Malaysia

Cost of living

What a month costs

Street food and transport are dirt cheap, imported goods and cars are not.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

See and do

Top 10 in Kuala Lumpur

1. Petronas Twin TowersThe iconic steel spires with a skybridge and the KLCC park below.
2. Batu CavesA giant golden statue, 272 rainbow steps and Hindu shrines in a limestone cave.
3. Menara Kuala Lumpur (KL Tower)A communications tower with the best panoramic view over the skyline.
4. Merdeka SquareThe colonial-era green where independence was declared in 1957.
5. Petaling StreetThe heart of Chinatown, packed with market stalls, temples and hawker food.
6. Sri Mahamariamman TempleThe oldest and most ornate Hindu temple in the city.
7. Thean Hou TempleA grand six-tiered Chinese temple with lanterns and hilltop views.
8. National MosqueA striking modernist mosque with a folded blue roof and open courtyards.
9. Central MarketAn art deco hall of craft stalls, batik and local souvenirs.
10. KL Bird ParkA huge walk-in aviary in the Lake Gardens full of free-flying birds.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

1. MalaccaTwo hours south for Dutch-era streets, Nyonya food and river walks.
2. Genting HighlandsA cool mountaintop resort with casinos, theme parks and a scenic cable car.
3. Cameron HighlandsRolling tea plantations, strawberry farms and jumper weather up in the hills.
4. PenangThe country's food capital, with George Town heritage lanes and street art.
5. IpohOld tin-mining charm, limestone caves and famous white coffee.

Coffee

Best cafes

1. VCRA converted shophouse near Pudu doing serious coffee and all-day plates.
2. Feeka Coffee RoastersA leafy Bukit Bintang favourite for espresso and lazy afternoons.
3. Merchant's LaneA hidden upstairs cafe in Chinatown with vintage charm and fusion brunch.
4. The Red BeanbagA bright, busy brunch spot at Publika loved by the expat crowd.
5. PULP by Papa PalhetaA cavernous roastery-cafe inside an old printing works in Bangsar.

Restaurants

Where to eat

1. Bijan Bar & RestaurantRefined traditional Malay cooking in a calm garden setting off Bukit Bintang.
2. DewakanThe pioneering fine-dining kitchen putting modern Malaysian produce on the map.
3. Nobu Kuala LumpurSky-high Japanese-Peruvian dining on the 56th floor of Tower 3.
4. Old China CafeNostalgic Nyonya classics in a former guild house in Chinatown.
5. Enak KLPolished heritage Malay dishes tucked inside Starhill Gallery.
6. Marini's on 57A rooftop Italian restaurant and bar staring straight at the Twin Towers.
7. NadodiInventive tasting menus tracing South Indian and Sri Lankan roots.

Morning

Best breakfast

1. Yut Kee RestaurantA beloved 1928 Hainanese kopitiam famous for toast, roti babi and chicken chop.
2. Village Park RestaurantThe spot people queue for the city's best nasi lemak with fried chicken.
3. LOKL Coffee Co.A friendly Chinatown cafe doing big breakfasts and good flat whites.
4. AntipodeanThe go-to Bangsar brunch house with hearty Aussie-style plates.
5. Nathalie's Gourmet StudioA French patisserie and brunch room at Publika for croissants and eggs.
6. Ali, Muthu & Ah HockA cheeky all-day kopitiam serving Malay, Indian and Chinese breakfasts side by side.
7. WondermilkA cosy Damansara cafe known for pancakes, cupcakes and weekend brunch.
8. Restoran Win Heng SengA no-frills Imbi morning institution for pork noodles and roast pork.
9. Devi's CornerA round-the-clock Bangsar mamak for roti canai, teh tarik and cheap dosai.