Should you visit Malaysia? Things to know before you go...

[@keangwooichoo6138]

As a malaysian, I agree here is hot and humid. But without it, we won't have the oldest or one of the oldest tropical rainforest in the world, plus mega diversity (top 17 countries of the world)

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

Ummm I didn't even mention that I got to see monkeys in the trees and all the fruit. Yeah, it's definitely a beautiful thing. I just don't know how to get rid of the heat rashes 😅 also, the birds... I mean I could go on and on about what I loved about Malaysia that would only come from that weather!

[@GajahMengaumTheBruce]

​@@ThisIsDrewFerguson Try beprosone next time.

[@jonidjoharijonidjohari5385]

@@keangwooichoo6138 👍

[@jonidjoharijonidjohari5385]

@@ThisIsDrewFerguson 👌

[@byteme9718]

At the rate oil palm is being planted, very soon there won't be any rainforest left.

[@fraeck]

As a Malaysian, i felt that Kuala Lumpur is very pedestrian unfriendly. The roads are getting wider and wider and the pedestrian sidewalks are becoming almost non-existent. Coupled with the hot and humid climate, this contributes to the locals really dislike walking and prefer to drive even for short distances.

[@fauzanriez9472]

The city was established some 180-190 years ago. How would they know that we need wider roads and sidewalks today.

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

Yes, if you have seen my walk to the grocery store in Puchong, we lost our sidewalks to the highway for the last part of our walk. For tourists this can be difficult, but unfortunately, with more money comes more individual cars. In most of America, this is how it is. I could not live in my hometown without a car. In Malaysia, I can't blame anyone for wanting a car, like I said in my video!

[@byteme9718]

@@fauzanriez9472 Cities like London manage. You Malays just don't have a clue.

[@muhd7144]

9:09 I bet you Drew those who stared at you are not Malaysians but foreign/migrant workers. Malaysians are so used to westerners for ages and many Malaysians themselves have been to western countries either as students or travellers. But the same cannot be said of foreign/migrant workers (from Indonesia, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, India...) in Malaysia and there is a lot them - at least 7 million (equivalent to 22% of Malaysia's population and 45% of the workforce) according to Tun Mahathir in 2019 when he Prime Minister.

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

Wow, there are way more migrant workers than I thought there would be. Thanks for the information!

[@muhd7144]

@@ThisIsDrewFerguson Most welcome... 🤗

[@byteme9718]

No, it's mainly the Malays and many western women report the same thing. Muslim men have no respect and that extends to their own wives because domestic abuse is rife within the Malay communities.

[@theresatan7749]

Coffee without sugar is plenty. Most coffee powder is alrdy in bags which you can put in cups/mugs. Its stated as kopi O + kosong.

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that I'm not a fan of instant coffee.... That didn't help my situation, but yes, you are right about that!

[@theresatan7749]

No, this is not instant coffee. I also don't take instant. These are actually coffee powder in bags (like tea bags). Yeah, you use it like tea bag. Soak in cups for 4 mins. Lovely coffee.

[@ashtriana1]

One of the brand is kopi434

[@Anonymous-js6jn]

Aik Cheong is another non instant coffee brand without sugar. Available in many supermarkets or convenience stores.

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

Thanks for helping me out!!😊

[@farahharis5016]

Hot and humid something we as human can't do anything for that it's all gifted by God and each of it must have reason for that and we don't have 4 seasons and for us we are ok with that so we don't have to change so many outfit to match with the weather😅no typhoon no earthquake no avalanche for us alhamdulillah for that

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

TRUTH! I was actually going to do a short about the clothing cause I was like I don't need anything for cold weather. I can just throw those in the trash 😂

[@byteme9718]

The heat and humidity is due to geography and climate and not some imaginary sky daddy.

[@flisanone]

Normally, all the shops or stalls have price tag or board displayed or you can scan the code to check yourself on the price. Surely you will know if the seller try to mark up the price. Hope to see you again.

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

I never even thought to scan the code at the restaurant. I didn't know they had prices on there. Thanks for he help!! ☺️

[@khteoh2001]

1) Next time u can go into pharmacy to ask for body powder that formulated for rashes problem. Most of those powders are formulated for baby skin, therefore it shouldn't be any problem for western adults. There are small and big packing, u can ask for small packing or can even try your luck by asking whether they have sample packing. 2) Ranking of beaches and islands - 1) East Malaysia (Sabah/Sarawak), 2) East coast of West Malaysia, 3) West coast of West Malaysia. Beaches in Penang, Langkawi and Port Dickson is only suitable for 1st timer, for those who have seen the beauty of beaches/islands in East Malaysia and East coast then will be disappointed. 3) Best time to visit East coast/East Malaysia's beaches and islands is between mid March til mid October coz from mid October til mid March the following year is monsoon seasons, some places might get flooded and the sea is very rough. Too risky to swim during that time, even at swallow area.

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

You are speaking my language with the sample packing!!! 😁 And thanks for the suggestions and time of year! This should come in handy!! ❤️

[@khteoh2001]

@@ThisIsDrewFerguson Smaller packing always comes in handy for people that travels around.

[@mizamshah]

If you go to Malaysia, try breakfast - teh tarik & roti canai, lunch - nasi kerabu (ricetowednesday), evening - walking down town find Ramly burger stall (the best burger in the world) get chicken or beef special burger about RM8 only😊

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

YES! I will definitely put this on the list if I get to go back. Is the blue rice on the nasi kerabu different than the thai blue rice that I saw in Melaka?

[@rizlanghazali985]

​​@@ThisIsDrewFergusonyes the blue rice. Kerabu in Malay actually means Salad. Meanwhile the Thai word Lab also means a protein salad. Just need to sharpen listening skills❤😂

[@byteme9718]

@@rizlanghazali985 Ramly burgers are about the worst in the world and this is why they can't be exported to first world countries so of course, they're banned in Singapore just 1km away. The beef used by Ramly doesn't meet basic health and hygiene standards and the poor taste and texture are why so much sauce is needed.

[@nuts1755]

Not ricetowednesday 😭😂😂 but you also need to try nasi hujan panas (summer rain rice) because its so beautiful!

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

@@nuts1755 I think I have seen this kind of rice! So beautiful!!

[@ShahrulMdisa]

1 tip for tourists...bring umbrella all time...for protection from rain and sun

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

Thankfully, we had one of the best airbnb hosts, and he brought us an umbrella. Saved us many times!!

[@roughrosa]

Hot and humid is part of life. Hence we have love and hate relationship with walking. I love walking when I am dressed for it. If you don’t dress for it, be prepared to be drenched in sweat and be smelly. However, I have experienced living in the US and during winter it’s a ‘fridge’ and summer, it’s a ‘desert’. In Saudi, the temperature is just too extremely hot. I remember while Americans were on tigger alert for heat wave and heat stroke during the same time last year, the Saudians were chillingly relax at 42c. High temperature wasn’t a breaking news at all. Touched down in KL after the extreme hot weather, I never felt truly blessed being in Malaysia’s consistent mild climate. The first few hours I was taken aback realising I was outside and it’s not hot at all.. or the windows or doors were open and there wasn’t gush of hot air that came in. 😅

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

We don't know what we have until you experience the frigid temperatures of the north or the hot temperatures of the desert 😜 Also, I'm pretty sure no matter what I wear in Malaysia, I come back smelly and drenched in sweat 😅 you would hate to do my laundry!!

[@roughrosa]

@@ThisIsDrewFerguson lol. The laundry is so true! So does the immediate shower once we get home. I take weather as “no rain, no rainbow”. No weather is perfect. We can’t have beautiful leaves of autumn if we can’t bear the soon winter. And the same goes for the hot weather. Sadly we human only missed things when we no longer have them and forgot how much of a blessing when we have them.

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

@@roughrosa True, it does help getting to travel around because you can go to different parts of the world if you miss something. Hopefully, we can all learn the beauty of where we are at and just enjoy it for what it is.

[@sideecm]

you should go to east coast or borneo next time. there are a lot of beautiful islands over there.

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

Thanks! One thing, we want to do is the train on the east coast. We heard it was very scenic, but it was the wrong season and too much rain when we were there.

[@rizlanghazali985]

Prices are supposed to be displayed or risk authority prosecution...

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

Is that even at the markets?

[@Theresa-e8u]

​@@ThisIsDrewFergusonyes

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

@@Theresa-e8u Thank you for letting me know! I appreciate the help!

[@ThisnametaKenny]

Borneo Malaysia is calling your name.

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

Okay yeah, that sounds great! 😃😃 On the list!!

[@mybraintalks]

Hot and humid is what makes malaysia is. Neither local or foreigners should complaint or worry about. What we should be worry is ,if one day, snow suddenly fall in Malaysia..just be afraid.. be really afraid if that happened

[@heavenheaven6312]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@hameesarbini9310]

What is the hottest temperature in summer in your country?

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

@@hameesarbini9310 Well, I have a picture of it being 43 celsius (110 fahrenheit) in my hometown. Regularly at the end of July and August, we go over 100 degrees. It is dry heat with almost no humidity which is nice, but we also don't do much walking outside at those temps.

[@hameesarbini9310]

@@ThisIsDrewFerguson Waaw that's really hot.Thanks God..our hottest midday temperature seldom go beyond 35°C..& most of us are in our office,or school or working & goes out when the hot temp is subsiding..🥰🥰🥰

[@youngtun5980]

Welcome again❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤good explanation

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

Thanks!! That was such a lovely message... and people wonder why I love the Malaysian people!!

[@whateverrrrrr123]

Welcome always

[@whateverrrrrr123]

I am surprised not many talk more about No 5 that was the highest value to Malaysia

[@RealistJ]

Hey drew how did you manage to stay 6 to 7 months? I thought the max stay was 3 months?

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

We went to Singapore in between...

[@RealistJ]

​@@ThisIsDrewFergusonoh i see, is there a certain time limit before you can return to Malaysia for another 3 months

[@byteme9718]

@@RealistJ Probably but white privilege goes a long way.

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

@@RealistJ I really don't know because I am not going to do it. It seems that a lot of people do border runs, but I am too nervous to do anything like that. In the US for other people on the 1 year visa, they say if you stay for one month then leave for one month, stay for 5 months and leave for 5 months. So, that is kind of my theory of how to enter and reenter countries.

[@aerolaeious]

next time in Malaysia, try living on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia or in the east of Malaysia, Sabah & Sarawak

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

Thanks! That's what everyone has been saying so it sounds like a must! 😊

[@leealex24]

Fyi, Malaysia is ranked 10th in the Global Peace Index.

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

I feel that!

[@byteme9718]

The GPI is irrelevant to local crime.

[@leealex24]

​@@byteme9718Ranking as the third most peaceful country in the Asia-Pacific region, Malaysia holds the top global position in the Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict domain and ranks third in the Militarization domain. Remarkably, this nation of about 33 million people has climbed 9 spots from last year, entering the top 10 for the first time. When the Peace Index was launched in 2008, Malaysia stood at the 32nd position. A multicultural society with a diverse mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous communities, Malaysia benefits from government policies promoting tolerance and encouraging inclusivity. Crime rates are low compared to other countries in the region, and a prosperous economy helps reduce poverty and inequality. Additionally, since gaining independence in 1957, Malaysia has enjoyed relatively stable governance, fostering a more harmonious social and political environment.

[@leealex24]

​@byteme9718 Ranking as the third most peaceful country in the Asia-Pacific region, Malaysia holds the top global position in the Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict domain and ranks third in the Militarization domain. Remarkably, this nation of about 33 million people has climbed 9 spots from last year, entering the top 10 for the first time. When the Peace Index was launched in 2008, Malaysia stood at the 32nd position. A multicultural society with a diverse mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous communities, Malaysia benefits from government policies promoting tolerance and encouraging inclusivity. Crime rates are low compared to other countries in the region, and a prosperous economy helps reduce poverty and inequality. Additionally, since gaining independence in 1957, Malaysia has enjoyed relatively stable governance, fostering a more harmonious social and political environment.

[@byteme9718]

​@@leealex24 What part of my comment was so difficult to understand? This has no relevance in day to day life where most people live behind bars because burglary is high. It is diverse but also incredibly racist with Chinese, Indian and indigenous Malaysians being regarded as second, third and fourth class citizens respectively. They're discriminated against by numerous racist laws and their religious freedom is heavily restricted. The economy is anything but prosperous and many Malaysians will never recover financially from the inept way Malaysia handled covid. Stable government ended in 2018 and the only reason for that stability was a skewed political system that ensures only Malays can hold power. Of course, that's irrelevant now because democracy failed completely in 2022. You don't have a clue about Malaysia and appear to be quoting cherry picked statistics.

[@fauzanriez9472]

24 hours eatery is one of many reasons Malaysia ranked highly in the number of obese populations.

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

Yeah, I can see that. I unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) can only eat small amounts of fat at any given time, so I don't have the temptation like other people.

[@fauzanriez9472]

@@ThisIsDrewFerguson youre looking goooood... 🥰

[@byteme9718]

@@fauzanriez9472 Not really, its the poor diet and especially within the Malays.

[@fauzanriez9472]

@@byteme9718 present your facts with data. Otherwise, its all just fantasy.

[@byteme9718]

@@fauzanriez9472 The high rates of heart disease and diabetes are well documented within the Malays. If your want to believe that's not the case then dream on.

[@shinwaramin8582]

you should do rating of southeast asian countries that you visited

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

That's the plan! 🙂 The only one I didn't do was Singapore because I didn't have the time. Let me know if you would still want it, but it's been since January since I was there.

[@shinwaramin8582]

@@ThisIsDrewFerguson yea from most favourite to least favourite

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

Oh I see... Okay, I am going to put this on my list to work on. That's such a hard task cause every country is so different with uniqueness... Challenge accepted, but it will probably be a minute cause I have to get through being in the countries first.

[@0408tk]

​@@ThisIsDrewFerguson Visiting Singapore is just like visiting Malaysia but a upgraded version

[@tanticitogal]

​@0408tk no not really. malaysia can offer islands mountains rainforests none of which singapore can offer. Yeah singapore is cleaner by sure and more devrloped, but it cannot offer what Malaysia can.

[@ahchairoy2005]

in malaysia if you want just the black coffee just say kopi kosong or kopi O.

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

We actually did ask for kopi o one time and it definitely has sugar, but I didn't know about kopi kosong... Now I know! Thanks!! ☺️

[@zaharizak]

@@ThisIsDrewFerguson Just tell them "Black coffee. No sugar". Easy peasy. Problem solved.

[@azemiismail5220]

​@@ThisIsDrewFergusonkopi o is of course with sugar.. it is without milk... kopi kosong however is coffee in hot water, without sugar, milk or creamer..

[@zanzillahsaruji9966]

Tourist not overcharge in Malaysia but tourist overspend in Malaysia because everything is cheap 😂😂😂

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

100% accurate!!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@byteme9718]

Everything is not cheap in Malaysia.

[@rizlanghazali985]

The thing with food is that you can make a Malaysian upset is you feed the bland food... Malaysians are not shy about flavour...

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

I love bold flavored foods! I eat more bland at home, but when I go out, that is what makes a dish special. Malaysia has got it!!🤤🤤🤤

[@byteme9718]

Malaysian food lacks spiceyness.

[@kien0407]

Oh why would tourists stayed in Puchong? That place is for locals. Anyway do not worry of the price differences when you asked vs your partner. We locals facing that as well. All depend on the mood of the person telling you the price and how you sweet talks them (i assumed it was at the hawkers or mixed rice stalls).

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

Punching was my favorite precisely because it was for the locals. I don't prefer to stay in touristy spots. Thanks for the reassurance on the price situation... It's is different than the western culture of everything having a set price, and my theory is to ask for the price, if I don't like it then I can always walk away! Pretty simple haha! I need to learn that sweet talking you mention 😅

[@leealex24]

Whats wrong with that?

[@marzukiraja]

Which area of US are you from?

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

Texas 🤠

[@MeLodiCarAma]

​@@ThisIsDrewFergusonoh... I've been there before. Landed in Kenner ✈️pt , then off the Corpus Christi, Fort Knox before off to work in Aransas Pass.⚓

[@MeLodiCarAma]

​@@ThisIsDrewFerguson Coffee sake, you could get pack of sachets in 99 Speedmart, it's cheap there. Then get hot water from you're hotel, they mostly provide that...or you can buy at some restaurants. Some even give you free. Melaka simply is walkable because it's road system is checkered. Penang too, others mostly not. Enjoy your stay😊❤

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

@@MeLodiCarAma Thanks for the information about Penang as well.

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

@@MeLodiCarAma Wow, I love have a fellow traveler in our midst. When I go back home, I will show Amarillo because it is quite different than down south. I feel like Corpus Christi, Houston, Galveston, etc. are all totally different places.

[@fuadarif4056]

It’s hot and humid is not because of Malaysia it’s because the location and land is like that on the world..

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

Yep! That dang equator...

[@jehanc]

You can get your coffee from any KOPI TIAM when you say KOPI O.

[@zaharizak]

Kopi O is without the milk or condensed milk. They still put sugar in it. Say "Kopi O no sugar". That'll do the trick.

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

Yes! That is what we finally had to do if I got it out and about ☺️

[@natrahmohammad8979]

Just say “kopi kosong”😊

[@ammaranuar2544]

Melaka is a state, not a town.

[@byteme9718]

Its both.

[@jonidjoharijonidjohari5385]

Hello sandy😊

[@MeLodiCarAma]

Hot in every sense, humid in practically everywhere, humility in almost every soul.😅

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

😂😂😂

[@vincentchin88]

Wait, you were in PJ? That's where I live.

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

Yep, I was in PJ for a month! I think I was in a bad location in PJ cause there wasn't tons around us. Honestly, and sorry, but I liked our place in Puchong better... It still took us just as long to get anywhere in PJ or Puchong.

[@vincentchin88]

@@ThisIsDrewFerguson Yeah PJ is a huge suburb. Some places can be quiet. Do you still need a new GoPro? My friend is the official distributor for Malaysia. Their office is in...PJ.

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

​@@vincentchin88I do need a gopro, but I'm no longer in Malaysia. I am going to wait until I get back to the US because I need to see which one to order now. Originally, I was going with the GoPro 10 but I don't want it to be outdated. So, now I need to do more research. Also, if there was another brand, I don't mind using that either. My main concern is stabilization while walking.

[@vincentchin88]

@@ThisIsDrewFerguson The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is good for walking. This is because the gimbal is hardware-based to balance things instead of the typical in-camera software stabilization.

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

​@@vincentchin88Nice, I'll look into it. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@BenHifni]

Of course there are dangerous areas in Malaysia. They're called jungles. We have man eating tigers and wild boars.

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

😂😂😂 now I know the reason why I don't know about them!!

[@byteme9718]

You forgot the snakes more than capable of eating people.

[@BenHifni]

@@byteme9718 technically, swallowing whole

[@byteme9718]

@@BenHifni You're right but I've also seen images of half swallowed. I know a few police and they share all sorts of images. Of course, angry elephants are probably best avoided too.

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

@@byteme9718 😬I would laugh, but I am pretty sure you are not joking!

[@jonidjoharijonidjohari5385]

Pinang😊

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

I spent less than 24 hours in Penang (Georgetown) when I was traveling back up to Thailand in 2015. I definitely have this on my list to do again and with a lot more time.

[@terencelee880]

@@ThisIsDrewFerguson Feel free so. I travelled to Penang last 1-3 June, planning again on 20-22 July or 14-16 Sept, or both dates if I can

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

@@terencelee880 What is your favorite thing to do there?

[@terencelee880]

@@ThisIsDrewFerguson shopping at mall, and occasionally long-walk within or between towns or townships

[@rizlanghazali985]

Desert soup? 😅😅😅😅😅 yeah its a thing... Personally i still cant wrap my brain about a boiled quail egg on a Leng Chee Kang... imagine boiled egg in sugar...

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

Oh my! I haven't heard of this one, and no, I can't imagine... I'm gonna tell my friend and see if she has!

[@byteme9718]

The best way to get used to the hot and humid climate is to sleep without air con and avoid it whenever possible when you're out. You have a lot to learn about Malaysia and how 40% of the population are discriminated against by the Malays and their numerous racist laws that make them 2nd, 3rd or 4th class citizens.

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

I would sleep without AC, but I get heat rash which complicates the situation. And by all means, teach me...

[@byteme9718]

@@ThisIsDrewFerguson You may find that sleeping without air con breaks the cycle, it took me years to learn that. As for the other subject, it's as complex as it is fascinating. You should visit Putrajaya and think about what you see there.

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

@@byteme9718 I agree with the air conditioning! It probably would break the cycle, but it is so hard. and thanks for the suggestion on where to go. It is very interesting to see a different side of things, and I think you definitely have a certain outlook on the situation here in Malaysia. It seems that you might need to start a youtube channel. Thinking is so important, and maybe you could provide that to others.

[@MrQalamQabut]

re: discriminated against by the Malays... Then go where there is non Malays... or where NO RACIST EXIST...

[@hidayatemir]

Make sure always do business (interactions) with locals. Not to immigrants and NOP to illegal immigrants here. Joy your days. Tq 😊

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

Thanks! ❤️

[@learnscience4116]

are you from the amerikkan regime?

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

Honestly, that's not my thing at all... 😂 Cracks me up thinking about it!

[@Razmikamson]

Show respect ok.. i am a lokal malaysia. She is not politician nor a hater towards anyone.

[@learnscience4116]

@@ThisIsDrewFerguson 😃😃😁😁

[@learnscience4116]

@@Razmikamson just joking. I am sure she doesn't believe in the amerikkan regime who support bombing kids in Palestine.

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

@@Razmikamson Thank you!

[@rizlanghazali985]

Stared at - in my mind should i try to talk to this lady or not... hmmm... Malaysian like to make small talk ... even with strangers... or... is this lady lost.. i hope she doesn't ask me.... i can't speak good English... 😂😂😂 ... so there you are that stare means that the wheels are turning...

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

😅😅😅 honestly, that's how it comes across most of the time. So I just smile and move on!

[@hakimasrar5899]

overated