Living In Penang Expat Guide part 2 – Part one is here.

Best Places Suitable To Live In Penang

The Penang Island was previously part of the Federation of Malaysia before it gained independence and became an autonomous state in Malaysia. This Island has many distinct neighborhoods. Although referred to as “towns” by most locals, they are official “localities,” a unique classification for suburbs surrounding the core of George Town.

The historical center of George Town, and Malaysia’s second-oldest commercial town, is centered on the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the city’s central business district. The following places below are the seven most suitable places to live in Penang

Tanjung Bungah – The Seaside Town

Tanjung Bungah is a seaside town located on the island’s northwest coast, immediately south of Georgetown. It stretches from Gurney Drive in the north to Teluk Bahang in the south and faces Balik Pulau across the Penang Strait. You’ll find Tanjung Bungah as one of the best places to live in Penang.

Batu Ferringhi – The Tourist Town

Batu Ferringhi is a suburban township situated on the northern coast of Penang Island, north of George Town and close to Balik Pulau. Revolving around the tourism industry, Batu Ferringhi is the main center for nightlife on Penang Island. You’ll find Batu Ferringhi as one of the best places to live in Penang

Teluk Bahang – The Gateway to Outdoor Activities

Teluk Bahang is a seaside village located within Seberang Perai Tengah, the central administrative district of Penang. Formerly a coastal fishing village, Teluk Bahang is currently home to many expatriate communities and gateway to several islands off the northwestern coast of Penang Island.

Air Itam – The Upcoming Residential Town

Air Itam is a suburb located within the administrative district of Seberang Perai Selatan, Penang. A quiet residential town situated immediately south of George Town, home to many expatriate communities and has witnessed a surge in property development since the late 1990s.

Seberang Jaya – The Land Of Green

Seberang Jaya is a suburb of the mainland portion of Penang, Malaysia. Located within the district of North Seberang Perai, it is bounded by Butterworth (in the north), Perai (to the south), and Bandar Baharu (in Kedah, to the east). It is one of the suitable places for expat to reside in Penang.

Tanjung Tokong – The Seaside Town

Tanjung Tokong is a seaside locality situated in the northeastern tip of Penang Island, Malaysia. It is located within the Southwest Penang Island District and also falls under the parliamentary constituency of Bayan Baru. You’ll enjoy living in this place as an expat.

Bayan Lepas – The Industrial Estate

Bayan Lepas is located within the South Seberang Perai District, Penang. Originally a fishing village, Bayan Lepas has become the main industrial hub in Malaysia after Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh. This way, you’ll enjoy everything this town has to offer.

What Expat Need to Bring When Relocating To Penang

There are several things that expats need to bring when relocating to Penang. Moving abroad is an exciting yet daunting experience, and it’s both essential for one’s convenience and the well-being of the travelers’ personal property that he or she brings along certain items when moving abroad. The ten things you should never leave your house without in Penang

1.    Your Trusty Spork

You don’t need to take along your entire cutlery set; all you need is a spork – that’s one of those utensils that has three parts and allows you to do everything: stab, scoop, and shovel. The spork can be used for pretty much any meal: cereal for breakfast, sandwiches at lunch, and rice dishes for dinner.

2.    Good Shoes

The truth is that shoes are your best friend when you live in Penang. You’ll be doing a lot of walking – hiking up the Penang Bridge to the Island, exploring Batu Feringghi on foot, heading down to Gurney Drive for a holiday, and even taking the bus to Butterworth.

It’s good to have one pair of shoes that you can use when going out, but it’s also important to keep in mind that we’re surrounded by water in Penang; your shoes may get wet at some point – which can be prevented if you buy a pair of rubber shoes. A good pair of shoes can make or break your feet.

3.    Rain Gear

It’s advisable to bring along an umbrella – the rainy season in Penang typically occurs between November and January, but they can pop up anytime throughout the year; don’t be caught off-guard again by sudden showers when you’re on the way to work. If you’re not a fan of carrying umbrellas, it’s also important to always have a raincoat on hand.

4.    Sun Gear

Penang is the land of constant sunshine, and direct exposure to UV rays can damage your skin. Don’t forget about sunscreen when moving to Penang – make sure you put some on before going out for the day. UV rays can cause skin cancer, and you definitely don’t want to deal with that as an expat living in Penang

5.    All Your Documents

Make sure your passport and visa are always on hand. We recommend keeping it in a safe place like a locked drawer or cabinet. It’s better not to take chances with your important documents. It’s a good idea to take photos of your important documents like your birth certificate and your previous visas, just in case you lose them.

6.    A Good Bag

A good bag is an essential item for any traveler moving to Penang. Don’t forget that there will always be times when you have too much stuff with you – and we’re not just talking about groceries. It’s good to bring along a sturdy and lightweight bag that can fit all your stuff in it while making sure you can carry it comfortably on your back or over your shoulder.

7.    A Good Idea of Where You Want To Live

Penang is a big island; before moving, make sure you know where you want to live and how far it is from all the places you need to get to. Penang can be confusing for expats because some areas like Batu Ferringhi and Gurney Drive aren’t located on the Island – they’re neighboring towns on the mainland of Penang, which means that they’re not as convenient as living on the island.

8.    A Sense of Adventure

Penang has many things to do and places to go – we’re talking about food, beaches, temples, and more! There’s so much to explore and discover. Make sure you bring your sense of adventure with you because it’ll come in handy when scoping out the best places to visit on your days off.

9.    The Ability to Unplug

The Penang of today is a far cry from the Penang of the past – it’s now one of the most technologically advanced cities in Malaysia. However, make sure you keep in mind that there are times when you need to unplug and relax – not everything has to be done on the internet or through an app.

Sometimes, it’s good to slow things down and enjoy Penang at a nice, leisurely pace. You could even learn how to use an old-fashioned map

10. The Ability to Adapt

The truth is that no matter how much research you do before moving somewhere – there will always be some things you won’t know until you get there. That’s why it’s important to bring along the ability to adapt when relocating. There are going to be times when the food isn’t what you’re used to, or people don’t act as they do in your own country – that’s all part of being an expat.

Frequently Asked Questions about living in Penang

Is Penang worth living for expat?

Penang is the pearl of the orient, a tropical paradise that has always been one of Asia’s most beautiful cities. Enjoy delicious food, friendly people, and just about every kind of modern amenity you could think of. It’s no wonder many expats are moving to Penang for retirement!

Is there any foreign embassy in Penang?

Yes. There is an Australian, Canadian, and United States embassy where you can contact any emergencies while staying in Penang. So, whatever you want to do in the country, the embassy covers you.

What do I need to check when renting a house?

You must learn how to read the electricity meter, so you will always know how much electricity you are using. You should also check whether they have clean drinking water and when was the last time they cleaned the pool.

Conclusion

Many people who visit Malaysia for the first time come to Penang. And I’m one of them. This article has everything you need to know regarding living in this region as an expat. Would you love to know more? Navigate to our page to check what is next.

Living In Penang Expat Guide part 1 – that will be the topic of today’s article.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

The question that pops into most people’s minds when they think of Penang is, “why?” Malay food? Check. Tropical beaches? Ditto. Decrepit colonial buildings and street market culture? Of course! Yoga retreats and westernized coffee houses? This is the right place!

Penang has something for everyone: history buffs, foodies, beach bums, party animals, yoga enthusiasts, you name it. The island of Penang has so much to offer its visitors that you’ll be able to experience a wide range of activities during your stay.

If you’re looking for an oasis away from the noise and the pollution of the city, check out Batu Ferringhi. A bit more on the touristy side, but some nice hotels and bars to get your drink or dance on. Or are you looking for an up-and-coming place to call home?

If so, head over to Bukit Mertajam, about 20 minutes away from George Town. The town has a lot of potentials but lacks the commercial element to make it more vibrant. Still, there are some good opportunities here if you’re willing to look for them. And Bukit Mertajam is where I stayed during my visit.

For something different, check out Penang Hill. So, now that we’ve covered where to go. Let’s talk about how to prepare for your trip. Just in case you haven’t heard from your friends who have been here before, there’s no such thing as “tipping culture” in Malaysia.

Overview of Penang Cultures and Tradition

The state of Penang is located on the northwestern coast of Peninsula Malaysia. It consists of Seberang Perai, formerly known as Province Wellesley, and comprises mainland territory that has an area about three times that of Singapore at the Straits of Malacca.

Although it is geographically separated from mainland Malaysia by the South Channel, it is generally seen as a part of Malaysia and is widely considered the most developed state in Malaysia. Penang’s economy was once heavily dependent on tin mining and the cultivation of tropical spice products such as palm oil and rubber.

However, it is now more diversified with flourishing sectors such as tourism and hi-tech manufacturing. Penang is also one of the most urbanized states in Malaysia. The Malays are the native people of Penang with their own unique cultures and traditions.

As a majority, they live in Seberang Perai, while significant minorities reside in George Town. Malays often celebrate Malay customs such as weddings.

Chinese are the second-largest community in Penang. The early Chinese settlers came to Penang mainly from the southeastern coast of China between the late 18th century and early 20th centuries, especially from Sarawak, Fujian, Guangdong provinces. Without further ado, below are the five interesting things to know about Penang cultures in relation to the Malaysians.

Baju Kurung

Baju Kurung refers to a long tunic and trouser outfit for Malaysian women. It is worn on formal occasions, including religious observances such as fasting, visiting the sick, and attending funerals. The material of Baju Kurung traditionally consists of cotton fabric, but, in recent times, other materials are being used, including silk.

The Nyonyas

The Nyonyas are the female descendants of early Chinese settlers in Malaysia, particularly Malacca and Penang. They have adopted many elements of the local Malay customs, especially under Islamic influence.

Among these is Baju Kurung for special occasions instead of the cheongsam. Their traditional function is as hostesses for social functions, and their modern role is as merchants and businesswomen.

Main Streets

Although George Town’s cityscape constitutes a picturesque, charming landscape of colonial architecture, its main attraction lies in the fact that you can still experience life like it was way back then. The city is dotted with Ming- and Qing-style houses, Chinese shophouses, temples, mosques, and churches.

Reggaeton

Reggaeton is a genre of Malaysian popular music that has evolved out of western musical influences such as hip hop. It is extremely popular among Malaysian youth. Although the term “reggaeton” may sound awkward to non-Malaysians, it is an ever-growing craze among Malaysian teenagers.

Dikir Barat

Dikir Barat is a kind of chant or poetry in rhyming couplets accompanied by the music of serunai (oboe), drums, and gendang (drumsticks). The rhythmic tapping of the heels on the floor punctuates the drum beats. This is a traditional art form from Northern Malaysia. It has been adapted to be performed in stage shows by many Malay artists, including P Ramlee and Siti Nurhaliza.

Pros and Cons of Living in Penang as an Expat

A person deciding to emigrate from his/her home country is a big step, and Penang is a place with major pros and cons for all who make this decision. Many expats have considered the experience of living in Penang as one of the most fulfilling experiences in their entire lives.

Despite the giant leap that moving to Malaysia entails, it also takes a lot of responsibility, and before settling down here, you should carefully consider the pros and cons that come with this decision. Only then will you be able to enjoy living in Penang truly.

Pros

It’s an Exotic Location

Malaysia is one of the most beautiful countries on the planet. The postcard-perfect beaches, blue waters surrounding the island, and the lovely locals make it one of the most idyllic places for expats who are worn out by the fast pace of city life. The environment is conducive to relaxation and can help you get back your inner peace that city living dissipates so quickly.

A Safe Place for Families

Penang is a safe and secure location for families. The crime rates are very low in this city, which is another enormous pro when you consider moving here. As an expat, your children will be able to grow up in a lovely environment with no worries about safety whatsoever.

A Welcoming Community

Penang has one of the most welcoming communities in the entire country. Locals go out of their way to help expats feel at home. They will even invite you over for dinner and give you a place to stay when you first arrive at one of Malaysia’s most popular destinations.

There Are a Lot of Jobs Available In Penang

The current economic growth in Malaysia is immense, which means that there are a lot of jobs available in Penang. Expats can find work easily in the tourism, healthcare, IT, and banking industries. Just about any expat can find employment in Penang without too much trouble.

The Standard Of Living Is Very High

While the cost of living will vary depending on where you choose to live, the standard of living in Penang is higher than in most countries. Everything from transportation to healthcare and education becomes extremely affordable compared to expat destinations like the USA and UK.

No Time Wasted Commuting

Traffic jams and endless commutes can be a way of life for many people who live in large cities, but they are virtually nonexistent in Penang. Many expats choose to live on the outskirts of town, where they can have a house with a garden for their kids to play in but still be closer to work than if they lived downtown.

There Are Plenty of Activities

Expats living in Penang will never run out of things to do. With the beaches, mountains, world-class diving sites, and shopping malls all within a few minutes of anything in Penang, you will always have something to do.

Amazing Food

Penang is home to some of the best food on earth. You can find any cuisine or dish from around the world here. The weekend markets are crawling with stalls that sell delicious foods that you can’t find anywhere else.

Cons

A Higher Cost-Of-Living

While there are a lot of benefits to living in Penang, if you’re not careful, it can become one of the most expensive places on earth. The cost of rent is extremely high and may end up draining your wallet if you plan on settling down here for any length of time.

There Is a Language Barrier

If English isn’t your native language, you may have more of an uphill climb when looking for a job in Penang. While there are many ESL schools where you can learn the local language before relocating, it would be beneficial to become somewhat fluent before arriving to enter the job market faster.

Large Crowds

Some people enjoy living in a large city where crowds are everywhere you look. While Penang is a very popular tourist destination, it may still be too crowded for your tastes.

Not a Lot of Foreigners

As much as locals in Malaysia love to help expats settle in, Penang does not have a lot of foreign settlers in the area. This can make it difficult to connect with other expats living in Penang.

The Traffic Is Horrendous

Traffic jams and never-ending commutes can be extremely frustrating. While commuting isn’t nearly as bad in Penang compared to some places, the traffic on certain roads during rush hour will leave you pounding your steering wheel. There are a few good roads that cut through town to avoid the worst of it, but you’ll have to plan your route ahead of time.