Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/911593
40 maltatoday SUNDAY 3 DECEMBER 2017 Travel THE NATIVE Travelling is always a risky business – getting stuck in a touristy area with terrible meals. The same can be said of sightseeing, hotels and nightspots. Travelling to a place where you know people to recommend the right places makes your stay all the more enjoyable. Nicole Vella, 26, was born in Malta, and lived in Kuala Lumpur for a year. If you're visiting Malaysia, these are the places she recommends to hang out like a native. NEED TO KNOW How to get there Emirates offer daily flights between Malta and Kuala Lumpur with a stopover in Dubai Best time to visit KL has a maritime climate suitable for visiting all year round. Weather conditions are hot and humid, but cool down as and when it rains, keeping the temperature balanced. Temperature ranges from 21°C to 33°C. Currency Malaysian ringgit Visas Visitors holding a European passport must obtain a 90-day visa before entering the country. Travellers must also have a passport valid for 6 months. BEST PLACE TO EAT Street local food! Anywhere in Asia, street food is always the best option. It's an experi- ence, one is eating food that is cooked on the spot by the locals at the cheapest rates possible; not more than 10 ringgit (2 euro). China Town and Jalan Alor are the best spots for cheap food stalls and restaurants. There are plenty of food vendors round every corner and down every street. Aside from the street vendors there are plenty of local restaurants around. I could personally live on Indian food and Malay is packed with Indian restaurants. That beautiful dosa or roti not more than 2 ringgit (40c) or a buffet of mouthwatering curries for 8 ringgit (1.60 euro) at most! If you have a sweet tooth, you are spoilt for choice in Malaysia. My favourite; Putu Bamboo (coco- nut bamboo cake) from central market and Apam Balik (peanut pancake turnover) which I used to get from this sweet old Malay- sian guy found in Jalan Petaling, China Town, just five minutes walk from central market. I used to enjoy these treats with some nice Te Tarik! Malaysia Nicole Vella, 26, was born in Malta and lived in Kuala Lumpur for a year BEST PLACE FOR A NIGHT OUT I wasn't much into the nightlife scene when in Malaysia but every now and then everyone needs a good night out. Kuala Lumpur, especially Bukit Bintang, is a hub for countless bars, pubs and extensive alcohol offers. Did I mention that the ladies drink for free? Every night is ladies' night in Kuala Lumpur! Don't bother getting into the motive after this marketing strategy, just go to the bar, order a rum and coke and enjoy! Weekends are of course the busiest but one can enjoy a good night out during the week also. Alcohol in general tends to be quite pricey round Malay but the generous bar offers make up for that.