There are walk-in type of basement on sloped land, but fully underground basement you'll be dealing with mildew and flood in tropical Malaysia.

Unless on some desert area at Australia I recall, too hot there, but they don't have moisture problem either.

In reality basement is overrated even the foreigners who owns it said, just used for storing rubbish, very poor ventilation and damp with pests around.
Childrens also afraid that there are monsters lurking.

Yes, I mentioned a few post above this is called walk-in basement.
Usually on sloped land, that is common here.