Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country known for its diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities. With so many beautiful places to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to call home. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best 3 places to live in Malaysia based on factors like quality of life, safety, and affordability. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at each of these top 3 destinations, and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about where to live in Malaysia.
Place 1: Kuala Lumpur
As the capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is a bustling metropolis that’s home to over 1.7 million people. Despite its size, KL is incredibly safe and offers a high quality of life, with world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Additionally, the city has a thriving expat community, making it easy for newcomers to make friends and feel at home.
Place 2: Penang
Penang is a charming island located off the coast of Malaysia, known for its colonial architecture, street art, and delicious food. The island has a relaxed, laid-back vibe, and is a popular destination for retirees and expats looking for a quieter, more relaxed pace of life. With a low cost of living, great weather, and plenty of outdoor activities, Penang is the perfect place to call home if you’re looking for a more relaxed lifestyle.
Place 3: Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru is a bustling city located just across the causeway from Singapore. Despite its proximity to Singapore, Johor Bahru is much more affordable, making it a popular choice for expats and retirees looking to stretch their retirement savings. The city is home to a large expat community, and offers a high quality of life, with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options to keep you busy. Additionally, Johor Bahru is just a short ferry ride away from the beautiful island of Pulau Tioman, making it easy to escape the city for a relaxing beach vacation.
Kuala Lumpur
As the capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is a bustling metropolis that’s home to over 1.7 million people. Despite its size, KL is incredibly safe and offers a high quality of life, with world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Additionally, the city has a thriving expat community, making it easy for newcomers to make friends and feel at home.
One of the biggest draws of KL is its affordable cost of living. While it’s not as cheap as some other Southeast Asian cities, it’s still much more affordable than cities like Singapore or Hong Kong. Housing is especially affordable, with a wide range of options available, from high-rise apartments to sprawling suburban homes. Additionally, healthcare is top-notch in KL, with a number of world-class hospitals and clinics to choose from.
When it comes to entertainment, KL has something to offer for everyone. From world-class shopping at malls like Suria KLCC and Pavillion KL, to delicious street food at places like Jalan Alor, to nightlife destinations like Changkat Bukit Bintang, there’s always something to keep you busy in KL. The city is also home to a number of cultural attractions, including the Petronas Towers, Batu Caves, and the National Museum.
Overall, Kuala Lumpur is a great place to live for those who want a safe, affordable, and exciting city to call home. If you’re looking for a thriving expat community, world-class shopping and dining options, and plenty of entertainment options, KL is the place for you.
Penang
Penang is a charming island located off the coast of Malaysia, known for its colonial architecture, street art, and delicious food. The island has a relaxed, laid-back vibe, and is a popular destination for retirees and expats looking for a quieter, more relaxed pace of life. With a low cost of living, great weather, and plenty of outdoor activities, Penang is the perfect place to call home if you’re looking for a more relaxed lifestyle.
Penang is famous for its food, and for good reason. From street food stalls serving delicious hawker fare, to fine dining restaurants offering world-class cuisine, the island is a foodie’s paradise. Additionally, Penang is home to a number of stunning beaches, making it a great place to live if you love spending time in the sun. There’s also a vibrant arts and culture scene on the island, with a number of museums, galleries, and cultural events taking place throughout the year.
In terms of cost of living, Penang is one of the most affordable places to live in Malaysia. Housing is especially affordable, with a wide range of options available, from high-rise apartments to sprawling suburban homes. Healthcare is also top-notch on the island, with a number of well-regarded hospitals and clinics to choose from.
Overall, Penang is a great place to live if you’re looking for a relaxed, laid-back lifestyle with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, great food, and a vibrant arts and culture scene. If you’re looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Penang is the place for you.
Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru is a bustling city located just across the causeway from Singapore. Despite its proximity to Singapore, Johor Bahru is much more affordable, making it a popular choice for expats and retirees looking to stretch their retirement savings. The city is home to a large expat community, and offers a high quality of life, with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options to keep you busy. Additionally, Johor Bahru is just a short ferry ride away from the beautiful island of Pulau Tioman, making it easy to escape the city for a relaxing beach vacation.
Johor Bahru is known for its affordability, with a cost of living that’s significantly lower than Singapore. Housing is especially affordable, with a wide range of options available, from high-rise apartments to sprawling suburban homes. Healthcare is also top-notch in the city, with a number of well-regarded hospitals and clinics to choose from.
In terms of entertainment, Johor Bahru has something to offer for everyone. From shopping malls like Johor Bahru City Square and KOMTAR JBCC, to street food markets like Pasar Karat and Pasar Bakti, there’s always something to explore in the city. Additionally, the city is home to a number of cultural attractions, including the Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque and the Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple, giving you a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the region.
Overall, Johor Bahru is a great place to live for those who want a safe, affordable, and exciting city to call home. If you’re looking for a thriving expat community, affordable shopping and dining options, and plenty of entertainment options, Johor Bahru is the perfect place for you.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a bustling city life, a relaxed island paradise, or a more affordable option close to Singapore, Malaysia has something to offer for everyone. With its low cost of living, top-notch healthcare, and plenty of entertainment options, it’s no wonder that Malaysia is a popular choice for expats and retirees looking to make a new home abroad.
If you’re considering moving to Malaysia, we highly recommend visiting each of these three places to get a feel for what each has to offer. Whether you end up choosing Kuala Lumpur, Penang, or Johor Bahru, we’re sure you’ll find the perfect place to call home in this diverse and beautiful country.
We hope this article has given you a good overview of the best places to live in Malaysia, and we wish you all the best in your search for a new home abroad!