An expert expat’s tips for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Originally from tiny Tooraweenah in country NSW (population 250), editor and educator Monica Tindall has spent 20 years in Kuala Lumpur, where she is the founder and editor of Malaysian food blog The Yum List, theyumlist.net

SEE REXKL in KL's Chinatown was once a theatre, burnt out twice. It has now been revamped into one of the most vibrant entertainment, dining and community hubs in the city, while maintaining the character of the area. Here, you'll find some of the hottest eateries in the city, a sustainable wine bar, a rooftop restaurant, tattoo parlour, an incredibly Instagrammable bookstore and a super-cool event space hosting a diverse line-up from markets to movies, live performances and DJs, to visual artists and even mass yoga classes, rexkl.com

DO Take a walk in Taman Tugu. Once a dumping ground, the green space has since been rescued and converted to over 24 hectares of public park and conservation area. There's a one and a three-kilometre trail through the beautiful jungle. It's one of the best-kept trails in the city and is shaded most of the way, tamantugu.my

EAT First timers (or even old timers) should without doubt try local food done exceptionally well at either Adu Sugar or OpenHouse. The former showcases just how delicious local food can be when made on the freshest ingredients in a funky, character-packed setting - you must try their Wild Rice Kerabu Salad. The latter is upscale dining in an absolutely stunning space in KLCC (the mall below the Petronas Twin Towers), dedicating their work to the preservation of heritage recipes and the use of biodiverse local ingredients. Order their Pais Barramundi seasoned with turmeric, shredded coconut and chilli padi, openhouse.my

DRINK I cannot pick just one bar. The cocktail bar scene in KL is booming with a new spot opening nearly every week. Do a bar hop - trust me, there is a lot to explore. Don't miss a clarified cocktail at Penrose, a glass of sustainable wine at Cheong Somm, Latin vibes and spicy mojitos at Fuego, expertly crafted drinks in exceptionally ridiculous glassware at the Rebel Penguin of Funky Town, and a down and dirty good time at BAC.

AVOID Avoid the red-and-white taxis that mark the exit to big tourist attractions such as KLCC at the base of the Petronas Twin Towers. They don't use the meter and charge three times the price of Grab or other e-hailing services.

THRIVE Book a package at Spa Village at The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur, ritzcarlton.com. The luxury day spa offers treatments deeply rooted in local healing traditions in a five-star setting. Alternatively, save your ringgit and head to Jalan Telawi 5 in Bangsar for foot reflexology by expert masseuses from Borneo.

SEE malaysia.travel