Johor Bahru, Malaysia 🇲🇾
#530
,
Nomad Score:
70%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Johor Bahru is the capital of Johor state in Malaysia, situated just across the causeway from Singapore. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1.5 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 40 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Malaysian Ringgit (MYR), 1 USD ≈ 4.20 MYR |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 240V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Celcom, Digi, and Maxis are popular providers with 4G coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Maybank and CIMB are widely used, and international cards are accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, serviced apartments, and local rentals. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards and mobile payments (e.g., Touch 'n Go) are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local platforms such as Roomz and ibilik offer good options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like The Backpackers Paradise and Budget Hotel Johor Bahru are affordable. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Bukit Bintang offers a vibrant atmosphere and proximity to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The central area, particularly around the Sutera Mall, provides amenities and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | WORQ at Starling Mall is popular among digital nomads. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Replacement - Lodge & Kitchen offers a nice ambiance and good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups organized by the Johor Tech Community take place regularly. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Expats Johor Bahru Facebook Group organizes weekly meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Gojek and Grab are the most commonly used ride-hailing apps. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Urban Scooter has rental services for scooters and bikes. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Desaru Beach is approximately 1 hour away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Firefly offers regional flights to various destinations within Malaysia. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia are key carriers operating from Senai International Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The North-South Expressway provides excellent connectivity to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Johor Bahru Sentral is the main transit station for train services. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | MyRapid cards are used for public transport options like buses. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operate regularly to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | KPJ Johor Specialist Medical Centre is a reputable healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | YogaOne Studio offers various yoga classes for different levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First at JB City Square has a range of equipment and classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats like Laundrette and Happy Laundry are available. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda and GrabFood dominate the delivery service market. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Nasi Lemak is a must-try Malaysian dish, commonly available at local eateries. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Veggie Garden Cafe serves a variety of vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Chakri Palace offers a delightful range of Thai desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Johor Bahru City Square has a great selection of affordable shops. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Shopee are popular e-commerce platforms. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | HappyFresh and Tesco offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Taman Mount Austin is known for vibrant nightlife options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | The Beer Factory provides a selection of local brews. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Rooftop bars at the KSL Resort offer wide selections including wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | The night markets at Taman Sentosa feature an array of street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants serving Japanese and Korean food are widely available. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque is a stunning example of Victorian architecture. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Royal Abu Bakar Museum is a must-visit for cultural enthusiasts. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple is significant in the city’s history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | A landmark, the Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple, is worth a visit. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Johor Bahru Arts Festival is celebrated every March. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The heritage area around Jalan Dhoby boasts colorful street art. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Johor Bahru Convention Centre often hosts cultural performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Pasar Karat is a popular flea market for local crafts and goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Craft beer bars often feature live music sessions. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The murals along Jalan Tan Hiok Nee are Instagram-worthy. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking with the Wilayah offers workshops in local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Johor Bahru Art Gallery showcases local artists' work. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Grand Palace is a significant historic building in Johor Bahru. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The aromatic coffee culture reflects Johor's cultural heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Gunung Pulai Recreational Forest is ideal for hiking and picnicking. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Endau-Rompin National Park is about 2 hours away, featuring diverse wildlife. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The path at Danga Bay offers a scenic cycling route along the waterfront. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from Bukit Science is great for city panoramas. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands at Pantai Lido are known for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Selected areas in Taman Perling allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Pos Malaysia provide efficient delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Mobile repair shops are available in shopping malls like City Square. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers often have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The British Council offers English language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Perpustakaan Awam Johor is a quiet place to study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Johor Bahru Chinese Heritage Museum hosts community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | GameHub offers console gaming options and a comfy atmosphere. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Resorts World Genting, not far from Johor Bahru, has a world-class casino. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. MYR 4,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = MYR 180,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. MYR 3,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = MYR 140,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. MYR 4,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = MYR 240,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. MYR 3,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = MYR 180,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. MYR 3,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = MYR 280,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. MYR 2,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = MYR 224,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 24% standard corporate tax rate |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% for local companies |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial tax system; income earned outside Malaysia is exempt. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% for individuals earning over MYR 2 million. |
| 🧾 VAT | 6% Goods and Services Tax (GST) |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No CFC rules apply in Malaysia. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Between 1% to 3% depending on property value. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No foreign income tax; perfect for digital nomads. |