Ipoh, Malaysia 🇲🇾
#531
,
Nomad Score:
68%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Ipoh is known for its colonial architecture and limestone hills, serving as the capital of Perak state. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 700,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 50 Mbps, with many cafes and coworking spaces offering Wi-Fi. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 MYR ≈ 0.23 USD, widely accepted cards and mobile payments like GrabPay. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is commonly used. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Digi, Celcom, and Maxis. Prepaid SIMs are available at airports and convenience stores. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common banks like Maybank and CIMB, with facilities for expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from budget hostels to luxury serviced apartments via Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards and e-wallets are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through Airbnb and local property rental agencies. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel: The Bed Box, approx. 50 MYR per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Old Town Ipoh for its heritage buildings and local eateries. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Greentown for its cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Co, offering flexible desks and fast internet, located in Greentown. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Plan B Cafe provides a conducive atmosphere with good coffee and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups at The Co and local entrepreneurial events listed on Facebook. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Ipoh Expats Group on Facebook for community gatherings and activities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is the most popular ride-hailing app in Ipoh. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Motorbike rentals available at various shops, approx. 30 MYR per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Teluk Batik Beach, approximately 30 minutes away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Firefly operates regional flights from Ipoh. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Malaysia Airlines connecting through Kuala Lumpur. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | E1 North-South Highway for easy access to Kuala Lumpur and Penang. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Ipoh Railway Station, connecting to Kuala Lumpur and other cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Limited public transport; Grab or taxis preferred. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses from AmanJaya Bus Terminal to nearby cities like Taiping and Kuala Lumpur. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | KPJ Ipoh Specialist Medical Centre - offers comprehensive healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga House Ipoh, offering classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First located in the Ipoh Parade shopping mall. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Bubbly Laundry services located around Greentown. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda is widely used for food delivery in Ipoh. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Ipoh Hainan Chicken Rice, famous for its flavor. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Giddy House, a vegan-friendly cafe in Old Town. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Funny Mountain Soya Bean for its famous tau foo fah. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Pasar Bulat (night market) for a variety of local foods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Shopee for online shopping needs. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Happy Fresh for fresh produce and grocery items delivery. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Old Town area with various pubs and live music venues. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | The Beer Factory offers local brews and a lively atmosphere. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vintry provides a selection of wines in a cozy setting. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Medan Selera Ipoh for a variety of street food options. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Hakka cuisine can be found at Restaurant Taman Bunga. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Kellie's Castle and Ipoh's iconic Birch Memorial Clock Tower. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Han Chin Pet Soo Museum showcases Ipoh's tin mining history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Ipoh Railway Station, known for its colonial architecture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Perak Cave Temple, famous for its beautiful sculptures. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Ipoh International Run, celebrating local health and fitness. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Old Town for its heritage walks and local arts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Ipoh's Cultural Centre for local performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Kong Heng Square, a hub for artisan crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The Old Town area has live music performances regularly. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art murals found throughout Old Town, attracting many visitors. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Malaysian Food Tours offers cooking workshops. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Lost World of Tambun hosts art exhibitions and shows. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old Post Office Building, showcasing colonial architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Perak Heritage Society promotes cultural awareness in Ipoh. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Kinta Nature Park for its serene environment and trekking paths. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Taman Negara is a 1.5-hour drive, famous for ecotourism. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Ipoh Heritage Trail for cycling and walking tours around the city. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Lang Mountain offers picturesque views of Ipoh. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Kinta River Wetlands is perfect for birdwatching enthusiasts. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Many parks allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Pos Malaysia and DHL offer reliable parcel services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Nearby tech shops in the city center provide repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Ipoh Table Tennis Association provides spots to play. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Wall Street English offers English language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Perak State Library for students and remote workers. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Kinta Riverfront offers spaces for cultural activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Red Dot gaming lounge for video game enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos in Ipoh; nearest ones in Genting Highlands. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 3,000 MYR per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 120,000 MYR) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 2,500 MYR per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 100,000 MYR) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 2,800 MYR per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 168,000 MYR) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 2,100 MYR per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 126,000 MYR) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 2,600 MYR per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 208,000 MYR) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,900 MYR per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 152,000 MYR) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 24% on company profits. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | No withholding tax on dividends paid to residents. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial tax system, charging tax only on Malaysian income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% for individuals earning above 2 million MYR. |
| 🧾 VAT | 6% Goods and Services Tax (GST). |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are rules governing tax on foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on annual rental value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Purchasers pay a tiered stamp duty of 1% to 4%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Tax incentives exist for foreign individuals residing less than 183 days. |