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Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia 🇲🇾
#532
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Nomad Score:
71%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Kota Kinabalu is the capital of the Malaysian state of Sabah, located on the north coast of Borneo. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is around 500,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps, with options for fiber and mobile broadband. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). 1 MYR ≈ 0.23 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supply is 240V, 50Hz, with Type G sockets in use. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include Digi, Maxis, and Celcom, offering good pre-paid plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards like Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted. ATMs are available throughout the city. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb, local guesthouses, and budget hotels are available; average prices range from MYR 50 to MYR 250 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely, particularly in urban areas and tourist spots. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Short-term rentals are popular, with many options on platforms like Airbnb. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Economical stays can be found at places like The Palace Hotel or boutique hostels priced around MYR 30 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The waterfront area and Likas Bay are popular spots for tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The city center is ideal for digital nomads, offering various cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Borneo 360 and Kota Kinabalu Workspaces are popular for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Waffle Bar + Coffee Co. offers good Wi-Fi and a relaxed atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events often occur at spaces like The Red Room or local cafes; check social media for announcements. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups such as 'Kota Kinabalu Expats' organize regular meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is the most popular app for rides in Kota Kinabalu. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available near Tanjung Aru; look for local shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Tanjung Aru Beach is the closest, just a short drive from the city. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | AirAsia operates most regional flights, connecting with East Malaysia and beyond. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia handle most international travel. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main roads connect Kota Kinabalu to other parts of Sabah and the rest of Malaysia. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There is no train service; buses and taxis are the main forms of transit. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Limited public transport; most locals prefer using taxis or private transport. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operate to nearby towns, with good connections to local attractions. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Queen Elizabeth Hospital is the main public facility, equipped for various needs. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga & Wellness Studio in Luyang offers regular classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym is a popular option for fitness enthusiasts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundries are available, with many in the city center. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda and GrabFood are the leading options for delivery in the area. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Ikan Bakar (grilled fish) is a must-try local delicacy. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Green Road Cafe offers a wide range of vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Korean desserts at Nara Dessert Cafe are popular among locals. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Sunday Market in Gaya Street is excellent for local foods and souvenirs. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada.com.my and Shopee.com.my are popular for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery is available through HappyFresh. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Waterfront is known for its vibrant nightlife, with many bars and lounges. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Sabah Craft Beer is a local favorite known for its unique flavors. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Nok: Wine & Coffee offers a selection of wines and a cozy atmosphere. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | The Night Market at Sinsuran is famous for its diverse street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Kota Kinabalu has numerous Italian, Chinese, and Indian restaurants. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Signal Hill is a perfect spot for panoramic views of the city. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Sabah Museum showcases the rich history and culture of the region. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Atkinson Clock Tower is a well-known historical landmark. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Michael's Cathedral is an impressive architectural site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Sabah International Folklore Festival occurs annually, celebrating local culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Kota Kinabalu's waterfront area is vibrant with local culture and markets. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Sabah Cultural Centre hosts various performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Central Market offers a wide variety of goods from local artisans. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found at various venues, particularly in Lintasan Deasoka. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art is prevalent, with murals showcasing local talent across the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Sabah Cooking School offers classes focusing on local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Little Tree Cafe features local art and hosts community events. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Customs Building is a notable historic site in the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The culture in Kota Kinabalu is a blend of indigenous heritage, reflected in daily life. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Kinabalu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is nearby, offering hiking and birdwatching. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Tun Sakaran Marine Park is known for its biodiversity and snorkeling. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal walkway from the city center to Tanjung Aru is great for walking or cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The city skyline from Signal Hill is breathtaking at sunset. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre is ideal for birdwatching, particularly migratory species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beach areas allow bonfires, specifically at Tanjung Aru. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Pos Malaysia provide reliable shipping services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Repair shops can be found in various malls, particularly in Centre Point Sabah. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Sports complexes around the city often have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local language schools offer courses in Malay and other languages. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Kota Kinabalu City Library is a peaceful place for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various community centers host events and activities for expats and locals alike. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming hubs can be found in major malls, catering to gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos in Kota Kinabalu; gaming is limited to specific venues. |
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 3,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = MYR 304,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. MYR 3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = MYR 240,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | The standard corporate tax rate is 24%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% for non-residents. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on income earned in Malaysia. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The maximum personal income tax rate is 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Goods and Services Tax (GST) is at 6%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Malaysia does have rules regarding CFC taxation. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on the assessed value of the property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate is 4% for properties valued above MYR 400,000. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No special tax breaks, but Malaysia offers a relatively low tax burden compared to many countries. |