Kuala Lumpur (KL) is the largest city in Malaysia and a major business and travel hub for Southeast Asia. Complete with bustling shopping malls, incredible restaurants and a world-class airport, KL has made its mark as a world-class city in which to live. Yet for all its modernity and high-tech reputation, expats moving to Kuala Lumpur will experience a city that keeps in touch with its traditional and colonial roots.

Kuala Lumpur literally means “muddy estuary”, a name derived from its history as a tin mining town in the 1800s. With a highly efficient subway system, world-class highways, beautiful architecture and some of the tallest skyscrapers in the world, it is clear that this city situated in west Malaysia has come a long way from its original description.

The cost of living in KL is more expensive than most other places to live in Malaysia, but when confronted with all the modern conveniences that this city offers, the added cost is understandable. It is, however, one of the cheaper Asian cities in which to live, especially when compared with neighbouring Singapore or Jakarta, and particularly Hong Kong, which is only a short flight away.
 
KL has a developed transit system with buses and trains connecting all areas of the city. Traffic can be a problem, especially during peak hours, and most expats will find that public transport is the most viable option. KL is a popular shopping destination and has a host of large shopping centres and boutiques. Expats travelling with children are sure to be impressed with the number and quality of international schools situated around the city.

There are a number of perfect weekend getaways surrounding Kuala Lumpur. The Cameron Highlands, as well as the seaside town of Malaka are popular destinations, while Singapore, Bangkok and Bali are merely a quick and cheap flight away.

Kuala Lumpur is making its mark on the international business map, and is a great destination for expats wishing for a dose of adventure mixed with modern conveniences. It is perfectly situated in Asia along international travel routes to ensure that home is never too far away.