Bag it
Hypermarkets and supermarkets rely heavily on the ubiquitous plastic grocery bag, but if you’re trying to be eco-friendly, many are beginning to offer recyclable bags. You can also bring along your own bags, but make sure you bring enough!
Bring it in
International food brands are increasingly available in Malaysia, so keep an eye out and you may be able to find your favourite marmalade on a shelf next to the sambal.
Crowd control
If you don’t like crowds, stay away from the malls on public holidays, because that’s when the whole nation congregates in the malls for a day out. Parents will bring their children for a run around, couples will come to court, school children to hang around aimlessly. Unless you like the crush, stay away.
Doggone it
The Koran has prohibitions against dogs by way of keeping them in homes and touching them. Make sure when visiting a Malay friend that you ask his permission before bringing a dog to their home.
Duty-free delights
Major luxury brands like Chanel, Hermes, Dior etc. are available in Malaysia, but if you don’t want to pay more than you should, check if there’s an outlet in KLIA. Duty-free prices are at least 10 per cent cheaper, and you can even get sales assistants to check if the piece you’re after is available in the airport outlet.
Follow the leader
Watch out for the trailing sales assistant who dogs your every move. You needn’t be unduly offended; they don’t think you’re going to steal something, it’s just part of good customer service here. So that when you do decide on something, they’ll be right at your elbow to answer any questions.
Home delivery
Massage places are springing up everywhere, but if you don’t want to leave your home, there are masseuses that will come to you. These are often by word of mouth only, from a friend of a friend of a friend so ask around if you want to employ the services of a travelling masseuse.
Hop around the city
One sure fire way to get a good overview of KL (and an economical one at that) is to use the Hop On-Hop Off service that Tourism Malaysia offers. There are altogether 22 stops around KL at which you can simply hop on or hop off the bus; a great way to see the city in rolling fashion, all told taking 45 minutes. One ticket lasts 24 hours and allows unlimited use in that period.
Schedule: 8:30am to 8:30pm at 30 minute intervals
You have to be patient in waiting as punctuality is affected by the condition of the traffic in the city.The tickets can be purchased on the bus, at travel agents, hotels and agents that display the Hop on-Hop off bus logo.
Adult: RM38 per person
Group of more than five adults: RM32 per person
Children age 5 and above: RM17 per person
Students: RM17 per person
Senior Citizens: RM17 per person
Disabled persons: RM17 per person
Children below 5 years old do not have to pay.
For MyKad holders, the ticket is priced at RM19 per person during the school holidays.
www.myhoponhopoff.com
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