SARAWAK
Explore the Unexplored, the land of the Hornbills
Area: 124,450 Sq Km
Population: 2.9 Million (2020)
Capital City: Kuching
Languages: Bahasa Sarawak, Malay, English, Mandarin and other dialects
Stunning Sarawak, Offers an alternative for those seeking humble authenticity far from the tourist-trap clichés. Home to 27 ethnic groups with 45 different dialects, each group has their own unique stories, beliefs, traditions and cultures. Located in the northwestern part of the island of Borneo and is bounded by the sultanate of Brunei and Sabah (Malaysia) on the north and by Indonesian Borneo (Kalimantan) on the east and south.
Why Move to Sarawak?
1. Lifestyle
Despite a potpourri of culture, everyone is living in harmony. Sarawakian will often give a very welcoming vibe when comes to interaction they are often polite and compromising compare to the mainland. Usually take it slow, everything is a stone throw away and traffic jams only take up to 30 to 45 minutes. Overall, a very laid-back lifestyle which is suitable for a retiree because there is no need for rush !
2. Adventure
Definitely a food haven with a bonus of local delicacies from the tribes. Even international cuisines are available so if you are a foodie it's definitely a good choice to spice up your food log. After a meal, there are still a long list of desserts to enjoy. To burn the calories, besides shopping and city tour. There is nature to explore ranging from rainforests, caves, national parks, beaches, and tropical islands and stand a chance to witness wildlife in their own natural habitats. Furthermore, embrace the experience of the life of different tribes at the longhouses. For music lovers there are also music events like Rainforest World Music Festival that caught the eyes of international performers which takes place once a year.
3. Cost of Living
Even though, the CPI (consumer price index) is rank 6th highest on the price of basket goods for Sarawak in Malaysia. Therefore, consumer goods (wants) are usually more expensive due to higher cost in logistics. However, basic necessities like housing, food and clothing are usually affordable. Plus, the requirements for the MM2H are much lower compare to west Malaysia.