Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia 🇲🇾
#532
5.978006, 116.072898
Nomad Score:
66%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Kota Kinabalu, also known as KK, is the capital of the Malaysian state of Sabah located on the island of Borneo. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 500,000 (2024 estimate). |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 MYR ≈ 0.22 USD; ATMs available widely, credit cards accepted. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 240V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Digi, Maxis, and Celcom offering nationwide coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International banks such as Maybank and HSBC operate here, as well as local banks. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, serviced apartments, and guesthouses; average monthly rent is around MYR 2,000 for a one-bedroom. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, mobile payment options like GrabPay are popular. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through platforms like Airbnb and local property websites. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Borneo Beach Villas offer beds starting from MYR 50 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Kota Kinabalu Cyber City offers fast Wi-Fi and networking events. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Sippa Coffee has a friendly atmosphere with good Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional meetups are organized through the KK Digital Nomad Facebook group. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Sabah Expat Community organizes monthly meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is the most popular ride-sharing app in Kota Kinabalu. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rental available at KK City Park for around MYR 20 per hour. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Tanjung Aru Beach is only 15 minutes away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Borneo Airlines operates short domestic flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | AirAsia is a popular option for international travel. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Easy access to the Pan Borneo Highway for regional travel. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Public buses at the Wawasan Plaza bus station serve neighboring areas. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No dedicated transport passes, but bus fares are around MYR 2-5. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Local buses operate to nearby cities like Ranau and Tambunan. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Queen Elizabeth Hospital offers comprehensive medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Sunshine Yoga Studio provides various classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym is a popular fitness center in the city. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats available in most neighborhoods. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | GrabFood is the most popular food delivery service. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Hinava, a traditional Kadazan dish made from fish and lime juice. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Monterey Bay Fish Grotto offers vegan friendly meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Bread Shop is known for its delicious pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Gaya Street Sunday Market is great for budget local eats. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada Malaysia offers a wide range of products for delivery. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | HappyFresh is a reliable grocery delivery service. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The waterfront area offers vibrant nightlife options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Kota Kinabalu Craft Brewery serves locally brewed beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Champagne Bar is popular for wine and cocktails. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | The Filipino Market is famous for fresh seafood and street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Tony Roma's offers American-style dining. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Signal Hill Observatory gives panoramic views of the city. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Sabah Museum explores the region's heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Atkinson Clock Tower is a historical landmark of KK. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The St. Michael's Church exhibits beautiful Gothic architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Kaamatan Festival is celebrated to honor the harvest. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Kampung Air offers a glimpse into traditional living. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Sabah Cultural Centre hosts various performances and shows. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Kota Kinabalu Night Market sells local crafts and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is popular at many bars along the waterfront. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals and street art can be found in the city center. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Sabah Culinary School offers local cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | SABAH Art Gallery showcases local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Post Office is a noted historic structure. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Kadazan-Dusun cultural practices reflect the indigenous heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Kinabalu National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is close for snorkeling and diving. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Likas Bay has a scenic walking and cycling path. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mesilau Nature Resort offers stunning mountain views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Klias Wetlands is a great spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some beaches allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Pos Malaysia are available for shipping needs. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Mobile repair shops can be found in the center of KK. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Public parks often have table tennis tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer classes in Malay and Mandarin. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Sabah State Library is a quiet place for reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural Exchange Centre hosts various community projects. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming lounges are found around the city. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos in KK; nearest is in Langkawi. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. MYR 5,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = MYR 200,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. MYR 4,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = MYR 160,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. MYR 4,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = MYR 270,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. MYR 3,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = MYR 210,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. MYR 4,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = MYR 320,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. MYR 3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = MYR 240,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 24% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Tax rate of 0% for foreign shareholders. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Resident taxation based on income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 28% for income over MYR 1 million. |
| 🧾 VAT | 6% Goods and Services Tax (GST). |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply for Malaysian tax purposes. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Stamp duty of 1%–4% applied to property purchases. |