Massive shopping malls can be right next to you without knowing.
Clothing and alcohol are Aussie prices. Transport, food, accommodation are 1/3 to 1/2 price.
The place is modern. Travel cards, Uber alikes, cards taken everywhere. Pretty clean for a humid Asian city, although the smells of rotting fruit and carpet are everywhere.
The cultural mix is almost like Blade Runner. Indians, Arabs, Malays, Chinese. Apart from headscarves the Muslim aspect is not visible.
The city seems to be struggling with how much it has English language. Much more English than most places in Asia. But not effortless for visitors. Signage is a mixed bag.
Holding doors open gets no response from anyone.
Motorbikes seem to be allowed to ignore some traffic lights.
Cops don’t (seem to) have guns 🙂
Fashion doesn’t exist here. In Aussie terminology almost everyone is dressed like a bogan.
White foreigners aren’t much of a factor, and very little caters for any home comforts they might be after. This is good of course.
Probably the best introduction to South East Asia for anyone who wants a taste during a stopover.