Epsom College

Since I have lived in Malaysia previously, many of its immediate and striking qualities have already embedded themselves in my memory. But it has been nine years since I was last here. So what are some of things that have struck me this time around?

• The weather is often dramatic. It is hot and humid and when the sun is out, it's beautiful, even in the middle of the city. When it rains, it rains! The storms are fantastic events - who needs firework displays?
• KL is a vibrant city; not as full-on as Bangkok, but busy nonetheless.
• The road system has improved greatly over the years and it's easy to get about. Taxis are readily available, but do insist on the meter as some drivers try to barter the fare.
• Driving is easy. Use the left hand side of the road as in the UK. Fellow road users are relatively considerate, although many drive painfully slowly.
• Road signs are generally clear, if a little randomly placed and rush hour traffic can vary considerably. You can just as easily find it grinds to a halt as it does sail along.
• Finding your way around is relatively straightforward. Many people use GPS devices, although I have relied on Google Maps with success so far. If all else fails, stop and ask someone. In my experience, people are always ready to help.
• Outside the high-rise landscape of KL, rural Malaysia is stunning. Get off the beaten track and there are some great sights and experiences waiting for you.
• Cultural events and celebrations are plentiful and contribute wonderfully to the rich experience.
• Cameron Highlands, Malacca, Penang and Langkawi are all easily accessible from KL (either by road, rail or air) and possess their own delightful identities and characters. The east coast is also an advised destination for a short relaxing break or for those interested in diving. And we haven't even touched on East Malaysia yet!
• If you like retail therapy, KL will accommodate you well. There are extensive shopping malls all over the place, and you can find almost everything you might be accustomed to in the UK.
• Food shopping is straightforward and, whilst not everything is available in a preferred range, there is plenty of choice. Non-Halal foodstuff is plentiful.
• Nightlife is localised and certainly quieter than Bangkok! But there is an enormous variety of restaurants, local eating places, fast food outlets, coffee shops and bars - enough to satisfy almost any taste or preference.
• Smoking is still permissible in bars and I have yet to discover much in the way of live music, which is a bit disappointing.
• Malaysia is ideally placed to explore South-East Asia further. Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia are neighbours. Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia are right on the doorstep, and AirAsia to hand keeps the cost of getting there very affordable!

I have only scratched the surface. In starting any new job overseas a multitude of emotions are experienced. From the euphoric, adrenalin rush at arrival and the excitement of so much that is new, to the realisation that you're here to live and not just for a holiday, that this place is different and moves to different rhythms compared to where you have come from. Come expecting highs and lows, delights and challenges, and this will be a country and an adventure which will you remember with affection in the years to come.