As much as we love food in Malaysia, there is no denying that meals in KL can get pretty expensive. Well, YouTuber Mario Hau 孝仔 recently decided to challenge that perception by limiting his spending to RM20 for a day!
Mario Hau is currently in Malaysia for his backpacking journey and of course, he had to make a stop in Kuala Lumpur. However, unlike usual tourists, Mario decided to try something different on his adventure. He limited himself to spending RM20 and only RM20 for a day in Kuala Lumpur.
The YouTuber’s RM20 journey started with him asking for others’ advice. He even spoke to a couple of foreign kids and one of them, a Russian, gifted him a free drink and RM1 to help Mario on his quest. Mario then had his breakfast at a mamak store with roti canai, only costing him RM1.30. He later discovered McDonald’s “Menu Rahmah” which cost RM5, but decided against getting it.
Online research informed him of a cheap lunch place hidden behind the Kuan Yin Temple (观音庙) which sold mixed rice. A plate of rice, veggies and tofu cost him RM6.50. Mario eventually moved on from the temple by hopping onto the free GoKL City Bus before getting off at a random stop. He explored the area before buying “Tauhu Pentol” from a street food vendor for RM1 and got water from another for 50 sen.
Mario’s other biggest problem was transport. Luckily, a local man gave him a free bike ride to where he needed to go and he used RM2.80 for a ride on the monorail. Another RM3.90 was used for a ride on an electric scooter to get him to his final destination. Mario then finished the day off with a Ramly Burger which cost him RM4.
All in all, Mario Hau managed to spend exactly RM20 on a day out in Kuala Lumpur, which is no easy feat. However, many, including Mario himself, noted that he had only managed his challenge thanks to the kindness of those he encountered on his journey. The Hong Kong YouTuber later commented: “I also think that the most beautiful thing (about) Malaysia is the people! You guys are really (friendly).”
Many in the comments section thanked him for highlighting Malaysians’ kindness while some took the opportunity to share ways they too had been helped by Malaysians. As one netizen commented: “I am proud of being a Malaysian. This isn’t the most prosperous place, but it is the most humane. Thank you for picturing Malaysians’ kind side.” Others shared similar sentiments.
Well, we’re delighted Mario Hau had a good (and cheap) day out in Kuala Lumpur. We certainly acknowledge that it was no easy feat, but it opened up opportunities for him to experience a different side of the city and its people. Like his fans, we hope to hear more about his KL adventures again soon!
Check out his video here:
