Hey, have you ever felt like your current life is on “snooze” and you just want to hit “play” on a giant, amazing adventure? If you’re one of those cool people thinking about Living Abroad—maybe making a big move called a “hijrah” for a new life, or just setting up a second home—then you have to look at Southeast Asia, especially our awesome home base, Malaysia!
Seriously, Malaysia is like the perfect starter pack for a super-cool expat life. It’s got everything: super fast internet, amazing, cheap food, and people from all over the world, which is great because you’ll never feel like the only new kid.
The capital, Kuala Lumpur (or KL), is where it all goes down. Being a digital nomad Kuala Lumpur is one of the easiest ways to start, thanks to the government’s special nomad pass. You can live in a fancy condo with a pool for way less than a boring apartment back home. There are so many things to do in Kuala Lumpur, from climbing the Batu Caves stairs to walking through the massive parks around the Petronas Twin Towers.
If you’re thinking about your budget (and who isn’t?), this region is the best. Places like the top affordable cities in Vietnam (think Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City) offer a fun, super-cheap place to visit for a week or two without wrecking your savings.
Once you’ve set up your base, it’s time to explore! We love a good challenge, but let’s be real: sometimes you don’t want a rough-and-tumble trip.
But for the brave ones, starting your journey with backpacking in Southeast Asia is a rite of passage! You get to see everything up close and meet other amazing travelers. Then, when you need a break, Malaysia has islands that feel like paradise. Head up north for the things to do in Langkawi. You can chill on beautiful beaches or take a cable car ride over the rainforest—it’s the perfect escape from the city.
Or, if you love food and art, try the things to do in Penang and the things to do in Ipoh. Penang is famous for its street art and delicious food, and Ipoh has these cool old towns and amazing cave temples. You’ll never be bored!
One must-see for anyone living here is a trip to Malacca (or Melaka). This city is so old and full of history, it’s like stepping into a movie set! The main square is bright red from the old Dutch buildings, and you have to take a ride in one of the super-decorated trishaws. The activities in Melaka (or things to do in malacca) are all about walking the ancient streets, finding cool street art, and eating Nonya food, which is a mix of Chinese and local flavors. It’s an easy, unforgettable weekend trip.
Before you book any regional trips, you’ll ask yourself: when to visit Indonesia? Or when to go to Indonesia? The weather can be tricky! The general best time to visit Southeast Asia is usually from November to February, because it’s a bit cooler and sunnier. But don’t worry—you can go any time! Just pack a raincoat for the rainy season, and you might even get cheaper flights because fewer tourists are around!
Okay, now for the fun part: treating yourself! After a few weeks of hustling as a nomad, you deserve a break. In Malaysia, you’ll see listings for 5 star hotels in malaysia and luxury hotels in malaysia. What’s the difference? Not much, actually!
A 5 star hotel means it has officially checked all the boxes: 24/7 service, a big pool, great restaurants, and a fancy lobby. A luxury hotel is more about the feeling—maybe it’s a beautiful resort tucked away in the jungle, or a chic boutique hotel with a private butler. Either way, they both promise huge soft beds and someone who brings you a gourmet meal whenever you ask. It’s the best way to feel like royalty for a weekend!
Finally, a quick pro tip from one nomad to another: how do you keep funding this amazing life? You might want to look into things like affiliate marketing. If you’re blogging about your trips, a service like travelpayouts review is a good place to start. You can recommend the cool places you stay and get a little cut when someone books. It’s a smart way to let your travels earn money for your next adventure.
Malaysia is truly the perfect launchpad for your life as a long-term expat. It’s affordable, comfortable, exciting, and has a community waiting for you.
Come join the adventure!
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