Image Source – MALAYSIA WORLD HERITAGE TRAVEL SITE

Want to check out Malaysia in a fun, cheap and rewarding way. Why not volunteer? There are plenty of programmes and non-profit organisations offering once in a lifetime experiences where you’ll truly feel Malaysian. Here are some of the perks:

Integration into culture!
If you volunteer in Malaysia, there is no doubt you will gain a better understanding of the local culture than compared to if rush your way through the country. Little by little, you will be much more integrated into the environment and will have the chance to see, do and experience things that most people don’t. If you work as a teach, your experience with local children will open your eyes to another world and give you exposure to family life. It’s also possible to volunteer at animal sanctuaries where you will be impressed by the treasures of nature and the stunning fauna and flora of Malaysia.

animal-volunteer

Help this guy and his friends live for a thousand more years

Meeting amazing people
When you travel you meet lots of travellers, when you work you meet lots of workers. But when you volunteer you get to know many different people, especially locals. For example, if you teach English you will get to know all your students and their families. They will probably open the doors of their houses for you and invite you to eat with them. You will get to know all the members of the community and try delicious meals and participate in local traditions and customs. Most NGO’s in Malaysia also work with international volunteers providing a great platform to meet people from all over the world. The fact that you are working together for a cause will make it easy to connect with each other. You will build memories and friendships for life!

enjoy-malaysia

Take in the best of Malaysia with new friends

Discover remote and beautiful places
Another beautiful thing about volunteering in Malaysia is all the wonderful places you will discover. You may be stuck in the city teaching during the week, but Malaysia’s proximity to wonderful destinations both local and foreign makes it so easy to explore the region. If you are volunteering in a rural or remote area, you will feel like a local — particularly if you love being off the beaten track, exploring the dense bush land and pristine beaches. You will also meet locals or other long-term volunteers who can give you travel advice on secret spots of Malaysia. Throw away your travel guide for a moment and discover the unexpected secrets of Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo.

explore-malaysia

Explore the hidden gems of Malaysia

Malaysia on a budget
One of the perks of volunteering instead of travelling or being on a holiday is it’s relatively cheap. If you are volunteering in Malaysia, most likely you will receive free accommodation and food. You will also probably live far from tourist hotspots which will help in cutting down costs. This will also help you become accustom to identifying the cheapest forms of transport and where to find a bargain.

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Malaysia currency the ringgit • Image Source

Challenge yourself
Being a tourist is easy and working in a big company is convenient. Volunteering is a whole different story, full of challenges and surprises. If you are a teacher in an Orang Asli community or if you are working with animals in the rainforest, your days will not be the same. You will improve yourself and become a better person, capable of overcoming the unforeseen. Instead of coming home with some postcards you will be enriched with adventures, lessons and experiences for life.

challenge-yourself

No better place to explore your horizons than Malaysia

Your help matters
There are countless benefits of volunteering in Malaysia but the most important is your aid. Sure, you will live an extraordinary life, meet people and have lots of fun, but it’s the chance to improve someone’s life that you will treasure the most. Whether it’s teaching English in the jungle communities or working with turtles in Borneo, you will have a hands on impact in Malaysia and that counts more than anything!

help-malaysia

Malaysia is waiting for you to spread the love

Cover photo from yourvolunteers.com

Whether it’s a stopover en route to another part of the world, or a long weekend getaway, Kuala Lumpur has a lot in store for you. There’s plenty to see and do, even if you’re here for only a day or two.

Here’s our guide to making the most of your time in KL.

Morning

Breakfast at a Kopitiam
Skip the hotel breakfast and start off your day with some hearty, local favourites at a kopitiam. Kopitiams are traditional coffee shops that serve Chinese hawker food. There are many kopitiams around town, each with their own specialties such as beef noodles, wan tan mee, Hainanese pork chop and kaya toast. Some kopitiam chains are also halal-certified, such as Old Town and Pappa Rich.

(Image source: www.timeout.com)

Batu Caves

Batu Caves

(Image source: www.tourism.gov.my)

Get to know more about the Indian culture at Batu Caves, the site of a Hindu temple and shrine, and also home of the second tallest statue of Lord Murugan, a Hindu deity. Take a climb up 272 steps to get a stunning view of the city centre – it’s tiring, but certainly worth the climb! If you’re feeling adventurous, it’s also a great place for rock climbing enthusiasts.

Petronas Twin Towers KLCC

Petronas Twin Towers

(Image source: www.tourism.gov.my)

Want an easier way to catch the city skyline? Get a majestic view from the skybridge and observation deck of the Petronas Twin Towers. Tickets can be purchased in advance from their website, or you can get the tickets from the ticketing counter on the day of your visit. At the base of the towers is the shopping haven, the Suria KLCC shopping mall. If you have kids (or the young at heart), there’s also the Petrosains Science Discovery Centre and Aquaria KLCC located in KLCC to keep them entertained.

Afternoon

Little India, Brickfields

Little India, Brickfields

(Image source: www.tourism.gov.my)

Head over to Little India for a satisfying lunch of banana leaf rice. (Take a look at our guide to banana leaf rice if you don’t know what it is!) There are many restaurants there for you to take your pick from, and with KL Sentral nearby, it’s easily accessible too. Besides that, the KLIA Express train stops at KL Sentral, so you can even have your fix just before you leave the city! You can also shop for traditional Indian goods such as saris, flower garlands, spices and jewellery in Little India.

Islamic Arts Museum

Get to know more about Islam and its culture at the Islamic Arts Museum. It houses more than seven thousand artifacts as well as an exceptional library of Islamic art books. The art objects on display range from the tiniest pieces of jewellery to one of the world’s largest scale models of the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. The National Mosque, located just beside the museum is also worth a visit.

Dataran Merdeka

Sultan Abdul Samad Building

(Image source: www.tourism.gov.my)

It was here in Dataran Merdeka (or Independence Square), the Malayan flag was hoisted for the first time and independence was declared on 31st August 1957. Just opposite the square are the iconic Sultan Abdul Samad Building and other colonial buildings that make perfect backdrops for photos.

Bukit Bintang

Pavillion KL

(Image Source: www.tourism.gov.my)

Shop till you drop in Bukit Bintang. It’s a shopper’s paradise with more than five malls in a stretch. You’ll be spoilt for choice with the huge selection of local and international brands. If you’re feeling peckish, the Lot 10 Hutong food court is a great place to refuel your energy. The stalls are a collection of some of the best hawkers around the country, so you won’t have to travel far to savour the best of Malaysian food!

Chinatown, Petaling Street

Petaling Street

(Image source: www.tourism.gov.my)

If you’re up for some bargain hunting, head over to Petaling Street. Here, you can shop for anything from gems and incense to toys and t-shirts. It’s best to come in the evening, as the street vendors open shop at 3pm. Besides shopping, Petaling Street is also famous for its food where you can savour the taste that has withstood the test of time. Most restaurants and stalls here have been passed down for generations, each with its own specialty. From hokkien mee to chicken rice and even traditional mua chee, there’s plenty for you to try.

KL Tower

KL Tower

(Image Source: www.klia2.info)

Standing at 421 meters and 94 meters above sea level, you’ll be able to enjoy a panaromic view of the city at the KL Tower. Check it out at night to see the city lighted up. You can even enjoy a meal at the revolving restaurant while you enjoy the sights.

Pasar Malam

Pasar Malam

(Image source: ccc-ukm.blogspot.com)

Visit a pasar malam (night market) for a unique, cultural experience. It’s a great way to observe and take part in the lifestyle of the local community by sampling different street foods and snacks and shopping at the various stalls.

Late Night

Jalan Alor

jalanalor

(Image Source: asianstreetfood.wordpress.com)

Located in the heart of KL, Jalan Alor is one of Malaysia’s most popular food destinations. During the day, only a few eateries are open, but when the sun sets, the whole street is filled with stalls on the left and right. The stalls are open till late, so it’s great for a late night food hunt. Don’t forget to bring your appetite!

Clubbing

(Image Source: www.edmdroid.com)

For those looking for a night of partying, KL won’t disappoint. From swanky rooftop bars to chic nightclubs, there is no shortage of nightlife in KL. For a start, head over to Changkat Bukit Bintang and let yourself loose at one of the city’s most happening boulevards.

Mamak

mamak

(Image Source: business.malaysia.my)

Feeling hungry in the middle of the night? Head on over to a mamak stall. Mamak stalls are affordable eateries opened by Indian Muslims, and with some mamak stalls open 24 hours a day, it’s perfect for filling yourself up after a night of partying or for a late night snack. Feast on different types of rotis, nasi lemak and curries; or just savour a cup of delicious teh tarik for a satisfying end to your day.

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Get to know more about Malaysia at www.tourism.gov.my

Need souvenir ideas? Here are some unconventional gifts to bring back from Malaysia!

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Tagged With: Food, Kuala Lumpur, malaysia, tour