THE HAIRY GIRAFFE… IN MALAYSIA
After one week in Malaysia, it’s time to reflect. How did we experience this journey? What were our joys, disappointments, questions, doubts, and discoveries? This is not merely an assessment of a country but rather of a trip—how we perceived it individually and subjectively.
 We are François and Benjamin, Canadian and French giraffe hairstylists and travel enthusiasts. On this blog, discover our travels, tips, moods, and everything you need to become a giraffe hairstylist and embark on travelling the world. An honest blog with photos guaranteed 100% unfiltered and untouched. |
Benjamin’s Travel Reflections
We didn’t stay in Malaysia for very long, barely a week. It’s worth noting that the country wasn’t part of our initial plan, and we added it somewhat spontaneously based on available flights.
We spent a few days in Kuching and a few days in Kuala Lumpur.
East Malaysia (North Borneo) vs. Peninsular Malaysia. I write ‘vs.’ because I feel like I’ve seen two places that almost entirely oppose each other. It’s like a case of “two different worlds.”
To put it simply: I loved Kuching and did not enjoy Kuala Lumpur at all. Paradoxically, I found Kuching to be more modern, more pleasant, and more open than the Malaysian capital, where the weight of religion was very evident and which seemed to be playing at being nouveau riche without having the means. But building the tallest twin towers in the world is not enough to become New York.
Even compared to Dubai, Kuala Lumpur doesn’t have the means to achieve its ambitions and holds little interest for those who love big cities (even the numerous malls have nothing special to offer).
In contrast, Kuching can keep you occupied for several days. The city itself is quite small but very pretty and, most importantly, pleasant. Its inhabitants are exceptionally kind and hospitable. Just a few kilometers from the city center, it’s a paradise for nature lovers, especially those fond of monkeys. Orangutans and proboscis monkeys steal the show from other species and the stunning landscapes. Back in Kuching, the Borneo Cultures Museum is of high quality and provides a rich cultural experience. Such museums are too rare to miss. Those interested in indigenous cultures can spend a good part of the day there and find quality crafts in Kuching.
The contrast with Kuala Lumpur is stark, where the most mundane international brands fill the shopping malls. Like Singapore, there’s a strong sense of multiculturalism in Kuala Lumpur, where each group lives according to its own customs, and capitalism seems to play the role of social glue in the absence of real cultural unity. It’s not surprising to see women lifting their veils to eat fries at Burger King alongside women in miniskirts and plunging necklines. Similarly, while the economic and tourist center, dominated by the Petronas Towers, flaunts flashy architecture, it quickly becomes clear that this is just a façade. Surrounding it, poor and dilapidated neighborhoods stretch for dozens of kilometers. There’s nothing on the horizon that made me want to linger or, even less, return.
If Malaysia wasn’t initially on the itinerary, this short stay has at least made it clear that I must return to Borneo and dedicate the necessary time to explore more deeply a magnificent region with fascinating characteristics. Kuala Lumpur will warrant nothing more than a very brief stopover, unless I find a flight via Singapore…
Check out François’ Travel Reflections:
Find all our other articles on Malaysia:
