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Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia πŸ‡²πŸ‡Ύ

#532 ,
Nomad Score: 71%

Essentials

πŸ™οΈ City Kota Kinabalu is the capital of the Malaysian state of Sabah, located on the north coast of Borneo.
πŸ‘₯ Population Approximate population is around 500,000.
πŸ’» Internet Speed Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps, with options for fiber and mobile broadband.
πŸ’Έ Currency & Banking Currency is Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). 1 MYR β‰ˆ 0.23 USD.
🚰 Tap Water Tap water is not drinkable; bottled water is recommended.
πŸ”Œ Power Electricity supply is 240V, 50Hz, with Type G sockets in use.
πŸ“Ά SIM Card Popular providers include Digi, Maxis, and Celcom, offering good pre-paid plans.
πŸ’³ Banking for Expats International cards like Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted. ATMs are available throughout the city.
πŸ›Œ Accommodation Airbnb, local guesthouses, and budget hotels are available; average prices range from MYR 50 to MYR 250 per night.
πŸ’³ 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.
πŸ›οΈ Budget Accommodation Economical stays can be found at places like The Palace Hotel or boutique hostels priced around MYR 30 per night.
πŸ™οΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists The waterfront area and Likas Bay are popular spots for tourists.
πŸ™οΈ 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.
β˜• Best Cafe for Work Waffle Bar + Coffee Co. offers good Wi-Fi and a relaxed atmosphere.
πŸ’Ό Networking Events Events often occur at spaces like The Red Room or local cafes; check social media for announcements.
πŸ₯‚ Social Events for Expats Facebook groups such as 'Kota Kinabalu Expats' organize regular meetups.

Transportation

πŸš• 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.
πŸ–οΈ 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.
πŸ›£οΈ Highway Access Main roads connect Kota Kinabalu to other parts of Sabah and the rest of Malaysia.
πŸš‰ 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

πŸ₯ 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.
πŸ‹οΈ 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

πŸ“± 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.
πŸ›’ Affordable Shopping Spots Sunday Market in Gaya Street is excellent for local foods and souvenirs.
πŸ›’ E-commerce/Online Store Lazada.com.my and Shopee.com.my are popular for online shopping.
πŸ›’ 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.
πŸ• 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.
πŸ›οΈ 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.
πŸ• Religious Sites St. Michael's Cathedral is an impressive architectural site.
πŸŽ‰ 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.
πŸ›οΈ 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.
πŸ§‘β€πŸ³ Cooking Classes Sabah Cooking School offers classes focusing on local cuisine.
πŸ‘©β€πŸŽ¨ Art Galleries Little Tree Cafe features local art and hosts community events.
πŸ•°οΈ 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

πŸŒ… 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.
πŸŒ„ Scenic Viewpoints The city skyline from Signal Hill is breathtaking at sunset.
πŸ¦‰ Birdwatching Locations Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre is ideal for birdwatching, particularly migratory species.
πŸ”₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots Certain beach areas allow bonfires, specifically at Tanjung Aru.

Other Services and Amenities

πŸ“¦ Parcel Delivery Service DHL and Pos Malaysia provide reliable shipping services.
πŸ› οΈ Tech Repair Services Repair shops can be found in various malls, particularly in Centre Point Sabah.
πŸ“ Table Tennis Spots Sports complexes around the city often have table tennis facilities.
πŸ§‘β€πŸ« Language Classes Local language schools offer courses in Malay and other languages.
πŸ“š 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.
πŸ•ΉοΈ 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).
πŸ’Ό Corporate Tax The standard corporate tax rate is 24%.
πŸ’΅ Dividend Withholding Tax 15% for non-residents.
🏦 Tax System Residents are taxed on income earned in Malaysia.
πŸ“ˆ 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.
πŸ’» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads No special tax breaks, but Malaysia offers a relatively low tax burden compared to many countries.

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