Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is not the top destination for Tokyoites. The beaches of Phuket or the party happening cities like Hong Kong or Taipei are the more popular destinations for weekend travelers. Still, if you have the chance to visit Malaysia you may find there is just as much fun to be had within KL itself.

As some of you may know I have been dating travel host and Malaysian heartthrob Henry Golding. While Tokyo and KL is a long distance to have a relationship my frequent trips have led me to discover some of the most intimate secrets about KL. This photo of Henry and I was taken by friend and photographer Anna Rina during out trip to Paris last year. Check Anna’s fun photographs on her site here

Let me introduce my saviour. Low cost airline AirAsia . Although this flight is stripped of comfort like televisions and blankets, influctuation, fuel surcharges, and last minute bookings do not apply to AirAsia airlines. At the moment they fly once per day on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday; however, a little bird told me that from March 2012 they will be flying to Haneda and from KL everyday!

Upon arriving in KL check yourself into Villa Samadhi. A retreat in the city that offers complete relaxation and pampering. Even if it is just for one night their quiet facility will put you at ease and their delicious food gives you reason not to leave for a drink or a bite.

While KL may not be the smartest place to shop, the local food and activities are one of a kind. Ever tried banana leaf rice? Traditionally a South Indian dish where curried sauces, fried fish, or chicken is served on a banana leaf along with sides of assorted vegetables, pickles, and papadum. Because this is an Indian dish remember to eat with your right hand and not your left. After the meal, fold the banana leaf towards you when you are finished to indicate that the meal was satisfying.

I prefer to eat my meal with a local pancake, roti canai.

Another local delicacy is durian. Famous for its’ pungent smell durian is a love it or hate it kind of fruit. I have never found fans for durian quite like Malaysians. Honestly, have you ever seen an all-you-can-eat fruit buffet, much less a durian buffet? Durian is a guilty pleasure kind of dessert many people eat as a family or group due to the unmistakable odor that lurks on your breath and hands. As I learned, there are many grades to durian which vary in creaminess and sweetness. The top of these is Musan King which I am now a BIG fan of. Next time you smell durian lurking around try it, you just might like it!

Liv Lo

Much like Edwin jeans are to the U.S., MOUSSY’S rock influenced vintage style jeans are a signature brand for women in Japan. Moussy campaigns, often shot by Terry Richardson, are sexy, edgy, and reflect Moussy’s image of “American inspired Japanese casual style”. The leading brand of Baroque Limited Japan since 2000, Moussy  has continued to develop its brand portfolio by successfully launching new brands such as Black by Moussy, AZUL by Moussy and a new favorite of mine Underbar by Moussy. The success of the original Moussy pop-up-store in NYC during 2011 Fashion’s Night Out confirms that Moussy is also an American fashion favorite and a brand that is here to stay.

Everyone has seen the enormous sumos wrestling in the arena on television, but few have had the opportnity to witness a live match for themselves. Sumo is one of Japan’s national sports where many traditions and rituals are still withheld. The rules are simple, the matches are fast. The wrestler who first touches the ground with anything besides the soles of his feet, or who leaves the ring before his opponent, loses. Weight is essential for sumo as there is no weight class. Sumo’s wrestle against another sumo of their same division or level.

Six tournaments are held every year, each one lasting 15 days. Three of the tournaments are held in Tokyo (January, May, September), and one each in Osaka (March), Nagoya (July) and Fukuoka(November). The sumo official website is available in both Japanese and English.

Although I have lived in Japan for four years I was only lucky enough to have the time to make it to a match in the Ryogoku Kokugikan on January 12, 2012. Grand Sumo begins early from around 9:00 and goes till around 18:00. Our group skipped the early morning preliminary bouts to catch the med-high level Juryo division bouts around 15:00. By that time the cheaper free seating area were all sold out as was the TV camera angle. (The ideal angle to sit is the front or camera angle, so you don’t get butts or just the referee’s backside). Still, we managed to score box tickets for around 11,300¥ per person in East A side which is the second “most ideal spot”. Not bad seats considering we arrived only minutes before without reservations.

Of course Japan’s hero Asashoryu won the tournament. The final day of sumo on 1/22/2012 is already sold out so try and make it for the next round in May in Tokyo.