Penang, Malaysia 🇲🇾
#1859
,
Nomad Score:
71%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Penang is a state located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, known for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful scenery. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1.5 million people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 MYR ≈ 0.22 USD, major currencies are accepted in some places but keep local currency handy; ATMs are widely available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; it is advisable to buy bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 240V, 50Hz, Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include Maxis, Digi, and Celcom. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Accepted payment types include local debit/credit cards, and international services like Revolut are widely used. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from luxury hotels to budget hostels and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted in most establishments and e-wallet services like Touch 'n Go are popular. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and local rental companies such as Roomoo offer a range of options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Backhome Penang (hostel from RM 50 per night). |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | George Town, known for its historical sites and vibrant street art. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Batu Ferringhi, popular for its beach views and co-working spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Common Ground Penang, located in George Town; memberships start from RM 300/month. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Merry Me in Tanjung Tokong, featuring good coffee and strong WiFi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Tech, design, and business meetups are frequently hosted at local cafes and co-working spaces. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Penang Expat Network hosts regular meetups and social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab; widely used for safe and affordable rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Rental services are available through platforms like Rent A Bike Penang. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Batu Ferringhi Beach, easily accessible within 15 minutes drive from George Town. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Firefly Airlines; operates local flights connecting to Kuala Lumpur. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia offer connections to major cities worldwide. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Penang Bridge and Penang Second Bridge connect the state to mainland Malaysia. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Butterworth Train Station serves as the primary transport hub for trains. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | RapidPenang bus services operate with affordable fares, RM 5 for day passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Accessible via buses to nearby cities such as Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Penang General Hospital - the largest hospital offering comprehensive services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga One and The Yoga Barn provide various classes and retreats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness first and Anytime Fitness have multiple locations in Penang. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavender Laundry offers self-service and drop-off options across the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda; delivers a wide range of local and international cuisines. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Char Kway Teow; a stir-fried rice noodle dish commonly found in local hawker centers. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Leaf Healthy House, offering an extensive vegetarian and vegan menu. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | China House; known for its impressive dessert selection. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Gurney Drive Food Market is a popular spot for affordable local food. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Shopee are popular for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | HappyFresh offers grocery deliveries across the region. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Upper Penang Road; known for its vibrant nightlife scene. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Penang's craft breweries include The Beer Factory and Taps Beer Bar. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Shop offers a selection of local and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | The hawker stalls at Jalan Penang offer a variety of affordable local delicacies. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Jasmine Thai serves authentic Thai cuisine at reasonable prices. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si Temple, and the historic streets of George Town. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Penang Peranakan Mansion and the Art Gallery of Penang. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion and Fort Cornwallis. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. George's Church and the Kapitan Keling Mosque. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | George Town Festival celebrates arts and culture every August. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site with vibrant street art and historical architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Penang Performing Arts Centre hosts a variety of performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Little India offers vibrant markets and street shopping experiences. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found at places like The Alley and Soundmaker Café. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art in George Town, featuring works by renowned local and international artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes offered by Cooking Class Penang, focusing on local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Penang Gallery and Hin Bus Depot are popular choices. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Blue Mansion (Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion) is an iconic example. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Penang's rich heritage is celebrated through its diverse communities and cultural festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Penang National Park, offering beautiful hiking trails and wildlife. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Penang National Park is accessible and offers numerous outdoor activities. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Coastal Road near Batu Ferringhi is popular for cycling and walks. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Lookout points at Penang Hill provide stunning views of the island. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | National Park and wetlands around Teluk Bahang are ideal for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in parks like Tanjung Bungah Beach. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Pos Malaysia are reliable options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Mobile Phone Repair Shop in George Town offers quick services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Penang Sports Arena has facilities for table tennis enthusiasts. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Penang Language Centre offers Mandarin and English classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Penang State Library is a great place to read and study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Malaysian Historical Society provides cultural programs and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | The Game Hub Penang hosts video gaming events and competitions. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The only casino is located at resorts on Langkawi, a ferry ride away from Penang. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. RM 5,000 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = RM 250,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. RM 3,500 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = RM 175,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. RM 6,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = RM 360,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. RM 4,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = RM 270,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. RM 5,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = RM 440,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. RM 4,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = RM 320,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 24% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Tax rate applied to dividends is 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Malaysia has a territorial tax system for income tax. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The maximum personal income tax rate is 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Sales tax varies but typically around 6%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No significant CFC rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual taxes based on property value vary by local council. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Stamp duty ranges from 1% to 4%, depending on the property's value. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Malaysia is relatively favorable with no capital gains tax and specific incentives for foreigners. |