Why we left Kuala Lumpur despite all the good things it offers

We just left Kuala Lumpur after spending 30 days there, working and slowly traveling at the same time. It’s time to do a border run, but it's not the main reason for our departure.

There are several reasons why I don’t see myself returning to Kuala Lumpur in the near future. Firstly, I suffered from a severe cough and sinusitis for an entire month while staying in a one-bedroom condo. 

The apartment, considered above mid-range, cost us about £950 per month and included a gym and pool. However, since it was booked on Airbnb, we had to pay extra fees without any benefit of cleaning or room service. Given my health issues, our pharmacist suggested that the condo might be the major cause, as we spent most of our time indoors.

Secondly, when we first stayed there last year, it was a luxury building with proper services. Unfortunately, this time, it was nothing but disappointing. They had cut costs on cleaning staff, showed no concern for the broken TV or our complaints, and allowed far too many people to smoke inside.

From a work perspective, KL has its perks: good Wi-Fi, plenty of cafés, and a digital nomad scene. But when you’re spending most of your time inside a place that doesn’t feel comfortable, it gets harder to stay productive. I’ve realized that where we stay impacts not just our daily life but also our ability to work well.

Thirdly, although Kuala Lumpur offers a first-world standard of living, I’ve come to realize that I’m truly a beach person. The more time I spend in the city, the more I miss the scent of the ocean, soft sand, warm sunshine, and fresh, clean air.

This experience taught us a valuable lesson: no matter how temporary our stay, having a safe and comfortable place to call home is essential. After more than 300 days of constant travel, for the first time, we find ourselves missing routine and feeling the need for a base. That said, we’re definitely not stopping our travels, but now we know that we need a place with beaches, no hustle of border runs for a couple of months, and the best life standard we can afford. We’re going to Da Nang