Pros and cons of Penang

[hermespan]

I invite others who have *experience* sojourning, working or retiring in Penang and OTHER places in SEA.

I am creating this thread as it is distinct from the housing-specific one.

Why am I giving Penang a go?

I am close to 60, have cultural affinities to Mahayana Buddhism and Hinduism, am vegetarian, seek ongoing medical care for minor chronic problems. I like to eat local food, including street food. Am fed up with the venality of Philippines, the poor health care of Cambodia, the sheer size of Bangkok, the sexpats of Pattaya (been there done that, not a moral judgment), the lack of a bus system in Chiang Mai, and the monolithic Theravada Buddhist cultures of mainland SEA (I don't have issued w/ Theravada, I mean a non-cosmopolitan culture w/ no significant minorities). Indonesia is in the race but I find most places I have visited in Java grungy. But it's a close second. Hue or similar smaller city in Vietnam is also a place to be considered. But Vietnamese is a skull-cracker language to learn. Bahasa Indonesia/Malaysia.

A significant factor is also that already I have local male friends in Malaysia (one Sri Lankan Tamil, one ethnic Chinese) - from years ago. Although they are not in Penang I find it curious that by comparison I have no local friends in any other SEA nations.

Also, I am tired of the 'nightlife' aspect of Yangon, Angeles, Udon etc. Normal Malaysian women seem friendlier.

So, in brief I have matured, and am looking for a civilized good-value place to lead a boring life. Penang might fit the bill. Reminds me of Taiwan more than Thailand.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[TheGhostWithin]

I have been to Penang many times, but not recently.

My last trip in 2008 they were phasing out most street markets which was a sad site - most street food sellers in Penang, especially around Lebuh Chulia are multi - generational gifts of love to the community as much as they are a source of income for the family. I highly recommend the Hao Jiian (Chinese style oyster omelette) across from love lane on Lebuh Chulia if it still exists.

Shopping in Penang is surprisingly good with a wide range of both western and Malaysian food and goods.

Get yourself a house asap, hotels are not the best there but there were new apartments going up at a very cheap price last I was there.

[drpbala]

I fit very well with your description - Hindu/Vegetarian/ Sp ritually inclined/close to retirement(Age 55). Strongly considered Penang as a retirement place. Did make a trip last June 2013 to explore the options.

Pros of Penang

- language no issue - English/Bahasa Malaysia(easy to pick up)

- Apartments are plenty. Buying/leasing no issue

- food : absolutely no issue

- spirituality - lot of options are available

- hospitals - language no issue

Cons :

- Bumi putra importance leading to marginalization of other sects like Chinese/Hindu

Still I have not made up my mind about Penang.

Hope the above gives some input for you to mull.

[laislica]

Ah, takes me back. First working there at the end of the 60's and then back every ten years or so.

Last trip was in 2000 and the changes were many but acceptable.

Had a months holiday with Saga (LOL) and they did us proud.

The cost of rented villas then was not expensive and I would (did) think about arranging a rental and making the move but got sidetracked into living in the south of Spain.

I loved the place, the weather, fruit, veg, the people.

It will be even more touristy now though, with roads to everywhere. There was even a road to the top of Penang Hill in 2000!

Why not sort out a suitable villa to rent and just go with the flow.

Make a trip to the Cameron Highlands and see the tea plantations, it's a lot cooler and great fun.

However, I recommend that you hire a car and driver, he will know the good places to visit on the way, ours found a new theme park and we were invited to hold a baby orang-utan.

Of course, it was a long time ago.....

[amse]

Have gone to Penang several times on a visa run, went with 2 friends once and sightseeing one day up to the view point by tram, we all had fried rice and enjoyed taking photos, on the way down we all had stomach problems and immediately visited the hotel bathroom because of food poisoning, never ate outside of the hotel again. I've eaten at many food vendors in Thailand and never once got food poisoning in 12 years.

Edited March 29, 2014 by metisdead
Bold font removed, please do not make it a habit to post in bold fonts.

[phuketrichard]

love Penang, first trip in 1982

last trip, last month

Great food, easy going, good bus system.

weather not to bad,

friendly people, Multi racial, shopping is ok

I love how they are redoing the historic section of Georgetown.

PS ; Drove up to Cameron highlands end of feb, its a shit hole. overbult, crass commercialism, crowded, traffic out of control, ( and that was during the week, cant even imagine how bad it would be on a holiday or weekend)

10-15 years ago i could see how it might have been nice but the strawberry plantations have taken over the once beautiful hills

Edited March 28, 2014 by phuketrichard

[laislica]

love Penang, first trip in 1982

last trip, last month

Great food, easy going, good bus system.

weather not to bad,

friendly people, Multi racial, shopping is ok

I love how they are redoing the historic section of Georgetown.

PS ; Drove up to Cameron highlands end of feb, its a shit hole. overbult, crass commercialism, crowded, traffic out of control, ( and that was during the week, cant even imagine how bad it would be on a holiday or weekend)

10-15 years ago i could see how it might have been nice but the strawberry plantations have taken over the once beautiful hills

Great post, sure that's the kind of up-to-date info the OP needs.

Not a strawberry in sight back in my day, what a shame.

The tea plantations looked fantastic then....

[sunshine51]

love Penang, first trip in 1982

last trip, last month

Great food, easy going, good bus system.

weather not to bad,

friendly people, Multi racial, shopping is ok

I love how they are redoing the historic section of Georgetown.

PS ; Drove up to Cameron highlands end of feb, its a shit hole. overbult, crass commercialism, crowded, traffic out of control, ( and that was during the week, cant even imagine how bad it would be on a holiday or weekend)

10-15 years ago i could see how it might have been nice but the strawberry plantations have taken over the once beautiful hills

Actually...to me Penang's OK. First time there was way back in 1973, last trip was in January to photograph Thaipusam.

Since 73 Penang surely has changed but then again...so has every other place on this planet. Food's really good.

Natives are friendly and some are fairly daft but still friendly. Zero hassles from the constabulary save for a minor

traffic offense once...not wearing a seatbelt. Weather's good. I'm not very religious but if you need that it's varied

and in abundance. Traffic jams can be nasty though...but in LOS I live down in Ranong and we just don't have

many traffic problems. Decent public transport in Penang but the taxi's can be a ripoff so beware. That said it's

easy to get about any time of the day. All in all Penang gets a 3.2 on my scale of 4.0. Once Georgetown is restored

I may give Penang a 3.4 or 3.5! FYI...there is not a place on this planet I will publicly admit to having a 4.0 rating.

That said I do know a couple 4.0 places & I'm keeping them to myself. Selfish? To put it bluntly...yes.

Mind you...a beer in Penang is awfully expensive compared to anywhere in LOS...all booze is expensive;

if that's not a problem...then you'll undoubtedly have a good time there.

NB...edit to add the last sentence.

Edited March 28, 2014 by sunshine51

[hermespan]

Sunshine51

Care to play a guessing game? The 4/5 places - are they in Asia, Europe or Latin/South America? No names!

A friend swears by a certain mountain city in Colombia. Sri Lanka has similar advantages to Malaysia but several downsides. But I find SEA in general to be my second home. Work will take me to West Africa, but I have no expectations that Cameroon will be suitable for a non-Francophone.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[Qman]

My first visit to Penang was a visa run last year for three days. As a short term tourist, my first impressions were quite favorable compared to Thailand. Rented a motorbike and drove all over the island during my time. A lot of nice looking housing although there are poor areas in village settings. Driving more civilized than Thailand, food good and varied and people friendly without the rip off feeling you get in touristy parts of Thailand. I realize impressions are from the tourist point of view but very good during my visit. Taxi from airport is paid in advance at booking office so no real issues like what you read about Bangkok. Another point is that the island is bridge connected to the mainland so you can easily get away when necessary. Malaysia has the Malaysia My Second Home program having incentives to attract foreigners to live there. Overall worth considering and I will return in the future.

[hermespan]

Ghost within.... You write that street markets are being phased out. Reminds me of even Kluang in Johor in 2013. Even though shopping in an outdoor market has many advantages (fresh sir, social, fresher produce, cheaper) it was actually a hassle to get to. Had to take the car for 20 minutes. So, they are marginalizing one of the best features of SEA!

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[bra]

love Penang, first trip in 1982

last trip, last month

Great food, easy going, good bus system.

weather not to bad,

friendly people, Multi racial, shopping is ok

I love how they are redoing the historic section of Georgetown.

PS ; Drove up to Cameron highlands end of feb, its a shit hole. overbult, crass commercialism, crowded, traffic out of control, ( and that was during the week, cant even imagine how bad it would be on a holiday or weekend)

10-15 years ago i could see how it might have been nice but the strawberry plantations have taken over the once beautiful hills

Great post, sure that's the kind of up-to-date info the OP needs.

Not a strawberry in sight back in my day, what a shame.

The tea plantations looked fantastic then....

I lived in KL for 10 years and often visited Penang (work and pleasure) and I agree its one of the better places in Malaysia - food, people, restored Georgetown, beach resorts etc. I first visited the Cameron Highlands, Frasers Hill and other hill stations a number of years ago - great then but as the poster says Cameron is terrible now and I would never go back.

[phuketrichard]

if, and thats a big IF,

i had the $$$$ I would move back to the SF bay area in a heart beat

gets a 4 out of 4 for me

Edited March 28, 2014 by phuketrichard

[hermespan]

Stuurman wrote in my associated but rent-specific thread (so I am replying here in this mire general thread)...

"I live in Penang and think cost of living is substantial higher then in Thailand, about 20-30% I would say. That figure will go up next year when VAT on all goods is introduced."

Based on my one week visit to Penang Christmas 2013 I observed that indeed guesthouse accommodation us about that much more, maybe higher, than Bangkok. Care to break down your 29-30% higher estimate? I found groceries seemed to be cheaper, eating out about the same.

" i'm actually thinking of moving to Thailand, not because of that but because tensions between the Muslim Malay and the rest of country are getting higher."

Rely? This is bad news. Do you see examples in day- 'to-day life? I notice Hindu parades having gov't provided guards to discourage vandalism . I see this as both good and bad. Good that security is taken seriously, bad that it is necessary.

"When I arrived here 5 years ago I found Malaysia a moderate Muslim country, that is getting less and less. Most of it is politically driven by the ruling party who tries to be the defender of Muslim rights."

So, you have noticed a negative change in as little as five years. I do not doubt what you are saying us true. But do you think so e if this is from you changing from a wide-eyed newcomer to eyes wide open? Hindu friends complain to me that the religious tolerance is fiction. Technically freedom of religion, but try to get a permit to build a Temple. There dies seem to be a concerted effort to squeeze non-Muslins out. What I find curious is it seems to be a gov't sponsored progrom, that your average Malaysian Muslim is more tolerant than the government. And Indonesia gas a more secular gov't despite having the largest Muslim population in the world. Curiously, even 95%+ Muslim Bangladesh is more tolerant, but socially and at gov't level. What's with thus mentality if the rah-rah Sunni gov't in Malaysia that belongs in a Middle Eastern Shia government of the Middle East. It is so out of place.

"Because Penang is mainly Chinese and ruled by the opposition it's an easy target for the Malay populist right wing fractions"

This surprises me. Isn't it the FEDERATED STATES of Malaysia, as in 'if you want to go your own way and have shariah law, go for it' as several northern states have? Does this freedom of religion not also apply to Christians etc? Maybe it is time for a SE cessessionist movement like Venito and Catalonia.

" for example just a few weeks a go a church was firebombed."

Ugh. Did the police and courts take it seriously? Some hooligans also interfered with a Hindu parade by throwing a decapitated cow's head in the procession (equally as offensive, although for different reasons, as throwing a slaughtered pig into a mosque)

"Apart from the political/ethnic tension there is also a steep raise in crime. This added up makes Malaysia no longer the country where I want to live."

Oh, I wasn't aware of this. Thank you.

[hermespan]

Btw, it is not my intention to get too far off-topic. The quasi-Islamic government of Malaysia is only one factor and for me a tertiary one. In fact there are things I *like* about Muslim influence on society, for example less public drunkenness, charity as a virtue and I even find veils sexy!

I am more interested in hard data about visas, banking, groceries and other facets of day to day life.

Edited March 28, 2014 by hermespan

[gamini]

love Penang, first trip in 1982

last trip, last month

Great food, easy going, good bus system.

weather not to bad,

friendly people, Multi racial, shopping is ok

I love how they are redoing the historic section of Georgetown.

PS ; Drove up to Cameron highlands end of feb, its a shit hole. overbult, crass commercialism, crowded, traffic out of control, ( and that was during the week, cant even imagine how bad it would be on a holiday or weekend)

10-15 years ago i could see how it might have been nice but the strawberry plantations have taken over the once beautiful hills

Actually...to me Penang's OK. First time there was way back in 1973, last trip was in January to photograph Thaipusam.

Since 73 Penang surely has changed but then again...so has every other place on this planet. Food's really good.

Natives are friendly and some are fairly daft but still friendly. Zero hassles from the constabulary save for a minor

traffic offense once...not wearing a seatbelt. Weather's good. I'm not very religious but if you need that it's varied

and in abundance. Traffic jams can be nasty though...but in LOS I live down in Ranong and we just don't have

many traffic problems. Decent public transport in Penang but the taxi's can be a ripoff so beware. That said it's

easy to get about any time of the day. All in all Penang gets a 3.2 on my scale of 4.0. Once Georgetown is restored

I may give Penang a 3.4 or 3.5! FYI...there is not a place on this planet I will publicly admit to having a 4.0 rating.

That said I do know a couple 4.0 places & I'm keeping them to myself. Selfish? To put it bluntly...yes.

Mind you...a beer in Penang is awfully expensive compared to anywhere in LOS...all booze is expensive;

if that's not a problem...then you'll undoubtedly have a good time there.

NB...edit to add the last sentence.

plenty of very cheap beer smuggled in of course but freely avalable everywhere. I Would retire to Penang to-morrow but i am too old now.

[hermespan]

love Penang, first trip in 1982

last trip, last month

Great food, easy going, good bus system.

weather not to bad,

friendly people, Multi racial, shopping is ok

I love how they are redoing the historic section of Georgetown.

PS ; Drove up to Cameron highlands end of feb, its a shit hole. overbult, crass commercialism, crowded, traffic out of control, ( and that was during the week, cant even imagine how bad it would be on a holiday or weekend)

10-15 years ago i could see how it might have been nice but the strawberry plantations have taken over the once beautiful hills

Actually...to me Penang's OK. First time there was way back in 1973, last trip was in January to photograph Thaipusam.

Since 73 Penang surely has changed but then again...so has every other place on this planet. Food's really good.

Natives are friendly and some are fairly daft but still friendly. Zero hassles from the constabulary save for a minor

traffic offense once...not wearing a seatbelt. Weather's good. I'm not very religious but if you need that it's varied

and in abundance. Traffic jams can be nasty though...but in LOS I live down in Ranong and we just don't have

many traffic problems. Decent public transport in Penang but the taxi's can be a ripoff so beware. That said it's

easy to get about any time of the day. All in all Penang gets a 3.2 on my scale of 4.0. Once Georgetown is restored

I may give Penang a 3.4 or 3.5! FYI...there is not a place on this planet I will publicly admit to having a 4.0 rating.

That said I do know a couple 4.0 places & I'm keeping them to myself. Selfish? To put it bluntly...yes.

Mind you...a beer in Penang is awfully expensive compared to anywhere in LOS...all booze is expensive;

if that's not a problem...then you'll undoubtedly have a good time there.

NB...edit to add the last sentence.

plenty of very cheap beer smuggled in of course but freely avalable everywhere. I Would retire to Penang to-morrow but i am too old now.

Fortunately, I am a 99% abstainer. One of the things I don't like about Angeles is the elbow-bending culture of locals and expats. Phnom Penh used to be more of a cannabis mileu but it has changed towards alcohol there too. And Bangkok I don't know. Drugs are not an attraction for me - none. Edited March 28, 2014 by hermespan

[carter1882]

Penang is an absolutely superb place for you to spend the first two or three days of your retirement.....after that drive up a few hours north and spend the next twenty years or so in a place that can sustain interest more permanently.

[tobf16]

I suggest if you live in Thailand to take a 10 days vacation to Penang.

Book into a small Boutique hotel downtown, and get to know the city of George Town.

Lots of history there, lost of all kinds of food and religion.

Friendly people every where and most people speak some kind of English you will be able to understand.

The downtown area (the old city) is now a Unesco Heritage city together with Melacca, so it is all getting rebuild as it was in the past.

It doesn't get torn down like in Hong Kong and Singapore.

If you are ready for pension or just like to retire to an easier life maybe go online at look into the MM2H program (Malaysia my 2. home)

If you can manage the demands in it you will be entitled to a 10 year visa (the length of a normal passports validity).

Prices are about the same as Thailand and most things are easy to find.

George Town is a big City in Malaysia but except for a small skyline the area is very upcountry and life is easy.

1 hour and 20 by air to BKK and both Air Asia and Thai have daily flights.

Give it a shot I am sure from reading your post that you will like it.

[stuurman]

Stuurman wrote in my associated but rent-specific thread (so I am replying here in this mire general thread)...

"I live in Penang and think cost of living is substantial higher then in Thailand, about 20-30% I would say. That figure will go up next year when VAT on all goods is introduced."

Based on my one week visit to Penang Christmas 2013 I observed that indeed guesthouse accommodation us about that much more, maybe higher, than Bangkok. Care to break down your 29-30% higher estimate? I found groceries seemed to be cheaper, eating out about the same.

" i'm actually thinking of moving to Thailand, not because of that but because tensions between the Muslim Malay and the rest of country are getting higher."

Rely? This is bad news. Do you see examples in day- 'to-day life? I notice Hindu parades having gov't provided guards to discourage vandalism . I see this as both good and bad. Good that security is taken seriously, bad that it is necessary.

"When I arrived here 5 years ago I found Malaysia a moderate Muslim country, that is getting less and less. Most of it is politically driven by the ruling party who tries to be the defender of Muslim rights."

So, you have noticed a negative change in as little as five years. I do not doubt what you are saying us true. But do you think so e if this is from you changing from a wide-eyed newcomer to eyes wide open? Hindu friends complain to me that the religious tolerance is fiction. Technically freedom of religion, but try to get a permit to build a Temple. There dies seem to be a concerted effort to squeeze non-Muslins out. What I find curious is it seems to be a gov't sponsored progrom, that your average Malaysian Muslim is more tolerant than the government. And Indonesia gas a more secular gov't despite having the largest Muslim population in the world. Curiously, even 95%+ Muslim Bangladesh is more tolerant, but socially and at gov't level. What's with thus mentality if the rah-rah Sunni gov't in Malaysia that belongs in a Middle Eastern Shia government of the Middle East. It is so out of place.

"Because Penang is mainly Chinese and ruled by the opposition it's an easy target for the Malay populist right wing fractions"

This surprises me. Isn't it the FEDERATED STATES of Malaysia, as in 'if you want to go your own way and have shariah law, go for it' as several northern states have? Does this freedom of religion not also apply to Christians etc? Maybe it is time for a SE cessessionist movement like Venito and Catalonia.

" for example just a few weeks a go a church was firebombed."

Ugh. Did the police and courts take it seriously? Some hooligans also interfered with a Hindu parade by throwing a decapitated cow's head in the procession (equally as offensive, although for different reasons, as throwing a slaughtered pig into a mosque)

"Apart from the political/ethnic tension there is also a steep raise in crime. This added up makes Malaysia no longer the country where I want to live."

Oh, I wasn't aware of this. Thank you.

It's not just me who thinks Malaysia is turning from a moderate Muslim country into a stricter one, this also the view of my Chinese friends but since you are mostly interested in cost of living and related subjects I will narrow my remarks to that:

When I was in Krabi a few months ago I went to some supermarkets and compared prices to what a pay in Penang, looking at these prices I estimated that for the same amount of groceries I would pay about 20-30% less in Thailand. Eating out (not street food but a proper restaurant) at least that amount as well. The only thing that's really much less expensive in Malaysia is gas because it's subsidized. However cars, when comparing same brand and model are also at least 20% less expensive in Thailand.

I must add that I live on Gurney Drive in Penang, one of the most expensive places on the island, so mainland prices might be more on par with Thailand.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[sunshine51]

love Penang, first trip in 1982

last trip, last month

Great food, easy going, good bus system.

weather not to bad,

friendly people, Multi racial, shopping is ok

I love how they are redoing the historic section of Georgetown.

PS ; Drove up to Cameron highlands end of feb, its a shit hole. overbult, crass commercialism, crowded, traffic out of control, ( and that was during the week, cant even imagine how bad it would be on a holiday or weekend)

10-15 years ago i could see how it might have been nice but the strawberry plantations have taken over the once beautiful hills

Actually...to me Penang's OK. First time there was way back in 1973, last trip was in January to photograph Thaipusam.

Since 73 Penang surely has changed but then again...so has every other place on this planet. Food's really good.

Natives are friendly and some are fairly daft but still friendly. Zero hassles from the constabulary save for a minor

traffic offense once...not wearing a seatbelt. Weather's good. I'm not very religious but if you need that it's varied

and in abundance. Traffic jams can be nasty though...but in LOS I live down in Ranong and we just don't have

many traffic problems. Decent public transport in Penang but the taxi's can be a ripoff so beware. That said it's

easy to get about any time of the day. All in all Penang gets a 3.2 on my scale of 4.0. Once Georgetown is restored

I may give Penang a 3.4 or 3.5! FYI...there is not a place on this planet I will publicly admit to having a 4.0 rating.

That said I do know a couple 4.0 places & I'm keeping them to myself. Selfish? To put it bluntly...yes.

Mind you...a beer in Penang is awfully expensive compared to anywhere in LOS...all booze is expensive;

if that's not a problem...then you'll undoubtedly have a good time there.

NB...edit to add the last sentence.

plenty of very cheap beer smuggled in of course but freely avalable everywhere. I Would retire to Penang to-morrow but i am too old now.

Fortunately, I am a 99% abstainer. One of the things I don't like about Angeles is the elbow-bending culture of locals and expats. Phnom Penh used to be more of a cannabis mileu but it has changed towards alcohol there too. And Bangkok I don't know. Drugs are not an attraction for me - none.

These days I don't drink alcohol that often but when I want a beer...I want a beer...simple as that.

I'm currently in K L working the MH370 fiasco and here's an example of how expensive a large

bottle of beer is in KL....I ordered a large bottle of one of my favourite brands of beer at the

hotel bar last night....Anchor beer. When I had finished the drink I called for my bill and was

not that surprised when....with all the taxes added...the amount came to 51 Malaysian Ringgit.

That's 510 Baht for a large bottle of beer! Yes I know I can get a large bottle of beer from any

coffee shop for RM 15 or thereabouts and bring it back to my room but I was pooped out after

the days BS with the MOT & DCA "officials" and BS pressers so I ate at the hotel, had one beer

and went to sleep...rare for me to do that but occasionally it does happen when really tired.

There is smuggled beer readily available...it mostly comes in from Langkawi where booze is

duty free there. Langkawi used to be OK until around the early 90's when the developers

entered en-masse and ruined the island under the guise (disguise?) of "Build it and they

will come."

Penang still has "soul" if you know what I mean...plenty of it. Langkawi has none anymore

along with KL IMO.

Check with any Malaysian Embassy or Consulate on the "My Second Home" scheme the

Mal's have...you'll find all the info you need from them. Or...depending on what nationality

you have, you may get 90 days upon arrival (road/air)....then you can do visa runs to

Hatyai from Penang until the Mal Immigration people start asking too many questions.

Or you can marry a Malaysian of any ethnicity which may or may not help you obtain

some type of residency permit (if she's a Malay...aka Muslim you must convert). If

you convert & marry a Malay girl...you'll be in with no problems...guaranteed! If she's

Chinese or Indian...you may still get a residency permit...or maybe not...but you will no

longer have any hassles with immigrations when doing visa runs as long as you bring

along a copy of the marriage certificate & a copy of your wife's ID card. An old friend

of mine who married a lovely Indian lass has been doing the latter for nearly 20 years...

the visa runs don't bother him one bit..and neither does Malaysia Immigrations. He stays

out for 2 nights...has some cheap beers & food then returns home..."recharged"...simple!

Hermespan...I'll PM you about those 4.0 scale places I didn't mention in this thread.

Hope this helps you...Good Luck!

[hermespan]

Sunshine51... I look forward to your PMs!

Thank you for the information that visa runs are not necessarily problem-free. This contradicts what others have good me. They said that Malaysis is hilw Thailand used to be - welcoming long-staying tourists who had no long-.trtm residency but stay as perpetual tourists for years at a time. Actually my intention is to stay out of Malaysia for weeks and months at a time.

[pennine]

I have MM2H 10 year visa, but chose Thailand instead to retire. Penang: no language problem; crime minimal with strict law enforcement; clean water from the tap; house and land ownership permitted; environment issues strongly enforced; however, seemed somewhat dull and sterile compared to Thailand and more expensive. Thailand: language problem; people not as peaceful and tolerant as expected; driving is a nightmare; visa and residence rules much harsher; not as crime-free as expected; many ladies seeking (older) farangs but expect financial support for relatives etc; however, free and easy lifestyle, easy social life etc.

I'm still not sure if I made the right decision.

[triffid]

A practical query: what are the formalities of opening a bank account in Penang? I live presently between Thailand, England and France - have bank accounts in al three. Intend to go to take a look at Penang for a week or two, with a view to maybe spending a chunk of my year there. I am retired and single so I have the freedom of movement and abode. Will it be feasible for me to open an account with a local malay bank while on a visit, i.e. before getting myself a permanent malay address through that official 'mm-your home etc' programme?

Edited March 29, 2014 by triffid

[tobf16]

A practical query: what are the formalities of opening a bank account in Penang? I live presently between Thailand, England and France - have bank accounts in al three. Intend to go to take a look at Penang for a week or two, with a view to maybe spending a chunk of my year there. I am retired and single so I have the freedom of movement and abode. Will it be feasible for me to open an account with a local malay bank while on a visit, i.e. before getting myself a permanent malay address through that official 'mm-your home etc' programme?

Check here for the MM2H program, they give you a lot of answers

http://www.penangmyhome.com/

[JB300]

I know this is an old thread but would be interested to hear if the OP made the move to Penang & how it's going for him.