We chat with Dutch expat DENNIS AKKERMAN about moving to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the other countries he’s lived in, and his work and his favourite aspects of life in KL.
Where’s your home and who lives there?
My home is in Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya, Kuala Lumpur. I live here together with my wife Yee Pheng and our adorable dog Roxie.
Tell us a bit about yourself and where you’re from.
I’m originally from The Netherlands. Apart from family and friends, I don’t miss much about my home country. The weird thing is that every time I travel back to The Netherlands, usually twice a year, I crave ‘drop’ (a Dutch liquorice) which I never really liked when I was a kid. On the day of my arrival, I eat one pack of drop and then I’m done with it. It’s some kind of a subconscious reminder of my country of birth. Other typical Dutch products are easily found here in Malaysia, for example Gouda cheese and even stroopwafels (caramel waffles).
Before Malaysia, I lived in Bangalore, Kathmandu and Dublin.
How did you end up moving to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia?
I came to this part of the world more than 20 years ago, for a three-week project. I immediately felt a sense of homecoming. Ever since that trip, my dream was to live in Asia. This dream finally came true in 2013, when I came to Malaysia on a three-year assignment for Friesland Campina (Dutch Lady as it’s known here). It’s been 12 years now, and I’m still living here with no plans to leave.
If you’ve lived elsewhere in Malaysia, what was that like?
I’ve only lived in the Klang Valley area.
What are some things you like about the specific area where you live? Any drawbacks?
It’s affordable with great quality of living, certainly compared to Netherlands. This neighbourhood is well planned and well connected to all major highways, with all services and amenities nearby. The main drawback living in Klang Valley is the traffic congestion.
Tell us more about your property. What was it that sealed the deal for you?
Our property feels like living in a luxury resort. It’s a brand-new low-density development with a pool, gym, rooftop garden and even an onsen. It’s a dual-key concept, so it’s convenient to have my own office at home. My wife found it on Instagram and we immediately bought it after viewing it last year.
Favourite things about Kuala Lumpur?
Petaling Jaya is just outside Kuala Lumpur and is one of the most developed areas in the country yet it isn’t packed with high-rise condominiums. There are multiple shopping malls in close proximity, great restaurants and some nice parks. It doesn’t have the hustle and bustle of KL city centre, yet it’s vibrant and lively. Many international companies are located here as well. In general, I like the melting pot of cultures and delicacies, and the fact that it’s a surprisingly green city for such a densely populated area.
Any advice for newcomers to Kuala Lumpur or Malaysia in general?
Don’t hesitate to ask locals for any advice; they’re very friendly and helpful and make you feel at home very quickly. Install apps like Grab for transport, food and delivery services.
Although almost everyone speaks English, learning a few words in Bahasa Melayu goes a long way. You avoid ending up in a one-way street (jalan sehala) and you’re able to find the exit in buildings (keluar) and ask for less sugar in your drinks (kurang manis).
What do you do for a living? Tell us a bit about your work or any projects you’re involved in.
After my three-year assignment for Friesland Campina ended, I didn’t move back to the headquarters in The Netherlands. Instead, I resigned and started my own business in Malaysia. My first start-up failed, I ran out of money and I almost had to give up my dream of living here. Fortunately, my second business in management training and consultancy took off nicely and in the last three years I started Orbis, which specialises in transformational leadership development. Last year, I also published my first book, The Naked Leader, drawing from my rollercoaster experiences as expat and entrepreneur.
What do you do in your spare time?
In my spare time, I love to travel, run, listen to music and play the guitar. I’m also an avid reader of biographies and books on personal development.
Got any trips or destinations on your bucket list?
I’ve been to 45 countries already, but my bucket list is still long. High on the list currently are Japan, Tibet, Bhutan, Peru, Turkey and Central Asia (Uzbekistan, Tajikistan).
What else are you looking forward to for the rest of the year?
A short trip to Nepal, where I lived before; releasing my second book; and attending the wedding of my best friend Frank in The Netherlands.
Quick questions about your neighbourhood and beyond: what are your favourite…
- Furniture stores: IKEA Damansara, IKEA Cheras
- Schools: Garden International School (Mont Kiara), ISP (Desa Parkcity), Tenby (Setia Alam)
- Doctors: Sunway hospitals
- Hair salons/barbers: I prefer the local traditional barbershops where you can get a haircut done for only 15 RM
- Places to buy clothes: Uniqlo
- Restaurants, cafés, bars: I am vegetarian, so I’m happy that there are many good vegetarian options here – Indian vegetarian in Brickfields, Chin Swee Vegeticing in Publika, Kayra in Bangsar Village (which has vegetarian options)
- Airlines: AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines
- Walks or things to do: TTDI Park, Desa Parkcity, KLCC Park, Bukit Kiara. I also recommend joining KL’s car-free Sunday, monthly on Sunday mornings around KL city centre – you can walk/run/bike around the iconic Petronas Twin Towers (about a 5km roundtrip)
- Things to do with visitors: Thean Hou temple, Brickfields/Little India, Petaling Street/China Town, KL Tower, Batu Caves, FRIM Kepong (a forest reserve in the city), food tours (try and taste everything!)
- Recommended hotels or stays in your city: Stripes Hotel, Majestic Hotel
- Recommended hotels or stays in the rest of Malaysia: Resorts in the YTL group, including Pangkor Laut Resort, Tanjong Jara Resort and The Kasturi
We’ve got plenty more stories of expats moving to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia here.
