DanSolihull

Hi all, weighing up a job offer and what to do etc. The job is based in Bukit Tengah. What areas are good to live in that wont be too far away to work in that area? Is the island too far a drive away? I'd also like to know of the best websites for finding a rental? Thanks.

bakedbean

Hi Dan, wish I'd read this post before the other one. The location you mention is an industrial area in Prai on the mainland. I'm not sure you would find many expats, if any, living around there.

We have a poster, Roy, who is local and lives over on the mainland. I imagine he may be able to advise you. Hopefully he'll be along soon.

Sorry I assumed (wrongly) that you were referring to Penang Island. My mistake

DanSolihull

Hi no worries, thanks for the response. Is it still doable to live on the island or is it too far to travel to work? I have no idea what the traffic is like to/from the island. Is it a good place to live?

bakedbean

I'm not sure on distances but most folks (Malaysian) will be travelling in the opposite direction to what you're suggesting. Mainland is way cheaper to live than on the island.

The second bridge should be opening soon which should help with traffic flow but not sure if your journey is doable. We need to ask Roy I think.....unless someone else can help. Will,your employers provide a car for you? Cars are very expensive to buy here.

DanSolihull

Thanks, hopefully hear from this Roy fella

Yes my employers will provide, car, running costs / fuel so that wont be an issue. I'd just never ever considered Malaysia so have so many 'unknowns', this came out of the blue but I'm probably 95% sure I'll take it.

roystevenung

Sorry for the delay Dan, been busy (at supermarkets due to Chinese New Year mood) ... XD

OK, Bukit Tengah is practically a small town and since you have a car, its not going to be an issue travelling.

Within 10mins drive there is an Aeon Jusco at Bandar Perda and another Aeon Jusco at Bukit Minyak. Further down to Alma (approx 15 mins drive from Bukit Tengah) there is a Tesco and an upcoming Aeon Jusco.

Nearby happening area is the Autocity, of which you can get all kinds of foods from almost ALL countries, Chinese, US, Korean, Japanese etc.

If possible, do not live on Penang island as commuting via the bridge is horrendous due to the jams. If you want to live on the island, be prepared to face the 2 hours jam for a 11km journey during Friday after working hours. Also not forgetting that you need to pay for a higher rental :blush:

Nearby area to live would be Bayu Mutiara (landed property) or some areas in Bukit Mertajam.

Living on the mainland is definitely cheaper than on the island.

roystevenung

Bukit Tengah is nearer from the 1st Penang Bridge and yes - cheaper, do expect the rental of a master bed room to be as low as RM 500/mth.

roystevenung

I'm not sure what will be your working hours and how frequent you would socialize, but the island is just approx 15km drive away.

If you are able to avoid the rush hours (during and after work), going to the island is a breeze or if you are caught in one, you could spend 2 hours just crossing the bridge.

You could try ibilik.com or iproperty.com and search the surrounding areas of Bukit Tengah, Alma, Bukit Mertajam, Seberang Jaya, Bukit Minyak, Tambun to get an idea of the rental cost.

Private Hospital - There is a KPJ Specialist Hospital in Bandar Perda (approx 10 mins drive from Bukit Tengah) and a Bagan Specialist Center at Bagan (approx 20 mins drive from Bukit Tengah).

General Hospital - Seberang Jaya GH & Bukit Mertajam GH (both approx 15-20 mins drive from Bukit Tengah)

You can contact me via email and I can bring you around, [email protected]

ex reg

Just changing the subject a bit.
Over the bridge on the mainland about 10Km south of the bridge we found a sea food place right on the coast.
There may be a few of these.
Not to say the sea food was great but the atmosphere was and it was an open kitchen and the cooks were a friendly lot turning up the gas to get massive flames etc for photos.

Can't remember where this place was or how we found it and can't see it on google earth.
Anyone any ideas???

bakedbean

Great posts Roy Do you think the mainland is a bit too sleepy for a 20something expat?

roystevenung

Is it at Tambun? That is where most people go for somewhat cheap and fresh seafood. Although the prices has been going up steadily over the years, it is still being flocked by people from outstation.

Correct me if I am wrong - unless he is retired and do not need to work, my guess is that he would have limited time to enjoy

He could always head over to Autocity or he could head over to Penang Island if he gets bored.

There are many pubs/discos around the mainland, but unfortunately I have not been to any of them as I don't drink, don't smoke. Best to bring a wing man with you when visiting these places.

"Kiasi" in hokkien means "scared of death"

But then again, entertainment in Penang is nothing as compared to KL/SG.

DanSolihull

Thanks Roy, I really appreciate the advice and if/when I get there I will drop you a line and meet up if you are about.

I've made a note of the areas and the websites so that will give me something to look into. I guess I'd want a nice apartment as from the sounds of it I'd be able to afford it. In an ideal world it wouldn't be too far from where I'm working and would have a gym in the complex and be fully furnished :-) so I'll deffo have a look on the websites.

bakedbean

Just assuming you don't know this, as a newbie to Asia, but you'd best search online for condos. In this part of the world a condo is an apartment with all facilities (usually swimming pool, gym, security. sometimes tennis court and other stuff)

roystevenung

Hmmn... If that is the requirement you should check Seaview Tower (at Jalan Chain Ferry), approx 20 mins drive to Bukit Tengah) whether they have anything for rent.

One of my client is staying there and it has a georgous swimming pool, gym and many other facilities. Condos on the mainland is just starting to boom

bakedbean

Just had a google for that. Lots of facilities....gym, squash court, sauna nice