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Langkawi, Malaysia 🇲🇾
#1860
,
Nomad Score:
68%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 islands in Malaysia, renowned for its natural beauty, beaches, and duty-free shopping. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 100,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 30 Mbps, with some areas offering fiber connections. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 MYR ≈ 0.22 USD; Major banks include Maybank and CIMB with ATMs widely available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Maxis, Digi, and U Mobile, with good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Most international payment types accepted; services like TransferWise are popular. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from luxury resorts to budget hostels and Airbnb rentals. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, contactless payments are becoming increasingly accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb options are plentiful, with prices ranging from MYR 100 to MYR 500 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Budget options like The Cottage, starting from MYR 50 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Pantai Cenang is recommended for its beach and nightlife. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Kuah Town offers affordable long-term accommodation and better connectivity. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hub Langkawi, located in Kuah, offers a friendly environment for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Artisans Pizza & Cafe, known for its reliable Wi-Fi and working ambiance. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular Meetup groups and digital nomad events can be found on Facebook and local forums. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Langkawi Expats Facebook group hosts regular meet-ups and activities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is the most popular and reliable ride-hailing service. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Many local shops rent scooters, typically around MYR 40-60 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Pantai Cenang, a stunning beach known for its activities and nightlife. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Malindo Air serves nearby destinations from Langkawi International Airport. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines offer numerous flights to and from Langkawi. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The island is accessible via a main road that connects key areas together. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Langkawi does not have a train station; car rentals and taxis are main modes of transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public buses exist but are limited; taxis and ride-sharing are preferred. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Ferries connect Langkawi to the mainland, as well as to neighboring islands. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Langkawi Medical Centre offers basic healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Generally holds sessions at Pantai Cenang and Tanjung Rhu. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | The Villa Langkawi has a small gym while many resorts offer fitness facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Bubur Lambuk Laundry offers affordable laundry services around Kuah. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | DeliverEat operates in Langkawi, offering delivery from various local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Nasi lemak, a fragrant rice dish served with coconut milk and spicy sambal. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Ganga Cafe in Pantai Cenang offers great vegetarian and vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The French Bakery is known for its delectable pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Langkawi Night Market offers local food stalls with affordable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Shopee operate in Malaysia for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Services like HappyFresh can deliver groceries to your doorstep. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Cenang Street is popular for bars and nightlife, with many options along the beach. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Langkawi is home to a few microbreweries, including Langkawi Brewery. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Cliff Langkawi offers a spectacular view with a good selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Visit Tanjung Rhu for some local street food options. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The Bon Ton Resort serves excellent international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Langkawi Sky Bridge and Langkawi Cable Car are top attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Rice Museum is a unique spot to learn about local agriculture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Eagle Square is a significant symbol of Langkawi. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Mahsuri's Tomb is a local historical site worth visiting. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition occurs biennially. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Kuah Town is the cultural hub with various local shops and eateries. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Langkawi Art Museum occasionally hosts cultural performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Langkawi Night Market offers local crafts and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars occasionally host live music performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Local artists contribute to street art in several areas in Kuah. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Langkawi Cooking Class offers a chance to learn to prepare local meals. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Langkawi Arts and Cultural Center showcases local artists' work. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Several colonial buildings are located in Kuah Town. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The legend of Mahsuri, which influences local culture, is celebrated. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Kilim Geoforest Park is ideal for kayaking and exploring mangroves. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Gunung Mulu National Park is accessible from Langkawi for hiking. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | There are good paths along beaches for walking and biking, especially in Cenang. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The scenery from the Langkawi Sky Bridge is breathtaking. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Kilim Karst Geoforest Park offers opportunities to see native bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Many beaches, especially in Cenang, allow bonfire setups. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Pos Malaysia provide efficient delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local tech shops in Kuah offer device repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some hotels and community centers have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Various local institutes offer Malay language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Langkawi outside of major tourist spots has limited library facilities. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Langkawi International Tourism College serves as a community hub. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | The White Monkey Cafe occasionally hosts gaming sessions. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Langkawi has no casinos, but gaming is available in select hotels. |
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 3,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = MYR 256,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. MYR 2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = MYR 200,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 24% for Malaysian companies. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | No withholding tax on dividends for Malaysian-resident companies. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial tax system for residents based on income earned within Malaysia. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% for income exceeding MYR 2 million. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Goods and Service Tax (GST) is 6%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable primarily to passive income from foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on the property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Between 1% to 4% depending on property price. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No income tax on foreign income for expats if they stay less than 183 days. |