Re: Why Retire in Malaysia?
 

I cannot remember the place but it was near a lake (inland). The climate sounded terrific, just perfect, but didn't seem to be much activity, things to do there. I would be bored, but it's horses for courses. And learning Spanish? No thanks.

Re: Why Retire in Malaysia?
 

I think BB and I had this 'Mexico' conversation a while back and think she means Ajijic, where I once had a holiday and some aspiration to have a holiday home.

My recollection is the lake (the biggest in Mexico and the friggin name escapes me)(It will probably return around midnight or after I've had a few cocktails) was almost drained dry but believe has since been refilled.

There was not much to do except drinking and comparing beautiful villas. The safety angle was also on most expats minds when I was enquiring about lifestyle there...especially in Guadelejara, which I think is the nearest big city and airport.

Re: Why Retire in Malaysia?
 

That's probably it, though I don't remember the name*, but I do remember my chum mentioning Guadelejara so probably correct.

*yes I'm going for geriatric tests next week.

Re: Why Retire in Malaysia?
 

I got it...it came suddenly...... Lake Chapala
BB, when you make the appointmet for the geriatric test please include me...I'll probably need double time.

Re: Why Retire in Malaysia?
 

ah you're on the cocktails right? :D

Dead serious, doing a 'seniors' medical next week and it includes geriatric tests hehe. Who did you say you were? ;)

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.