Kuching: The Hidden Gem Of Sarawak, East Malaysia! What’s the Cost Of Living There? Be Surprised!

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

Exploring Kuching was definitely an eye opener for us! We learnt many things about East Malaysia that awed us, surprised us & we definitely will explore more of Sarawak in the future ❤ Let you know your thoughts on Sarawak in the comments below

[@bryaneng4646]

Deeply appreciate for introducing Sarawak to the whole wide world! Hope you enjoy and please do visit Kuching again! Kuching welcomes you as always💯

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

Thank you!! Stay tuned for our Retirement video in Sarawak being released tomorrow!

[@gerrelldrawhorn8975]

Be aware that several new changes in the SMM2H visa will take place on January 1, 2025. 1) Fixed Deposit fee will rise to RM500,000 (@$118,000) regardless of single/couple status. The outside income proof will rise to RM10,000/mo (US$2350) for a single/ RM15,000 (US$3530/mo.) per couple. One can also.meet this morning income requirement by showing a foreign savings account of the equivalent of RM100,000 (single)/Rm200,000 (couple).There's also a one-time non-refundable fee to be paid to the Ministry of Tourism of RM5000( @$1176). So they've dropped the special requirements for those under 50 years of age relating to mandatory property purchase or school enrollment of kids in a Sarawak international school. So now all property purchase is non-mandatory for the S-MM2H. So unlike other States or Federal MM2H Sarawak is the one program where one can rent. Even more, while the mainland MM2H programs require both property purchase and a 3 Month/year minimum visit requirement, Sarawak only requires one month/year stay. Malaysia is one of the only Asian countries that allows one to purchase property outright. So if that's your desire you may do so in Sarawak. As mentioned it's optional in Sarawak, mandatory under MM2H and Sabah MM2H. Most mainland MM2H programs have a State determined minimum floor of price for purchase of >RM1 Million. Sarawak has no minimum floor for Strata Property, but a Minimum in Kuching for Landed Property at RM600,000. Also the mainland requires one to hold the property for 10 yea s before resale. Sarawak allows that after 5years.

[@teatree6228]

I will apply for sarawak mm2h next week Perfect for retirement and winter escape from cold melbourne winters

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

@@teatree6228 awesome to hear that!

[@gerrelldrawhorn8975]

Good you got your application in before the increase in fees and conditions. Hopefully they will allow those that have the earlier SMM2H visa plans to apply under their original requirements (grandfathering). That does apply in the West Malaysian MM2H but it would be a disaster if the "old timers" who live in Kuching were forced to apply under the new RM500,000 fixed deposit and higher proofs of income/pension.

[@candywisdom]

I think 500k fixed deposit could be a heaven for big families actually

[@arnemcradu6499]

Not sure why you would want to apply for the Sarawak mm2 h when you only plan to stay for a few months a year. You get a 3 month visa - do a visa run somewhere and you get another 3 months. Why tie up all that money when you really don’t have to?🤷‍♂️

[@candywisdom]

@arnemcradu6499 i think only hk visa can stay malaysia 3 months. Some countries are only 30 days

[@chanproperties]

I was born in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. But I immigrated to USA at a young age. Now that I have 10+ years until retirement, Kuching may just be the perfect City in Malaysia to Retire. I Love the people and culture in Malaysia. The weather is always Nice and hospitality of the locals are out of this world. Oh, also the Food in Malaysia has something for everyone. Love it!

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

@@chanproperties It would definitely be a welcome change for you! ❤️

[@irenej5522]

Welcome to kuching

[@gerrelldrawhorn8975]

Sabah also has a retirement visa program if you've lost your Malaysian citizenship. Unfortunately those from other States and Regions outside Sarawak find it difficult to retire here as they need to get a special pass even if not working. Ironic that it's easier for a foreigner to retire here in Sarawak(or Sabah) than another Malaysian.

[@valentinabiebie]

That’s sweet of you two for promoting Kuching and Sarawak! God bless! 😊

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

@@valentinabiebie ❤️😍

[@theravster3363]

Yours is the only channel to give the best break-down of costs. Thank you.

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

Thank you so much for the feedback. We appreciate you watching our channel!

[@CalvinChongOfficial]

Amazing! I’m glad I’ve relocated to Malaysia too. Just never ending gem!

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

Awesome to hear! How long have you been living in Malaysia?

[@aljukimong]

Also remember, Sarawak does not have a highway toll from Kuching to Miri except through Brunei to Limbang or Lawas ..

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

Great reminder on that! Save money on tolls

[@daniellsl8085]

Highway? Kpg roads in West Malaysia are much better than ur PanBorneo Highway

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

@@daniellsl8085 let's all be respectable here. After all, East and West are still Malaysia.

[@borneodayak479]

@@daniellsl8085yes thanks to the gas & oil money from east malaysia 😊

[@ohhikaren9472]

@@daniellsl8085 SHUT UP LA U, TROLLLLLLLLLLLLL 🧌

[@rameliahmad8407]

banyak pilihan makanan...enjoy

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

@@rameliahmad8407 yes betul

[@teatree6228]

One of my favourite channels - ckology He is a travelling tourist map and speaks Australian English

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

We are friends with him

[@jessicalakui8768]

With love and care from us Dayaks here in Borneo. Dude,you are not aware of the formation of Malaysia or MA63. The Federation of Malaysia is made up of four countries namely:- 1. Malaya 2. Singapore 3. Sarawak 4. North Borneo or Sabah After two years, Singapore left the Federation of Malaysia leaving behind three countries. Sabah and Sarawak are not states but countries unlike the small small states in Malaya. Yes, the capital is Kuala Lumpur and North Borneo is Jesselton which was later renamed as Kota Kinabalu and Sarawak is of course Kuching. Please don't be misled and the Federation of Malaysia was formed on 16 September 1963 Puji Tuhan. Praise God.

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

❤️

[@teatree6228]

Praise God

[@NgTou-s2x]

Love Kuching ❤

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

@NgTou-s2x us too!!

[@wolfgangneeser7458]

Recently been to Kuching for one day (business) visit. Have to say I am impressed (very clean!) and will for sure be back in future to explore more as a tourist! It also doesn't "feel" like Malaysia when I was there, if you know what I mean....... Looking forward to the next video!

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

Yes, we totally understand what you mean! We were so impressed as well! We will share more in the next video!

[@julianli6630]

I don't, I'm from the States and been to KCH b4, so what's unique about "un-Malaysian"?

[@ernestayathuray7395]

kuching❤️👍👍

[@吹号守望者_WatchmanBibleS]

​@@corporatebreakoutcoupleJust wonder if there are mosquitoes across the river at My Village Barok? I am a mosquitoes magnet 🤣🤣

[@jamaluddinjamal2847]

Wowww,nice food adventures,come to bau. Mybe have nice food also

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

Bau? As in smell?

[@gerrelldrawhorn8975]

​@@corporatebreakoutcoupleThat's the translation into Malay. But some think that it's an older Bidayuh word. which means "fresh" or is a type of heron.

[@quartzmatter]

Good video.

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

Thank you very much!

[@teatree6228]

Sarawak - the peoples, the inclusiveness,

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

@@teatree6228 ❤️

[@darrylk808]

Great food in Sarawak. We slow travel (1 month at a time)and were in Kuching last September. This was our 2nd tme there. After 2 weeks of 4, the wife said, "Let's go." 😂 She was getting bored. It's big in area, but the city itself isn't that big. We took Grab to a lot of malls, but some looked like it was closing down. We just got home today from another month in Malaysia (Penang, Taiping, Ipoh, KL). We go quite often to escape the cold in the US and jump into the oven that is Malaysia. 🥵

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

It's certainly extremely hot and humid in West Malaysia! Especially Penang Island, as a lot of the heat gets trapped in between the hills

[@cloverlance7477]

this is very very helpful! thank you!!!

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

Are you thinking of visiting Kuching? Or perhaps living there?

[@michaelt.6096]

don't forget Bako National Park, Bengoh Dam, Malaysia China Friendship Park and Bau town. Places of attraction in Bau : Tasik Biru, Siniawan Night Food Bazaar (weekend), Fairy Cave, Wind Cave, Paku Rock Maze Garden.

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

We wanted to go to Siniawan last Saturday but the river was too swollen so it might flood that night, so it was cancelled

[@gerrelldrawhorn8975]

Gunung Gading NP in Lundu with the giant Rafflesia flowers. Fairy, Wind and Merembeh Caves near Bau. Sematan beaches and the Tanjung Datu NP (west tip of Borneo). Sarawak Delta cruise with chance to see Irrawaddy dolphins, proboscis monkeys, fireflies and crocodiles. Mt. Matang Wildlife Rescue Center/Kubah NP.

[@Blorb-v3y]

What are some good neighborhoods to live in in Kuching? We love your videos :) may purchase property under S MM2H.

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

You can look at the South City Council side, in the heart of Kuching city and also nearer to the airport where there are lots of residential areas. If up market is what you are looking for, you can look around Saradise area.

[@teatree6228]

@@corporatebreakoutcoupleooh i lived at Saradise There are better areas too outside Saradise If you like the Jalan Alor type shops,

[@CKology]

OMG I wanna go! I miss Kuching~

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

Yeah, we miss Kuching too.

[@2AsiaWithLove-pq7vz]

Great information; thank you for posting. What website did you use to find the listings for the properties? I'm planning to visit Kutching and need to find reasonable accommodations. Love what you are doing and I am a new subscriber💝

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

Thank you for subscribing! You can use I-property and Property Guru Malaysia.

[@2AsiaWithLove-pq7vz]

@@corporatebreakoutcouple Awesome, I will check these sites for good rates. Thank you!

[@NgTou-s2x]

Love Sarawak ❤

[@candywisdom]

Hi after consideration i and my hubby would like to start apply the smm2h at sarawak and we prefer someone know singapore easier for communication. I watched your smm2h videos and would interested if ali would keen to take my case forward applying the 2025 thanks

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

@@candywisdom Please email us at [e-mail] and we will send you Ai Lyn's details

[@eddylim3071]

I am an Aussie now but still call Sarawak home. I'm always anak Sarawak.

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

@@eddylim3071 ♥️

[@cjzuz1513]

The food looks yummy

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

The food there is very good!

[@genjor6630]

Kuching Sarawak is a heaven of Asia. We can mix with any races at coffe shop. We can sit together.

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

We loved Kuching so much!

[@teatree6228]

Because Sarawak is blessed and let us all keep sarawak inclusive and blessed

[@Painang89]

Hi pls review Miri Sarawak

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

@@Painang89 yeah perhaps in the future! 😍

[@teatree6228]

Yes please do Miri seems fun

[@cheehuilu]

In u video, I can see a number of old buildings designed by me ,before 1989.

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

Wow! So you're the architect?

[@khaucellyarajagopal7211]

Hi can you list down the food shops visited ? I am planning to visit kch next week. Thank youu

[@khaucellyarajagopal7211]

and also the place i can get dabai as mentioned

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

King Laksa Icom Square Moon & Sun Coffee Saradise (huge place for food and other shops) Topspot Food Court (seafood) Bako Seafood Restaurant Lagenda Hill Bar for drinks and snacks Black Bean Coffee Sarawak Cultural Village Sunday Market (for dabai and other vege and fruits unique to Sarawak) Lau Ya Keng food court for Kolo mee My Village Barok The Lepau Restaurant for authentic native Sarawakian cuisine Hope the list helps.

[@cfengnet]

I have been to half of the world but still love my hometown sarawak…. Hope i could retire there one day…

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

Awesome to hear that!

[@吹号守望者_WatchmanBibleS]

Where are you now? We are thinking of the possibility of going back to Malaysia after over 40 years in US. The new MM2H regulations redirected us to explore Kuching 😅

[@candywisdom]

May i ask how is the safety in kuching?

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

@@candywisdom Our experience in Kuching was just lovely! Locals are very friendly, helpful, speaks good English. We felt safe being there

[@candywisdom]

@corporatebreakoutcouple thanks!!! ❤️

[@dividendnomatt]

Pls use wind muff!

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

Would you like to send us some?

[@sanv3769]

You mentioned the Bus transportation is virtually non existent. However, there are buses right? Husband and I plan to retire there but we both do not drive.

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

@@sanv3769 honestly, we have not seen any bus stops or buses in Kuching. We asked our friend who lives there and he wasn't sure as well. You can get around easily with Grab app and it's super affordable.

[@sanv3769]

@@corporatebreakoutcouple thank you.

[@michaelt.6096]

There are buses and bus stops in Kuching. 1 - Kuching Metro Electric Bus (Line 103) : You can hop on/off from Sarawak Legislative Assembly to Airport, Kuching Sentral and even to Semenggoh Wildlife Center. All for free. 2 - Bus Asia (private company with red buses) : On Maps, search for "Red Bus to Bako". Trip fees may depend on the route (and your nationality). 3 - Old public buses : On Maps, search for "City Publik Link Bus Service". From there, you'll be able to go to several touristic places (for exemple : fairy caves of Bau or Bako National Park). Any trip is RM1 4-Sarawak Metro hydrogen bus. Kuching Heritage Loop (everyday) and Damai Loop which go to Damai Beach and Sarawak Cultural Village (Saturday and Sunday). All trip is free.

[@teatree6228]

Take grab

[@julianli6630]

Hi what is the website you using to search for apartment rental shown in video? (Airbnb is high 😢)

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

Property Guru Malaysia

[@salihyoosaf8362]

Can I take a rent scooter there??

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

@@salihyoosaf8362 yes, you can. However you may be more comfortable in a car as Kuching is very big and most people drive there, rather than use a motorbike.

[@peterpui7219]

Clarification: Sarawak is no longer called a STATE (州). Sabah and Sarawak have been accorded the status of REGION(邦) and are no longer regarded as states within Malaysia. - from The Star 2023

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

www.malaymail.com/news/what-you-think/2023/01/17/sabah-and-sarawak-are-states-in-the-federation-of-malaysia-hafiz-hassan/50594

[@peterpui7219]

@@corporatebreakoutcouple The link you attached here is misleading. It's just the recent federal government debating inside and under their re-proposal, not being concrete. Apparently you're getting the source of news which is under West Malaysia government standpoint . Arguably you just simply extracted from statement you 've read, which the news are never acknowledged by people of Sarawakian/Sabahan and government here. And Sarawak GPS has it's own status been updated and announced officially since 2022 till to date as Region. Drop a simple question for you : In between Hassan Hafiz's statement and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. which one is sound more legit and concrete for you ? Same to The Star or Malay Mail?

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

@@peterpui7219 We also have clarified with Ai Lyn, who is a practicing lawyer in Sarawak. Until it is gazetted by the Sarawak govt, it is not law yet.

[@peterpui7219]

@@corporatebreakoutcouple It already a Region status for Sarawak & Sabah for years. What law are you referring to?

[@FreedomOfSpeechKL]

@@peterpui7219Get a life please

[@sf2998]

One of the cleanest cities in the world..😐

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

@@sf2998 ❤️

[@RUHappyATM]

Foochow, ah, the timber tycoons.

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

@@RUHappyATM 👍❤️

[@suekunimas7843]

did you know sibu is a very long drive???

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

@@suekunimas7843 yes, we are aware

[@eddylim3071]

Take the pan borneo highway to sibu. You will be impressed.

[@TBara-e5e]

Why don't you compare Kuching, Penang and KL for cost and quality?

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

@@TBara-e5e we've done several videos on this sans Kuching Costs across board is pretty similar between Kuching and Penang except for accommodation and certain products are more expensive in Kuching because they incur export costs from West Malaysia

[@bungaialoevera]

Quite amusing that you're comparing Sarawak with states in the peninsula. Sarawak and Sabah together with the peninsula are three remaining entities in the Federation of Malaysia aka Malaysia after Singapore left. Sarawak is not one of the 13 states but one of the three States of Malaysia.

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

Last we checked, Malaysia is a federation of 13 states and 3 federal territories. 11 on West Malaysia and 2 on Borneo Island aka Sabah & Sarawak. What is so amusing about the comparison? Do enlighten us.

[@pakduta1895]

Yes, Negara Sarawak is as big as Federation Malaya

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

Betul

[@teatree6228]

Yes Sarawak is a nation in a federation of states but sarawak is a nation on its own

[@Luktcong]

I wonder if you guys are Chinese Peranakan or pure Chinese Singaporean XD

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

John is Singaporean born and bred. Fran is half peranakan

[@garyt7232]

Would like to visit Kuching the next time we travel to Malaysia. Will you two be traveling to KK since you are in East Malaysia? Safe travels.

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

Sabah will be another trip in the future ❤️

[@dovygoodguy1296]

How do foreigners handle the high heat and humidity or confine themselves to air conditioning 24/7??

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

We find that most of the foreigners love it! They dress accordingly and they totally embrace the weather

[@haroldz123]

It's not hidden gem, it is the capital of Sarawak

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

Not many people visit Kuching and we would like to reveal it as a gem to the world as the experience in Kuching was precious to us.

[@joeng3442]

Your Kuching accent is beyond my comprehension.

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

We aren't from East Malaysia so we don't have a Kuching accent.

[@Mrykcykc]

How is Kuching a Hidden Gem? Its our Capital.

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

@@Mrykcykc it's not hidden to you but you'd be surprised to know that a lot of people aren't aware of the beauty and gems that Kuching offers.

[@Mrykcykc]

@@corporatebreakoutcouple it’s the title. He should have said hidden gem of Malaysia. Sarawak itself is a state of Malaysia and comparing to other city in Sarawak. Kuching is the biggest. It’s not a hidden gem of Sarawak. Everyone in Sarawak will know about Kuching

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

@@Mrykcykc again, it's about letting the rest of the world know. Why bother showing Kuching to Sarawakians?

[@Mrykcykc]

@@corporatebreakoutcouple ok sure.

[@Mrykcykc]

@@corporatebreakoutcouple and thanks for promoting Sarawak. It’s one of the best place to stay in the world

[@Robmar40]

Kuching doesn't look or feel set up for foreign tourists.

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

What do you mean? Do elaborate and perhaps we can share more on our experience

[@Robmar40]

@@corporatebreakoutcoupleIt seems too spread out not to have public transportation. Also it has a more rural feel to the city.

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

@@Robmar40 that's the draw and charm of the place. There are many many tourists there from US, UK, Australia, Europe. Using ride hailing is super easy, convenient and super affordable. Do visit and see it for yourselves!

[@cheeyienchung7265]

It is a charming city with a very charming Chinatown much like Malacca. It certainly makes a good tourist destination for a short visit...plus you can make day trips to Bako Santubong we tc.

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

@@cheeyienchung7265 yeah, Kuching does remind us a little of Malacca, especially near to the river

[@peterpui7219]

Clarification: Sarawak is no longer called a STATE. Sabah and Sarawak have been accorded the status of REGION and are no longer regarded as states within Malaysia. - from The Star 2023

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

www.malaymail.com/news/what-you-think/2023/01/17/sabah-and-sarawak-are-states-in-the-federation-of-malaysia-hafiz-hassan/50594

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

It has not been gazetted by Sarawak govt. So by law, it is still a state. Please clarify with the Sarawak govt on this matter since you are so concerned about matters like these.

[@peterpui7219]

@@corporatebreakoutcouple You should be the one who need seek clarification more than I do since your video is promoting of Sarawak M2H to other countries people and please don't get your audiences mess up on this ! Go around Sarawak communities and continue spreading your fraud statement youtube video and I am pretty sure you will get piss off by the people. Why should I go to clarify? since this been took place long enough and Primer Sarawak Abang Johari been announced the Region status both on the Putra Jaya and Sarawak parliament back to two years ago! Please go an update yourself!

[@irislau8288]

Boring city honestly

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

Thanks for watching this video!

[@benjaminstephen97]

Anything that u can help us instead of comment something negatively? SAY IT NOW!!

[@javierran957]

I visited Kuching 3 months ago for 5 days for leisure. It was certainly a nice place to visit as a tourist, but is boring to stay there permanently. Just my personal opinion.

[@eddylim3071]

My son says without an ipad is boring. I grew up without an ipad and it was not boring. The moral of the story is be creative.

[@corporatebreakoutcouple]

@@eddylim3071 it's all perspectives, isn't it? ♥️