I’m no stranger to expat life. I’ve lived in London, Cape City, and Brazil. However in December of 2012, on vacation to Penang, one thing drew me in and grabbed maintain of me.

By September 2013, my husband and I had bought all the things and have been dwelling in Penang — an island off the west coast of Malaysia.  

What precisely drew me in is difficult to pinpoint, however what has stored me right here is simple to clarify.

Strolling round George City (the capital metropolis of Penang) is like stepping again in time. It was listed as a UNESCO heritage space to protect the bygone period and structure.

Centuries-old shophouses are nonetheless in use right this moment however with a classy new boutique lodge only a few doorways down. It’s each historic and trendy. Its crumbling partitions give manner to modern road artwork murals. It’s this mashup that makes it so thrilling!

If you find yourself sick of the hustle and bustle of George City, take a fast trip to the Botanical gardens. In addition to all the paths, you’ll come throughout monkeys, sea eagles, and monitor lizards. It looks like I’m dwelling in a Nationwide Geographic journal.

Living in Penang affords all the fashionable comforts wanted for a house, nevertheless it’s nonetheless uncooked sufficient to maintain it fascinating. On this information, I’ll share all the things you want to find out about being an expat in Malaysia and dwelling in Penang.

What’s It Like To Be An Expat in Malaysia?

My on a regular basis life is far the identical because it was in Chicago. I nonetheless have to work (albeit, remotely from dwelling), I nonetheless have to do the laundry, the grocery buying, and the cooking. You recognize, the standard stuff that makes up our day by day lives.

However the backdrop has modified significantly.

My life is unique in ways in which have grow to be intrinsic to me now. I usually have to remind myself of how completely different I used to be.

Simply right this moment, as I used to be sucking the juice out of a prawn head (sorry vegans), I commented to my hubs that I might by no means have executed that whereas dwelling in Chicago.

Today, we gained’t purchase prawns until the heads are on, it’s the perfect half. And it’s how everybody eats them right here in Malaysia.

It’s our new regular. And it couldn’t be farther from our outdated regular. These are the sorts of little issues that make being an expat in Malaysia thrilling. It’s pushed me to develop.

I’ve by no means felt something however welcomed by the locals, and I really feel like I’ve grow to be a part of a group.

Since everybody speaks English right here, it has been simple to adapt to my adopted dwelling. I by no means had the frustrations of getting misplaced or feeling misplaced as a result of I may simply ask somebody for assist.

I feel that performed a big half it settling down with out an excessive amount of tradition shock.

The Finest Areas to Stay in Penang

There are a couple of locations to stay in Penang, however some are extra fascinating for expats than others. Listed below are my advisable areas to stay:

George City

George City is the center and soul of the island and the rationale folks journey to Penang.

It’s positively my first selection for any digital nomad dwelling in Penang. It’s additionally the place a lot of the co-working areas shall be.

The city has an eclectic mixture of highrises and temples, road meals stalls, and white desk material eating places.

It’s listed as a UNESCO heritage space, so wandering across the streets looks like you might be in a dwelling museum, one the place you get to appease your whole senses.

Every thing is inside strolling distance in George City, so that you gained’t have the added expense of transportation.

Gurney Drive

That is one other widespread space filled with flats in Penang. It’s a 15-minute drive north from the center of George City. However this neighbourhood is all about buying and modern-Western conveniences.

It’s the place there are two main buying malls — Gurney Plaza and Gurney Paragon. Apart from shops like H&M, High Store, Sephora, and Mango, there are little boutiques, grocery shops, gyms, and film theatres.

It is a tremendous trendy space, with out the attraction of George City. If facilities are what you might be after, this can be a good space to stay in Penang. However if you’d like to be part of the attract of George City, you’ll want to take a bus or a Seize automobile into city.

Tanjung Tokong & Tanjung Bungah

These two areas are about 20-25 minutes north of Geroge City. Each areas are filled with locals and expats dwelling in Penang. They’re neighbouring cities and are sometimes intertwined.

It’s situated proper in between George City and the seashores of Batu Ferringhi, which is why we selected to stay right here. It’s actually the primary suburb of George City with walkable seashores.

There is just one co-working area in the realm, however in case you can work at home, this is likely one of the finest areas for dwelling in Penang.

This space is real-life Penang. There are only some beachside resorts, so it’s not a really touristy space. It’s a bit sleepy, particularly at evening. There are many eating places however no actual nightlife to communicate of.

Batu Ferringhi

Batu Ferringhi is one other seaside space in Penang and positively probably the most touristy one. There are bunches of eating places and high-end beachfront resorts, however not lots of conveniences for dwelling. There is no such thing as a main grocery retailer and solely a small market.

This space is the furthest from George City and has no co-working areas. You will have transportation to get into city and it’ll take about 30 minutes.

If you’re going to be dwelling in Penang for a couple of months, Batu Ferringhi is likely to be too removed from George City until you propose to have transportation.

The Value of Living in Penang

The low value of dwelling in Penang is likely one of the greatest attracts for a lot of digital nomads. Few locations have all the fashionable comforts wanted for a digital nomad way of life with such unimaginable affordability.

In different phrases, you get lots of bang in your buck.

Let’s begin with housing…

Lodging Prices in Penang

That is the place you’ll spend most of your price range. Albeit nonetheless a small quantity.

Relying in your type, location, view, and the facilities of the constructing, you’ll find rents ranging from RM2000-6000 ($450-1380 USD).

A whole lot of the flats in Penang have massive areas, gyms, and swimming pools, which provides to the fee.

If that isn’t essential to you, you’ll find lodging on the decrease finish of the value spectrum. Older buildings with the identical facilities are also cheaper than the shiny new highrises which might be throughout city.

Meals Prices in Penang

Penang is understood for its low cost road meals. Not simply because it’s low cost, however as a result of it’s loopy good. Legendary.

It’s simply as simple to discover a RM5 ($1.15 USD ) plate of scrumptious noodles as it’s to eat a lobster buffet for a whole bunch. It’s cheaper to eat out than prepare dinner at dwelling, so most locals eat out nearly all of their meals.

Meals may be very low cost, however alcohol shouldn’t be. We spend far more cash on booze than we do meals once we eat out.

Avenue meals costs:

• Char kway teow – a well-known native noodle dish is RM5 ($1.15 USD)
• Assam laksa – fish-based bitter noodle soup dish RM5 ($1.15 USD)
• Hen Rice – an enormous hearty dish of rice mounded with rooster, all lined with garlic chilli sauce. It comes with soup. RM7 ($1.60 USD)
• Satay – marinated chick on skewers cooked over charcoal 10 skewers for RM12 ($2.75 USD)

Grocery costs:

• Hen – RM17 ($3.90 USD) per kilo
• Pork – RM17 ($3.90 USD) per kilo
• Giant bag of recent veg from the market – RM25 ($ 5.75 USD)
• Bottle of wine – RM45 ($10 USD) Booze is dear right here
• Can of native beer – RM8 ($1.83 USD)

Transportation Prices in Penang

Public buses cowl the entire island and vary from RM1.40-4.00 ($0.32 – $0.92) relying on the size of your trip. Nonetheless, in case you keep in George City, you’ll solely want them in case you determine to go to one other space of the island.

You can too lease a motorbike, scooter, or automobile in case you plan to keep elsewhere.

Seize (Malaysia’s model of Uber) is by far one of the best ways to get across the island. It’s costlier than buses, however it’s quicker and manner simpler. They’re nonetheless very low cost. From our condominium to the airport is a 1-hour drive, and it solely prices round RM35 ($eight USD).

Finest Eating places in Penang

When dwelling in Penang, road meals is a should. It takes on a couple of completely different seems right here.

There’s the overall street-side stall that they push into place proper earlier than mealtime, however there are additionally hawker centres or meals courts.

Not just like the meals court docket you’d discover in a North American mall with McDonald’s, KFC, and Sbarro Pizza. Right here they’re filled with meals being cooked to order utilizing recipes handed down from era to era.

A hawker centre is the place you’ll be able to go to discover 30 or extra completely different “eating places” or stalls underneath one roof. It’s the place the locals go and the place you’ll probably spend most of your time stuffing your face with all of the native dishes.

Pink Backyard

That is my favorite hawker centre. It’s in the center of George City and the place Anthony Bourdain ate when he filmed right here. It’s one of many greatest in city, so that you’ll have the ability to attempt all the things your coronary heart needs.

Nonetheless, in case you get overwhelmed simply, don’t fear – the locals are tremendous pleasant and love speaking meals.

When you see somebody consuming a dish that appears good, go forward and ask them what it’s. They’ll let you know what it’s and fortunately show you how to make some good decisions. Click on right here to discover Pink Backyard on the map.

Kimberly Avenue

By day, Kimberly Avenue is any regular street in city, however at evening, road meals stalls are pushed into place, and it begins buzzing.

There aren’t as many decisions as at Pink Backyard, so it is likely to be a fantastic place to begin with out getting overwhelmed. Click on right here to discover Kimberly Avenue on the map.

Kebaya

After consuming road meals for therefore lengthy, as soon as in some time, we wish one thing a bit nicer. We don’t go right here each week, however for particular events, Kebaya is the perfect.

It’s situated contained in the 7 Terraces Boutique Resort. From the vintage plates to the meals, the eye to element is unimaginable. That is Nyonya meals at it’s most interesting. The type of meals that has 25 substances to every dish but tastes like your auntie made it. It has soul.

They serve a value mounted, four-course meal. You may choose your programs from an extended checklist of choices that has one thing for everybody. The value is RM128 ($29.50 USD), which is an unimaginable discount for what you might be getting.

You may’t even get two martinis for that value in a pleasant restaurant in Chicago the place I’m from.

How to Discover Flats in Penang

Discovering quick time period leases used to be very difficult. These days, an increasing number of are cropping up, particularly in George City and Tanjung Tokong/Tanjung Bungah.

Nonetheless, the shorter the time period, the upper the value.

Airbnb is ubiquitous on the island and among the best methods to supply flats in Penang.

Another choice is Agoda. They showcase condos and houses for lease. Some resorts supply lengthy keep promos so it’s price checking into that as properly.

In the previous couple of years, the variety of serviced flats has elevated as properly. Serviced flats at all times have housekeeping and a kitchen so it’s homier than a room in a shared house.

Whichever route you select, negotiate your lease. It is extremely widespread right here, and the longer you keep, the extra negotiating energy you’ve.

What’s The WiFi And Knowledge Like?

Consider it or not, now we have quicker web right here than we did in the US. A whole lot of areas on the island have a fiber optic system, which makes the web lightning quick.

We’ve had Digi since we moved right here and located it to be the perfect total web service on the island. You should buy a Digi Sim card on the airport.

A whole lot of the flats in Penang have free WiFi. As do the cafes, eating places, and each co-working area. Preserve that in thoughts when shopping for a SIM card.

Irrespective of how a lot information you purchase, you’ll be able to at all times high it up at a 7/11 or native comfort retailer.

Digital Nomad Teams and Co-Working Areas

As a digital nomad dwelling in Malaysia, work is a part of your on a regular basis life. There are nearly a dozen co-working areas in George City to select from. Here’s a checklist to get you began.

Scoopoint has a really laidback vibe. They’ve a nap room, a hammock, a celebration, and a play space. But it surely’s not all play and no work, they simply imagine in stability. It’s a area geared towards creatives with scorching desks and devoted desks. Month-to-month hotdesk leases bought for RM280 ($64.45 USD). Click on right here for particulars. 

@CAT has a very completely different vibe than Scoopoint. It’s geared towards tech entrepreneurs and start-ups. The purpose is to make Penang much more modern and start-up pleasant. Month-to-month charges are RM300 ($69 USD) for a hard and fast desk. Click on right here for particulars.

MSOGO is inside Prangin Mall in George City. The area is huge, so it is going to be simple to discover a quiet spot. It’s shiny and intensely vibrant. When you like a zen-like working environment, head elsewhere. There are numerous seating areas all through the area in addition to a kitchen and a sport space. Month-to-month scorching desks are RM300 ($69 USD). Study extra right here. 

When you arent searching for a co-working area however nonetheless desire a sense of group, try the Penang Digital Nomads Fb group for all issues digital nomad.

Execs and Cons of Living in Penang

Since I’ve been an expat in Malaysia, I can truthfully say there are extra benefits than disadvantages. However no place is ideal. Right here is my checklist of the most important professionals and cons of dwelling in Malaysia.

Execs:

• Low value of dwelling
• Virtually everybody speaks English
• It’s very protected
• The healthcare is superb
• Locals are very pleasant
• The meals is scrumptious
• Inexpensive journey wherever in the area
• It’s multicultural
• There’s a massive expat society

Cons:

We selected to transfer to Penang so clearly for us there are lots of professionals. However that doesn’t imply there aren’t some cons as properly. Right here is my checklist of probably the most important disadvantages of dwelling in Malaysia.

• The general public bogs are fairly gross
• Not lots of look after the setting – folks litter as a result of “another person” will choose it up.
• Driving is fairly insane
• No such factor as customer support
• Booze is dear
• It’s actually far-off from my household in the USA

Issues To Do in Penang

There are such a lot of websites and issues to do in Penang that I’m nonetheless discovering new issues, even after 7 years. These are a few of the must-see locations while you’re dwelling in Penang.

Khoo Kongsi

This place is my favorite Chinese language temple and Clan Home hidden away in the center of George City. It dates again to the mid-19th century however has been painstakingly restored over time.

It’s extremely ornate with its mosaic dragons on the roof, black and white drawings of legendary creatures, gold-gilded doorways, and carved home windows. It brings you again to opulent instances.

Kek Lok Si

As one of many largest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia, it’s a must-see whereas dwelling in Penang.

This temple has instagramable nooks round each nook and over 1,000,000 photos of Buddha inside its complicated. They began constructing it in 1885 and are nonetheless setting up new components right this moment.

The 36-metre bronze Kuan Yin (Goddess of Mercy) statue was the newest addition. There are gardens to stroll via, and a turtle pond on the grounds.

The temple is a bit exterior of George City, so that you’ll want to take a Seize or a bus there, nevertheless it’s price it.

The Habitat on Penang Hill

Penang Hill is the best peak in Penang. If you’re battling the warmth and humidity of the island, take the funicular to the highest and get a drone’s view of the entire island.

On a transparent day, you’ll be able to see the island of Langkawi, and Thailand.

The Habitat is an eco-tourism website with a cover bridge and stroll, a nature path, and a zipline. However the focus is the Curtis Crest Tree High Stroll. An oval-shaped walkway on high of the timber.

Avenue Artwork

Penang is famend for its ever-evolving road artwork. There are maps for it, festivals round it, and new items popping up day by day. The perfect factor to do is wander the streets of city and discover it as you go. Half the enjoyable is looking it down.

Some are tiny little scenes in the again of a dilapidated alley. Others are welded iron and inform the story of Penang’s historical past.

Remaining Ideas

There’s something for everybody in Penang. It has nature, artwork, meals, historical past, and tradition. And for expats and digital nomads, it has the additional essential issues — quick web, pleasant locals and a low value of dwelling. 

It’s simple to fall in love with Penang. Increasingly more digital nomads are calling this little gem of an island a short lived dwelling.

Most individuals don’t keep right here lengthy sufficient to get the total impact. However in case you keep a month or three, you’ll uncover it’s a excellent concoction for nomads and anybody else searching for a brand new journey.

Word: The photographs in this submit are courtesy of Shutterstock.com. Click on right here to study extra about their royalty-free photos and movies.

Disclaimer: Some hyperlinks in this text are affiliate hyperlinks, which signifies that if you buy via them, we obtain a small fee. This may by no means value you further and in many instances you obtain a particular low cost. We admire your help!