Malacca, Malaysia 🇲🇾
#529
2.329374, 102.288096
Nomad Score:
68%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Malacca, historically known as Melaka, is a coastal city in Malaysia and was an important trading port during the 15th century. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 500,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average 25 Mbps, with hotspots available across the city |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 MYR ≈ 0.22 USD; Local banks include Maybank, CIMB, and Public Bank |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended |
| 🔌 Power | 240V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Maxis, Digi, and Celcom; prepaid options widely available |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and MasterCard widely accepted; digital wallets like Touch 'n Go and GrabPay are popular |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from boutique hotels to Airbnb rentals, with prices starting around MYR 100 ($22 USD) per night |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, many establishments accept card payments and e-wallets |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local platforms available; prices vary from MYR 120 ($27 USD) to MYR 300 ($66 USD) per night |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like The Rucksack Caratel and BackHome Melaka, with prices starting at MYR 30 ($7 USD) per night |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Sg. Melaka by The Space offers comfortable workspaces and reliable internet |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Daily Fix Cafe, great for coffee and cozy work environment |
| 💼 Networking Events | Expats in Melaka Facebook group hosts regular meetups and social events |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Local events often listed on Eventbrite; popular spots include The Colonial Cafe for casual networking |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is the most popular ride-sharing option in Malacca |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycles can be rented at nearby hostels or local shops; prices around MYR 10 ($2.20 USD) per hour |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Pantai Klebang is about a 15-minute drive |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | AirAsia provides affordable flights to major cities |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines are key carriers |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Connected via North-South Expressway (E2) |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Malacca Sentral is the main bus Terminal for regional travel |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific public transport pass; buses are charged per trip |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses provide services to Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru and others; fares start at MYR 10 ($2.20 USD) |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Mahkota Medical Centre provides comprehensive healthcare services |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga in Malacca offers yoga classes and wellness activities |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Anytime Fitness and Snap Fitness have locations in Malacca |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats like Melaka Laundry Services offer self-service and drop-off options |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda and GrabFood are popular for food deliveries |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Nyonya Laksa, a famous spicy noodle soup |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Loving Hut offers a range of plant-based meals |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Jonker 88 serves famous Nyonya desserts |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Jonker Street Night Market for local foods and crafts |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Shopee are popular online shopping platforms |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | MyGrocer and HappyFresh offer grocery delivery services in Malacca |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Jonker Street and Taman Melaka Raya have various bars and nightclubs |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Malacca Craft Beer serves locally brewed craft beers |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Bar offers a variety of local and imported wines |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Jonker Street is famous for its street food stalls, especially during the night market |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The Baboon House serves a mix of international and local fusion dishes |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | A Famosa Fort, St. Paul's Hill, and Christ Church are essential stops |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum showcases local culture |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Stadthuys and Porta de Santiago are must-visit historical sites |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Sri Poyyatha Vinoyakar Moorthi Temple and Cheng Hoon Teng Temple are significant |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Malacca Art and Performance Festival is a popular annual event |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Jonker Street is known for its vibrant cultural atmosphere |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Malacca City Theatre hosts various performances throughout the year |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Jonker Street Night Market is known for local crafts and food |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music at various cafes along Jonker Street |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art can be seen throughout the city, particularly around Jonker Street |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are available at Cooking Class in Melaka |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Malacca Contemporary Art Museum showcases local artists |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion is a notable historic building |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Melaka's rich heritage is represented through its mix of Malay, Chinese, and Portuguese influences |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Tanjung Tuan (Cape Rachado) is nearby for nature lovers |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Endau-Rompin National Park is about 2 hours away |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The riverside promenade provides scenic walking paths |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | St. Paul's Hill offers a great view over Malacca |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Pulau Selat is a serene spot for birdwatching |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beach areas like Pantai Klebang allow small bonfires |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Pos Malaysia provide reliable parcel delivery services |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local malls have various mobile and tech repair shops |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have table tennis facilities |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | English and Malay language classes available at local institutes |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Melaka Public Library offers quiet study areas |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | CCM (Cultural Community Management) organizes cultural events |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Cyber cafes are available for gaming enthusiasts |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos in Malacca, but some gaming areas in nearby KL |
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 4,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = MYR 320,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. MYR 3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = MYR 240,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 24% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system for residents; maximum rate 28% |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 28% |
| 🧾 VAT | 6% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply to foreign-based income |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on rental income, varying rates |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% for property purchases |