Kuching, Malaysia 🇲🇾
#533
1.557412, 110.343986
Nomad Score:
69%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Kuching is the capital of the Sarawak state on Borneo, known for its diverse culture and colonial heritage. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 600,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is about 50 Mbps, good for remote work. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 MYR ≈ 0.22 USD. Major banks include Maybank, CIMB, and Public Bank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; it is advised to buy bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 240V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available providers include Maxis, Digi, and Celcom; prices start around MYR 30 for a monthly plan. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards accepted widely; banks offer easy access to cash. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, hotels, and homestays with prices starting from MYR 100 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted in most places, including Grab as a popular mobile wallet. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and various local property rental sites available. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels start at around MYR 30 per night, like The Matang Inn. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Business Hub, offers desk space and meeting rooms in the city center. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Chawan, a cozy cafe with free Wi-Fi and plenty of power outlets. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular tech meetups and creative workshops organized by Kuching Creative Industry Hub. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Kuching Expats Facebook Group organizes monthly meetups and events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is the most popular ride-hailing app in Kuching. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Public bike sharing service available, like Kuching Bike Share. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Damai Beach, about 30 minutes away by taxi. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | MasWings serves regional flights including connections to other Borneo destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia operate international flights through Kuching International Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via the Pan Borneo Highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Kuching does not have a train service; bus is the primary public transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No standard transit passes; buses operate on a pay-per-ride basis. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses available to nearby cities like Sibu and Miri. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Kuching Specialist Medical Centre, known for its comprehensive healthcare service. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga on the Roof, offering classes with a view of the city. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First provides a fully-equipped gym experience. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats available in various locations, e.g., Laundrette. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | GrabFood is popular for food deliveries. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Laksa Sarawak, a local spicy noodle dish available at local eateries. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Spring Café offers a variety of vegetarian options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Samseng Ice Cream serves unique local-flavored ice creams. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Kuching Plaza for local goods and budget-friendly eateries. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Shopee are popular for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | HappyFresh provides grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Kuching Waterfront is a vibrant area for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewery Kitchen, known for craft beers brewed locally. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The wine bar at The Sarawak Club offers a selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Top Spot Food Court for a variety of street foods. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The Carvery offers Western-style grilled specialties. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Sarawak Cultural Village showcases the state's heritage. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Sarawak State Museum exhibits a variety of artifacts. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Fort Margherita offers insights into Kuching's colonial past. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The iconic Cathedrals like St. Thomas Cathedral are notable. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Kuching Festival celebrates food and culture, held annually in August. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Kuching Waterfront is a hub of cultural experiences. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Kuching Civic Centre hosts various performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Kuching's Main Bazaar for local crafts and souvenirs. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Jungle Jazz venue provides live music during weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Heppner Street showcases vibrant murals and street art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Borneo Cooking Class offers hands-on local cuisine experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Sarawak Art Museum features local artists' works. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Astana, the grand palace overlooking the river. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Black cat is a symbol of Kuching's unique identity. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Bako National Park is a must-visit for its wildlife and scenery. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Gunung Gading National Park, famous for its giant rafflesia flowers. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Kuching Waterfront promenade offers scenic views. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from Fort Margherita offers great photo opportunities. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Kubah National Park is ideal for birdwatching enthusiasts. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Overall, designated areas are available at local parks. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Pos Malaysia provides reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Kuching IT services and Mobile Repair shops are available. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers often have table tennis tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Crossover Language Centre offers various courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Kuching City Library is a great place to read and study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Kuching Heritage Museum for cultural activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game On offers a variety of gaming experiences. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos in Kuching, but some gaming lounges offer local gaming. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. MYR 4,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = MYR 160,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. MYR 3,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = MYR 120,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. MYR 3,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = MYR 210,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. MYR 2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = MYR 168,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. MYR 3,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = MYR 264,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. MYR 2,100 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = MYR 168,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 24%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Yes, at 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on income earned in Malaysia. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 28%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 6%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual taxes are based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate at 4%. |