The Magic of Malaysia

Marty O’Neill explores Malaysia’s capital city, Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysia is a country I knew very little about, shamefully. I was good at basic geography growing up, so I knew its flag, its location on the map, and a little more, but that’s where it ended. Until we discovered direct flights a few weeks ago from Sweden to Southeast Asia, which cut out the Middle East connections – thanks for making so many things more difficult (and more expensive ), Donald… Kuala Lumpur. The capital city of Malaysia, and a gigantic melting pot of history with roots connecting it to Thailand, Portugal, Denmark and even Britain. Stepping out of the airport after flying in from Bangkok, you notice immediately how different the place looks and feels from Thailand even though they’re next-door neighbours. The city is equatorial,, meaning it’s just north of the equator, making it hot, humid, and wet year-round. You’ll get no rest from the oven-like heat, but it’s worth it. (You know the blast of heat you get when you stand too close to the oven and open the door? You got it. Constantly.) The moment you walk outside.

Read more in the November issue…