This content was generated using artificial intelligence based on publicly available information. It is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, immigration, or professional advice. Information may be incomplete or outdated. Always verify with official sources before making decisions.
Data Source: Safety, crime, and quality metrics are sourced from Numbeo, a crowd-sourced global database of reported data.
All scores are relative comparisons on a 0-100 scale, where 50 = global average. Higher scores mean better than average, lower scores mean worse than average.
Tenom offers a tranquil, authentic Malaysian experience in rural Sabah, perfect for expats seeking deep cultural immersion and a slower pace away from city life. Here, you'll find a strong local community and a remarkably affordable cost of living.
While generally safe with decent local transport, be prepared for fewer Western amenities and a minimal expat network. Healthcare facilities are adequate for routine needs, though more specialized services might necessitate travel to larger centers. This destination suits those prioritizing local immersion over an established expat bubble.
Population
5,148
Area
763 km²
Density
7 per km²
Founded
-
Language
English, Malay
Distance to Coast
39 km
Districts & Neighborhoods in Tenom
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Climate & Weather in Tenom
Tenom has a hot, humid tropical climate with very little seasonal temperature variation and frequent rainfall throughout the year. It is best classified as tropical rainforest climate (Köppen Af), with average highs around 28.6-30.3°C, annual rainfall commonly exceeding 2,000 mm, and consistently high humidity. The current weather conditions in Tenom are also warm and humid, which is consistent with the city’s year-round climate.
Summer Average
30°C
Winter Average
27°C
Climate Type
Tropical Rainforest
Rainy Days
300
Sunny Days
120
Humidity
85%
Spring
March - May
27-31°C
Hot and humid conditions dominate, with frequent showers and thunderstorms common in the afternoons. Temperatures stay high and there is little distinction from other seasons.
High rainfall
Summer
June - August
27-30°C
Warm weather continues with persistent humidity and regular rain, although some days can be slightly drier than the wettest months. Sunshine is limited by cloud cover and convective rainfall.
High rainfall
Autumn
September - November
27-30°C
This period remains hot and humid, with rainfall increasing again toward November. Cloudier days and heavier showers are typical.
Very High rainfall
Winter
December - February
26-29°C
Winter is still warm and wet rather than cool, with high humidity and frequent rain. There is only a slight temperature dip compared with the rest of the year.
High rainfall
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Air Quality
Tenom
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Advantages
Disadvantages
Safety & Security in Tenom
Overall Safety Score
Includes resilience and environmental factors
Moderate
55
/100
Malaysia Avg
60
Asia Avg
57
Worldwide Avg
56
Crime & Safety Metrics
Thermometer compares Tenom to Malaysia averages using different marker styles.Compare:
Tenom
Malaysia Average
No city-specific data available — showing Malaysia country averages instead.
Safety Index
0510
Moderate
Safety from Crime
0510
Moderate
Safe Alone (Day)
0510
Moderate
Safe Alone (Night)
0510
Low
Safety from Violent Crime
0510
Moderate
Safety from Property Crime
0510
Concerning
Environmental & Natural Hazard Risks
Resilience Score: 80/100
No data for Tenom — showing hazard indicators from nearby Labuan (~79 km).
