Welcome to Kuala Lumpur

Welcome to Kuala Lumpur. Please use the search box below on the left hand side of the page, to quickly find tips and information for living in KL. To receive regular updates and tips please become a follower and subscribe at the bottom of the page. I welcome all your emails at: expatliving@hotmail.co.uk

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Health issues that strike expats in Kuala Lumpur

This is not meant to alarm you but rather just inform you of the main health issues that Expats tend to face in humid KL that they possibly would not get back home. Where possible I have mentioned cures or prevention. I hope that it also helps you realise that you are not alone if you suddenly suffer from any of the following health problems:

Cystitis or Urinary tract infection seems to be prevalent amongst expat women. By the way not all women get it but those who do should see a doctor and get some antibiotics prescribed. If you are wary of antibiotics have a look here for alternative remedies:   Natural remedies for Cystitis/Urinary Tract Infection
Proposed prevention is :
1. Ensure you drink enough water and are always hydrated.(Expats often take it for-granted when they first arrive that they need to consume more water here. Regardless of humidity our bodies require more water in this climate.)
2. Drink cranberry juice on a regular basis.

Thrush or Candidiasis can also be a problem but is highly treatable. Please see a doctor once again if you have symptoms. Details can be found here: Details on Thrush. Moving to a new country with all it's associated stress can affect your immune system which leaves you open to illnesses such as these. Also your body needs to adjust to new germs, new diet, weather and environment. So do all you can to keep your immune system in tip top shape.

Dengue Fever caught from a Mosquito bite is not deadly but there is no vaccination or fast remedy.
Symptoms and further details available here: Details on Dengue Fever See a doctor when you have the symptoms and ensure you drink lots of fluids.
Proposed Prevention:
1. Use insect repellent
2. Use aircon at home and sleep with it on
3.Remove any still standing water that allows Mosquitoes to breed it's eggs in
4.Wear clothing that covers your extremities.


Malaria does exist in Malaysia but it seems to be contained in certain areas of the country.You will need to make the decision whether you want to take the risk that there could be Malaria in KL or take anti-malarial pills. Most sites claim that Dengue rather than Malaria is more prevalent in KL.

Common Cold aggravated by temperature fluctuations: aircon
Almost every new comer complains about the huge contrast between the temperature outside and the air-conditioned temperature in most public spaces. Walking into a cold building after sweating in the humid weather can often lead to headaches and colds. After some time in the country you will not notice this temperature shock as much as you did in the beginning. Therefore, if you are sensitive to the cold always carry a pashmina or jumper to use when you step into the freezing LRT, taxi or building.
A good Singapore Laksa or Tom Yam Soup also does wonders when you feel miserable and sore from a cold!!

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Christmas Bazaar this Sunday, 13th of November 2011

Don't miss this annual event: Christmas Bazaar organised by the Association of British Women in Malaysia.

Times: 11.00 to 14.30

For detailed information have a look here:
ABWM-Charity-Christmas-Bazaar-2011

Address: Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur, 2 Jalan Stesen Sentral, Kuala Lumpur Sentral 50470 KL
Telephone: 03 - 2284 4407
Website: http://www.abwm.com.my/
Price: RM 10 (in advance) / RM15 (at the door)

Your unwanted clothes and toys: please donate!

Hello there,

After Christmas or when you are about to move are usually great times to de clutter and donate your un-wanted items. You may longer want them or find them useful but believe me there are people living in Malaysia who would be really grateful for all the things you are throwing away.

To donate your items there are several options:

1.
If you have children, you can always ask their school if they accept donations. Many schools are affiliated with Charities and they can make sure your stuff gets to the people in need.

2.
There are orange collection boxes dotted around KL, you can simply leave your items in one of these.
More info on the company running these on this link:
CRC Box

3.
Several charities will gladly take your donations, here is a list of some:

KL Krash Pad- Chowkit- Children and Teenagers
Chow Kit Kita
E-mail: chowkitkita@gmail.com
Tel: 012-2357444

KL Krashpad
346, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman
50350 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-26970137

KL Krash Pad

Hati- Malaysian Charity

UNHCR

4.
If you are an expat you can contact your association and ask them for their advice on who to donate your items too.
The British women's association for example covers quite a few charities.
Association of_British Women

5.
If you struggle to find a charity but still have clothes,toys, games and
books you want to donate then please drop me an email at
expatliving@hotmail.co.uk.

We are always looking for donations for other causes!!
Thank you once again!

If you do not wish to donate here are some other suggestions for you:

 1. How to get Rid of Your Stuff

2.
Volunteering:

If you are looking to give your time as a volunteer here are some options for you too:

Volunteer in Malaysia



Lake Titiwangsa Kuala Lumpur: Great Picnic spot!

Great for Picnics and walks in Kuala Lumpur! Go to Lake Titiwangsa!





Sunday, November 6, 2011

Wonderful Malaysian Fauna: Cyber Moth

I am not usually an insect fan but this little fellow caught my eye the other day. A little moth with excellent  camouflage. Looked like something out of a science-fiction novel. Have a close look and see that it tricks it's enemies by having replica eyes and tentacles at the back of it's body. Really clever!!
Living near the jungle means we get all sorts of living creatures visiting our flat. Some are relatives from abroad but the rest are species from the jungle!!


Islands closed during the Monsoon

Just a quick note of warning: ISLANDS IN MALAYSIA SHUT DOWN DURING THE MONSOON!
It's just not fun lying on the beach when the coconut trees are flapping horizontally in the gail force winds and rain!
We just got to Perhentian and managed a couple of dives before the 2 Islands shut down for the Monsoon.
The whole experience was great- we felt like WE OWNED the Island- no one was around!!
So if you were planning a trip for now, don't!  Wait until February next year!

Overseas Blog

Featured Malaysia Blog on GO! Overseas