Digital nomad guide to Malaysia

Best for: KL or Penang as English-friendly, low-cost SE-Asia base with good food.

Malaysia's DE Rantau is one of the most under-discussed SE-Asia options — clear income test, well-defined renewal pathway, and a tax structure that doesn't tax foreign-source income for non-residents. Kuala Lumpur is the city base; Penang has a stronger food scene and lower costs. English is the working language for most expat-facing services, which removes a lot of SE-Asia friction.