There's a lot of good information about places on the island. There are plenty of air-conditioned attractions to visit as soon as the day starts to sear. And everything in between. The temperatures remain the same, around 86 to 88 F, but the rains make it feel cooler temporarily. Top 4 Areas to Live in Penang: A Guide for Retirees & Expats, These cookies are set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and are used to store whether or not visitors have consented to the use of cookies, These cookies are used to monitor the email newsletter's performances, Penang has warm tropical weather which is highly appreciated among foreigners that come from cold countries. Living in Penang - Pros and Cons of My Island Life Island Life Penang has a very laidback feel that I love. Thats a little too laidback for me. Rent is more affordable on the island of Penang than in KL. For $2,500 per month retirees can live "extremely well," according to Internationalliving.com, and get a three-bedroom condo with a balcony overlooking the ocean. They are. KL is often hailed as the go-to destination for shopaholics; nonetheless, Penang Island is fast catching up to its big city brethren. Since long back, the Northern parts of Penang have been the preferred among foreigners. Either they plan to buy at a later stage or keep on renting, waiting for the market to recover. First of all, these areas have seen a lower influx of foreigners and offer a more genuine local lifestyle. It took 10 days to get the parts for our A/C, and it wasnt some old unit that had to be repaired in Singapore; it was still under warranty, and it took 10 damn days. I have just googled rent prices in Penamg, its comparable to KL. I've heard that living on the mainland is even more affordable, but for us, the island is where it's at. And by wild, I mean hitting three bars before calling it a night. The 4 best areas for retirees & expats to live in Penang It is all aggregated and, therefore, anonymized. Some are planning their Penang retirement. We also provide information about projects, developers, real estate agencies and other relevant companies in Asia. Renting is a far better choice. The cost of a nice 2 bedroom home in Penang is typically around $100,000 USD, while a nice 3 bedroom home can cost around $150,000 USD. Rents are very low in comparison and there are many units available in a number of modern condos. While Penang is relatively safer than its big city counterparts, the element of crime obviously still exists. Penang has been one of the top expat destinations in Malaysia for years. Penang is a state, not just an island. At the grocery stores and even at the restaurants, Western food is more expensive. Construction completed/started, costs, etc? There is no such thing as a perfect place. 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. Required fields are marked *. Even George Town, Penang states capital and the business hub on the island, has a laze about it. Its one of the reasons why retiring in Penang is so popular, not just for expats but for Malaysians as well. Rental prices vary quite a bit from one building to another, and from one neighborhood to another. If you read my last blog about culture shock, youd know I am still in the adaptation and acceptance stage and quite happy to be there. 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. Syed Kechik Foundation Building It is quick, efficient, and five-star quality for prices that are lower than what most people pay for their deductible. Vibrant, historic location with loads of personality. A great chance to immerse yourself in local Penang culture. Penang is a multicultural island with about 60% of its inhabitants being Chinese, 32% Malays, and 7% Indian. However, I always suggest getting into the online Facebook groups before you even get here. Calling a Grab should only cost you a few dollars unless its a long ride. January and February typically bring blue skies and drier days making this a great time to visit Penang. Simply enter your email address below to sign up for ILs free daily postcards and well also send you a Free Malaysia Report Amazing Malaysia: Halve Your Living Costs While Living Like a King in the Pearl of the Orient. To offer you a better experience, this site uses cookies, including those of third parties. One thing that people dont know about Malaysia is that it is a medical tourism destination. Dentistry in Penang is just as high quality as the doctors and surgeons there. Not to forget, the feeling of owning a property is unique in itself. There are seven hospitals on the island so there are plenty of doctors and specialists to choose from. It is already considered an up and coming area for medical tourism. Thanks Cameron , Very happy to hear that the story is helpful to you, Jeff! 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. Penang, Malaysia - Expat Exchange 2. Required fields are marked *. Expats in Penang - Find Jobs, Forums & Events for Expats - InterNations Here are the Living in Penang Pros and Cons. A few years ago, before we had any insurance, I had sinus surgery. Rents and property prices are lower as well, making it a suitable place for foreigners that work from home, having a lower budget. We are def on the same page! 45 Pros and Cons of Retiring in Malaysia (2020) - Aging Greatly Is the in-depth neighborhood guide available somewhere yet? Its safe for foreigners, delicious, and you can get a filling meal for less than $5. How to Make Friends Abroad the Key to a Happy Expat Life, Learn to Teach English in Malaysia at myTESOL, Kiteboarding, foilboarding and windsurfing in Penang. 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. Thinking about moving here in a few years. Worth mentioning is that Malaysia was voted as the fifth best country to retire in 2018 according to Forbes, where Penang is undoubtedly a big contributor. So happy to hear that the article helped you, Lorraine! For more information on our data policies, please read our. It is extremely chill here. My wife and I are planning to move to Penang eventually and our first visit will be spring next year. In Chicago, we had American friends, yes they had different backgrounds, but they were all American. See you soon! Hi Sue! You can also search for rental listings in local newspapers and magazines. Theres also the night market, which sells every knockoff you can imagine, plus the latest styles in hippie pants and burkinis. 6 networks and resources for new expats in Penang - ExpatGo The long, lively beach is dotted with hotels, restaurants, jetskis, palm trees and happy vacationers from all over the world taking selfies in front of the ocean. 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. Cimeron. If it was good to eat raw, theyd cut off a hunk and offer it to us. Your email address will not be published. Expat in Penang : Expatriate buying property in Malaysia. Retire in It makes it very easy to adapt and eases any culture shock. There are ancient crumbling walls with new street art painted on them. If youre lucky to be staying somewhere with a good view of the seas, youll be treated to a light show like none other. Hi Marcus Of course, there is petty crime here and the odd machete stabbing, but it's still less than anywhere else in Malaysia. 5C, 5th Floor, Tower Block, They are a very welcoming bunch, and its not hard to find your tribe. Centuries-old shophouses have been lovingly restored to modern boutiques or small hotels. 1. Transportation in Penang is similar to most modes of travel in Malaysia with the addition of sea travel. 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. We have friends from Zimbabwe, Germany, Australia, Scotland, Philippines, Canada and the US. IQI Global is an award-winning company that has helped many locals and foreigners to find new developments, sub-sales, and rental properties all over Malaysia. Ideal for singles working in the area who just need to get to work fast.. Hi Fixie, Great catch. Learn how Asian countries compare on foreign property ownership rules, taxes, visa options, capital controls and more. Mainland was never an option. Penang is one of the safest expat havens in Malaysia. 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. Close to Georgetown and also the Free Trade Zone. Although the climate is generally the same year-round, there will be some months that are hotter and wetter than others. Others are here for work, yet others are here for the overall quality of life in Penang. The 4 Best Areas for Retirees & Expats to Live in Penang 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. Many are on a fixed budget and want to live in a place that has all the comforts of home, without the same high costs. Prices are around RM 10,000 (USD 2400) per sqm and onwards. . 59100, Kuala Lumpur Nevertheless, no matter where you stay, plentiful hawker cafes, convenience stores, and Penangs other popular amenities can surely be found nearby. I totally agree with you. When we go to KL for the weekend, I put on a pair of heels and go wild. It is one of the many reasons people are moving out of the country to retire. Malaysias local currency, Ringgit (RM), has depreciated much over the years, making Penang attractive for foreign real estate buyers. A former outpost of the British Empire, the state of Penang in Malaysia's north-west consists of Penang Island (home to the state's capital and UNESCO World Heritage George Town) and Seberang Perai (the largest and most well-known place here is Butterworth). Our gym is super-modern with all the classes and equipment you need. 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 really lacks in the nightlife department. Its very affordable and has a range of offerings, from high-rise condo living to seaside low-rise units. We found your area report very helpful in anticipation of a visit we will be making soon. Its always busy in Georgetown, so if crowds annoy you, it might not be right for you. If you are an expat living in Penang, there is a revolving door of people moving to the island. If you decide to buy a condo or a house here, youre able to reach shopping malls such as Gurney Plaza & Paragon Malls, hawker centers, and other amenities within walking distance. InterNations Penang June Official Event @ De Old Bar. A great way to meet new people is the expat mingles that occur almost monthly at different bars or restaurants. Sharon says: Not really an up and coming place to live as it is so isolated. Take this chance to mingle and meet other expats and global minds in Penang. Hopefully this gives you a good idea about which areas you may want to check out in person. Cost of Living in Penang, Malaysia | Expat Exchange Summary: The cost of living in Penang, Malaysia is generally considered to be quite affordable. Lots of activities, classes and performances offered at Penang Pac, located within Straits Quay Mall. Now that you know the living in Penang pros and cons, does that. It doesnt matter if you live in Batu Ferringhi, Tanjung Bungah, or Georgetown. People from Langkawi regularly fly here for grocery items, and people from Penang fly to Langkawi for duty-free booze. Plus, as a former British colony, English is widely spoken, particularly in expat hotspots like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru. Malaysia, and Penang specifically, always grab a top spot when it comes to rankings of Best places to live and retire in Asia. Far from beaches, jungles and activities. Guide to Malaysia for Expats: Everything You Need to - Sand In My Curls There are expats from around the world here, which makes dinner parties fascinating. Their sole purpose is to improve website functions. Taking the leap and retiring abroad is becoming more and more common. Or you can sit on the beach with a drink and relax. Is it true? Wide range of world-class food options, from hawkers to high-end restaurants. In most communities, there are also monthly Newcomers' Events especially for those who have recently joined the American community in Penang. Can you live in a safe place with all the amenities that you want or will you have to forgo some creature comforts?
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