Kuala Lumpur is often plagued by fog due to pollution and wind direction. When this happens, it is important to know the signs of pollution and take the necessary precautions, such as wearing a mask and/or avoiding outdoor activities.
Social life
Your social life in Kuala Lumpur will depend heavily on your interests and hobbies. It's easy to make friends by joining clubs, participating in activities, or just going out at night. Embassies and consulates often organize cultural exchanges such as film weeks or food festivals. These are great moments and places to meet people from your own country or discover new things.
Malaysian social life is dictated by cultural norms. You will often find that Malaysians are very much family-focused. They are also very welcoming to expats and tourists. Learning the local language or some of the local jargon will give you an edge and an unforgettable experience that will certainly open doors for you when it comes to getting a very good idea of Malaysian lifestyles.
Malaysian nature
The tropical landscape and abundance of small islands around Peninsular Malaysia make it a dream destination to settle down. Excursions to Kapas, Pangkor, Perhentians, Tioman, and the very popular Langkawi Island, the only destination authorized for tourists following the partial reopening of the borders at the end of 2021 in Malaysia, are ideal to get far from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy life and the seaside.
If you like mountains, you can go to the Cameron Highlands, Genting Hills, or even for a longer stay at Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, in East Malaysia. Malaysia has a lot to offer in terms of nature. It is home to exotic and rare animals such as the toucan, the tapir, or the orangutan. The flora is just as varied, given the tropical climate. Kuala Lumpur itself is blessed with a wealth of green spaces and parks that allow the city to breathe.
Across the country
The sheer size of the city can sometimes be a source of wonder when living in Kuala Lumpur. But by all means, the country itself is huge and each state in Malaysia has an exciting food and historical heritage. The remarkable public infrastructure also makes for pleasant car journeys around Malaysia. It is therefore strongly recommended to take full advantage of this wealth.
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