Kuching, Malaysia 🇲🇾
#533
,
Nomad Score:
72%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Kuching is the capital city of the Malaysian state of Sarawak, located on the island of Borneo. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 650,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 30 Mbps, with fiber connections available in certain areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). 1 MYR ≈ 0.24 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 240V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Celcom, Maxis, and Digi, with prepaid SIM cards widely available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Local banks like Maybank, CIMB accept international cards; ATMs available across the city. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include apartments, guesthouses, hostels, and Airbnbs, with prices ranging from $10/night for hostels to $600/month for apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, major credit/debit cards accepted in most places, and cashless transactions via apps like GrabPay are popular. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb, and local sites like iProperty offer short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Le Nomad and The Grand Magherita Hotel are budget-friendly options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Waterfront area or around Jalan Padungan for easy access to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Batu Kawa and the city center for coworking spaces and cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | CoLab Kuching offers a vibrant workspace with high-speed internet and community events. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Coffee Shop, known for its wifi and cozy work-friendly environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups through platforms like Meetup.com and events hosted by CoLab. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Kuching International Friendship Forum hosts events for expats. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is the most popular app for rides in Kuching. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes available through local rental shops; few scooter rentals available. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Damai Beach, about 30 minutes from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | MASwings offers regional flights connecting Kuching to other Borneo cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines for connecting flights to international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via the Pan-Borneo Highway linking major towns in Sarawak. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Kuching does not have a train service; buses provide public transportation. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Most public transport operates on a pay-per-ride basis; no extensive pass system. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Kuching to nearby towns like Serian and Sibu. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Kuching Specialist Medical Centre is a well-regarded private hospital. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga House Kuching offers various yoga classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First Kuching and Wave Fitness offer memberships and classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromat services are available at many local laundry shops. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda and GrabFood are the most used food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Laksa Sarawak is highly recommended for its unique flavors. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Munch Cafe offers a selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Ice Cream Project is popular for artisanal ice cream. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Satok Weekend Market offers affordable local produce and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Shopee are popular e-commerce platforms in Malaysia. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | HappyFresh and Tesco offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Jalan Padungan has a vibrant selection of bars and nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Kuching Craft Beer offers local brews and tasting sessions. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Shop has a good selection of local and imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Hawker centers like the Top Spot Food Court are famous for street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like D'Place Seafood offer a mix of cuisines including Western and Asian. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Kuching Waterfront and Sarawak State Legislative Assembly are iconic landmarks. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Sarawak Museum and Islamic Heritage Museum are notable cultural spots. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Fort Margherita and the Old Court House are important historical sites. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Sarawak Cultural Village showcases traditional Iban longhouses. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Rainforest World Music Festival is a major annual event attracting international artists. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old Malay District is rich in cultural heritage and architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Sarawak Civic Centre hosts various performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Kuching Night Markets offer local crafts and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is featured in many cafes and bars throughout the city. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Kuching has vibrant street art, especially around the city center. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Kuching Cooking Class offers courses on traditional Sarawakian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Sculpture at Work showcases local art and installations. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Astana, the former residence of the Rajah, is an important historical building. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Kuching is known as the 'Cat City', with cat-related statues and symbols throughout. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Bako National Park is accessible by boat and offers great hiking and wildlife viewing. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Gunung Mulu National Park, known for its limestone karst formations, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Kuching Waterfront Promenade offers scenic walking and cycling paths. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The views from Santubong Mountain are spectacular, especially at sunset. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Kuching Wetlands National Park is a great spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas at Damai Beach allow for bonfire gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Pos Malaysia and DHL offer reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Fixit Kuching and local computer shops provide tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers offer table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools in Kuching, such as the Kuching Language Centre, offer various classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Kuching City Library is a great spot for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Kuching Community Centre offers various programs and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game Zone Kuching provides facilities for gaming enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Kuching does not have casinos; nearby cities like Miri do, but they are less common. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. MYR 2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = MYR 100,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. MYR 1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = MYR 72,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. MYR 3,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = MYR 180,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. MYR 2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = MYR 132,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. MYR 2,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = MYR 224,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. MYR 2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = MYR 160,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 24% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% for dividends paid to non-residents. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial basis for income tax; local income only taxable. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 28% for annual income above MYR 1 million. |
| 🧾 VAT | 6% Sales and Service Tax (SST). |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, regulations apply to control taxation of foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property taxes based on property assessment values. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% to 4% based on property value. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No capital gains tax; relatively low rates for personal income. |