Instead of X, go to Y
All the traps I think visitors should avoid, or at least don't visit them exclusively to avoid misunderstanding Kuala Lumpur.
This list is very opinionated and I understand that if you visit KL for the 1st time, you get skeptical about it. However I just want yall to have a better time and get to enjoy what the locals actually enjoy, and not get scammed.
Night Market: Instead of Jalan Alor
Go to these local night markets instead:
- Taman Segar, Cheras -- Opens every Friday evening, right next to MRT Taman Mutiara, easily the most convenient for transit users.
- Taman Connaught, Cheras -- The longest night market in KL, opens every Wednesday. 1 feeder bus stop from MRT Taman Connaught north-bound exit, or take Grab.
- SS2, Petaling Jaya -- Famous for the hawker center, massive instagrammable durian shops. Night mkt opens every Monday evening, but even without the night mkt it's packed everyday.
Why? While Jalan Alor is the closest daily night market to the tourist hotspot, it's full of eateries that do not sell Malaysia foods, are not run by Malaysians, and the worst of all, are not patronized by fellow Malaysians. You are getting a full blown tourist traps operated by Thais and Vietnamese, and you won't get to savour what Malaysians usually eat in a normal night market all over Klang Valley heartlands -- Apam Balik pancakes, Stinky Tofu, Pan Mee noodles, Kuih-Muih cakes.
Nightlife: Instead of Changkat, TREC
Main article in Nightlife.
Very decent alternative nightlife districts to check out:
- Chinatown Kwai Chai Hong area. Plenty of cocktail bars and much safer than Changkat.
Why?
Go to Chinatown.
Go to Bangsar.