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The backpacker tourism capital of the world, Southeast Asia (SEA) has found a newfound fame as hotspot for digital nomads.
That’s hardly a shock, considering a majority of SEE countries offer low prices and tropical weather, but while it’s not unexpected that Bali, Phuket or even emerging Vietnam will see a wave of nomads, an unlikely destination poses a challenge for the proven hotspots for the number one spot.
Forget the crowded beaches, complicated visa rules and security concerns: next year it’s the unheard of Malaysian Penang you should go to.
Penang is the next hotspot for Asian nomads
According to the latest report issued by NomadsListfollowing travel trends among digital nomads, Penang, a lesser known state in Malaysia, is currently one of the fastest growing destinations for this subcategory, which overtakes Vietnam’s much better-known Hanoi and Saigon, and even Manila, Philippines.
In fact, it is currently the fifth fastest growing nomad destination in the world, separated from the top four by Tokyo, Da Nang in Vietnam, Seoul in South Korea and Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur.
Still, this begs the question: Why is Penang becoming so popular?
Penang is low risk and well equipped
To begin with, Malaysia as a whole is one of the best developed and therefore safest countries in Southeast Asia.
Unlike its neighbors, it is considered an upper middle-income country, meaning that poverty rates are lower, the public sector receives more funding and is therefore better equipped, providing better services to both citizens and foreign residents, and the safety level is high.
As for Penang specifically, it has its own profession off the path works in his favor.
Malaysia is an incredibly diverse country, home to peoples of different ethnicities and religions, including Muslims, Buddhists and Christians, and Penang is often considered Malaysia’s most diverse state: no one group has a demographic majority.
When traveling around Penang, which includes both a large island and part of the Malay Peninsula, on the mainland, nomads are likely to encounter various cultural manifestationscustoms, cuisine and even languages, which create it incredibly exciting to have as a basis.
A beautiful state capital
George townthe state capital (located on the island of Penang), is not only a Gamma-level global city of immense economic importance for Malaysia, home to young entrepreneurs and creative centers, but also a vibrant metropolis of 700,000 inhabitants and a cultural center .
From the historic British-built 18th-century Fort Cornwallis and a picturesque European-style colonial core to the rapidly developing business district, with its contrasting skyscrapers and fast-paced life, George Town offers long-term residents the best of both worlds.
George Town is extremely well prepared to receive international residents an abundance of work-friendly internet cafes and coworking offices for remote workers to choose from, in addition to being incredibly affordable.
In total, nomads are expected to be average US$1,164 working remotely from George Town as you explore the wider Penang Island and the state’s mainland territories.
Internet is also ‘fast’ – NomadsList reports an average speed of 26 Mbps – the temperature is warm, although it can become unbearably humid in the rainy season, the level of safety is high and most importantly the air quality is ‘great’, a rare feat in Southeast Asian cities.
Located opposite Penang Island, on mainland Penang, the town of Seberang Perai is the largest in the state and the third largest urban center in Malaysia, but lacks the cultural appeal and eclectic architecture of George Town.
An underrated tourist destination
We could discuss Penang – especially Penang Island – is one of Malaysia’s most underrated tourist destinations.
The offshore spot has a high concentration of pristine marine reserves, sandy beaches, forested areas and quaint coastal villages, of which the following are listed as some of the top attractions in Penang by TripAdvisor:
- The Tropical Spice Garden, where more than 500 plant species can be admired and visitors can take part in cooking courses
- The Habitat Penang Hillan ecotourism project where guests can come into close contact with the jungle environment and learn from it
- Batu Ferringhi Beacha long crescent of sand surrounded by azure water, and a popular swimming spot for locals and tourists alike
- The Batu Ferringhi Night Marketwith over 100 food stalls serving traditional Malay and Pan-Asian dishes
- The historic streets of George Towna UNESCO protected area in the state capital, where indigenous Southeast Asian and European architecture form a unique cityscape
- The Kek Lok Si Templesimply the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, with no fewer than 10,000 Buddha statues
- Penang National Parka peaceful reserve, crossed by hiking trails that zigzag in and out of the jungle, and bordered by the coast
As if the cultural and natural attractions, affordability and warm weather weren’t enough of a draw, Malaysia has its own simplified Digital Nomad Visa, possibly the easiest and cheapest to qualify for in Asia.
How does the Malaysian DNV work?
It’s called the DE Rantau Pass, and all digital freelancers, IT workers carrying out activities for foreign-based companies and young entrepreneurs can apply if they prove they earn at least $2,000 per month, or about $24,000 per year .
Other criteria must be met, which you can read in full here.
This visa allows applicants to stay in Malaysia for a specified period of time longer than the usual 90 days awarded to tourists.
However, medium-term nomads can still travel to the country without bureaucracy – subject to nationality-based requirements, of course.
Americans can stay in Malaysia visa-free for up to 3 monthsunlike other Asian destinations such as Vietnam, where they must apply for a visa in advance, or Thailand, where visa-free entry is granted but the maximum allowed stay is 30 days.
This makes not only Penang but the whole of Malaysia incredibly attractive for young digital nomads.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
