Straight from the KLite: Tips and Philosophy from a Local

Lokaalit-sarja haastattelee Kaakkois-Aasiassa asuvia elämän synnyistä syvistä. Sarjan avaa malesialainen Dhinesh ajatuksineen.

Lokaalit-series interviews people living in South-East Asia about the life. The series begins with the interview of Malaysian Dinesh.

Dhinesh and I at Berjaya Times Square.

How would you introduce yourself?

I am a very friendly person, opposed to other Malaysians that are quite rude. I’d like to be a traveler also. For hobbies I read, write, cook, play online games and collect books. Favorite past times is though to be with friends and meeting new people.

Where are you originally from?

I’m from Penang (northern Malaysia). I go there once a year.

When did you move to KL (Kuala Lumpur) and why?

I moved to Klang nine years ago. To finnish my schools and such. I moved to KL very recently.

How do you like KL?

If you know how to adapt KL, it’s fine. But in general it is dirty and people are rude and selfish - they don’t mind anyone else expect themselves.

Positive thing is that this nation is growing, there is also diversity of people and cultures. The best thing in KL when you think about Malaysia, is food - where most delicacies from all over Malaysia gathers.

What are your favorite places here?

KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Center), where the night view is just fantastic! Also shopping centres and especially bookshops. Favourite bookshop is Japanese bookshop Kinokuniya at KLCC.

What would you recommend from KL to foreigner?

Putting aside those negative things here, you’ll find it really easy to spend your time here. Definitely cheap shopping spree - especially if you’re coming from Europe. I'd also recommend fantastic night view from any high rise building, not as good as New York, though.

What are the best places for traveler to visit in Malaysia?

Depends on everyone’s favorite places. For example tropical islands: upnorth Penang, Pangkor and Borneo island which is close to the nature. The most overestimated place in Malaysia is KL. Sometimes people think that KL is like New York…that is way overestimated of a thought.

What do you like to do when you have leisure time?

Seeing friends, reading novels. Playing online games in the middle of the night next to a window and watching the city lights.

What is the easiest way for a curious traveler to approach locals?

Start with a simple smile and ignore all the rudeness some locals might show.

What is the best place in KL to get to know local food?

The streets. Mamak stalls where you can get authentic Malaysian foods.

What is your favourite food / dish?

One that I cook, but in general Chinese curry noodles, Malay's sambal belacan, and for Indian food briyani rice.

Do you have life philosophy and if so, would you like to tell, what it is?

My philosophy is to take everything easily and turn those bad things into good things. When we smile often, even if we face problems, we can overcome them.

Is the change inevitable when you are traveling and is it inevitable in life overall?

You can’t avoid changes, they are everywhere. But it is individual’s own responsibility to turn changes into good ones. Don’t be afraid of changes as they come no matter what. Control the changes yourself and don’t let them to control you.

What kind of greetings you’d like to send to our readers?

I’d like to say Hello in Finnish…if you come to Malaysia do contact me, I’d like to meet more Finnish people. Don’t be afraid of Malaysia, ignore the negative Malaysia and try to enjoy the positive sides as much as you can.