With the world having been mostly shut down the last few years due to governmental lock-downs, economic downturns, and war, most travel globally has become untenable for large swaths of the globe. This unfortunately remains true for most of the Asian continent, which continues to largely mandate health mandates and draconian restrictions, while most the rest of the world has begun to open up – even in places that formerly began to resemble a virtual dictatorship, such as Australia, and many parts of Western Europe.
However, there is one nation in Southeast Asia that has seemingly seen the light, and begun to reopen themselves to sanity, as well as to the world once again. The country I am speaking of is none other than Malaysia, which once again comes to no surprise, considering I truly believe that this nation might just be the best place to live on Earth, period, full stop – you can read more about my top 10 reasons why you should move to Malaysia here.
With almost all former health restrictions having been dropped at the time of the publication of this article, I do believe now is the time to re-consider this absolute gem in the heart of Southeast Asia for any savvy digital nomads or expats, looking to find a short or long-term home in one of the most exotic, and economically bright areas of the planet. But of course the question is, which city or region should one even begin looking to relocate to, when thinking of a the best cities in Malaysia to move to? Well ponder no further – because here are my top 5 best cities in Malaysia that you should consider a move to!
#1: Kuala Lumpur
Of course, no list of best cities in Malaysia to move to would be complete without mentioning the granddaddy of them all, and thus I have to start with the capital, and my personal favorite city on Earth, Kuala Lumpur – or as us locals affectionately like to call KL. Situated at the heart of the Klang Valley, this city was cut out of the steamy jungles to eventually become an ultra modern forest of skyscrapers, including playing host to the formerly tallest buildings on Earth, the world-famous twin Petronas Towers.
But high rises aren’t the only sight to be seen in this massive, multi-cultural city – thanks to the diverse makeup of the populace, you are never too far away from seeing ornate and colorful Chinese and Hindu temples, as well as charming British colonial architecture that all serve to help give KL a true melting-pot feeling at its soul, and make it one of the best cities in Malaysia. The metro and public transport system is clean, safe, and very easy to use, the city pays host to world-class shopping districts, and even mega malls with entire roller coasters inside them, and some of the best and most diverse food options anywhere on the planet.
For those in love with a big city vibe, or for those who like a lot of entertainment and never want to run out of things to do, as well as places to see, Kuala Lumpur is sure to speak to your heart (and stomach!), in what can only be described as one of the most fascinating, vibrant, and truly beautiful cities in Malaysia, and in all the world.
#2: Penang
But KL is not the only one of the best cities in Malaysia to consider! If you enjoy some city life, but aren’t too concerned with wanting to live surrounded by hyper-modern glass skyscrapers, and the non-stop bustle of a mega city like KL, then perhaps the more relaxed, but still very interesting Penang might be more your cup of tea (and Malaysian’s absolutely love their tea). Situated in the countries north-east, Penang has a very distinct culture, partially framed by the cities majority Chinese Malay population, as well as paying host to its UNESCO-heritage, old British colonial core known as Georgetown.
Gorgeous and quaint architecture from an era long past brings with it a certain charm that can sometimes be lost in the high-rises of metal and glass of KL, and some of the most intricate and well-designed street art can be found hiding around every corner, providing creative inspiration at every turn. Meanwhile, in a country already world-renowned as one of the food capitals of the world, Penang might very well be considered its heart, with some of the best restaurants and cafes you’ll ever find anywhere, sprinkled all over.
Essentially, if you are looking for a place to relax and work as a digital nomad in gorgeous coffee shops, discover street art around every corner that would make even Banksy blush, and chow down on the best food in the best food country on the planet, then make sure that Penang remains high atop your personal list of best cities in Malaysia to live, to grow, and to be one with yourself, in your new, timeless home.
#3: Langkawi
That much said, if you are really looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, and just want to live the chilled out expat life to the fullest, then one of the best cities in Malaysia to move to isn’t really a city at all – but actually an island. Situated very close off the coast of Penang, as well as south-eastern Thailand, Langkawi is a beautiful, lush, tropical paradise of an island, paying host to small little townships, beautiful, secluded beaches, and plenty of mischievous macaque monkeys!
Perhaps the best way to see the entirety of this deceivingly large and lovely island is on the back of a moped or motorcycle, letting the breeze blow by as you enjoy a slower pace of life, as well as the incredibly relaxing views. And when you are done beach bumming for the day, why not try some of the local fare at one of the nightly food markets, which alternate locations across the island daily, and enjoy some of the best mango sticky rice, chicken satay skewers, and colorful blue rice (yes, blue!) you will find anywhere?
If your mouth is watering as much as mine thinking about this lovely, relatively undiscovered (and highly underrated) island in Malaysia’s north-east, then this might just be the place for you! And when you are itching to see new sights, and try some new flavors (if that could ever be possible!), ferries to the close-by and paradisaical delights of southern Thailand are always available – and I’ve written more about Malaysia’s friendly, and beautiful neighbor to the north here.
#4: Kota Kinabalu
However, I’ve only thus far recommended the best cities in Malaysia on the nation’s Peninsular half – as yes, there is a whole other side to this beautiful nation that is not only less visited, but even potentially even more enchanting! Of course I am referring to Malaysia’s eastern Borneo side, which takes up most of the northern half of the island (which is shared also with Indonesia and Brunei), of which Kota Kinabalu sits as the region’s crowning glory.
Sitting as the capital of Sabah sate, one of the best cities in Malaysia is also affectionately referred to as KK offers all the small-city charm of Penang, along with all the natural sights of Langkawi, in one, perfect package. Some of Malaysia’s most gorgeous national parks lay within touching distance of this quaint, coastal city, as well as some of the most incredibly flora and fauna to be found anywhere on Earth.
If you are looking for a place to settle that is definitely more off the beaten path, a place that offers modern comforts and convenience, but also provides a perfect point to explore raw, untamed nature, and incredible forests, mountains, and marine life, then there are few more picture-perfect destinations one could choose to be a digital nomad or expat in, then in beautiful Kota Kinabalu – truly one of the best cities in Malaysia!
#5: Cameron Highlands
However, perhaps the place that speaks to me (and very likely you as well!) more than anywhere else in Malaysia might just be a region of this Southeast Asian nation that contains very few true cities at all – but instead holds it’s best kept secrets, to share with all those who seek it out. Yes – of all the best cities in Malaysia, my personal, secret weapon is no city at all – its a cluster of small towns in the region of Pahang, making up the beautiful, lush majesty that is the Cameron Highlands.
Home to Malaysia’s many tea plantations, this high-altitude set area of the country pays host to some of the best natural sights to be seen on the planet. Containing some of the world’s richest, most perfect soil, many local farms are more than happy to show off their wares – with some of the highest quality lavender, strawberries, and even cacti all on display along the winding, mountain roads. Additionally, due to it’s higher elevation, the Cameron Highlands have a near perfect climate all year round, making it the perfect place to go to cool down from the hot, humid days common in the rest of the country.
Add in the fact that some of the best food, friendliest people, and most awe-inspiring mountain views are all to be found in this central, peninsular Malaysia paradise, then it becomes painfully obvious that for all those looking for a peaceful, carefree existence the rest of their days, the Cameron Highlands should be at the top of your list when looking at the top cities in Malaysia to work, live, and love.
Destination: Malaysia, The Best Kept Secret on Earth
There are many beautiful places to see on Earth, but few truly touch the soul, and inspire a whole new way of looking at the world. For me, and many others, Malaysia has proven to be that special place time and again – and it could be for you too. From massive glittering cityscapes, to quaint, colonial towns, and from picture-perfect island life, to dramatic, near-spiritual mountain vistas, there is no shortage of best cities in Malaysia to choose from when considering a move to this beautiful nation.
Ultimately, for the discerning expat, looking to move to Southeast Asia may still mostly be a cautious proposition, considering the current state of the region and the world – but the truth still remains that if one still desires to move to the largest continent and center of future economic growth on the planet, then the best bet remains the incomparable Malaysia – still my favorite country on Earth, and the best kept secret to be found anywhere.
However, if you would like to read more to help aid your decision about best cities in Malaysia to move to, or would like to compare the country to other’s in the region you might wish to consider as a potential short or long-term expat/digital nomad, then feel free to check out my in-depth article on my top choices in Southeast Asia to live, work, and play right here!