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When you think of digital nomads, you probably think of Southeast Asia first.
It seems this part of the world has been the original home of those who embrace the laptop lifestyle, and for good reason.
With an array of fascinating countries that boast top-notch cities, award-winning beaches, a low cost of living and fantastic food, Southeast Asia quickly evolved from a tourist destination to a digital nomad hot spot.
Cities such as Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City and Singapore have quickly become favorites among home workers, and according to report after report, they top the list in terms of safety, quality of life and popularity among home workers.
While these trending megacities certainly deserve their popularity, there are also other cities in Southeast Asia that are starting to gain more attention among digital nomads.
@justin.travel Coworking in Pasig, Metro Manila #nomadworkspace #digitalnomad #nomadlife #Manila ♬ Just the Two of Us – Grover Washington, Jr.
Why Manila, Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur?
The Three Cities of Manila, Jakartaand Kuala Lumpur are now starting to gain more recognition in the home-worker community, each offering the amenities needed to live a comfortable life, as well as a unique local vibe.
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These are three big cities on the rise, and while five years ago they may have been considered unsuitable for digital nomads for various reasons, they now have an increasingly better infrastructure, with fast Wi-Fi, a low cost of living, and great connections to other destinations within their province and to other destinations in the region.
Another bonus is that these cities each have a growing community of digital nomads, meaning things like gatherings, co-working spaces, and other amenities aimed at growing a community of remote workers are increasingly available.
@viazaracommunity Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia #3daysin30seconds #viazara #Kuala Lumpur #trulyasia #amazingmalaysiatrulyasia #travellife #travel tiktok #travel2023 #2023goals ♬ Travel Music (476078) – TimTaj
Manila
Manila, the bustling capital of the Philippines, has long been ignored by many travelers due to security concerns.
While it is true that there are many areas that you should stay away from, the same goes for any major city in the world. Manila is known as the ‘Pearl of the East’, and while poverty is still a problem here, there are many beautiful areas that digital nomads often choose.
While the Philippines does not yet have a dedicated digital nomad visa, there are rumors that one is coming.
For now, most people can stay for 30 days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy Manila and explore some of the other breathtaking islands as well.
@travelerforlove Monthly Rent Living in Manila Philippines #rent #money #finance #Philippines #trip #abroad #digitalnomad #tour #mtvcribs ♬ Hot Night (Looking For Love) (Vocalese) – David Derose
Jakarta
Indonesia’s Jakarta was also once plagued by security concerns, as well as traffic and other problems.
While it may not have as much appeal as Bali, the capital is starting to appear on the list as it is ideal for remote workers.
Traffic is still a huge factor here, but as a digital nomad you can enjoy working from your high-rise and watching the city below, all for a fraction of what it would cost at home.
Not to mention the endless places you can visit via a quick flight from Jakarta, including Bali, Komodo and the lesser known Sipura.
@tiaragnyc Indonesia has more to offer than Bali, so consider spending a few days in Jakarta! #travel tiktok #Indonesia #Jakarta #blacktravel #blackgirltravel ♬ original sound – spxdupsounds1
Kuala Lumpur
The sprawling Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur is another example of a destination that most people saw as nothing more than a transit hub, but is now starting to gain more attention for holidaymakers and digital nomads alike.
It offers some pretty impressive views, fantastic day trips and cheap living costs with a high, clean and orderly way of life.
Lively Bukit Bintang is arguably the best bar street in the world, and the adjacent Jalan Alor Night Food Court is where to go for arguably one of the best street food scenes in the world.
With a new digital nomad visa set to be one of the easiest to obtain, more and more remote workers are looking to Malaysia as their next home base. If you want to explore this land before it gets overrun and possibly loses a bit of its authentic charm, now is the time to go.
@maya_b__ A spontaneous 2 weeks in KL with no plans, here’s a list of our favorite things we did in KL!! #Kuala Lumpur #Malaysia #airbnb #travelinspo #trip #backpacking #things to do ♬ original sound – 🙂
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
