Wanting to get advice on where to live in Malaysia
 

Hi All,
We are a UK family looking at moving to Malaysia under "the second home programme. We have 2 children of secondary school age and wondered about schooling and the price? Is there such a thing as free schooling??
What would we expect to pay renting a 3 bedroom apartment with mod cons?
Also recommendations on tourist hotspots: Would we need a car? How good is public transport?
Sorry for all the questions..........would really appreciate so honest advice good or bad.

Re: Wanting to get advice on where to live in Malaysia
 

I could give you some answers but they wouldn't be as current or as expert as others on here.

But one thing I would say is you should really consider your thinking on moving.
Now you have no reason to give your reasoning on here, I'm not trying to force it out of you or anything, but my first thought was I hope it isn't a 'just watched a TV programme and that looks like a good idea' type of thing.

People with children still at school usually move for job reasons rather than just looking for sunshine.
You haven't mentioned job prospects which would lead me to think you have sufficient money available but then you go on to ask about free schooling, public transport etc. you see it just doesn't gell to me.

Once/if you get some answers to your questions, which to me are by no means exhaustive and don't even scratch the surface of info required, then perhaps a family visit for a couple of weeks to a couple of possible living locations would be advisable.

Of course you have to start the ball rolling somewhere but imo YOU need to do a lot more thinking and research off your own bat before asking some lightweight questions on a forum.

Re: Wanting to get advice on where to live in Malaysia
 

There's a lot of info for MM2Hers and potential MM2Hers here - independent forum run by a British MM2Her in Malaysia just as a hobby.

http://www.my2home.info/index.php

If you can't find answers to your questions, just join the forum and post some questions. Lots of residents in Malaysia post on there.

Re car - I suppose you know that you can buy a tax-free car under MM2H or bring in your own car tax-free? I would've thought that if you're ferrying kids to school, a car would be essential?

If you've not been to Malaysia, do some research first then check it out, see if you like it. Some do, some don't. And bear in mind that different areas of Malaysia are racially different - it's a huge country - it depends what you're happy with.

For anyone not au fait with the MM2H scheme, it's not just for retirees. Younger folks, families can apply too, with different application rules. I have friends in Penang in their 40s on MM2H - they have their own business in a European country and they work somewhat "remotely" (PC work) from Malaysia. Any money earned outside Malaysia can be brought in tax-free - though obviously if you have a business elsewhere you may be liable for tax in that particular country. I also know of someone who works in Singapore but lives in Malaysia under MM2H with their family.

If you're retired and British and getting a British pension, due to the double tax agreement between the countries, you just need to fill in some forms, and you can get your British pension paid gross - absolutely tax-free.

Re: Wanting to get advice on where to live in Malaysia
 

Thanks for the input to my wifes initial posting, we are currently researching all that is available. As for our reasons for the move we are currently in the UK after many years working and living overseas. Its enough to say we don't plan on staying. My work is global with an emphasis on Australasia at the moment, I quite often work remotely so only require good Internet connectivity.

Re: Wanting to get advice on where to live in Malaysia
 

Many thanks for your helpful and encouraging reply we are checking out the link you suggested. It would be interesting to here from your friends that live in Penang as we are also in around 40 with children. The MM2H scheme sounds very promising from our research, we had tried to move to the USA but hit a brick wall with Imigration. I look forward to updating you on our progress and no doubt asking some more questions.

Re: Wanting to get advice on where to live in Malaysia
 

I also sent you a PM a couple of days ago but I get the feeling that you may not have seen it. At the top right hand corner of this page you'll see "Private Messages". Just click on there and you should get it.

Re internet, there's a subforum on my2home.info called Internet and Mobile Options in Malaysia - just pan down the index page, you'll find it - and there's some lively discussions in there ;)

Re: Wanting to get advice on where to live in Malaysia
 

Hello Sunshine Hunters!

I currently love in Penang which certainly has sunshine! I rent a condo for RM1900: it has 3 bedrooms and mod cons and there is a gym and pool in the building among other amenities. There are many other decent condos in Penang though I only know of the ones in Tanjung Bungah and Batu Ferringi areas and from what I've seen you can pay between 1500-2000 per month for such a place.

I'm a secondary school teacher and as far as I know your children would have to go to an international school rather than a local school. I may be wrong in this but I assumed all the local schools were for local students. There are a few international schools here offering British curriculum ed. and American.

Public transport is limited to buses but a car would certainly be more convenient, esp. if you are to move to batu ferringi area or areas away from the main roads.

Penang is very family-oriented actually so the culture should suit...

Good luck!

'M'

Re: Wanting to get advice on where to live in Malaysia
 

I would add to meursault's reply that brand new buses are now available into the Tanjong Bungah/Batu Feringhi area and they are 1000 times better than the old and clapped out Hin buses.

The nearest Supermarket to TB/BF is the one in the basement of Gurney Plaza iirc.

We don't like Batu F ourselves but TB is great for holidays and we go there regularly.

I could see myself living in Penang TB but for my wife it's too quiet.

Re: Wanting to get advice on where to live in Malaysia
 

Yes, the new buses are good though no timetable as such to plan by..

Island Plaza has a supermarket which is better than the one in Gurney though this chain is rather expensive. Convenient nevertheless.

Re: Wanting to get advice on where to live in Malaysia
 

Re supermarkets, both Gurney Plaza (Gurney Drive) and Island Plaza (in Tanjung Tokong) have Cold Storage supermarkets. Personally I didn't find them expensive when I visited, though I imagine if you go buying western foods they'll be a bit more expensive than local foodstuffs. Giant supermarket on the western side of Georgetown. There's a Tesco being built in Tanjung Tokong. You won't starve.

Why no supermarket in Batu Ferringhi? It beats me. There must be a market for one.

Re: Wanting to get advice on where to live in Malaysia
 

Cameron Highlands is nice, and its like home too

Re: Wanting to get advice on where to live in Malaysia
 

Hi. I live and work in Malaysia. I have many friends here who are on MM2H and were lucky enough to retire/semi-retire here. MM2H rules/benefits are quite flexible. There is not any free schooling here for foreigners. I would say that Kuala Lumpur has the best schools (naturally) and they come at a premium. Penang also has international schools (second on the price scale). Ipoh is a nice area to live. More for your money house wise and schooling is cheaper. Ipoh is also cooler. Its probably 1.5 to 2 hours drive from Kuala Lumpur (the roads are very good). Lots of things in Malaysia are cheaper. You will benefit on MM2H by being able to buy a car in Malaysia without having to pay the ridiculous taxes residents and employed people pay. Petrol (gas) is cheap. Back to schools. If your children. The best (in my opinion) is Alice Smith School (If you are British then you will have heard of Rory and Tony Underwood (England Rugby). They both schooled here. If you search Alice Smith School on the internet. If you go to the fees section this will give you a fair reflection of the Kuala Lumpur prices. There is also a new British School. www.bskl.org.my Also has fees on the website. It may be easier to get a place here as its new and as yet unproven. I can recommend it personally as a good school. If you want any more info please contact me at [email protected] . Just for notes, if you are British then please note your pound is not worth too much at the moment. Its currently below 5 for consumer rates. The USD appears to be much more stable against the RM.

Re: Wanting to get advice on where to live in Malaysia
 

Great school advice Dkelly. When you say Ipoh is cooler, are you comparing with KL or elsewhere in Malaysia?

Re: Wanting to get advice on where to live in Malaysia
 

Ipoh is cooler than KL. Its a little higher up. You have the cameron highlands in that area (tea plantations etc). KL has been in the late 30's to 40 for the last couple of weeks. Obviously its not bad if you dont have to sit out in it all day. I live in KL because of work and well there are a lot more creature comforts up to a UK/US standard (shopping malls, restaurants, bars, hospitals, airport etc etc). If I was retiring or semi retiring then Ipoh maybe a nice choice. There is an expat community there, an international school and its significantly cheaper.

Re: Wanting to get advice on where to live in Malaysia
 

I'd be interested to know which hotel(s) you'd recommend for TB. We were considering staying in TB on next trip but were put off by some reviews on the internet. Some Malaysian hotels can be a bit grim, can't they?

Re: Wanting to get advice on where to live in Malaysia
 

Hi,

I've stayed at Tanjung Bungah Beach hotel a couple of times and find it clean and cheap.

Re: Wanting to get advice on where to live in Malaysia
 

We always used to use the Paradise Sandy Bay.
Then last year the hotel next door can't remember it's former name was refurbed and we've tried it recently and it's slightly better than the Paradise.
Not much in it.
The refurbed hotel is called The Flamingo.

The Crab Village is a 15 min walk turn right out of the hotel and the mini mart opposite the hotel sells all the stuff you might need and does some cheap stir fries.
The Indian Rest opposite is also good and there's a Bavarian Rest 10 min up the road turn left out of the hotel.
Buses stop directly outside the hotel and the Kasina car hire has good rates and their office in BF although they will drop off and pick up for free.

We've tried the Tanjong Bungah Hotel but the Paradise and Flamingo are better imo.

Re: Wanting to get advice on where to live in Malaysia
 

Cheers Paul and ex-reg - I'll stick those in the memory bank. We've already booked something for our next trip (unfortunately) but that's handy to know for the future.

I guess the Indian rest is the Sri Ananda Bhawan (sp?). I've not ate there, it gets a lot of good reviews tho' some friends of ours, who live not far away, say that the service has gone really downhill. The Bavarian, I assume you mean Ingolff's Kneipe? Someone told me that the Indian a couple of doors down from there is quite good. Anyway, I've gone terribly off topic :D Maybe we should start a Penang Foodie thread?

Re: Wanting to get advice on where to live in Malaysia
 

malaysia is a third world country. the only city that i would only live in is Kuala Lumpur. trust me. KL is the most exciting and vibrant city with the most jobs.

yes you WILL need a car depending on where you live. KL less so since they have KL sentral, a train system. public transport outside KL is very run down and inefficient.

Tourist hotspots? a lot of waterfalls, beaches and parks, that is about it. Malaysia is a third world country...you can probably finish viewing KL in just 3 days...

Re: Wanting to get advice on where to live in Malaysia
 

That's your opinion. Not everyone visits a country and expects home comforts. Something different, is what people like.

Re: Wanting to get advice on where to live in Malaysia
 

it is actually an objective fact, not an opinion. i have been to almost every major city in msia.

gdp per capita of 7k usd (same group as botswana and libya) , bumiputra policies, 6 years imprisonment in solitary confinement for homosexual sex aka anwar sodomy case and caning/community service for drinking alcohol! Malaysia! :thumbsup:

how about north korea? i heard it is different as well, you might like it.

Re: Wanting to get advice on where to live in Malaysia
 

You can get 15 years for smoking weed in the US... and there are lots of people on less than 10k a year...I guess that makes lots of the US third world as well.

Your ignorance is really showing - GDP per capita tells you nothing about a country if houses cost 20-50k and food less than $50 per week.

The average US family needs nearly $12k just to pay for their medical insurance, they owe on average $16k per household on credit card debt alone.

There is more to a country than money...

Looking at your other posts you are a disgruntled Chinese Malaysian wanting to get out - maybe tone down your personal dislikes and just give straight advice.

Re: Wanting to get advice on where to live in Malaysia
 

Probably Singaporean I imagine. He seems to be getting his bowels in an uproar at the moment. I mean, it's only a forum.

Re: Wanting to get advice on where to live in Malaysia
 

----- "Looking at your other posts you are a disgruntled Chinese Malaysian wanting to get out - maybe tone down your personal dislikes and just give straight advice" ----

I entirely agree.

Some people are best ignored - why bother ???

Cheers,

Harry

Re: Wanting to get advice on where to live in Malaysia
 

bowels in an uproar, i like that phrase, interesting.

you are right. malaysia is a first world country and a great place to live in.

Re: Wanting to get advice on where to live in Malaysia
 

I didnt say that, what I did say was that you would be better giving factual advice rather than personal bias.

You obviously dont have the necessary skills or maturity to carry on an adult conversation, judging by the sarcastic reply.

Maybe just go to another forum, you arent a British expat, you arent being helpful, you arent progressing anything other than a sterotypical view you have gleaned from reading inappropriate and outdated fact sheets.

As I said, there is much more to a country than money. Perhaps if you were to understand that, you wouldnt be so keen to leave your own?

Re: Wanting to get advice on where to live in Malaysia
 

With his pov, I wonder why he has been to almost every major city in Malaysia.

I don't think he is Singaporean or chinese malaysian either.

My bet is a childish ex pat whose parents are out and he has found out how to use a computer.

We can do without him.

Re: Wanting to get advice on where to live in Malaysia
 

As usual you are wrong. But that is the story of your life isn't it?

Re: Wanting to get advice on where to live in Malaysia
 

Of course a good discussion about a country should absolutely include the positive and the negatives, but wowoweee there is no need to keep posting the same thing over and over again. We get it, you think ML is a third country. However, it would be better to have a constructive discussion, and answer the OP's questions. Here is her first post just to get us back on track:
Thanks all :)

Re: Wanting to get advice on where to live in Malaysia
 

It is a FACT that Malaysia IS a third world country. Maybe second world if you are feeling generous.

I wonder if anyone here has even been to Malaysia before. The only place I would live in is Kuala Lumpur, the capital.

Another drug damaged brain.

Re: Wanting to get advice on where to live in Malaysia
 

Please take my request to you on board.

Thanks.

Re: Wanting to get advice on where to live in Malaysia
 

Now you are just being plain offensive.

I have been to Malaysia before. I lived there and in Singapore for more than 8 years. Hong Kong and China also. Since leaving I have been back a number of times, most recently in 2008. I like KL as well, but there are other places than that metropolis I would choose to live.

Far from drug-addled, I thought I was being pretty reasonable. Certainly far and away more so than your petulant posts.

Maybe you are projecting your own inadequacies?

Don't bother with Tasmania. The people there are pretty decent, but after the pace of life you are used to in KL, you won't make it there. You will no doubt put it down to racism, but the real reason is that you are a immature arsehole.

Re: Wanting to get advice on where to live in Malaysia
 

Why does the Administrator tolerate all the offensive attention seeking nonsense from this character ?

Clearly, reflects on the Forum !!!!!!!!!!!!

Sincerely,

Harry

Re: Wanting to get advice on where to live in Malaysia
 

Malaysia has very few cities. 5 or 6. With the exception of KL they're not really sized for cities, they're large towns.

However Malaysia has loads of really pleasant small and medium sized towns and these are very convenient and attractive, easy-going places, in which to live.

And now they all have a massive advantage over KL as wowoweee only wants to live in KL. :thumbsup:

Cross PW

Re: Wanting to get advice on where to live in Malaysia
 

If you have lived in msia before, tell me how can one find a professional job in any city other than kuala lumpur. it is next to impossible. And if you are non bumiputra, their bumiputra policies means you are going to have a harder time in business, education and work. That is just their laws there.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bumiputra

I am not even Malaysian though I have lived in Malaysia and one or two of my relatives are Malaysians (who have long gotten out) lol.

Of course, I want to go to Tasmania. I will be there for a few years, GET MY PR, then make plans after that as to whether to stay or leave. I have heard there are a lot of jobs and Caucasian women waiting for me! Wage is not bad as well though city is a bit run down and not as vibrant as I would like!

Re: Wanting to get advice on where to live in Malaysia
 

Exactly. How can one find a professional decent paying (by malaysia's standard) job outside of KL?

it is really hard if not impossible.

Re: Wanting to get advice on where to live in Malaysia
 

Jobs and caucasian women waiting for you? So, what are you? A hairdresser?

Re: Wanting to get advice on where to live in Malaysia
 

I hope AUstralian hairdressers are good. Man I hate a shitty haircut, you have to live with it for months till it grows out.:ohmy:

Re: Wanting to get advice on where to live in Malaysia
 

It's not hard or impossible. Many businessmen and professionals have succeeded outside of KL.

There's Penang, Malacca, Johor. How about DKLS or YTL or YNH in medium-sized towns in Perak. Good examples & they're not Bumis.

Of course, it depends on what you have to offer. The mantra for property is location, location, location. However this doesn't apply to business success. For this it's talent, talent, & talent.

I'd stick to KL if I were you. Seems about right.

Cross PW

Re: Wanting to get advice on where to live in Malaysia
 

Lets not kid ourselves here. Businessmen run businesses so they don't need jobs. Professionals need jobs.

Speaking of Johor I just went to Johore Bahru last week. It is the 4th largest city in Malaysia for the unintiated.

And there are totally no professional jobs there. Lots of retail outlets, run down shops, food outlets. They probably wont employ you as a retail assistant since you don't speak Malay. These jobs pay only 1000-2000 ringgit a month.

English is a foreign language in Malaysia. Though many speak English and you won't have problems getting around in English, English has no official language status and Malay is the main and sole official language. They speak mainly Malay daily. A lot of the Chinese Malaysians speak Cantonese.

The only places an English speaking professional can find employment in Johore Bahru are in one of the few banks I see (maybe 2), or the hotels (but I doubt so since you dont speak Malay and I doubt they have many jobs) or one of the 2-3 small private schools, which I doubt so since they are so small.

And Johor Bahru is so boring you will get sick of it within one week.

This is the truth. Stick to KL. It is the only livable city for a British expatriate unfamiliar with Malaysia; who doesn't know Malay and needs to make a living and send kids to school etc. In KL you dont need a car, they have a good transport system.

Anywhere else outside KL, you more or less need a car because the transport system really sucks. It all depends on how often you get around I guess.