Some neighborhoods are much higher price-per-square foot than others with the exact same offerings the major difference is just where the condo/apartment is. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. I fly out to Malaysia today and will be in Penang later this week! We had a little chat on Facebook earlier this year reference our trip to Malaysia. Their sole purpose is to improve website functions. Read our disclosure. Another great post, and so valuable. Big expat community, with restaurants and shops catering to expats needs. When everything is new, friends can change your entire outlook on a place and help you get accustomed to your new home much quicker. Facebook community. Our social life is far busier in Penang than it ever was in Chicago. Healy Macs Bar at Straits Quay is a place where you can always find expats hanging out. Its a popular place for expat families to live. The ones below are my go-tos and have been for years. We went home in January and sold everything, including two businesses and by September of 2013, we had moved to Penang. These groups really are a wealth of info. Very close to Free Trade Zone, bridges and the gigantic Queensbay Mall. Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur. Are the prices that show the real estate websites reliable or they are overpriced? The expat adventures of a Texas family living in Penang, Malaysia; Latest Expat Interviews/ Articles more Malaysia articles. Not just a new place. 59100, Kuala Lumpur
This post isnt just how to meet people in Penang-Ive lived in Spain, France, Greece, Brazil, London, and Cape Town before Penang. The cost of living in Penang is pretty cheap. There are property sites here but often the pictures arent of the actual unit and sometimes the images are only of the outside of the building. Pls whatsapp me at Where can I learn how to speak Hokkien? If youre an expat planning to move to Penang, your future happiness may depend a lot on where you choose to live. If you are planning to move overseas, one of the first steps to creating long-lasting happiness is finding your tribe. Of course, there is petty crime here and the odd machete stabbing, but it's still less than anywhere else in Malaysia. Georgetown is the beating heart of Penang, with festivals galore, street food hawkers, beautiful old architecture, old men on trishaws, stunning street art, and ornate temples, mosques, and Chinese clan houses. Also, those pages are great for meeting people. Ive had quite a few guys from nowhere near Penang reach out about getting to know me. 486.75 USD. We bought a house in Penang for our retirement. If you arent up for driving yourself, the buses are very clean, super cheap and always freezing. Summary: Penang, Malaysia is a popular destination for retirees due to its low cost of living, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture. I love where we live (The Cantonment in Pulau Tikus) but this article would have been so helpful before we moved here I struggled to find info like this. We would have loved to live in George Town as there is so much going on there but there arent many condos with ocean views. As an expat living in Penang, I can honestly say that the friendships I've made here are deeper than many I had in Chicago. Join groups to pursue your hobbies from sports to music, theres something for everyone With InterNations, youll quickly feel at home wherever life takes you. Join InterNations and connect with a community of like-minded expats in Malaysia! A chance to live among true Penangites in a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Great article Cimeron. Expats that hold management positions in international companies tend to prefer Gurney drive, as its located within a short distance from areas with more commercial activity and corporations. This means that through trust, polite and friendly behavior and an open mind-set, you are able to interact in a safe and secure environment, making the most of your time in Penang. Email us at:
[email protected] by Robert Baker.This digital media is protected by U.S. copyright law. Hi Wendy, Welcome to Penang! 4. Many condo construction projects create quite a bit of noise for neighbors. That's exactly what InterNations is here for to connect you to like-minded and more experienced expats who can guide you through any teething problems and more than that, become friends for life. The incredible sights that populate Penang Island are abundant with venues such as; the famous Batu Ferringhi, a popular beach destination that also features hotel resorts and many other activities, Malaysias first floating mosque, Penang Hill, and Penang Road, all serving as must see destinations. Having the option to rent a spacious and modern place for RM 5000 (USD 1200) a month, instead of locking in a big sum of money in an illiquid asset that wont appreciate much in the coming years, many foreigners decide to rent property instead. Discover essential safety tips for expats living in Penang! Sharon says: Not really an up and coming place to live as it is so isolated. Expats can support you emotionally; when you are missing home or when you cant find Hellmans mayo or when all you want is to go on a Target run. While Penang is relatively safer than its big city counterparts, the element of crime obviously still exists. Just do a quick google search for diving in SE Asia and youll get a long list of great dive sites. Join InterNations and connect with a community of like-minded expats in Malaysia! For the coffee meetings, its best to go to the Facebook groups mentioned and get the info there. Quite a distance to other parts of Penang, which can feel isolating. Foreigners that look for bigger units (above 2800 sqft / 260 sqm) and that have a budget above RM 5000 (USD 1200) often choose places like: Those with lower budgets, mostly coming from India, Korea, and China, tend to go for Gurney Beach, PG 1 Condominium, and Gurney Park. To offer you a better experience, this site uses cookies, including third-party cookies for re-marketing purposes. Buying in 2018, with the current exchange rate, is at the same status quo to buying a property 4-5 years ago. Below, Ive listed some distinct features that diversify Penang from other places within Malaysia, but also regionally: Deciding whether you should buy or rent is not always easy. No major updates to the story all the costs are about the same, and none of the neighborhoods have changed significantly (with the exception of the Gurney Drive area, which has a huge, multi-year land reclamation project going on across the street). Expats make deeper connections because we are all in the same boat; we all have a common bond of living outside our home country. Our Company uses these cookies to collect information about how you use a website, like which pages you visited and which links you clicked on. These tips will work for any new country you are moving to. Thanks for this great article! Alternatively, post your questions in the forums, for a range of different opinions. There are also 2 international schools in Tanjung Bungah, Dalat International School, and Tenby International School. Thank you for a very informative article. Travel2Next.com provides travel inspiration and information about world travel. Full Forum Listing. Is it true? A bunch of long-term expats go, so its not just for newbies. Scooters go one way down the wrong way, they drive on the sidewalks and through the red lights. Promote your Asia properties or pre-construction projects via our website and email list. It is important because education has the ability to mould and shape a childs development process. Nothing compares to an in-person visit. (LogOut/ Living in Penang as an expatriate Find useful info to make the most of your expat project and get in touch with expatriates. Cimeron. However, I always suggest getting into the online Facebook groups before you even get here. Im using this as my guide! I understand that going somewhere new and chatting to people isnt easy for everyone Im thinking about you introverts! Our friends range from 20-somethings having kids to fabulous 70 somethings having the time of their lives. In my 20s as a single woman, I lived in London, Cape Town, and Brazil but I always ended up going back to Chicago, my hometown. Thats fantastic to hear that the guide will be helpful for you, Mia! Actually, avoid taking cabs if you can because they are over-priced. If you agree and have the time you can hook us up with your friend in order to arrange a little Insider tour in Penang.Thanks for your help and assistance. The thing about the Penang expat community is that they are an incredibly welcoming bunch. And congrats! It sounds very disappointing. Here are some thoughts about life in Penang from Kirsten Raccuia (Sand in my Curls). About Discussion About this group This group is set up to meet expats living in Penang, provide good tips or get useful information. St. Christophers International Primary School, To live in a UNESCO World Heritage Site is a rare opportunity! You can find more leisure activities and points of interest compared to the Southern parts, especially in areas of Georgetown to Batu Ferringhi. If so, youll have to sign up for my newsletter. Gurney Drive is one of the most popular areas among MM2H holders and foreigners from mainly Hong Kong and Europe. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. As Malaysias food capital, this light guide to dining in Penang will mainly focus on the finer and more popular things to eat on the island, especially its famous hawker street food. There are a lot of expats on this small island and there is always something social going on. Looking for your next holiday? Sorry for the late reply! Expat in Penang, Expats in Penang, Penang Island Community, Penang Expat Women. Close to Georgetown and also the Free Trade Zone. Its a lovely outdoor space strewn with art where locals and expats hang out and support small businesses. This article was written by Eunice Ooi, currently working for IQI Global in Penang, Malaysia. Is the in-depth neighborhood guide available somewhere yet? Built on landfill, the area has a very new and western feel, and western prices to go along with it. First of all, these areas have seen a lower influx of foreigners and offer a more genuine local lifestyle. Looking forward to your next article. But you know what? Additionally, English is widely spoken in the medical community, making communication easier for international patients. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Currently living in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, 2023 Sand In My Curls. I hope you like living in Penang as much as I do. Internations is a useful resource for finding out whats happening in Penang, or anywhere for that matter. Another opportunity to meet the whole expat community is by joining one of the larger get-together events organized by InterNations. Learn how to stay safe from crime, natural disasters, and health risks while enjoying Penang. Its my first time visit this blog. Large landfill and housing construction projects underway, which can be noisy and may block views. You can walk down any street and see a mosque in front of you, a Buddhist temple to the right and a Hindu temple across the street. MM2H is one of the best in Southeast Asia if you are looking for a long-term visa program. Looking forward your next article. Hi Cimeron, great article and very helpful information. Its always busy in Georgetown, so if crowds annoy you, it might not be right for you. I'm fluent in Japanese, so if there's any Japanese expat community, it'd be nice to be somewhat near them as well. Since we lived in Malaysia, there is a ton of info on the blog about life here and all the extraordinary adventures we get up to while living in Asia. Penang is known for its excellent street food, which is so good, its won awards. You can report those people as well as block them. However, be forewarned, some assholes try to use it as a dating site. In 2013, they were sick of the rat race and decided to rewire their lives by turning it upside down and moving across the planet. Hi Cimeron, we are an active retired couple considering moving to Penang. But no pressure! Large landfill project underway just across the street, which is an eyesore. That being said, we have a car and a scooter and have gotten used to the no-rules-road-rules. Thank you!
Some examples are the colonial buildings and local architecture, the Botanical Garden, Penang Hill, Penang National Park, and more. He's originally from California, but beyond than that, he is a traveler, eager to see . All this makes for an invigorating experience. I was hoping to find a nice Malaysian island without many cars.and motorcycles Thats what I hate about living in Bangkok. Lots of activities, classes and performances offered at Penang Pac, located within Straits Quay Mall. Oh, you tell me how many kilometres you want, and I change it for you!. With its culinary tastes mixed up into a fusion of Chinese, Malay, and Indian cuisines, Penangs food scene has a lot to offer hungry travellers. Renting is more convenient and brings less responsibility, at the same time , you might miss out on future price appreciations. If you did, then Im not sure why you moved. Exchange tips about expat life in Penang Discover Events & Make New Friends If you're wondering how to navigate the challenges of life abroad, you're not alone. And to highlight the unique flavor and special considerations for each neighborhood, Ive enlisted the help of my close friend Sharon Giraud shes an expert on the subject and gives neighborhood tours to future expats to help them find the right rental properties. As mentioned above, Penang has high investment requirements, as of 2018, you need to pay at least RM 3 million (USD 722,000) for a landed house on the Island.
Stay well! You can buy a car from a local dealer, or better yet, buy it from an expat who is leaving. In 2001, on one of the first dates with my husband, we discussed living overseas. We are on a 10-year renewable visa called an MM2H Malaysia My Second Home. Malaysia, and Penang specifically, always grab a top spot when it comes to rankings of Best places to live and retire in Asia. With cheap living costs, medical care (with high standard), and a high quality of life in general, keeping a property for more than 5 years is easy for many. I was in a private hospital room for three days and received excellent care. A glass of house wine is usually $5.75 and dinner can be half of that. Everything you need to know about staying in Penang. Quoting Shan Saeed at IQI Global: A stable and mature real estate market makes the economic landscape for properties appealing to sophisticated investors. Let me know what kinds of info youd like to know more about and Ill see if I can write some stories to help answer your questions. The Penang authorities are starting to crack down on the whole visa run thing so you cant get pop over the border to Thailand for a few hours. In case you have any problems or you want to advertise in this group, please contact the page admin Jana Hobson. A lot of trash washes up on Tanjung Bungah beach after storms, and it can get loud when people are setting off fireworks during festivals. Our gym is super-modern with all the classes and equipment you need. A new initiative in providing support and information for expats is Penang Expat Wives - which isn't an organisation as such but a Facebook page. Those wishing to dance the night away need not look further than venturing to Upper Penang Road, where an abundance of restaurants, bars and clubs clutter the street with live music, tantalizing aromas, and pleasure-seeking patrons of various ages. If you need my assistance you may PM me in WhatsApp : +60125353547 Ruhil, No worries at all Garry, will be there too, Hello Yathish,
Education is of prime importance for most expat families relocating to a new country or environment. Just returned (yesterday to be precise) from a weeks holiday to check out the viability of living in Penang and your article fills a big gap in finding out about where expats chose to live in Penang. Penang is known for its delicious street food, affordable cost of living, and excellent healthcare system. We have been looking for information through the real estate websites (iproperty, propertyguru, ) and It seems, and we would like you to confirm us, that the keys of price difference are (assuming the same neighborhood and size), whether you rent a high floor level apartment with ocean views and fibra or not, Is it right? These days, you need to leave for at least a few days or a week. Stephanie. The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country. The real estate websites will give you a general idea of prices, but when it comes down to it, just about every rental price is negotiable. One should also not forget the various restaurants that are similarly as good as their street counterparts, albeit for a higher price. They are the first place I post. There are ancient crumbling walls with new street art painted on them. If youre looking for a place without many cars or motorbikes, look for islands without commerce, such as Tioman and Pangkor. Gymnastics and football coaching for kids in Penang Hi We are from the UK and living in Singapore. You are about to embark on a new expat life, in a new country, with new friends. A forum community dedicated to expatriates and enthusiasts. There are lots of international corporations running factories in the Free Trade Zone, and people need to get to/from their jobs, hence the traffic. You can join groups to suit every taste arts, golfing, and cooking, to name just a few. Batu Ferringhi is a bit out there and a car may be essential to get to grocery stores and into town because it may be a challenge to get a cab or Grab back and forth, says Sharon. Penang has received a big share of foreign retirees and expats over the years. Feel free to email me anytime, just head over to my Contact Me page for my deets. Depending on the time of year, numerous festivals and events also take place across the island. Healy Mac isnt my go-to hang out, but Im an old expat. Stay safe yall. I still use these groups whenever I cant find something or have a question about restaurants, books, stores, the post office, pretty much anything. Syed Kechik Foundation Building
Large array of high rise condos to choose from. Any Malaysian worth his salt will tell you without hesitation that Penang has the best Char Keow Teow, a mouth watering concoction of flattened rice noodles fried with cockles, bean sprouts, spring onions, prawns, and egg. Not many attractions here not much to do. It gets pretty crowded, so go early if you want to participate. Gelugor and Bayan Lepas are preferable among MM2H-holders, retirees, and expats for several reasons. We see all sorts of wildlife from our condo including monitor lizards, two kinds of monkeys, sea eagles and bats, which is pretty unique considering we live in a modern high-rise, not in some hut in the rainforest. Youll reach the Upland International School within a 10-minute drive, hence, this area is highly popular among families with primary and secondary children. Like most tropical islands in South-East Asia during nightfall, both the locals and foreigners in Penang come out to play by drinking, socializing, dancing, and eating. Another related blog is Life as an Expat: What you Need to Know and How to Be a Happy Expat. Housing in Penang is often deemed to be a blissful mix of condos, bungalows, villas on the hillside, to apartments and luxurious condominiums by the beachfront. Its free to sign up, and once you enter your hobbies or interests, you will start receiving emails of events they sponsor in the area. Its one of the more well know expat bars in Penang. But since moving to Puerto Vallarta, Ill be writing about our misadventures here. A mix of first-party and third-party cookies are used. Ive always felt extremely welcomed by the locals. The Northern part of the island is most dense with people and has been developed over a longer time, while the Southern part offers a more local lifestyle, but receives more and more foreign renters and property buyers. The cost of a ticket depends on the length of your ride, but generally, it will cost you .32-.92. Are you house-hunting? We living in Thailand now but will head back to Australia for a while to have babies. There are tons of Aussies and British expats in Malaysia - they also have Facebook groups. Regardless, those that prefer their night air unfilled with heart-pumping music can also visit the assorted themed or speciality bars around the island that focuses on providing an alluring and relaxing environment to unwind and relax. Getting in with the Penang expat community as soon as possible was imperative for me. You might not be able to attend them yet, but you will start meeting people through it as well. 456.77 USD. She adds that its a good option for the mid-20s/30s crowd looking to balance having a good life and money.. A few years ago, before we had any insurance, I had sinus surgery. Most MM2H holders and expats who choose to live Batu Ferringhi are European, British, and Korean. Indeed, as reported by the TheEdge Malaysia, Penang is striving to become a medical city for foreigners and locals alike and this is evident from raking in RM336 million in revenue in the sector for the year 2010. Malaysia also offers the MM2H visa which is renewable and gives you the right to stay for 10 years at a time. They are always up to date on the latest. Penang has topped the list as a place for medical tourism due to its excellent healthcare facilities and services. It may be basic stuff, but when you are starting to pack up all of those little questions can do your head in. Traffic can get pretty bad in Penang and on its main bridge during the weekends as well as during peak hours. 10 am-12 pm. We're a community specifically for ALL expat women in Penang. That is the power of these groups. People think of it as a retirement visa because you are not allowed to work and if you apply for it before you are 50 years old, the monetary requirements double. Every Monday night, they host a quiz night with all sorts of prizes. I am moving back to Penang early next year. I put together this Penang neighborhood guide to help you find an area that suits your interests, personality and needs the best. Favorite place to live for many families with young kids. Besides medical facilities such as hospitals and clinics, Penang also has a profusion of pharmacies that sell over the counter drugs for those who dont require dire medical attention. Private Rentals range from RM 3000 RM 9000 (USD 723 USD 2170). There are numerous ways to find your tribe within the Penang expat community. Our Company uses these cookies so that we recognize you on our website and remember your previously selected preferences. And since raw sewage gets pumped out into the bay, the sea water quality may not be great for swimming. We love it! Besides the old-school but modern feel of the island, the Malaysian culture is an incredibly crazy concoction of Muslim Malays, Buddhist and Taoist Chinese and Hindu Indians. All the below resources, regardless of their name, have expats and locals within their group. I would like to ask if there is easier ways to get notified about events in Penang rather than emails. Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Penang. A great chance to immerse yourself in local Penang culture. I know what you mean by Internations. We also have a community forum where users can ask . We are now considering a move to Penang. Close to Georgetown and not a bad commute to the Free Trade Zone. Youll go through important milestones with them: birthdays, anniversaries, and deaths. Far from beaches, jungles and activities. And high floor units usually fetch a slightly higher rental price since their views are better, you get less street noise and mosquitos usually dont fly up to the higher floors. Last Updated on February 21, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia. In Penang, there are three well-attended coffee mornings held each week. Gabrielle. Saturdays at Back Kettle in downtown George Town from 10:30 am-12:30 pm. Makes it great for families and people with dogs., With two huge fancy malls, a big hawker food center, sea views (kinda) and tons of high rise condos, Gurney is a popular and convenient pick for many expats. The Northern parts of Penang have been the preferred place for foreigners since long back. We are all about helping the community and would also appreciate your contributions to make things easier for Expats. So happy to hear that the article helped you, Lorraine! Honestly, there are a lot of Penang expat groups on Facebook. The first year we were here, we were on tourist visas (Americans get 90 days), which is not ideal because you have to leave for a few days and reapply to come back in. I know the title of this is Penang Expats; however, Im not suggesting that you only make expat friends. Were very thankful to count you & Mark as dear friends . . We also provide information about projects, developers, real estate agencies and other relevant companies in Asia. Michelle Grimsley, a long time Penang expat, created Spiral Synergy as a social network and events group. If you find it hard to decide whether you should buy or rent real estate in Penang, you can find valuable information at the end of the article. But I am wanting to pick someone elses brains about the visa situation with the MCO. Every Sunday, there is a pop-up market there with local foods, crafts, and art. Its very affordable and has a range of offerings, from high-rise condo living to seaside low-rise units. This is a worldwide site, so no matter where you go, or currently live, its a great resource for meeting people. Attend our monthly events and activities for Penang expatriates to get to know like-minded expatriates in real life. As an expat living in Penang, I can honestly say that the friendships Ive made here are deeper than many I had in Chicago. Convenience is king here restaurants and shops are all within walking distance, and its close to town. When we first moved here, we didnt know what half the vegetables and fruits were at the market. Read hundreds of articles and expert interviews covering Asia property taxes, foreign ownership rules, projects & much more. Thank you for this article! All Rights Reserved. Penang is also the Malaysian destination of choice for most travelers as it is known for its great nightlife, caf culture, and shopping. Just go to Free resources above and press Get your free E-book here. A true taste of Penang with locals and expats living side-by-side. The key is to get a good realtor to show you a ton of properties in your price range nothing like an in-person tour to help you figure out whats right for you. Very expensive housing the priciest on the island. (LogOut/ Says Sharon: I am partial to this area because I live here easy access to beaches and close to daily shopping as well as many of my friends. Tenby International School is located here, and the neighborhoods are a good mix of locals and expats. While foreigners have the option of sending their children to public and private schools, those wishing to send their kids to international schools in Penang will find more than a few quality options throughout the island. Ideal for singles working in the area who just need to get to work fast.. Were new here, having spent the last 2 years attempting to get here. Its imperative to start connecting with Penang expats before you decide to move. Is there any updates you would add to any of the locations? One should also take note of the local police hotline: 04-2221522/04-2691999 together with the national emergency hotline: 999. Well to be fair, Penang is an urban island with lots of commerce, and has been for more than 100 years. Nevertheless, no matter where you stay, plentiful hawker cafes, convenience stores, and Penangs other popular amenities can surely be found nearby. And in recent years, living in Penang has become a popular choice for retirees and those seeking a lifestyle change. If you have ANY questions about coming to Penang, just post it in a couple of these groups, and youll get a ton of answers. You'll find many ways to network, socialize, and make new international friends. Our Malaysian policy covers us if we are hospitalised and there is no deductible.
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