Nice video, good energy! I live in both Bangkok and in Kuala Lumpur, being a European expat. I don't necessarily compare the cities, I just take them as urban environments with their own pace and energy. In KL we live right smack on opposite the Petronas towers in KLCC, in Bangkok we stay at the Chao Praya riverside at one of the nice residences there, both places are great locations. Both are South East Asian large cities with their distinct characters and personalities. Bangkok is louder, in the face and way more intense. Kuala Lumpur is friendlier, never confrontational and has a far more laid back feel to it. And that's exactly how we as human beings act: Some days we want the action, other days we need the peace and some tranquility. These cities will embrace both.
These are the same thoughts and advice my company for decades has given to people who want to move, work, school, marry, and live abroad. I would never relocate or recommend anyone to do so in any majority or even large minority Muslim country in the world. I personally have no interest in visiting any Muslim country outside of Dubai.
Yeah, the Ritz Carlton KL is not on par with their units in other cities. Agree 100%. I find only one silver lining: in KL they have a tennis court at the hotel facilities. As a tennis player, this appeases me a lot hehe
Forbes 2024 Reports : ( Over 12500 expats living in 53 cities across 35 countries ) Number 1 = Bangkok The Best city to live in Asia Number 6 = Bangkok The Best city to live in the World
Cost of living in Bkk is at least 1/3 higher than in KL. Real estate prices in BKK are 2x to 3x KL prices. On average, cars are more expensive in Thailand as well. In Malaysia they can buy national cars for peanuts (with USD 8,000 we can buy a new car). Fuel is also cheaper in Malaysia. Bangkok is a 9,5M inhabitants metropolis and the most visited city in the world. Naturally it is more expensive than a 2M inhabitants and less international town. I love both. If KL had a different hegemonic culture, for example, if the Chinese were the majority, I would easily live there. Thank you for your video, Ramze
I prefer retirement visas that are a bit expensive as it does get keep the slumming it expats out. Me and my friends agree on this fact.... if you are poor in the USA or the EU.... you will be poor also in the country you have decided to slum it in. Reality. To live well in Malaysia, Thailand or in most places in SE Asia, you need $2-3k a month to have a quality lifestyle. Can you get by with less?, of course, but you are fooling yourself if you think slumming it is something to boast of. I have seen the slumming it crowd all over the world. They are one of the reasons that countries are upping the costs for the retirement visas.... understandably.
Spent a lot of time in KL for work. Its alright, no major issues. Had my list of places I found over time and it was a good city to stay in. However, I've never been in Bangkok thinking: "You know what, this thing that I'm doing right now would be better in KL". Main thing Malaysia does better is immigration at the airports. Fully automated entry and exit for a lot of countries. Have a work visa in Thailand: takes longer to get through immigration than visa exempt, and make sure you check the stamp, because they might have stamped you in visa exempt.
Its actually easy to find alcohol and pork in the towns and cities. Except for the East Coast states. All the convenience shops have alcoholic beverages. Carlsberg & Heineken have breweries here and are publicly listed companies on the stock exchange. And there are a whole bunch alcohol manufacturers in Malaysia. Malaysia was the first country to have a major casino in the region. Singapore had to built 2 to compete (and one belongs to the Malaysian casino). There 3 number forecast operators in Peninsular Malaysia and another 2 in Borneo, one each in Sabah and Sarawak plus a lottery. Almost all Chinese restaurants or coffee shops have pork dishes. And they are all over everywhere. I think you just stayed mostly in the city center area. And obviously Malaysia has an escort scene. But they cater for the locals. Not foreigners. Same goes for shady night spots. There is a lot but its not for foreigners. Only locals would know. What we don't have is the "sin" business and entertainment for foreigners. We keep it family friendly for you.
Wow.. I was packing my bags after the fifth item on your pro list.. Then it all came crashing down with the women, and I can do without pork or alcohol. An absolute stellar video and comparison i'll be it your first time to Malaysia.
you got it spot on about environment, language, culture and religion. Another BIG factor is that the MM2H ( "retirement" ) visa requirement are very expensive for many fix income retirees. For those people about to say, how about "sarawak" plan - they are looking into merging with the federal program.
I'm looking at cambodia.. because of citizenship, thus owning property.. yes, I know the work arounds. But Thailand is where I would be for the food and people 1000%. Moo krab.. you rock. Great video.
I hear you but Bangkok is a little crazier and I like a little bit crazy . I’ve been to KL and it’s boring for me, nice to visit but definitely not to live. Bangkok it’s just so much more international and the food nightlife hands-down wins . Great video well done.👍
The main difference between these countries is the state religion. Muslim vs Buddhism. I worked in Malaysia for six weeks and my Muslim co-workers were very good to work with except for the multiple periods in the day when they were off for pray time, and I had to adjust my schedule to accommodate this. It was strange for me to see so many women in which I could only see their faces. The restrict culture in Malaysia does not allow for the illicit industry in Thailand. Love my week in KL The Batu Caves, Petronas Towers, Pavillion Mall complex at night, Petaling Street.
Been to KL, agree with most of what you mention, it was ok, but found the may systems of transit being not connected to each other kinda frustrating... Have a few places still on my list, Penang, Highlands, JB... Wanna take a luxury bus to Highlands from Thailand, or Singapore... Also the train from BKK to Penang, and maybe Singapore... Not sure if the unrest in the south of Thailand prevents that though...
I was in Kuala Lumpur once in the 90's and I met a guy in a bar and I asked about him drinking beer. He said that alcohol is not forbidden (in islam) only intoxication, so he had one beer only :)
Took my missus to KL earlier this year. She said it’s a lot cleaner than Bangkok and a nicer vibe ie no bar girls shouting at you all the time…….. we might go to Penang in a few months and see if that appeals to us more to consider maybe living there instead of jomtien I did enjoy the food more than Thai food but that’s just me As for the women, they are not told or forced to dress like that for the most part. They do it as they do not like being stared at by guys. My ex-girlfriend was Malay and her mum who was widowed chose to dress like that when she went out 🤷♂️ We went to the Batu caves too. Did not enjoy those stairs in the stifling heat or the stench there 😝
Just FYI, the beaches in Penang (Batu Ferringhi) are not good for swimming. And the areas near the beach tends to skew more Malay compared to George Town which is more Chinese and Indian. The beach cities are pretty sleepy and much much much less active than Pattaya. Most of Penang basically shuts down after 9 or 10pm
Malaysia is more conservative and good for family vacation. You don't see old westerners with young local girls and don't have to answer questions from your children about what they see as peculiar
Although I was from Malaysia, I did not understand the thing about women covering their heads. Growing up in the 70s/80s, it was less common. Our teachers certainly did not do that. Even the rulers' wives did not cover their head. Just look at the photos and portraits of yesteryears. I did not like the vibes someone(s) was pushing for, and it was one of the main reasons which made me left. Oh well, it's just an opinion. i am just another ungrateful anak betrayed his land and soil 🤣
Well Bangkok has triple the population of KL which is a small city in comparison. For me I find KL.is extremely bland and boring compared to Bangkok. But I find all cities are too much after only 3 days I live in rural Trang so closer to KL than I am to Bangkok.
Agree with your thoughts on KL, access to alcohol is not an issue mostly but travelling to the regional areas might be more of a challenge. Best food market I ever came across was in Khota Mayasia was part of the British empire which explains why most people speak english & also the reason why there are so many people of Indian heritage, British colonial rule also contributed to the influx of people from China.
Air quality & noise pollution KL is Better than Bkk. Drug, gun & alcohol violents & crimes are less in Malaysia vs Thailand. Foreighners can buy landed property in Malaysia.
There are mixed couples but they are mostly Asians with Asians. I am Indian and my wife is a Sabah native. I have one uncle living near my neighbourhood and his wife is Indonesian. My mum's younger brother (Uncle) is married to a Chinese lady. Chindian (Chinese mix Indian) are super common in Malaysia and Singapore. They look Malay so people often get confused.
Pork is easy to find if you go to a western or Chinese restaurant. It's only the Malay establishments that don't offer it. What is less common is good beef. Also, there are very few muslim ladies that completely cover their faces. While most of them will wear a head scarf (called a tudung and often fairly stylish), the rest of their attire is pretty modern and liberal. They're not exposing much of their body, but jeans and colorful dresses are pretty common.
Pork is commonly available in supermarkets (in its own section of cause) and restaurants. Yes chicken and lamb forward but definitely not "no pork". Disclaimer, Ramze definitely sounds like how an typical north american judges other country.
@ No no it's not meant to be demeaning. You probably feel it too when someone make too quick of a judgment on Thailand especially those short term traveller. Anyway I tested out the water staying in KL last month and I am just about to finishing this month in Bangkok this video caught my interest. Also, food stalls/restaurants etc. had signs out front to let Muslim knows they serve no por km and no lard so definitely places, especially Chinese food establishment serves pork. I had pork nasi lemak in one of them.
@@penmaxexactly. Alcohol and pork is available in Malaysia as there are a lot of Chinese there but some people like ramze want it everywhere which is why Malaysia is not for them. Each to their own 🤷♂️
@ 100% but don't want to scare people who are considering Malaysia especially KL where pork is actually quite common to find. Shop actually has to out sign out to tell people no pork/lard serve in their shop so not to scare people off.
We NEVER had any of those crazy jumbled up electrical wires..so tired watching comparison video comparing 2 totally different things..no beer no pork??carlsberg brewery is just outside kl centre and our pig farms supplied pork to singapore...
Off you go sir. Find a channel that won’t tire you. You clearly don’t understand that comparisons can be whatever things people choose to compare. Two major SE Asian cities so close together and both frequented by many expats and tourists has so much more in common than you think. I’m sure you didn’t make it this far into my response. You probably got tired 😴
@@RamzeTravels thts why ur dead wrong..even if we are just inch apart we can be totally different..what logic is tht just ur next door ur house should be the same with ur neighbour??u said u travelled alot but ur views are so limited to what u want the things to be rather than what they are..try do things which are similar in kl and bangkok next time i dare u..only then u know we are totally different!
@RamzeTravels and im saying this as someone who travelled to bangkok every month since donkey years and love bangkok for its own uniqueness..but no comparing kl and bangkok just totally different
Did you hear me say once on the video that the cities are similar? I actually list the pros and cons of both. My views is why this channel exists. It is after all, my channel 🫡
Nice video, good energy! I live in both Bangkok and in Kuala Lumpur, being a European expat. I don't necessarily compare the cities, I just take them as urban environments with their own pace and energy. In KL we live right smack on opposite the Petronas towers in KLCC, in Bangkok we stay at the Chao Praya riverside at one of the nice residences there, both places are great locations. Both are South East Asian large cities with their distinct characters and personalities. Bangkok is louder, in the face and way more intense. Kuala Lumpur is friendlier, never confrontational and has a far more laid back feel to it. And that's exactly how we as human beings act: Some days we want the action, other days we need the peace and some tranquility. These cities will embrace both.
Agreed, they’re both fantastic!
These are the same thoughts and advice my company for decades has given to people who want to move, work, school, marry, and live abroad. I would never relocate or recommend anyone to do so in any majority or even large minority Muslim country in the world. I personally have no interest in visiting any Muslim country outside of Dubai.
It’s a former British colony, Ramze. That’s why they speak English in KL. 😊
I learned that after I came back from the comments. I am always happy to learn.
Yeah, the Ritz Carlton KL is not on par with their units in other cities. Agree 100%.
I find only one silver lining: in KL they have a tennis court at the hotel facilities. As a tennis player, this appeases me a lot hehe
Forbes 2024 Reports :
( Over 12500 expats living in 53 cities across 35 countries )
Number 1 = Bangkok
The Best city to live in Asia
Number 6 = Bangkok
The Best city to live in the World
You crack me up, dude🤣. Another great video.👍🏽
Your world view is a whole vibe.👑
Thank you 🙏
Make Sidewalks Great Again
Cost of living in Bkk is at least 1/3 higher than in KL.
Real estate prices in BKK are 2x to 3x KL prices.
On average, cars are more expensive in Thailand as well. In Malaysia they can buy national cars for peanuts (with USD 8,000 we can buy a new car). Fuel is also cheaper in Malaysia.
Bangkok is a 9,5M inhabitants metropolis and the most visited city in the world. Naturally it is more expensive than a 2M inhabitants and less international town.
I love both.
If KL had a different hegemonic culture, for example, if the Chinese were the majority, I would easily live there.
Thank you for your video, Ramze
Thank you for all the helpful information!
Chinese not the majority is the reason it's still cheaper in Malaysia. If you want Chinese majority go to Singapore or Hong Kong😅
Kl nightlife more expensive.
Hope that you have had a good time and a pleasant stay in KL.
I did and will certainly return.
@@RamzeTravelsWonderful. I guess all cities in the world have their own pros & cons. Happy holidays. 😀
damn bro this was a great video. i like the way you talk and get to the point. gonna watch a lot more now! thanks
Thank you so much for the kind words! It means a lot to hear that you enjoyed the video. I can’t wait to share more with you!
I prefer retirement visas that are a bit expensive as it does get keep the slumming it expats out. Me and my friends agree on this fact.... if you are poor in the USA or the EU.... you will be poor also in the country you have decided to slum it in. Reality. To live well in Malaysia, Thailand or in most places in SE Asia, you need $2-3k a month to have a quality lifestyle. Can you get by with less?, of course, but you are fooling yourself if you think slumming it is something to boast of. I have seen the slumming it crowd all over the world. They are one of the reasons that countries are upping the costs for the retirement visas.... understandably.
So true...
Thailand 🇹🇭 all the way
U had me crackn up while u were trying to keep the mixed couple/race descriptions PC… 😂
Luvn ur videos mannnnn 😅
It’s hard to be PC in this day and age. 😅
Spent a lot of time in KL for work. Its alright, no major issues. Had my list of places I found over time and it was a good city to stay in. However, I've never been in Bangkok thinking: "You know what, this thing that I'm doing right now would be better in KL".
Main thing Malaysia does better is immigration at the airports. Fully automated entry and exit for a lot of countries. Have a work visa in Thailand: takes longer to get through immigration than visa exempt, and make sure you check the stamp, because they might have stamped you in visa exempt.
I kind of relate, however when too long in Bangkok I feel the desire to leave, which I never feel when I am in Kuala Lumpur.
Its actually easy to find alcohol and pork in the towns and cities. Except for the East Coast states. All the convenience shops have alcoholic beverages.
Carlsberg & Heineken have breweries here and are publicly listed companies on the stock exchange. And there are a whole bunch alcohol manufacturers in Malaysia.
Malaysia was the first country to have a major casino in the region. Singapore had to built 2 to compete (and one belongs to the Malaysian casino).
There 3 number forecast operators in Peninsular Malaysia and another 2 in Borneo, one each in Sabah and Sarawak plus a lottery.
Almost all Chinese restaurants or coffee shops have pork dishes. And they are all over everywhere.
I think you just stayed mostly in the city center area.
And obviously Malaysia has an escort scene. But they cater for the locals. Not foreigners. Same goes for shady night spots. There is a lot but its not for foreigners. Only locals would know.
What we don't have is the "sin" business and entertainment for foreigners. We keep it family friendly for you.
Wow.. I was packing my bags after the fifth item on your pro list.. Then it all came crashing down with the women, and I can do without pork or alcohol. An absolute stellar video and comparison i'll be it your first time to Malaysia.
Thumbs up 👍 Ramze
Much appreciated
you got it spot on about environment, language, culture and religion. Another BIG factor is that the MM2H ( "retirement" ) visa requirement are very expensive for many fix income retirees. For those people about to say, how about "sarawak" plan - they are looking into merging with the federal program.
But you can own property in Malaysia....not in Thailand
I'm looking at cambodia.. because of citizenship, thus owning property.. yes, I know the work arounds. But Thailand is where I would be for the food and people 1000%. Moo krab.. you rock. Great video.
Cambodia is the wild west compared to Thailand. No rule of law and being taken over by Chinese. Forget about trying to do any business there.
I hear you but Bangkok is a little crazier and I like a little bit crazy . I’ve been to KL and it’s boring for me, nice to visit but definitely not to live. Bangkok it’s just so much more international and the food nightlife hands-down wins . Great video well done.👍
I agree with your statement.
Every one had they on choice 😊
Nice trip summary. My only comment is about the plane tickets. $90 round trip? Sounds like cargo.
Haha, right? At that price, I half expected my seat to come with a free bag of peanuts and a side of bubble wrap!
AirAsia is great
His is the affect of burning season in Malaysia compared to Thailand?
Both cities are heavily polluted.
The main difference between these countries is the state religion. Muslim vs Buddhism. I worked in Malaysia for six weeks and my Muslim co-workers were very good to work with except for the multiple periods in the day when they were off for pray time, and I had to adjust my schedule to accommodate this. It was strange for me to see so many women in which I could only see their faces. The restrict culture in Malaysia does not allow for the illicit industry in Thailand. Love my week in KL The Batu Caves, Petronas Towers, Pavillion Mall complex at night, Petaling Street.
Been to KL, agree with most of what you mention, it was ok, but found the may systems of transit being not connected to each other kinda frustrating... Have a few places still on my list, Penang, Highlands, JB... Wanna take a luxury bus to Highlands from Thailand, or Singapore... Also the train from BKK to Penang, and maybe Singapore... Not sure if the unrest in the south of Thailand prevents that though...
Every place has ots pro and con
For convenience 711 in Malaysia is nowhere as good as 711 in Thailand. 711 in Malaysia you have a choice of 3 chicken sandwiches.
Kl you will wait 5 minutes for a light to change to cross the street.
Very easy,if you looking for nightlife , wine , women go to Thailand
Glad you enjoyed mate…I lived in Langkawi Island 4 years pre covid…Enjoyed it with a great expat community…
I found Malaysians friendly and helpful when approached, but they are much less likely to approach you uninvited.
We are more used seeing westerners and foreigners.
Also, most of the executives that you meet most probably had attended a western university.
both good options, KL more on the conservative side :)
😮😊😂 Enjoy bro
Nice
You chose the words OUR 711
says it all
😂
I was in Kuala Lumpur once in the 90's and I met a guy in a bar and I asked about him drinking beer. He said that alcohol is not forbidden (in islam) only intoxication, so he had one beer only :)
KL is a great place for family trip and clean air, no honking, calming vibe and full of greenery.
Agreed!
But the drivers don’t yield for pedestrians.
Monkeys but no weed? That's not right. 😂
Took my missus to KL earlier this year. She said it’s a lot cleaner than Bangkok and a nicer vibe ie no bar girls shouting at you all the time…….. we might go to Penang in a few months and see if that appeals to us more to consider maybe living there instead of jomtien
I did enjoy the food more than Thai food but that’s just me
As for the women, they are not told or forced to dress like that for the most part. They do it as they do not like being stared at by guys. My ex-girlfriend was Malay and her mum who was widowed chose to dress like that when she went out 🤷♂️
We went to the Batu caves too. Did not enjoy those stairs in the stifling heat or the stench there 😝
Yes in these places the men never see a female body so they get over excited when they see some flesh.
Just FYI, the beaches in Penang (Batu Ferringhi) are not good for swimming. And the areas near the beach tends to skew more Malay compared to George Town which is more Chinese and Indian. The beach cities are pretty sleepy and much much much less active than Pattaya. Most of Penang basically shuts down after 9 or 10pm
Malaysia is more conservative and good for family vacation. You don't see old westerners with young local girls and don't have to answer questions from your children about what they see as peculiar
@@hasnanhashim4386yeah for sure……. although I don’t have kids and the missus is the exact same age as me…… albeit she is Thai
Although I was from Malaysia, I did not understand the thing about women covering their heads. Growing up in the 70s/80s, it was less common. Our teachers certainly did not do that. Even the rulers' wives did not cover their head. Just look at the photos and portraits of yesteryears.
I did not like the vibes someone(s) was pushing for, and it was one of the main reasons which made me left.
Oh well, it's just an opinion. i am just another ungrateful anak betrayed his land and soil 🤣
But back in the days people did cover their heads. Like Mother Mary. They wore veils. Malay kampung women wore sarong covering their heads.
Well Bangkok has triple the population of KL which is a small city in comparison. For me I find KL.is extremely bland and boring compared to Bangkok. But I find all cities are too much after only 3 days I live in rural Trang so closer to KL than I am to Bangkok.
You should show your dogs more on video :P
Agree with your thoughts on KL, access to alcohol is not an issue mostly but travelling to the regional areas might be more of a challenge. Best food market I ever came across was in Khota
Mayasia was part of the British empire which explains why most people speak english & also the reason why there are so many people of Indian heritage, British colonial rule also contributed to the influx of people from China.
Air quality & noise pollution KL is Better than Bkk.
Drug, gun & alcohol violents & crimes are less in Malaysia vs Thailand.
Foreighners can buy landed property in Malaysia.
Losing credibility with that pronunciation of Utapao airport 😂
I feel the same way 🥹
Great video KL definitely not 4 me I'll stick to Suphanburi
Enjoyed watching though
Cheers Lance
Thank you 🙏
@RamzeTravels kopunkup
There are mixed couples but they are mostly Asians with Asians. I am Indian and my wife is a Sabah native.
I have one uncle living near my neighbourhood and his wife is Indonesian. My mum's younger brother (Uncle) is married to a Chinese lady.
Chindian (Chinese mix Indian) are super common in Malaysia and Singapore. They look Malay so people often get confused.
Probably less about race than it is about culture and religion. I think Malays are very unlikely to get into relationships with non-Malays.
Pork is easy to find if you go to a western or Chinese restaurant. It's only the Malay establishments that don't offer it. What is less common is good beef. Also, there are very few muslim ladies that completely cover their faces. While most of them will wear a head scarf (called a tudung and often fairly stylish), the rest of their attire is pretty modern and liberal. They're not exposing much of their body, but jeans and colorful dresses are pretty common.
I thought the same thing. It was like Ramze was describing ladies in Saudi Arabia. They might wear a headscarf.
Pork is commonly available in supermarkets (in its own section of cause) and restaurants. Yes chicken and lamb forward but definitely not "no pork". Disclaimer, Ramze definitely sounds like how an typical north american judges other country.
That's me, typical :)
@ No no it's not meant to be demeaning. You probably feel it too when someone make too quick of a judgment on Thailand especially those short term traveller. Anyway I tested out the water staying in KL last month and I am just about to finishing this month in Bangkok this video caught my interest.
Also, food stalls/restaurants etc. had signs out front to let Muslim knows they serve no por km and no lard so definitely places, especially Chinese food establishment serves pork. I had pork nasi lemak in one of them.
@@penmaxexactly. Alcohol and pork is available in Malaysia as there are a lot of Chinese there but some people like ramze want it everywhere which is why Malaysia is not for them. Each to their own 🤷♂️
@ 100% but don't want to scare people who are considering Malaysia especially KL where pork is actually quite common to find. Shop actually has to out sign out to tell people no pork/lard serve in their shop so not to scare people off.
glad you dont like malaysia.
Didn’t say that. You heard what you wanted. 😜
Malaysia is underrated but very affordable cities with world class facilities. Simple night life not like Thailand because of religion and culture.
@@RamzeTravels noope that actually what you said, i hear it clearly. no offense
Pork wine and women is life? Ok.
As a muslim i would not want to live in a muslim country either.
We NEVER had any of those crazy jumbled up electrical wires..so tired watching comparison video comparing 2 totally different things..no beer no pork??carlsberg brewery is just outside kl centre and our pig farms supplied pork to singapore...
Off you go sir. Find a channel that won’t tire you. You clearly don’t understand that comparisons can be whatever things people choose to compare. Two major SE Asian cities so close together and both frequented by many expats and tourists has so much more in common than you think. I’m sure you didn’t make it this far into my response. You probably got tired 😴
@@RamzeTravels thts why ur dead wrong..even if we are just inch apart we can be totally different..what logic is tht just ur next door ur house should be the same with ur neighbour??u said u travelled alot but ur views are so limited to what u want the things to be rather than what they are..try do things which are similar in kl and bangkok next time i dare u..only then u know we are totally different!
@RamzeTravels and im saying this as someone who travelled to bangkok every month since donkey years and love bangkok for its own uniqueness..but no comparing kl and bangkok just totally different
Did you hear me say once on the video that the cities are similar? I actually list the pros and cons of both. My views is why this channel exists. It is after all, my channel 🫡
@RamzeTravels did i say once its not ur channel??
Nice