Malaysia is a truly stunning country that has plenty to offer with its natural resources like picturesque beaches, beautiful rainforests, wonderful architecture, and its cultural heritage. It’s a diverse and progressive place and has become hugely popular with tourists over the years. Whether you are a nature lover, enjoy delicious food, or simply enjoy seeking culture, Malaysia is a country worth moving for. If you are contemplating making the move to this Southeast Asian nation, then there are some things you need to know before making the switch. In this post, we’re going to look at 6 things you need to know about Malaysia before making the move.
Malaysia has two geographical regions
Malaysia is split into two regions; Peninsular Malaysia (West Malaysia) and Malaysian Borneo (East Malaysia). Peninsular Malaysia runs from the Thai border to Singapore and is where most of the main cities are located, and Malaysian Borneo runs alongside Southern Indonesia’s Kalimantan State, where you will find most of the stunning sights.
Kuala Lumpur is the capital city and is located in Peninsular Malaysia and home to Petronas Towers, the tallest twin towers in the world. You can also experience beautiful temples and some of the best food in the Peninsular Malaysia region. While over in the Malaysian Borneo region you can explore more of the natural beauties like Sipidan Island and Mount Kinabalu.
Malaysia has a tropical rainforest climate
It has a tropical rainforest climate that sees consistent temperatures of around 30 degrees Celcius during the day and around 20 degrees Celcius during the night, and each region has its own monsoon season.
The humidity can make it seem much hotter than it is, but you will also get tropical rainstorms where it pours down. You will need to wear lightweight clothing but remember to carry waterproofs with you as the rain showers happen almost daily in certain parts.
The Malaysian lifestyle is affordable
If you’re worried that the Malaysian lifestyle may be too expensive for you, that shouldn’t be too much of a problem; it’s one of the most inexpensive places in the world so you won’t have to go without life’s pleasures. When looking to move to Malaysia, a condominium in KL is pretty affordable. You could be paying anything between 100 – 150 Euros per month. Utilities such as electricity bills and telephone landline services are quite inexpensive too. Due to the supply and demand in the Malaysian housing market, you should try to start your house search a few weeks in advance.
Public transport costs are low and are pretty easy to use. You have a choice of buses, trains, and monorails in big cities, or you can simply take buses in smaller towns. It’s also worth noting that Malaysia is one of the countries that recognize international driving licenses, and car purchases are not taxed, even those bought in another country!
When it comes to taxes, Malaysian cities are some of the most affordable to live in across the world. The inheritance taxes in Malaysia for expats are quite low, as are capital gains taxes.
Food in Malaysia
There is a range of diverse cultures in Malaysia, meaning you will find a range of food across the board. You can get plenty of products such as vegetables, poultry, beef, and fish. Most traditional Malaysian food uses things like spices, chili, lime, lemongrass, ginger, coconut milk, and peanut butter. You’ll want to try Malaysian dishes like Nasi Lemak (the country’s national dish), Mee Goreng, and Roti Canai.
Other dishes you can find easily include Singapore and Indonesian cuisines, but Malaysia also has a mixture of influencers from Europe, China, and India. Malaysia is world-renowned for its street food which you must try.
When it comes to tap water though, it’s best to avoid this as it can make you sick. It’s only safe to drink if it has been filtered but you can buy bottled water on pretty much every street corner.
Working in Malaysia
If you’re moving to Malaysia, you’ve likely secured a job already. If not, then skilled workers are required to have reputable experience in management or teaching. Many international corporations rely on foreign labor to some degree. Some of the major industries in Malaysia include IT, finance, and teaching. The maximum working hours per week are 48, and the maximum number of days you can work is 6.
Citizens and expats are given basic leave entitlement which includes ten days of paid holiday and nationals holidays. Such holidays are National Day, the birthday of Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the birthday of the Ruler, and Workers Celebration Day.
Staying occupied in Malaysia
Whether you enjoy relaxing at the beach or heading off onto an adventure, there is something for everyone in Malaysia. For nature lovers, you can make the most of all the natural resources like forest, mountain ranges, and gorgeous beaches. If you are more of an explorer you can take in all the beautiful sights the cities have to offer like street art in Penang.
If you’d like to learn more about this beautiful country’s culture, you can visit the Thean Hou Temple or Kular Lumpur’s stunning mosques. It’s important that you respect the Islamic culture when visiting mosques and temples. Remember to take off shoes before entering and if you wish to take photographs, be sure to ask permission before doing so. You may be asked to cover your knees and shoulders, and women may also be asked to cover their hair with a scarf.
One final thing
If you are thinking about moving to Malaysia and starting a new life there, we are sure you will fall in love with the place and never want to leave. Whether you choose to move to one of the country’s thriving cities or somewhere more quiet, one thing is for sure; you won’t run short of things to do, places to explore, or new foods to try. Malaysia is one of the most diverse places you could choose to live and you will be able to find somewhere that is just right for you.
