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Expat Exchange - 10 Best Places for Families to Live in Malaysia
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10 Best Places for Families to Live in Malaysia

By Betsy Burlingame

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

Summary: In this article, we highlight some of the best places for international families to live in Malaysia.

If you're dreaming about moving with your family to Malaysia and haven't decided where to live, here are some of the best places for international families to live in Malaysia.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, is a vibrant and multicultural city that offers a plethora of activities and facilities for international families. For children, the city is home to numerous educational and fun-filled attractions such as the Petrosains Discovery Centre, an interactive science discovery centre located in the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, and the National Science Centre, which offers a variety of children's activities and exhibits. The city also boasts a number of parks and recreational areas, including the KLCC Park, a beautifully landscaped park that features a playground, jogging track, and a public swimming pool. For sports enthusiasts, the city offers a range of athletic facilities such as the National Aquatic Centre and the Bukit Jalil Sports Complex, which houses a gymnasium, swimming pool, and various sports courts. There are also numerous sports clubs that cater to kids, such as the Kuala Lumpur Youth Soccer, which offers soccer training for children of all ages. With its rich cultural diversity, excellent educational institutions, and a wide range of recreational facilities, Kuala Lumpur is indeed a great place for international families to live.

Penang

Penang

Penang, is a great destination for international families, offering a wide array of activities and facilities that cater to all ages. For children, the Penang Interactive Museum is a must-visit, featuring fun and educational exhibits that encourage interactive learning. The Penang Butterfly Farm is another popular attraction, where kids can learn about various species of butterflies in a captivating environment. Penang is also home to several parks and recreational areas, such as the Penang National Park, which offers beautiful hiking trails and picnic spots, and the Penang Botanic Gardens, a tranquil oasis perfect for family outings. For those interested in sports, the Penang Swimming Club provides excellent facilities, including a swimming pool and gym that welcome families. Additionally, the Penang Sports Club offers various sports programs for children, including tennis and badminton. With its rich cultural heritage, top-notch educational institutions, and a plethora of recreational options, Penang is an ideal place for international families to reside.

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William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Johor Bahru

Johor Bahru, is a vibrant city that offers a wealth of activities and facilities for international families. For children, the city is home to the Angry Birds Activity Park, a popular indoor playground that offers a variety of fun and interactive games. The Johor Zoo is another must-visit attraction, where kids can learn about and interact with a wide range of animals. Johor Bahru also boasts several parks and recreational areas, such as the Danga Bay Park, a beautiful waterfront park that offers a variety of outdoor activities, and the Johor Bahru Botanic Gardens, a peaceful retreat perfect for family picnics. For sports enthusiasts, the city offers the Austin Heights Water & Adventure Park, which features a swimming pool, a gym, and various sports facilities that welcome families. Additionally, the Johor Football Club offers various sports programs for children, including football training. With its rich cultural heritage, excellent educational institutions, and a plethora of recreational options, Johor Bahru is an ideal place for international families to reside.

Ipoh

Ipoh, is a charming city that provides a plethora of activities and facilities for international families. For children, the city offers attractions such as the Movie Animation Park Studios, a theme park with over 40 attractions in six themed zones, and the Lost World of Tambun, a water park and zoo that offers a variety of fun and educational activities. Ipoh is also home to several parks and recreational areas, such as the Gunung Lang Recreational Park, a beautiful park with a man-made cascading waterfall, and the Kinta Riverfront Walk, a scenic riverside promenade perfect for family outings. For those interested in sports, the city offers the Ipoh Swimming Club, which provides excellent facilities, including a swimming pool and gym that welcome families. Additionally, the Ipoh Football Club offers various sports programs for children, including football training. With its rich cultural heritage, top-notch educational institutions, and a wide array of recreational options, Ipoh is an ideal place for international families to reside.

Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu, is a great destination for international families, offering a diverse range of activities and facilities that cater to all ages. For children, the city is home to the Sabah State Museum, which offers a variety of interactive exhibits and educational programs. The Lok Kawi Wildlife Park is another popular attraction, where kids can learn about and interact with a wide range of animals. Kota Kinabalu also boasts several parks and recreational areas, such as the Kota Kinabalu City Park, a beautiful green space perfect for family outings, and the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, a marine park that offers snorkeling and other water activities. For sports enthusiasts, the city offers the Likas Sports Complex, which features a swimming pool, a gym, and various sports facilities that welcome families. Additionally, the Sabah Football Club offers various sports programs for children, including football training. With its rich cultural heritage, excellent educational institutions, and a plethora of recreational options, Kota Kinabalu is an ideal place for international families to reside.

Kuching

Kuching is an excellent city for international families, offering a wide array of activities and facilities that cater to all ages. For children, the city is home to the Sarawak Museum, which offers a variety of interactive exhibits and educational programs. The Semenggoh Wildlife Centre is another popular attraction, where kids can learn about and interact with a wide range of animals, particularly orangutans. Kuching also boasts several parks and recreational areas, such as the Kuching Waterfront, a beautiful riverside promenade perfect for family outings, and the Bako National Park, a natural reserve that offers hiking and wildlife viewing. For sports enthusiasts, the city offers the Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre, which features a swimming pool and various sports facilities that welcome families. Additionally, the Kuching City Football Club offers various sports programs for children, including football training. With its rich cultural heritage, excellent educational institutions, and a plethora of recreational options, Kuching is an ideal place for international families to reside.

William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

Learn MoreGet Quote

William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

Learn MoreGet Quote

Putrajaya

Putrajaya is a great choice for international families, offering a variety of activities and facilities that cater to all ages. For children, the city is home to the District 21 Theme Park, an indoor adventure park with a variety of interactive activities and games. The Putrajaya Botanical Garden is another popular attraction, where kids can learn about different plant species and enjoy the beautiful landscapes. Putrajaya also boasts several parks and recreational areas, such as the Taman Wetland, a large wetland park perfect for family outings, and the Putrajaya Lake, a man-made lake that offers water sports activities. For sports enthusiasts, the city offers the Kompleks Sukan Air Putrajaya, which features a swimming pool and various sports facilities that welcome families. Additionally, the Putrajaya Football Club offers various sports programs for children, including football training. With its modern infrastructure, excellent educational institutions, and a plethora of recreational options, Putrajaya is an ideal place for international families to reside.

Cyberjaya

Cyberjaya is a fantastic destination for international families, offering a diverse range of activities and facilities that cater to all ages. For children, the city is home to the Cyberjaya Science Park, which offers a variety of interactive exhibits and educational programs. The Cyberjaya Lake Gardens is another popular attraction, where kids can learn about nature and enjoy the beautiful landscapes. Cyberjaya also boasts several parks and recreational areas, such as the Taman Tasik Cyberjaya, a beautiful lake park perfect for family outings, and the Cyberjaya Community Sports Complex, a recreational area that offers various sports activities. For sports enthusiasts, the city offers the D'Pulze Shopping Centre, which features a swimming pool, a gym, and various sports facilities that welcome families. Additionally, the Cyberjaya Football Club offers various sports programs for children, including football training. With its modern infrastructure, excellent educational institutions, and a plethora of recreational options, Cyberjaya is an ideal place for international families to reside.

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Shah Alam

Shah Alam is an ideal place for international families to live, offering a variety of activities and facilities that cater to all ages. For children, the city is home to the i-City Theme Park, a digital lightscape with a variety of interactive activities and games. The Shah Alam Lake Gardens is another popular attraction, where kids can learn about nature and enjoy the beautiful landscapes. Shah Alam also boasts several parks and recreational areas, such as the Taman Botani Negara Shah Alam, a large botanical park perfect for family outings, and the Wet World Water Park Shah Alam, a water park that offers fun water-based activities. For sports enthusiasts, the city offers the Shah Alam Stadium, which features a swimming pool and various sports facilities that welcome families. Additionally, the Shah Alam Community Sports Club offers various sports programs for children, including football training. With its modern infrastructure, excellent educational institutions, and a plethora of recreational options, Shah Alam is an ideal place for international families to reside.

Subang Jaya

Subang Jaya is a good place for international families to live, offering a wide range of activities and facilities that cater to all ages. For children, the city is home to the Subang Ria Recreational Park, a beautiful green space with a playground and picnic areas. The city also boasts the Sunway Lagoon Theme Park, which offers a variety of interactive activities and games for kids. Subang Jaya also has several parks and recreational areas, such as the Subang Jaya Municipal Park, a large park perfect for family outings, and the Subang Jaya Community Sports Complex, a recreational area that offers various sports activities. For sports enthusiasts, the city offers the Subang Jaya Badminton Centre, which features various sports facilities that welcome families. Additionally, the Subang Jaya Football Club offers various sports programs for children, including football training. With its modern infrastructure, excellent educational institutions, and a plethora of recreational options, Subang Jaya is an ideal place for international families to reside.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

View from The Kuala Lumpur Tower

William Russell
William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

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