Petaling Jaya, Malaysia 🇲🇾
#1549
3.098879, 101.64542
Nomad Score:
70%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Petaling Jaya is a vibrant city located in the state of Selangor, Malaysia, known for its modern amenities and proximity to Kuala Lumpur. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 600,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 MYR ≈ 0.24 USD; widely accepted currency is Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). Major banks include Maybank, CIMB, and RHB. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is not recommended for drinking; bottled water is preferred. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 240V, 50Hz; sockets are Type G. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include Maxis, Digi, and Celcom; prepaid SIM cards available at airports and convenience stores. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common payment systems include Maybank, Standard Chartered, and online options like Revolut. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from serviced apartments to Airbnb; prices start around RM 1,500 per month for a one-bedroom. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely, especially in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental platforms like PropertyGuru and iProperty are available. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Budget options include hostels like Dorms KL and hotels such as Tune Hotel. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Common Ground, with a vibrant community and modern facilities in Petaling Jaya. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Coffee Academics, which offers a great atmosphere and good Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check platforms like Meetup and Eventbrite for regular digital nomad meetups and tech events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Groups like 'Expat Life in Malaysia' on Facebook frequently organize events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is the most popular ride-hailing app in Malaysia. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals available through Moovita and food delivery services like GrabFood. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The closest beach is Port Dickson, approximately 1-hour drive away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Firefly operates domestic flights within Malaysia. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia offer numerous international routes. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways include the LDP and Federal Highway, providing great connectivity. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | KTM Petaling Jaya Station serves as the key transit point for trains. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | RapidKL provide monthly commuter passes for bus and LRT. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connecting to Kuala Lumpur and other cities operated by various companies like Unititi Express. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | KPJ Damansara Specialist Medical Centre is highly regarded for healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Breathe Wellness and Yoga provides various wellness classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First and Anytime Fitness offer good gym facilities across the city. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromats like Laundrette offer quick laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | GrabFood is the leading food delivery service in Petaling Jaya. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Nasi Lemak, a popular Malaysian dish, is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Loving Earth and Pure Veggie are well-known for plant-based options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Inside Scoop is famous for its homemade ice cream. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Jaya One and The Curve have budget-friendly food options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Shopee are popular for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | HappyFresh and Tesco provide grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Pub, located in Damansara, is popular for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Oktoberfest is celebrated in various pubs; check local listings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine Connection is known for its selection. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | SS2 Night Market is famous for diverse street food options. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Places like The Manhattan Fish Market offer international dining options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Petaling Jaya Museum provides insights into the city's history. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Art Gallery at Petaling Jaya offers exhibitions by local artists. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Kota Darul Ehsan Arch is a recognized landmark. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Wat Chetawan Temple reflects the multicultural aspect of Petaling Jaya. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Petaling Jaya Festival, celebrated annually, showcases local culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Section 14 cultural area features arts and crafts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The PJ Live Arts theater hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Petaling Jaya’s Central Market is famous for local crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The live music scene is vibrant at venues like Live Fact. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art can be seen along Jalan 17/40. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Cooking House offers Malaysian cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Annexe Gallery features contemporary art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Look out for the old Petaling Jaya Town Hall. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city’s diverse culture is reflected in its architecture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Taman Aman Park offers a peaceful retreat within the city. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Kuala Selangor Nature Park is about an hour away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Taman Jaya features great walking and jogging trails. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from The Curve rooftop is popular for photos. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | KL Bird Park is within reasonable travelling distance for bird watching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Taman Lembah Kiara allows small campfires in designated spots. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Services are provided by Pos Malaysia and DHL. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Repair shops like iNeedFix offer phone and laptop repair. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | LOFT Table Tennis at Damansara offers great facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools like British Council offer English classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Library in Petaling Jaya offers a conducive study environment. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Petaling Jaya Community Centre hosts various events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming cafes like Avid Gamer are popular spots. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Genting Highlands Casino is the nearest major casino about an hour away. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. RM 6,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = RM 240,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. RM 4,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = RM 180,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. RM 5,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = RM 330,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. RM 4,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = RM 240,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. RM 5,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = RM 416,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. RM 3,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = RM 280,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 24% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% for non-residents, 10% for residents. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial, taxed on income derived from Malaysia. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 28%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 6% Goods and Services Tax. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Malaysia has CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on annual rental value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Between 1% to 4% based on property value. |