For students Kuala Lumpur provides a high standard of living. The mixture of Western and Asian cultures together with the low price level makes it possible to enjoy a somewhat “expatriate” lifestyle. Most MIBP students live in centrally located apartment hotels and spend the free days traveling around Southeast Asia.
The capital is well known of its shopping malls, with brand clothes/electronics/etc. at bargain prices compared to those of Europe. When one wishes to dig deeper in the local culture, there are lots of exotic cuisines and shops: Malay, Chinese, Indian, Thai, etc.
The participating students usually travel as much as possible. Popular destinations include Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines, etc. and even China.
There are frequent bus connections to the nearby islands’ beach and diving resorts and to the neighboring countries.
The low cost carrier Air Asia (based at the KL airport with about 200 flights a day) makes it possible for exchange students to spend long weekends abroad.
Typically students form groups of 4-5 students, and rent a high standard flat from the free rental market. Many choose one of the apartment hotels downtown, with often a great view over the city through the window, cleaning and 24 hour security service, a large swimming pool on the roof, cable television, etc. As many hotel complexes are an integral part of a shopping mall, there are often restaurants, shops and cafeterias in the basement. Renting an apartment is usually easy, and Academy Access aids the participants by providing a list of brokers who can help in finding a suitable apartment. It is also possible to live in a student dormitory.
The rents in central apartment hotels in Kuala Lumpur are very reasonable. The MIBP students usually share a taxi to school and back.