Digital nomad within Malaysia — where are people actually working from?
by Fatimah Nasir·May 25, 2026
Not talking about Bali or Chiang Mai — talking about Malaysians who work remotely and have moved within Malaysia to a city that suits their lifestyle better.
From conversations I've had:
Penang: Most popular. Lower cost of living, good food culture, functioning city infrastructure, and it feels more laid-back than KL without sacrificing urban amenities. George Town is particularly popular among creative and tech workers.
Johor Bahru: Some appeal due to proximity to Singapore (if you ever need to go), but the commuter chaos and less developed co-working scene limits it.
Kota Kinabalu: Underrated. Stunning environment, lower COL, but internet reliability can be an issue depending on area.
Ipoh: Gaining traction with the younger remote crowd. Cheap, charming, good food. Limited co-working but growing.
Where are you working from if not KL? And is it actually working out?