Well, I thought I would try to record some of my thoughts on this rather long trip to Malaysia. Although it is indeed a long stay, it’s also been a truly great one, giving me ample time to relax and enjoy a slower pace. Usually, our travels involve waking early and exploring tirelessly until late at night, only to sleep and repeat the cycle again. But this trip has been refreshingly different, allowing me to reflect more on the everyday details that often get overlooked.
When we first arrived at our apartment in Straits Quay, I was immediately impressed by how well-stocked and comfortable it was for our daily needs. While we cooked a few meals per week at home, our grocery shopping became a regular and enjoyable routine. There was a decent-sized market conveniently located right downstairs, but more often I found myself walking about ten minutes to the larger Lotus supermarket. Lotus offered a wider selection, especially their interesting “Non-Halal” section—a completely separate area dedicated to pork products, such as ham and bacon, as well as wine, beer, and liquor. This separation was something unique to experience.
Regarding dining out, the restaurants within Straits Quay itself were mostly Western-style bars and eateries that didn’t quite match what we came to Malaysia to enjoy. They tended to be pricey with mediocre offerings, the type of westernized food you could find anywhere. So, we frequently ventured outside our immediate area, exploring eateries reachable by a 15–30-minute walk or taking a quick Grab taxi ride, typically costing only two or three dollars—a bargain and convenience combined.
When we moved to our second place closer to George Town, we discovered an entirely different atmosphere. Although the apartment wasn’t nearly as luxurious as our Straits Quay spot, and we needed to buy several basic essentials for our seven-week stay, it still suited us well. The kitchen was simpler—no hot water, which apparently isn’t typical here—but since we mostly prepared lunch and ate dinners out, it wasn’t a big issue.
George Town itself proved endlessly fascinating. The streets presented a rich tapestry of old colonial buildings, some beautifully restored, others charmingly crumbling into ruins, each one telling its own quiet story. Nearby, a new waterfront park was taking shape, still half-finished but already providing a refreshing escape from the city bustle.
Walking around the city, however, wasn’t always easy. Pedestrians here seem to be an afterthought: street crossings could feel perilous, sidewalks often abruptly ended, and occasional holes in metal grates made vigilance essential. Combined with the relentless heat and humidity, exploring outdoors quickly became exhausting. Thankfully, air-conditioned malls became our frequent refuges, offering not just relief from the heat but interesting local shops and food courts to explore.
Dining habits here had their quirks too—forks and spoons, but rarely knives, became the norm, which initially felt strange but soon became natural. Language was hardly a barrier since many Malaysians effortlessly switch between three or four languages. Another peculiarity was how some restaurants clearly itemized additional tax and service charges, while others did not, making bills occasionally confusing.
An amusing local sight was witnessing government inspectors from MBP patrolling streets to ensure bars weren’t illegally spilling onto sidewalks with their tables and chairs—a fine waiting for those who crossed the line.
All these small observations and experiences have contributed to making this extended stay in Malaysia especially memorable. It’s been fascinating to slow down and savor each day, noting details and routines that might otherwise go unnoticed. This relaxed pace, with all its daily adventures and minor challenges, has allowed us to genuinely appreciate the charm and uniqueness of life here.
