One of Southeast Asia’s top nations for digital nomads is Malaysia. The country has a lot going for it, including excellent development levels, strong English proficiency, and flexible visa choices. Here is a comprehensive guide for digital nomads in Malaysia based on this.
The Best Places for Digital Nomads to Live in Malaysia
Many of the big and medium-sized cities in Malaysia make excellent nomad residences. If this is your first time here, begin in Kuala Lumpur and travel north to Penang.
Malaysia’s Fascinating Capital: Kuala Lumpur
KL is an advanced, efficiently run metropolis. I’d sum it up by saying that it’s a less lavish, cheap version of Singapore. KL is a highly reliable nomad base, although it lacks the vibrant nightlife of Bangkok or the “lost in translation” atmosphere of Tokyo.
Along with gorgeous architecture, there are plenty of cultural attractions to explore. Although it doesn’t compare to other of Asia’s culinary hotspots, the food scene is quite robust. In addition, there are ample coffee shops, coworking spaces for digital nomads, and any amenities they could need. The cost of living in KL is also significantly lower than in Singapore or any other significant Western city.
George Town: The City of Food
George Town, located on the island of Penang, is undoubtedly the most elegant city in Malaysia. Because of its historic shophouses, the city is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It also has a lot to offer in terms of culture, outdoor recreation, beaches, and delicious food.
George Town further highlights Malaysia’s multiculturalism. Some parts resemble China, neighborhoods that are Indian, and a lot more in between. Finally, George Town is a fantastic location for Malaysian digital nomads because it is teeming with chic coffee shops offering fast wifi.
The Tropical Island: GeorLangkawi
Langkawi is a good choice if you’re seeking a tropical break that doubles as a foundation for a digital nomad lifestyle.
Langkawi, Malaysia’s counterpart to the Thai islands, is awash in white sand beaches and exhilarating sports. Its main disadvantage is the distance between Langkawi and other locations in Western Malaysia. Additionally, it is far more appropriate for short-term travel than remote employment.
The underdogs are Malacca, Ipoh, and Putrajaya.
The following three cities should be considered if you’re looking for off-the-beaten-path locations in Western Malaysia.
Malacca boasts lovely colonial buildings and sufficient infrastructure to serve as a nomad base. Although it is a well-liked day trip option from KL, few visitors remain for longer than one or two days. Ipoh, situated halfway between Penang and KL, is one of Malaysia’s most underappreciated cities. Its architecture is similar to George Town’s and boasts a fantastic cuisine scene. I loved going to Ipoh and seeing the magnificent limestone cliffs there. However, in my opinion, it’s too little to serve as a nomad base.
The administrative and judicial hub, MaPutrajaya, is where numerous government organizations are located. The fact that Putrajaya is a planned city is its best feature. It is pristine, cutting-edge, and well-developed. KL is close by, and there are hardly any tourists.
As a result, Putrajaya is a good option to consider if you want to live in a tiny, undeveloped city close to the bustle of KL.
Kuching: the Little-Known Borneo City
To sum up, the greatest place to locate yourself on Borneo’s island is Kuching. Western Malaysia is one world, but Borneo is another. The state of Sarawak, which is less urbanized and more rural, attracts adventurers with its beautiful woods and critically endangered orangutans.
Living expenses in Malaysia
Here is a general budget for a digital nomad in Malaysia. Though not as inexpensive as Vietnam, Cambodia, or Indonesia, the nation is far less expensive than Western nations.
The costs I incurred during my first month in Malaysia are listed here.
900 USD for Airbnbs in KL and George Town; 400 USD for food and drinks; 50 USD for transportation; 100 USD for tourist activities and excursions; and 100 USD for other items like SIM cards, coworking, and barbershops.
The monthly budget for Malaysia’s digital nomads is 1,550 USD. Using a neighborhood rental agency and staying away from fine dining establishments might drastically reduce that budget.
Malaysian accommodations for digital nomads
In Malaysia, renting an apartment is typically the best choice for those who wish to work remotely. The best top picks, in this case, are Airbnb and Booking.com. In the cities, both are similarly expensive.
Transport
Excellent train connections may be found in Western Malaysia’s largest cities, including Butterworth, Penang, Ipoh, Malacca, and Johor. You may ride a business class train with nice seats, complimentary meals, and wifi for about $30 to $40. The cost of the economy train will be halved.
As an alternative, buses are an excellent choice as well. Anywhere in Western Malaysia may be reached by bus from the BTS bus station in Kuala Lumpur. The buses will cost a little less.
Wifi Speed
Malaysia is ranked 38th in terms of wifi speed according to Speedtest. You may anticipate 50MB+ in luxury Airbnbs and coworking spaces. In less expensive lodgings, that amount drops to about 20MB.
To avoid unwanted surprises, it’s wise to ask your hotel or Airbnb in advance, just like in any other country.
Coworking spaces in Malaysia for Digital nomads
The CO KL Coworking Space: Located in Bangsar, just outside of KL’s downtown, The Co provides reasonable prices and top-notch amenities;
The Colony Coworking Space in Kuala Lumpur City Center is among the greatest coworking spaces in KLCC, offering affordable day passes and almost ideal amenities;
Another great coworking facility in the heart of KL is DOJO Kuala Lumpur Coworking;
People and Culture
As was previously said, Malaysia has a diversified population. There is generally little conflict, and the communities get along well. Every town has its traditions, cuisine, and cultural practices. This combination of cultures is, in my opinion, one of the main attractions of visiting Malaysia. Similarly, Malaysians are extremely hospitable to visitors and eager to showcase their country’s best features.
Conclusion
There you have it, then! All the information you need about living as a digital nomad in Malaysia! Of course, some of the lists mentioned above are not all-inclusive, and Malaysia is too big and gorgeous to cover in one sitting! However, you can be sure that living as a digital nomad in Malaysia will be a rich and wonderful experience that will leave you yearning for more. You won’t want to leave with all the interesting sites, excellent locations to live and work, delicious food, and the friendliness of the locals!