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JimDunlop2 · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Posts: 2286 Location: Japan

Hi all. Some of you may know me from the Japan forum -- that's my home... But I thought this post would be better suited for a more general Asian audience.

Having done a search on Dave's, as well as a general search on Google as to what health precautions (such as vaccinations) I should have before visitng Kuala Lumpur, I have concluded -- there is no consensus. I checked the CDC, and several other websites, but most give only general information for Malaysia, and it's hard to ascertain actual risk from remote possibility based on it.

Can anyone give me a solid answer on what I, (currently living in Japan) should do to prepare myself for a 3-day stopover trip to KL, on my way to Europe, from July 31 to Aug 3? None of the sources seem to agree on what I should do.

Hep A? typhoid? Cholera? Should I be worried about Dengue fever? If so, should I be buying mosqito netting to sleep under? Soak myself in DEET?

Advice would be great.

Also, if anyone has any advice on: an inexpensive place to stay (haven't booked accomodations yet) and some not-to-miss things to do or places to visit, that'd be great! Any references to websites on these topics are appreciated as well.

Cheers,

JD

travelasia · Joined: 17 Jul 2004 Posts: 25

kl is an advanced city..and ..is not as prone to dengue fever as the other remote parts of malaysia. but having said that..just be sure to cover yourself in bug spray when you head out. ive lived in that part of the world for most of my life and never had to use mosquito replellant once. but times are changing..and the number of cases of dengue fever have gone up.also, in regards to hep a..beware of eating seafood..ie cockles its called hum ( in the local dish called kway teow) which the locals and i swear dont taste the same without it. try the oyster omellette as well..but beware of hep a. some people try to stay away from that sort of shellfish and the like as it is more prone to contamination ..which will result in hep a transmission.get all your shots...and have fun. cholera is something you dont have to worry too much about. try the local food..if wary..try the food courts..dont miss out. and have lots of fun

travelasia · Joined: 17 Jul 2004 Posts: 25

are you interested in shopping..food? musuems? electronics? the journey from the airport in kl to downtown is close to an hour..but kl is a fun city..ill write more after work. charm the locals with your knowledge of malay?

travelasia · Joined: 17 Jul 2004 Posts: 25

wonder why the term got beeped.. the seafood to be wary of is a called cookles..im mispelling this so it wouldnt get beeped

Bunny · Joined: 19 Jul 2004 Posts: 18

No real health problems in KL. Just be careful in forests (leeches, malaria, dengue, strange skin funguses etc), and Cyberjaya (total boredom)

JimDunlop2 · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Posts: 2286 Location: Japan

I'm just about interesting in anything... Whatever KL is noted for, I'll probably be glad to visit.

I don't speak any Malay, obviously... And I'm not really in a position to learn, although I'll make an effort to learn a few phrases before I go.

In terms of shopping, is there anything that KL is specifically renowned for? I.e. something that I can't get elsewhere or something that is a lot cheaper than anywhere else?