Re: Why Retire in Malaysia?
 

Yeah I took a look at that area but my wife has a friend that moved there for 4 years and had a very negative experience due to health issues (amoebas)from the produce and being a victim of theft on multiple occasions.

I have Malaysia at the top of the list just trying to decide which areas to consider.

Enjoy the wine and cocktails!

Re: Why Retire in Malaysia?
 

Mad Hatter....if your interest is retirement you might like to read some of the recent posts our concierge BB, myself and others are posting on the sister site regarding BE.com Indonesia
I use the same nic.

Didn't have cocktails last night...watched American Idol...tonight I'll make-up in Jaya Pub.....whoooooo!

Re: Why Retire in Malaysia?
 

I see...you were serious...hope they can find your memory...mine got lost during the last...oh sh8t.... I forgot.

Funny how old-age plays tricks...I can't remember yesterday's lunch but can recall 50 years ago vividly. On another site that I know you monitor and post, a new friend's posts brought many memories flooding back such that I've had to have a cocktail now to control my emotions.

Aaghh! I talk Bullsh8t...I was going to have a vodka/tonic whatever!!!

Going back to Vancouver next Wednesday for the summer but, if the weather is too damp, I'm returning to Asia tout suit.

Hope all goes well with your medical.

Re: Why Retire in Malaysia?
 

Hey keep up the good work in the Indonesia forum :) If anyone wants another alternative for retirement, in Indonesia, go check out Davita's post in the Indonesia forum on here. Heck we got enough people in Penang now, haven't we? ;). Have lots of fun in Canada.

Re: Why Retire in Malaysia?
 

Davita,

Thanks for the note about Indonesia. I had not given it much thought other than wanting to visit there. Two gents I worked with on a previous project worked in Indonesia, married locals, and built huge homes to stay there. One of them ended up loving it and the other ended up wanting to sell and move to the U.S. Some adjust well to another culture and some do not.

Happy travels and summer in Vancouver, that is a beautiful city and area.

Re: Why Retire in Malaysia?
 

That is so very true. Same thing happens here. My previous landlords here in Penang were Brits who moved from France to Penang, then ended up moving back to France again heh heh. It happens. You can't really know a place until you actually live there. It doesn't matter how much research you do IMHO.

For me, I never somehow "fitted" in Phuket. Penang feels good though. Nearly 2 years and still enjoying it.

Re: Why Retire in Malaysia?
 

I wonder if this is a culture issue or gender.
I lived in Hong Kong for 16 years and most of my colleague's wives hated to be there while the guys generally loved it.
I recall having a chat with a new joiner to the Company. He asked "What is your advice for a newbe like me?"
I said "Do not buy a cottage in your home country"
"Why so?" he asked.
"Because yor wife will want to spend too much time there. You will be lonely and cast you wandering eye on those cute Asian girls and end up with one. Then you will lose the cottage!"
Amen

Re: Why Retire in Malaysia?
 

I don't think it's either. It's just what suits isn't it?

Y'know.... plenty of Asian women in Penang as well as Phuket. I feel very settled (so far) in Penang. Also it's not quite the same as it used to be with the Asian gals. In Phuket I used to see expat women of my vintage dating Thai blokes half their age. The gender thing is not so distinct these days. Oh, and hate to tell you this, some wives have wandering eyes too hehe ;)

Re: Why Retire in Malaysia?
 

I lived in Phuket for 6 years. I found it too frenetic and, apart from Phuket town, it's too much of a holiday destination with related over-pricing, dual-pricing, exploitation, over-commercialisation and over-development. Yes, we smile, whilst we rip you off. Property is over-priced. After the initial honeymoon period it slowly wore me down and I was eventually glad to get away. I wouldn't recommend it. The hospitals are expensive particularly one (Bangkok Phuket) which has a reputation for over charging foreigners.

I currently live in Nong Khai (in the north-east of Thailand), which is pleasant and quiet, but which has little to do or see. However it provides a reasonable base and gives a better feeling of safety and security (than Phuket).

Before leaving Phuket we did visit Penang (and looked at the MM2H scheme), albeit only for a few days. However, whilst I liked aspects of it including Penang Hill, overall I found it a bit too crowded/busy, like a small city, and as I was reaching retirement age didn't really want the hectic traffic lifestyle.

I was interested to note some reference on this thread to eastern Malaysian towns, of which I have no knowledge. Maybe I should take a few holidays there for a change.

Re: Why Retire in Malaysia?
 

Hi rjay. I would say Welcome to the forum but I see your other posting was in 2007 hehe :D

Yes, Phuket wore us down too. But, as ever, it's a personal choice, isn't it. I love Penang island but I know that some would find it a little too busy. Having said that, you can find quieter places here.

A lot of retirees (both expat and local) live in Tanjung Bungah and Bt Ferringhi and the pace of life is much slower than say Tanjung Tokong/Pulau Tikus/Georgetown.

I've done a complete u-turn on Bt Ferringhi. Though, when we were visiting Penang with a view to moving, we stayed at the Holiday Inn in Bt Ferringhi and I'm still not so keen on that area. I like the area around Eden Parade and have a few friends who live round there. It's very laid back and a nice mix of locals - Malays, Indians and Chinese as well as expats. And the outer edges of Bt Ferringhi have some nice quiet areas too.

Yes, East coast of the peninsula sounds interesting. I've still not been there but shall in time. Worth checking out especially at this time of the year as you don't get the south-west monsoon over there.

I never went to Isaan area in Thailand. I'm sure it's a whole lot different to Phuket :D Maybe you can do a thread in the Thailand section on it? Be interesting.

Re: Why Retire in Malaysia?
 

I've just located this which posted on a Thai forum back in 2007, just after my visit to Penang. Acknowledged that this was my personal perception back at that time based on a short visit, and I didn't get to see the whole island:

Malaysia & the MM2H scheme - a suitable alternative?

I am aware that a number of members, including myself, have given thought to moving to Malaysia, as an alternative to Thailand, primarily to gain greater security in terms of being able to live on a long term basis, without the worry and hassles, vagaries and whims of Thai Immigration and moving goal posts, amongst other things.

Well, I recently took a trip to Penang to assess whether it was a suitable place (for me) to establish a base and apply for a 10 year Visa through their MM2H scheme.

This is an edited summary of my thoughts and observations.

Prior to my visit to Penang, I did quite a bit of research via the Internet, and came across "Alter Domus" a relocation service, specialising in the Malaysian MM2H programme.

So whilst we were there, I met with the MD, a Penang guy whose family run the relocation service. Very helpful and very professional. He gave us a (free) 1+ hour talk on:- the MM2H programme, on Penang and living in Penang, and then for RM 100 (Ringit), I let him take us on a 3 hour tour of Penang. During which time he explained and pointed out, and I was able to see first hand and ask questions about anything and everything, - including areas to live, types of property, condos etc, which were the more & less desirable or expensive areas, traffic issues, prices of property, what is included etc etc.

He took us to and past many of the Condo tower blocks that one might live in, and we saw what was close to them in terms of shops, facilities etc. Generally speaking construction standards and facilities were very good, prices higher than Thailand and probably higher than much of Malaysia, but not dramatically so.

At the end of the day though, I don't think it is what I would want. I think one would feel cooped up and isolated in almost a prison like environment, (in one of the very many condos). One's day would likely consist of a walk or more likely drive to the local shopping mall, or sea front area, or into town.

It was rather like an upmarket Bangkok. The island seemed crowded and cramped with much high rise accommodation, too much traffic, though not too much nightlife - which is very localised to one particular area and relatively expensive, as were most things compared to Thailand.

There wouldn't be any of the same type of social interaction with local people, as with girls in bars/massage shops etc., that one gets in Thailand. So it would be a more sober life style in all respects! (Don't get me wrong, the people are friendly, but there isn't the laugh and joke, type of behaviour you get in LOS).

On the positive side, things were very well structured and the traffic, driving standards and the roads a joy to behold, (I never saw anyone on a motorbike without a helmet, even once when I saw 3 on one bike, - they each had a helmet!). But the inner city rat race just didn't appeal, which is predominantly what it is!

Yes, Penang has a very British influenced feel about it, but it is nevertheless a busy working city environment. At the weekend it receives a large influx of Malaysian and other tourists and visitors.

What is worth noting is that the MM2H Visa scheme is available to people over 50, putting RM 150K in a Malaysian bank account, and demonstrating that you have at least another RM 350K+ cash somewhere else. You can then get a 10 year Visa (multiple exit and re-entry) - you don't need to buy property there if you don't want to. You don't even have to stay there, if you don't want to. You could rent, live away and/or just visit from time to time, whatever!

The guy I spoke to, said that the adjoining mainland Malaysia (i.e. Butterworth) would be too quiet and lacking in facilities, particularly nightlife and too parochial (my phrase). Obviously KL would only mirror the inner city life, - densely populated and heavily trafficked. Elsewhere - i.e. more remote places in Malaysia would likely only exacerbate the lack of facilities, nightlife, etc, situation.

Certainly English is widely spoken and there were many English language programmes on TV.

So all in all, I don't think Penang or Malaysia is for me. I think one must look for somewhere that has not yet been discovered, rather than somewhere that has already, or long since, been discovered and is now suffering the consequences and commercialisation!!

Re: Why Retire in Malaysia?
 

Thanks for that rjay, though I think I'd probably disagree with most of it. The driving here is pretty bad I would have to say, though not quite as bad as Phuket. There's certainly plenty of locals to mix with. Maybe Alter Domus wrongly assumed you'd want to be with other expats.

Alter Domus are quite expensive agents, though I know several people who used them for the visa and were satisfied.

I get the feeling you were looking for somewhere quiet and remote. That's OK when you're younger. Horses for courses eh?

Re: Why Retire in Malaysia?
 

Somewhere quiet and remote with bar girls and massage shops?

Re: Why Retire in Malaysia?
 

Agreed different people have different tastes, desires and objectives, and my look at Penang was only brief. Also, I didn't get to look at the western side/coast. Yes, it's true to say I was looking for somewhere a bit quieter for when I'm older. I can and do drive in Thailand, though I prefer to avoid the hassles and wide (read poor) standards of driving involved, and particularly inner city situations.

I like to walk (for exercise and to enjoy scenery), though invariably a difficult one in Asia with its high humidity.

Shopping malls are always useful, as they bring respite from heat or rain, as well as provide places to eat or drink, or do shopping.

Re: Why Retire in Malaysia?
 

I imagine that the climate in Isaan is more tolerable than Penang. Must be nice.

I'm just going to get back on topic and play devil's advocate a wee bit.

You see, I think from a more practical viewpoint re retirement, Malaysia has a lot going for it. Penang has some good hospitals and medical facilities and you can communicate in English and it's cheap as chips. I reckon it's something to consider.

Rjay how do you get on in Isaan? Have you learnt Thai?

Re: Why Retire in Malaysia?
 

At the risk of taking the thread off topic, the climate in Issan is still hot here, but not as humid/sticky as southern Thailand or I assume Penang and Malaysia. It can still get very hot, sometimes reaching 38C, as it was last month. We are now into the rainy season which cools things down. We also do have a more noticeable cool/cold season here, usually between Dec and Feb when it can actually be cool and cold at night (say 25C daytime and 16C nighttime).

Issan and the area where I live (Nong Khai) is very flat and therefore visually rather uninteresting. No hills to climb. Though we do have the Mekong river to look at.

Yes, I can speak some Thai, but being a tonal language, the natives often don't understand me, because I haven't used the correct tone. It's helpful though when ordering food or drink or making polite conversation.

From my own idealistic perspective, I would like to live somewhere where it is quiet, but to have shops, shopping malls, a city's amenities and some hills all on one's doorstep or close by! Of course one doesn't get multiple large shopping malls in small towns.

Back on topic, I never got to explore the north western side of Penang, which may provide a quieter and more rural lifestyle, whilst still being within reach of the city type facilities of Georgetown itself.

Apart from KL, which as a large capital city is somewhere I wouldn't want to live, I didn't get to visit any other towns in Malaysia.

A big attraction or advantage with Malaysia is the fact that through the MM2H scheme one can obtain a 10 year visa along with the peace of mind and security that gives. In Thailand the Retirement visa is a 1 year visa, which can be extended on an annual basis, subject to the various criteria being met each year. One also has to report to Immigration every 90 days to confirm your current address.

Hope the above will be of interest to some.

Regards

Re: Why Retire in Malaysia?
 

Thanks rjay, that's interesting. 16C...wow not seen that for a long long while. I would freeze at that temperature :D

I used to have the Thai retirement visa. It's swings and roundabouts. It's a much easier visa to get compared with MM2H. The 90 day reporting used to drive me nuts though. With MM2H I do like the fact that I don't have to go to Immigration for several years, though always depends on passport expiry and spouse's passport expiry too.

Re: Why Retire in Malaysia?
 

Good luck on finding somewhere not discovered. From what I've found to date Cambodia appears one of the easier but not a place perhaps for old age. That is the problem few countries fit the bill for the later stage of life when hospital and medical standards become important.

I live in hope that Indonesia may make it easier to retire in although many Australians are moving up to Bali in recent years to get more value for their bucks. There was a report on local tv tonight about it and the ease that it can be done. Sadly missed it.

Must admit I'm not sold on Penang these days. First went there in the 70s and liked it and made numerous visits in the 80s when living in Malaysia and found it okay. Somehow the past few visits I didn't really dislike it but found it lacking..

Perhaps Burma may be one of the undiscovered places ou write about given a bit more time?

Re: Why Retire in Malaysia?
 

Bali is very popular with Australians and Dutch and some others who wish to retire. It is relatively easy to get a retirement visa if one spouse is over 55.
Please see the sister site BE Indonesia where I've explained my own situation.
The rest of Indonesia has the same visa availability but is generally only accepted by those with an Indonesian spouse, or a job.

Re: Why Retire in Malaysia?
 

I have a house in Isaan near to the Cambodian border and the weather is definitely more variable . I've seen it go to 44 in the shade in April and 12 at night at Christmas where everyone sits around a fire at night . It's also around that time that you see Thais sitting in the sun in the daytime all wrapped up in the morning . Driving back from the market on the motorbike after 5pm is freezing .

I'd try to learn Laos not Thai if I was you as that is what everyone speaks in Nong Khai .

Countryside is pretty boring throughout most of Isaan that's for sure .

Do you go to Udon much ? I was there a month or so ago on my way back from Laos and it was a good night out .

Re: Why Retire in Malaysia?
 

I know it's a bit off topic, but we are talking retirement on this thread, mainly Malaysia, but do you think Isaan is good place for a senior? Any single western females there?

Re: Why Retire in Malaysia?
 

Speaking from a personal point of view I do intend to retire in Isaan but that's because of a few very good reasons . My wife is from there , we have a house there , and there is a good network of family around so I wouldn't be lonely . There are lots of foreigners there as well although it takes a while to find them . Apart from the major cities there is nothing geared up for foreigners and why would there be .

I really like Isaan now , I say now because when I first went to live there when my wife was pregnant with our first child I hated it , probably a lot of that was to do with living with my MIL in a house right next to a road which was so noisy , but alot of it was to do with the language too .

I already spoke Thai quite well at that point having lived down South for many years but I wasn't prepared for the fact that no one spoke Thai amongst themselves and I felt really excluded . Plus the fact that I was the only whitey in the village I felt a bit left out .

But we built our own house where I wanted it ,i.e. somewhere quiet with a view and I started to get a lot of what people were going on about . I've done a lot of work on the garden and the soil is so fertile it's great .

Most foreigners there are retired , I must be the youngest person around by a least 15-20 years . Many are married to women of dubious backgrounds many years there junior . If you don't have some kind of Thai connection there then forget it because it will be a nightmare due to language barriers ( no one speaks English ) and getting ripped off.

Having said that I find the people in Isaan the nicest in Thailand but then again they have to be nice to me there because I'm related to many of them !

I am talking about in the country though , in a big city like Korat it's going to be different . Another things is that Isaan is an absolutely huge area so you can't really say what it's like apart from in very general terms .

They like to eat a lot of bugs .
They like drinking very early in the morning.
They're good fun .
It's hot .
They're good farmers .
They make up 25 million out of a population of 65 and that is why there vote counts as one now exiled politician realised to his benefit.

Re: Why Retire in Malaysia?
 

:goodpost: Mr Nonthaburi, and very informative.

So.... :focus: anybody thinking about retiring to Malaysia? Any questions? Anything puzzling you?

Re: Why Retire in Malaysia?
 

New thresholds just been announced for Foreigners buying in Penang, and a reduced threshold for MM2Hers... hurrah :thumbup:

I've started a new thread here

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showt...6#post10147016

Re: Why Retire in Malaysia?
 

Hi everyone,

Interesting read. 3rd best retirement spot in the world!

http://www.theedgemalaysia.com/lifes...the-world.html

Re: Why Retire in Malaysia?
 

The reason I would rate Malaysia higher than Panama or Ecuador is a lower crime rate. Both Panama & Ecuador have a murder rate much higher than anyone in the West is accustomed to which is why I've ruled those countries out of consideration.

According to Wikipedia, the murder rate per 100,000 for the following countries:

UK - 1.2
USA- 4.8
Malaysia - 2.3
Ecuador - 15.2
Panama - 21.6

Re: Why Retire in Malaysia?
 

I go along with Mad Hatter, however Penang is rapidly becoming less enticing for retirees. Not only the property purchase threshold is now the highest in the country, but dealing with state departments is becoming an issue.

The application fee to buy property is RM1000 per application, but real estate agents have been told that it is soon to go to RM10,000. Put that into perspective, Selangor is RM300.

Local departments are becoming super pedantic and on a recent purchase, I thank goodness that my solicitor made a proviso that the contract was conditional on getting approval within 3 months of application. If that had not been a clause, we would have lost out as the delays and pedantic attitude of the local state government now beggars belief.:thumbdown:

By way of comparison, I have heard of people wanting a simple life in Perak and their chosen place had no property that came up to the magical RM500k min purchase. An appeal to the Perak State Government saw them asses the case in isolation and allowance was made for the purchase.:thumbsup:

Re: Why Retire in Malaysia?
 

But do you choose a place to retire based on the number of murders?

Re: Why Retire in Malaysia?
 

I'm not sure I agree with you there Mr Strider. Sure it's getting more expensive - not the cheapest place to be in Malaysia - but still folks are interested.

Proximity to int'l airport.
Shops, good medical facilities in spitting distance.
The ex Colonial thing

Re: Why Retire in Malaysia?
 

No I don't choose a place based on the number of murders but if they have too many, I would choose not to go there to retire. I've worked and lived in some very dicey places but I don't want to feel unsafe when I'm retired.

Re: Why Retire in Malaysia?
 

So..... Will you retire in Malaysia? :)

Re: Why Retire in Malaysia?
 

I did a lot of research into Panama which often scores highly in the retiree destination charts in various mags and sites. YMMV but I concluded that the reason it scores so highly is because of its proximity to the US. If a lot of budding expats from the US have family ties that they need to keep close to, Panama is a great option as it's so close to home. It also has a good retirement visa scheme with good incentives.

Things I didn't like about Panama though were numerous. Outside of Panama City (and one or two other large urban centres, the names of which escape me now) it's very very rural. As in 'Fistful of Dollars' rural, tumble weed and Clint standing at the end of the street. It's also not close to anywhere interesting, for me at least, just other similar looking countries and states. The extent of violent crime there is worrying also, the security arrangements that people seem to go to with landed properties in non-gated communities are extreme to say the least. Barbed wire, security cameras, dogs, shotguns. No thanks.

Penang I like for many reasons (won't repeat them here as they are all on my blog). Can't say I agree on it becoming less attractive though. Property launches often sell out on day 1 and there is no sign in any drop. Of course many will be for investment. But it's still an attractive place clearly. I'm not sure about state departments being difficult either, at least no more difficult than anywhere else I would think. My recent purchase went through without any glitch and I've always found the state departments that I've interacted with very easy to do business with.

Re: Why Retire in Malaysia?
 

Atilla, just had a quick look at your blog which you've promoted in all your recent posts for some reason,:rofl:, any way scrolled down the Food section and see that like us Bagan was your favourite restaurant.
We went there each and every time we holidayed in Penang over many years and were sorry to see it close.

Have you visited it at its renaissance in MacAlister Mansions and if so is it to the same standard?

Re: Why Retire in Malaysia?
 

Hi. Not 'promoting' at all, no need, combined blog and FB page gets around 2-3,000 hits daily, promoting on forums certainly not worth my time or effort given it would have a zero proportionate impact on traffic. In fact the only promotion it gets comes from others. It's only when then are some specific, and at times lengthy, posts on a topic raised here that I make specific reference to it, I can't be bothered to re-type them all or indeed re-post the info here. Life's too short ;) Too busy :) The sig contains the blog link in any event. Must admit I rarely do forums these days, unless they specifically relate to interests I have, far better things to do with my time.

Yah, Bagan was great. The new one is, different. The restaurant is very good I think, the head chef Lance is very talented. Some of the dishes they try out don't work so well however. But that's the same anywhere. The restaurant has quite a grand appearance to it, if somewhat cold and austere for my tastes. Very nice for a sophisticated / romantic dinner though and prices less exorbitant the Ferringhi Grill.

There is also a very good on-site cafe which serves some great food at good prices. Very nice looking if somewhat 'echoey' because of the hard finishing to all surfaces. Good char kway teow there if you fancy it in a cafe environment, or if your friends don't fancy street food and you do. Opens all day and closes very late, 2am IIRC.

The new club Bagan is a bit more hit and miss IMHO. Lacks the character of the old place. Again, very cold and austere. All black granite, marble and chrome. Not as popular as it was and a very strange L shape design that doesn't lend itself to an inclusive feel. The central bar takes up too much space as well. The band is OK, so so, but no Roz or Dasha Logan :( Luckily I see them often on the social scene and in KL professionally. They sometimes do China House but I dislike the cramped environment and obscured view from many seats there. Bagan DJ is Ok IF you like to listen to 70/80s music. But that's ALL he plays, gets tiresome, especially with a recent Motown themed night where the DJ played what? Yup, 80s music all night. Go figure ;)

Plan on doing a full review of the whole establishment soon along with a lot more on Penang bars, clubs and nightlife. Massively popular topics.

Not sure if you're in to Thai food but there's a great place behind the Petronas garage in Green Lane. Best Thai food on the island IMHO. Most Thai food here I find pretty poor, ranging from average to suxxxxxxx, and certainly not a patch on good quality Thai food in Thailand, or food cooked by Thais at home. Restaurant is Sabai Sabai. Excellent place. VERY VERY popular.

Re: Why Retire in Malaysia?
 

We have bought recently at Batu Feringhi and will be using the place as a holiday home for a couple of years before retiring there permanently.
I am biased as my wife is Malaysian (I am a Brit) but my job has seen me travel most of the world and, for us, Malaysia offers the best combination of value for money, relaxed life style, Brit friendly, nice weather that we could realistically dare to hope for. It isn't perfect - we have already had issues with the developer over a leaking ceiling and general build quality but overall I would far rather live in Malaysia than go back to UK.

Re: Why Retire in Malaysia?
 

:goodpost:

All very true. Yes the build quality here can be a bit iffy at times - it is not the best in the World. But, as you say, given the choice of UK and Malaysia, it's a no brainer for me.

And its not the perfect climate either. There is a lot of high humidity but, so what, would rather have that than several feet of snow... brrrrrr.

Re: Why Retire in Malaysia?
 

This is going to sound a bit sloppy but the reason I will be retiring to KK is that after 20+ years of marriage and living in the UK my Chinese Malaysian wife asked if we could retire to her homeland - Sabah. I agreed so long as we waiting till my parents had passed away. Now our home is in Sabah, as is our younger son and his family (he also married a Sabahan). What do I miss about UK? Screwfix, B&Q, Travis Perkins - we live near Inanam which I nickname "Hardware town" owing to the plethora of shops plying appropriate goods, so all is not lost!

Re: Why Retire in Malaysia?
 

If Malaysia has double the murder rate of the UK, why risk going there?;) So what is the rate in South Africa I wonder.

Re: Why Retire in Malaysia?
 

I think you will find most murders are related to domestic violence. Personally I feel a lot safer in Malaysia than UK. My elder son was mugged at knifepoint in Watford in broad daylight. That would never happen in KK. As the saying goes There are lies, **** lies and statistics

Re: Why Retire in Malaysia?
 

Well I've been the victim of crime (bag snatch) here in Penang, in Georgetown which I really love (NOT). Though an element of complacency on my part. I hadn't actually seen any kind of crime in 2 years and you do take it for granted sometimes that it is a safe place, when in actually fact, it's no different to anywhere else.

Crimewise, I would certainly rather be here than the UK, and thankful for that.