Penang, Malaysia 🇲🇾
#1859
5.406501, 100.255907
Nomad Score:
71%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Penang is a state located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant food scene. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1.7 million. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is about 35 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 MYR ≈ 0.22 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. It's recommended to buy bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 240V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include Digi, Maxis, and Celcom with prepaid plans starting around MYR 30. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Most banks accept international cards; local banks include Maybank and CIMB. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, serviced apartments, and guesthouses. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted in major areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Booking.com offer many short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels starting from MYR 30 per night, such as Mondrian Hostel and Ryokan Muntri Boutique Hostel. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Hackspace Penang - a popular coworking space with monthly packages starting from MYR 399. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Mugshot Cafe - known for good Wi-Fi and a cozy atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events hosted by Penang Tech Dome and Penang Entrepreneur Network. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups such as 'Penang Expats' and 'Penang Digital Nomads'. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab - primary ride-hailing app in Penang. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Rent a bike from Penang Bike Shop at George Town. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Batu Ferringhi Beach - popular beach, about 30 minutes from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Firefly Airlines - connects Penang to many regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Malaysia Airlines - main international carrier serving Penang. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | E28 and E2 highways provide access to surrounding cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Penang Sentral - bus and train terminal in Butterworth. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Rapid Penang bus services - local buses available, with daily passes priced at MYR 10. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Ferry services from Penang to Langkawi and other destinations. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Penang Adventist Hospital - reputable private hospital. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Yoga Barn - offers classes and wellness workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First Penang - membership starting from MYR 199 per month. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Speed Queen - laundromat services available throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda - popular for local food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Nasi Kandar - a famous rice dish with various curries. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Loving Hut - vegan restaurant with a variety of dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Snowflake - known for Taiwanese desserts and shaved ice. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Kasturi Walk - a night market offering local food at low prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Shopee are popular online shopping platforms. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | HappyFresh for grocery delivery from local supermarkets. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Upper Penang Road - known for its vibrant nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Penang Beer Company - craft beer produced in the state. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Shop Penang - offering a selection of wine from around the world. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Gurney Drive - famous food street offering a variety of local dishes. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza Milano - known for its Italian pizzas. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Kek Lok Si Temple and Penang Hill are must-visit attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Penang Peranakan Museum - showcasing Peranakan culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Fort Cornwallis - a historical site dating back to the British era. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Masjid Kapitan Keling - a beautiful mosque in George Town. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Penang International Food Festival - usually held in April. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site - known for its historical architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Penang Performing Arts Center - hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Chulia Street Night Market - vibrant night market with local crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music venues such as The Whiteaways Arcade. |
| 🎨 Street Art | George Town Street Art - famous for its murals and installations. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking Class Penang - offering local cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Hin Bus Depot - an independent art gallery and cultural space. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion - the 'Blue Mansion' in George Town. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The influence of Chinese, Indian, and Malay cultures is prominent. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Penang National Park - a great spot for hiking and nature exploration. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Endau-Rompin National Park is accessible via bus. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Esplanade offers walking paths along the coastline. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Penang Hill offers stunning panoramic views of the island. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Air Hitam Dalam Forest Reserve - a good spot for bird spotting. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Batu Ferringhi Beach has designated bonfire areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Pos Malaysia provide reliable delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | M-Tech Services - offers smartphone and computer repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | The Penang Table Tennis Association - offers facilities for play. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Berlitz Language Center for English and Malay courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Penang Library - great for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Pusat Perkhidmatan Setempat - community service center. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gamer's Hideout - offers gaming facilities and events. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Megamall Pinang features small gaming areas. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. MYR 10,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = MYR 400,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. MYR 8,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = MYR 320,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. MYR 9,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = MYR 570,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. MYR 7,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = MYR 450,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. MYR 8,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = MYR 704,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. MYR 6,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = MYR 544,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 24%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Based on the specific tax treaty with the home country. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial basis for residents, based on income sourced within Malaysia. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 6% Sales and Service Tax. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, subject to conditions set by local tax authorities. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on the annual value of property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% to 4% based on property value. |