Info Required On Malaysia

[rcalsop]

Has any one experience of working and family living in Malaysia ( Penang ) ...I have a potential job offer ..and wish to research the options a bit .

Any good web sites or Malaysian equivalents to this site?????.

[Noel]

Any good web sites or Malaysian equivalents to this site?????.

This newsgroup might be of some help.

[fox]

Penang, is situated north west of Malaysia.

It is an island, accessible by bridge and by ferry.

A very popular holiday resort with the locals and the foreigners.

To Kuala Lumpur by road is about a five hours drive using the

double lane supper highway. To Genting Highlands, an international holiday

resort is about five hours. They have the only casinos in the whole country.

The casinos are always fully packed, one catering for foreigners and the

rest for the locals, operating 24 hours non stop. Muslims are not permitted to go in.

The cable cars up to the Genting Highlands are world class and very exciting.

International shows are very popular there. Two weeks ago Connie Francis

gave a fully packed show in the Arena of Stars in Genting Highlands.

To get more information on Malaysia, go to the website, Malaysia My Second Home.

Penang is multi racial, multi religious and multi cultural. Even though Malaysia is a

muslim nation, the non muslims (about 40 % of Malaysia's population) are free to practice

their own faith, eat and drink what they like, and there is a turf club in Penang, Ipoh and KL.

Horse racing are being conducted every Saturday and Sunday, somtimes on course and

some days off course. On course on rotation in Penang, Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

The best part is that English is widely spoken here. In fact English is the second language

of this nation.

[AsiaWolfie]

I dont know what far-away Genting has to do with Penang, but I know Penang is pretty much a relaxed place, more Chinese influenced than any other place in Malaysia. Chinese are the majority there. for example, Phuket has a higher percentage of Muslim people than Penang. Penangs beaches are nice (though swimming is not recommended due to jellyfish most of the year), and there are a lot of quiet, remote areas to relax, particularly on the west coast. the beautiful island of Langkawi is just a short ferry ride (or an even more shorter flight) away.

Penang has a lot of shopping malls and many supermarkets where u can get almost everything Western. They even do have a branch of Carrefour, so absolutely no need to be desperate

I dont know if you have family, if so , no need to worry, then u will be busy anyway..... if u r alone, then maybe relaxed Penang might appear a little boring after a while...... but bustling, cosmopolitan KL is near and flights are cheap by airasia to KL, Bangkok and even Medan.... but once again: it's not Bangkok

added:

OH I FORGOT: u wanted to know about the Expat-board for Malaysia, here u go: www.expat.com.my there u will not only find a message-board, but a lot of other informations about living in Malaysia as well

[farangsay]

I found a site , www.malaysia.alloexpat.com .

It has forums , even a Penang forum , if you go through the links.

[markt]

I found a site , www.malaysia.alloexpat.com .

It has forums , even a Penang forum , if you go through the links.

"Penny" gives good advice (not sarcastic) on that forum.

Some of the others do seem quite odd though.

[KhunMarco]

I found a site , www.malaysia.alloexpat.com .

It has forums , even a Penang forum , if you go through the links.

"Penny" gives good advice (not sarcastic) on that forum.

Some of the others do seem quite odd though.

I was reading that forum and noticed quite a few posts about people going to Thailand for a Holiday, I rarely read of people going to Malaysia from Thailand. Why Is that?

Cheaper? People?...Why?

I don't have a clue about Malaysia (except for the Penang visa run).

[somchai jones]

I found a site , www.malaysia.alloexpat.com .

It has forums , even a Penang forum , if you go through the links.

"Penny" gives good advice (not sarcastic) on that forum.

Some of the others do seem quite odd though.

I was reading that forum and noticed quite a few posts about people going to Thailand for a Holiday, I rarely read of people going to Malaysia from Thailand. Why Is that?

Cheaper? People?...Why?

I don't have a clue about Malaysia (except for the Penang visa run).

I regularly stay in KL on business and aside from Thai business people, there are in fact a lot of middle class Thai families holidaying there.

[Gary A]

Malaysia was near the top of my list of retirement areas. Since I was only interested in retiring I didn't bother to look at the wage structures. I DID look carefully at the cost of living and decided that Thailand was the much better bargain. The Philippines came in second place. The lack of infrastructure, crime and the danger of earthquakes made Thailand an easy choice for me. I retired here and have decided to stay.

[tigerbeer]

first of all, what does genting have to do with penang and the rest of malaysia??? or whether there is one casino for foreigners and one for malaysians??? or the arena of stars? oh well !

penang or KL is comparable to the standards of living in bangkok if not cheaper. spoilt by choices and expats who have lived there for some part of their life just fall in love with it. especially with the food!

with the changes in govt policies going on here in thailand, id say malaysia is a much stable place to be at ! despite it being predominantly a muslim country.

[fox]

Hi Khun Marco,

Here are the following answers to your inquiries:

1. The standard of living and education level in Malaysia is much higher than Thailand.

English is widely spoken and it is the second language in this nation.

Thousands and thousands (including illegal) workers from Thailand, Indonesia, India,

Phillipines, Nepal, Bangladesh, Burma, and etc come to Malaysia to seek employment.

Most of the female Thai workers here are in the vice trade.

2. Every day thousands of Malaysian and Singaporean vistors go into Hatyai for the fantastic and interesting night

life. Some drive in car, by bus, by van, by tour bus, by motor cycle and some just walk in.

It would take me about six hours from my Malaysian home to Hatyai by car.

Besides the exciting night life, visitors also go into Hatyai for shopping, food hunting and sight seeing.

Before the Southern Thailand insurgency, no less than five thousand visitors from Malaysia and Singapore would

go in daily. Because of the Southern Thailand insurgency, the amount of visitors have dropped to a certain level.

3. I have noticed a number of Thai visitors coming over to Malaysia for the following reasons:

They cross over to the Malaysian border to buy petrol for their vehicles and then cross back to Thailand.

Petrol here is much cheaper than Thailand.

They also cross over to the Malaysian Duty Free Complex, buy duty free liquor, beer, and other duty free goods.

Most middle class Thai visitors would go to Genting Highlands, an international holiday hill resort, and they

would try their luck at the casinos in Genting Highlands.

4. There are some Thai visitors who would visit the horse racing (Turf Club) during the weekends at Penang,

Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore.

[KhunMarco]

Guys you are better than "The lonely planet"

Thanks so much for your interesting replies.

[micky]

Penang Travel Info

From dusk to dawn and city lights to beach settings, the accommodation that awaits each visitor to Penang is a sure sign of our gracious hospitality. For the unfussy visitor who is here on a budget, yet keen to experience our local hospitality in its simplest from, the suitably located hotels in George Town, along Chulia Street and Penang Road would be ideal.

Widely known as the Pearl of the Orient, Penang is one of Asia's most famous islands. Its natural beauty and exotic heritage have been attracting curious visitors for centuries.

Travel guides have referred to it as " . . . a place of mysterious temples and palm-shrouded beaches", while literary giant Somerset Maugham is known to have stayed on the island and spun tales about the romance of the white planter in South-East Asia.

Penang or its Malay name of Pulau Pinang is made up of a turtle-shaped island, a total of 285 square kilometers, and a strip of land called Seberang Prai on Peninsular Malaysia about 48 kilometers wide.

Since 1985, the island has been joined to the mainland by the Penang Bridge, one of the longest bridges in the world. Alternatively, travellers arriving from the mainland can hop onto the ferry and take a 20-minute ride across. There are also international flights that connect directly to the international airport on the island.

Introduction

Penang is beautiful island on the west coast of Malaysia. It is known as ‘the Pearl of the Orient'. Penang is fully decorated with its colorful history, fascinating culture and lovely beaches. Travelers will find trendy restaurants, sidewalk cafes, discotheques, night markets, departmental stores and quaint pre-war shops together with a host of other place to give lively and colorful character. Penang is amazing and has everything you name it, you get it there. Penang has everything; beaches, history, diverse culture, shopping, food etc.

Penang is the most culturally diverse Southeast Asia holiday destination of choice today.

Combining the best of a modern city with exotic beaches, colorful history, and fascinating cultures, Penang offers true fantasy experience to it's visitor.

Geography

Penang is one of the 13 states of Malaysia. Penang is located in Malaysia, a beautiful country in Southeast Asia. Its proper name is Pulau Pinang.

Penang is known as 'Pearl of the Orient' and 'Prince of Wales island'. Penang Island is around 285 sq km with approx 1 million populations which consists of Chinese 57%, Malays 32% and Indian 7%. Penang Island is linked by Penang Bridge, one of the world's beautiful bridges. It is bounded to the north and east by state of Kedah, to the south by the Straits of Malacca and Sumatra. Shape of Penang resembles a swimming turtle.

Georgetown named after king George is the capital of Penang and has population of about 400000. It is noted for its historic buildings, shopping bargains and great food. Georgetown is the seat of government for state.

History

Penang got it's name from Malay word Pinang which is the areca plant found in the island. In 15th century it was a quite place populated by small Malay communities. Due to its abundance beauty, geography and for lucrative trade, Penang was already in mind of British. Hence in 1786, an agent for British East India Company, Francis Light arrived in Penang to establish British trading outpost. Then he began a settlement after persuading the Sultan of Kedah. He named Georgetown after king George III . In 1832, Penang formed parts of the Straits settlement with Melaka and Singapore. It flourished and grew to a major trading post for a lucrative trade in tea, spices, cloth etc. For more than 100 years, it remained with British colonial rule untill 1957 when it gained independence and became one of the State of Malaysia.

Climate

Penang has balanced climate, humid and warm throughout the year. Average max temperature is 32C and average min temperature is 23C. Average temperature is 27.70?C. There is no reasonable hot or cold season, although September to November is considered as the wettest month with some heavy showers.

How to go by Air

Penang International Airport is connected to many countries. Malaysia airlines flies to more than 94 destination worldwide. Beside, many other international airlines also offer flight to Malaysia.

By Rail

Malayan Railways connect to both Singapore and Bangkok. It takes 7 to 10 hour to reach Kualalumpur from Singapore and it takes about 2 days from Bangkok. Penang lies between two capitals and there is a stop for it.

Local transportation

Taxies are plenty available. Better pre purchase your taxi so that you will avoid over charging as they are notorious on over charging. Plenty of buses are available to take you happily around the island. Motor bikes can be a risk due to heavy traffic. Hiring a car is best option but you might take some time to get used to the traffic.

Place to visit

Wat Chayamangkalaram

A Buddhist temple of Thai architecture on a 5-acre site, it houses the world's third largest reclining Buddha which measures 33 metres. Behind the statue are niches where urns containing the ashes of the dead are stored. A nine-storey pagoda approximately 165 feet high and reputed to be the highest such structure in the country is found on the site. There are also statues of gigantic `naga' serpents, mystical creatures that link earth to heaven, from the balustrades at the entrance to the meditation hall. Admission is free. Photography is not permitted within the temple.

Sri Mariamman Temple

Built in 1883, it is the oldest and most famous Hindu temple in Penang. It contains fascinating scupltured gods and goddesses, amongst them a priceless statue of Lord Subramaniam decorated in gold, diamonds and other precious stones. The temple has a scupltured tower at the entrance and inside it are the symbols of the nine planets. The signs of the zodiac are carved in wood on the ceiling. Admission is free.

State mosque

Completed in 1980, it stands majestically on a 4.5 hectare site in the Greenlane surburb and is one of the most beautiful mosques in the country. A magnificient chandelier measuring 20 feet by 16 feet adorns the prayer hall which can accommodate 5000 worshipers. From the top of the 170 feet minaret, a panoramic view of Georgetown can be seen. Permission to visit the mosque must be obtained from the State Religious Department. Appropriate dressing is required.

Penang State Museum

The museum was officially opened on 14 April 1965. In the same year, the art gallery was added to the Museum. The Museum hosts archive and artifacts that are state treasures. Outstanding amongst these are eight of the ten original oil paintings executed by Captain Robert Smith (the remaining two being in a private collection). Other artifacts of note include extensive collections of Baba Nyonya porcelain, furniture, jewellery and costumes that are unsurpassed in their artistic beauty and historical value.

Penang bridge

The bridge is cable stayed, 13.5 km long, 8.5 km over water, the rest consisting of a viaduct on the island side with a flyover on the mainland. Longest in Asia, reputedly third longest in the world. The island end of the bridge begins near the University at Gelugor and the mainland end at Seberang Jaya. Toll is payable. Visitors not permitted to stop along bridge.

KOMTAR

KOMTAR is a 65 storey tower atop a 4-storey podium block. Tallest in SE Asia, it houses all government departments, prime commercial space with civic and recreational facilities. KOMTAR is stragetically situated in the heart of the city on a 11 hectare site.

Logan Memorial and high court

A marble statue stands in the high court compound dedicated to James Richardson Logan, a prominent lawyer and one-time editor of the `Penang Gazette'. Logan devoted his life to serving the public and was a strong advocate of freedom of speech, law and order until his death in 1869. Located in Farquhar Street opposite the Museum.

St. George's Church

A magnificient edifice built by convicts between 1817 and 1819, it is one of the oldest Anglican churches in Malaya and Singapore. In front of the church stands a monument to Capt. Francis Light. The building has semi-arches, mouldings, doric columns and pillars; the roof which was originally flat is now gable-shaped. Also located next to the Museum.

Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion

Built by a Kwangtung businessman, this Chinese mansion of the 18th and 19th century is believed to be one of only three such buildings remaining outside China. The building has ancient tiled roofs, cobbled courtyards, russet brick walls and steel spiral stairways. It contains collections of rare porcelain, sculptures and carvings, tapestries and embroideries, lacquers, bronzes and other antiques.

Fort Cornwallis and King Edward Circus Clock Tower

Originally a wooden structure, it was rebuilt between 1808 and 1810 by convict labour. Protruding from the fort's rampart are cannons retrieved by the British from pirates who had captured them from the Johore Sultanate.

The main cannon 'Seri Rambau' is said to date back to 1613 and, according to local belief, childless women can conceive by placing flowers in its barrel and offering special prayers.The fort is also used as an amphitheatre.

The 60 foot clock tower built at the entrance to the the fort was presented to the town by a local millionaire in 1897 in conjunction with Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee, each foot signifying one year of her reign. Both structures above are at the Esplanade.

Kuan Yin (Goddess of Mercy) Temple

Also known as the temple of the Goddess of Mercy, it was built in 1800 by the first Chinese settlers of the Hokkien and Cantonese communities. The temple has been designed in the finest tradition of ancient Chinese architecture. It attracts both ardent pilgrims seeking the assistance of Kuan Yin and tourists. Puppet shows are staged in the temple grounds during the Goddess' birthday celebrations in March and October.

Snake Temple

The Snake Temple or the Temple of the Azure Cloud, which was built in 1850 on a hillock by the roadside, is dedicated to the diety Char Soo Kong. It is a sanctuary for pit vipers which coil around objects on the altars and other parts of the temple. Although poisonous, these snakes are not known to bite. Devotees refer to them as `officers' of the deity and regard them as `holy and harmless'.

Penang Hill

A popular rendezvous for the local people and visitors, the hill is 830 metres above sea level. Transport to the summit is by means of a funicular railway which takes 30 minutes. Here the temperature drops to 18 C, a welcome change from the heat below. It offers a panoramic view of Georgetown and the coastal areas of the mainland. Facilities up the hill include a children's playground, teahouse, hotel, hill mosque and an Indian temple. The railway station is located at Air Itam and the services normally operate until late evening.

Forest Recreation Park

This is a beautifully landscaped park, on the northwest coast. It covers 100 hectares, has several freshwater pools, footpaths, rest huts, and a children's playground. There is a forestry museum which houses exhibits of tropical timbers and their products and preserved insect species. Located at Telok Bahang, 24 km from Georgetown. Admission is free.

Botanical Gardens

It is the only one in Malaysia and occupies an area of 30 hectares, set in an ideal valley-like area surrounded by forested hills. The garden has a collection of both local and tropical flora and fauna. There are hundreds of trees and flowery plants and dozens of plant houses and nurseries, fern gardens and lily ponds. Attractions also include a replica of the Penang bridge, the library and of course, the rhesus monkeys. In the evening, it is the favourite spot for family picnics and jogging. Located off the Waterfall Road.

Youth Park

The park is ideal for picnicking, camping, archery and aero-modelling. Hikers can use a foothpath that leads to Penang Hill. The centre piece of the park is a roller-skating rink. Located at Quarry Drive near the Botanical Gardens.

Kapitan Kling Mosque

This is Penang's first mosque, built around 1800 to replace an old attap structure that had been constructed in 1786 by an Indian Muslim merchant, Cauder Mohideen who was then the `Kling Kapitan' (Indian Muslim Headsman). Its dome shaped and well placed minaret reflects Islamic architecture of Indian influence. It is painted ochre yellow and has a green roof.

Dinning in Penang

Penang serves the very best in exotic Southeast Asian cuisine while dinning at Penang. Once you taste the cuisine of Penang you will forget everything. From 'Penang Satay Chicken' to 'Penang Rajak', everything is so delicious that you appetite will never die.

Satisfy your appetite and indulge in the pleasure of good food while staying in Penang. You will find authentic Prawn Mee, Penang Laksa, Nasi Lemak and many other mouth watering local delicious in the 'Pearl of the Orient' at affordable price with generous servings.

Penang international dragon boat festival

Dragon boat festival is existed from centuries, founded in China which combines power, speed and endurance of 12 or 20 people, manned by paddlers, steers and a drummer accompanied by thunder of drums and roar of the crowd. Outside of China, Malaysia was the first country to hold dragon boat races. In 1934 dragon boat racing was first introduced as a sporting activity in Penang.

In 1956, Penang’s first dragon boat racing As held to commerate the Georgetown municipal councils 100th anniversary. 10 years later it was declared as Penang festival. Previously it included local teams from government, public associations and commercial establishments but in 1979, the first Penang International Dragon Boat Festival took place with two team from Singapore and Hong Kong. This festival is supported by the government.

Today festival is participated by many countries fighting for the grand prize. It is the biggest and greatest Dragon Boat Festival in Penang and in Malaysia too.

[mikeriza]

I worked (with work permit) in Penang and nearby Butterworth for 2 years and it was a very pleasant experience. The locals are very friendly and the food (if you go to the right places) is excellent. Accomodation is (was) reasonable, I paid RM600 a month for a nice (family size, 3 bed) apartment on the bridge side of Penang. Being on the 17th floor I never needed air-con as the breeze off the sea was so cool and mosquitos never seemed to fly that high! If you go for it I think (and hope) you will enjoy it.