Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia III

Kuala Lumpur is a bit dirtier than Tokyo, but no dirtier than New York City (Manhattan). The streets have a bit of garbage in the gutters and trash smells strong given the heat. I found the car exhaust the most difficult. When walking through busy areas with trucks and buses (both diesel), I would have pounding headaches that sometimes lasted for hours. These only finally faded when I left the city. At the end of a few days I was dulled to the sensation. I wonder if anyone has studied the effects on children? Some people worked on the streets selling food or goods, or even shining shoes. Idling buses and trucks sat nearby. They appeared fine.

Most public buses in Kuala Lumpur, and Malaysia for that matter, were not air-conditioned. Shocking as this may be to some foreigners, locals generally adapt to the hot and humid conditions. It is common for Singaporeans to live most of the year without air-conditioning at their homes. A breeze from open windows is enough. Don't worry: Long distance buses in Malaysia are like refrigerators inside.