Ipoh, Malaysia 🇲🇾
#531
4.598681, 101.090023
Nomad Score:
67%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Ipoh is the capital of the Perak state in Malaysia, known for its colonial architecture and food. |
| 👥 Population | approximately 710,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | average 25 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 MYR ≈ 0.22 USD |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, recommended to purchase bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 240V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Maxis, Digi, and Celcom. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Maybank, CIMB, and HSBC are accepted. Online banking options are widely available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from budget hostels to serviced apartments, available on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted, and e-wallets like Touch 'n Go can be used for transactions. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available on Airbnb and local rental services like EasyHome. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel & Dormitory Ipoh offers dorm beds starting from MYR 30 ($7) per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Co-Working Space Ipoh offers good facilities with prices starting from MYR 15 ($3.50) per day. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Coffee Affair is popular among remote workers with good Wi-Fi and power outlets. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups hosted by the Ipoh Entrepreneur Community. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook group for Expats in Ipoh organizes regular social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is the most widely used ride-hailing app. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Rental options are available via local shops; prices typically start at MYR 20 ($4.50) per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Teluk Batik Beach, approximately 40 minutes away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Malindo Air operates flights to Penang and other nearby cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines provide international flights from nearby Penang Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | North–South Expressway (E1) connects Ipoh to major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Ipoh Railway Station serves as the main transit hub for trains. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific passes available; pay as you go for bus services. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and trains connect to Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and other regional cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Kinta Medical Centre offers comprehensive medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Shala Ipoh provides classes and wellness workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First and Celebrity Fitness are well-equipped gyms in the city. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats available in the city, with wash-dry-fold services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda and GrabFood are popular for ordering local cuisine. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Ipoh Hor Fun and Nasi Kandar are must-try dishes. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan Delight serves a variety of plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Ming Court serves some of the best local desserts, including tau fu far. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Dbuy supermarket offers affordable groceries and fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Shopee operate widely for various products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | HappyFresh and GrabMart provide grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Concubine Lane offers a vibrant nightlife experience. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | The Beer Factory serves local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Shop offers a selection of local and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Pasar Malam is famous for a wide variety of street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Western cuisine available at The Cabin, a popular dining location. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Kellie's Castle and Perak Cave Temple are essential visits. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Ipoh World and Han Chin Pet Soo provide cultural insights. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Ipoh's British colonial architecture, notably the Railway Station. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Sam Poh Tong Temple and Kwan Yin Temple are significant. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Ipoh Arts Festival occurs annually showcasing local artists. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old Town area is rich in culture and history. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Town Hall occasionally hosts performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Ipoh Night Market offers local handicrafts and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bands often play at places like The Basement. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street murals in Old Town showcase local artistry. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes available through Old Town White Coffee workshops. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Art Lane features local artists' work. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Post Office is a notable heritage site. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Ipoh is known for its town's rich tin mining history. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Gunung Lang Recreational Park offers natural beauty and outdoor activities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Belum-Temengor National Park is a pristine nature reserve ideal for eco-tourism. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Heritage Walk in Old Town is perfect for exploration. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from Kledang Hill provides stunning vistas of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Lang Mountain is a popular site for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some areas in Taman D.R. Seenivasagam allow bonfires, check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Pos Malaysia and DHL offer reliable delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like iCentre provide tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers offer tables for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Cultural exchange classes available at various community centers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Ipoh City Library is a quiet space for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various centers host activities and classes for expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Internet cafes such as Game Zone offer gaming facilities. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Nearby Genting Highlands has casinos for entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. MYR 3,500 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = MYR 175,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. MYR 2,800 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = MYR 140,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. MYR 3,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = MYR 192,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. MYR 2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = MYR 150,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. MYR 3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = MYR 240,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. MYR 2,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = MYR 184,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 24% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial system for residents |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 28% |
| 🧾 VAT | 6% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable regulations are in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax applies, usually low. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically 3% on property transactions. |