Tourist from China Criticises Kuala Lumpur as the “Worst Travel Experience”
A tourist from China has recently sparked controversy with a scathing review of her trip to Kuala Lumpur, describing it as the “worst travel experience” she has ever encountered. The video, originally shared on Douyin and later circulated on other social media platforms, has elicited strong reactions from Malaysians, with some agreeing with her criticisms while others defend the city.
Impressions of Disconnection and Chaos
The tourist, who hails from Shanghai, expressed her disappointment with Kuala Lumpur, stating that her impression of the capital city was one of “disconnection and chaos.” She highlighted the overwhelming noise pollution, which she found unbearable.
One of her primary criticisms was the stark contrast between the shabby buildings and modern skyscrapers coexisting in the same area. She remarked, “It feels like a relatively underdeveloped place where a few skyscrapers were suddenly constructed…only the PETRONAS Twin Towers and maybe one or two shopping areas were busy — the rest of the city feels backwards.”
Regarding the city’s aesthetics, she lamented the “messy urban planning and construction,” stating that it lacked a sense of beauty.
Safety Concerns and Harassment
The tourist also raised concerns about the lack of pedestrian walkways, recounting her experience of walking along busy roads with her friend. “My friend and I basically had to walk one behind the other [on a sidewalk]. It was extremely hard for two people to walk beside each other,” she explained. She described feeling unsafe as the pavement would often disappear, forcing them to navigate around motorcycles speeding by.
Additionally, she alleged instances of harassment, claiming that upon stepping outside, she felt as if she were in India due to the attention from groups of men. She reported being catcalled and even pushed towards by men in the KLCC area. A particularly alarming incident involved a homeless man who allegedly attempted to make physical contact with her and her friend, causing them to flee in fear.
The tourist also expressed frustration over an e-hailing driver who misled them to a night market that was closed, resulting in additional expenses for a ride back to their hotel.
A Silver Lining
Despite her criticisms, the tourist did find a positive aspect during her stay: the hotel. She praised the affordability of her accommodation, noting that she spent only 300 yuan (around RM200) for a hotel featuring a rooftop infinity pool and a view of the PETRONAS Twin Towers.
Mixed Reactions from Malaysians
The tourist’s review has prompted mixed reactions among Malaysians. Many on Reddit resonated with her grievances, speculating that her experience may have been negatively impacted by her choice of location, particularly near the ICC Pudu area, known for its less desirable environment.
Conversely, some Malaysians reacted strongly against the tourist, claiming she faced cyberbullying following the release of her video. In response to the backlash, she clarified that her intention was not to offend anyone but to express her frustration over the exaggerated portrayal of Kuala Lumpur on Chinese social media. She emphasized, “I don’t want the situation to escalate into a conflict between Chinese and Malaysian citizens,” and plans to release a follow-up video to address misunderstandings and concerns raised by Malaysian viewers.
Conclusion
The tourist’s experience highlights the complexities of travel and the varying perceptions of a city. As discussions continue, it remains essential for both visitors and locals to engage in constructive dialogue to foster understanding and improve the travel experience in Kuala Lumpur. Do you agree with the tourist’s critique of KL? Share your thoughts in the comments!