For being such a large city Kuala Lumpur has a surprisingly limited number of options when it comes to nightlife. In fact, in the entirety of the backpacker's district there is really only one proper bar called reggae bar. A fun joint with the theme of Marley but the music of Akon, Reggae Bar throws together a huge diversity of folks. White and African travelers mingle with Malaysian beauties, while the Indian Malay staff watches closely. A regular sight at the bar is the gaggle of ten or so ladyboy prostitutes who are constantly trolling for tourists who are not vigilant enough (or too drunk) to notice their Adam's apple.
While most bars in the US with such a laid back name would have an attitude to match you must constantly be on your toes at Reggae KL. In the last two nights there have been no less than three fights. They have not been the most violent beatings I have ever seen but they have been rather one sided. Generally one Malaysian hotshot will have a problem with a foreigner (and generally that foreigner is an African) and, just like in China, once the native-foreigner demarcation has been set it is hard to erase. I have never felt unsafe there... you just have to be sure to give respect where it is perceived to be due. Interesting traveling through Asia.
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