To be an expatriate means that you are temporarily residing in a country other than your native one. Expats go overseas to pursue different trades and skilled professions, including artists and entrepreneurs. Penang is a beautiful island off the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia and is a popular destination for tourists and vacations.
Penang is considered one of the best destinations for ex-pats and a few thousand have been residing on the island for decades already. It’s a relatively small tropical island with only 700,000 residents, but for ex-pats, Penang is a dream destination, and here is why.
Multicultural Diversity Is Unique
With such a small population, you can be forgiven for assuming that only Malays live on the island. In reality, its capital George Town is home to 60% Chinese, 7% Indian, and only 32% native Malays. Penang was first established as a British settlement in the Southeast part of Asia, becoming a colony in 1867. To this day, the same structures and statues are still visible in Penang with a mix of Asian architecture giving the island a unique and culturally diverse feel.
If you visit Penang, you will find an array of World War 2 memorabilia, artifacts from the colonial era, and interesting Chinese ancestry pieces that have been collected over time. The whole landmass is a mix of multiple religions, cultures, and ethnicities, where everyone is accepted for who they are.
It’s Affordable to Live
For those looking for a cheaper place to chase their dreams, Penang is the place to be. For the same amount of rent that a couple would need in America for a small apartment, they could live in luxury in Penang. For the same price, you could live in a modern three-bedroom home with a balcony that has a view of the ocean to die for. The average American ex-pat can expect to pay about $2000 for basic living costs, which is less than most tourist destinations.
As an ex-pat, you can start by renting rooms before you find a place to settle. Most penang room rental costs go for about RM 2,000 per month and you can find your next home with Property Guru. Based in the Asian region, this company provides virtual tours so you can choose your next residence without having to travel far. Property Guru can find the perfect home for any ex-pat living in Penang and they will guide you through every step of the way.
You Can’t Beat the Healthcare
For many Western countries, healthcare is nowhere near affordable and free medical assistance can be difficult for many to navigate. It requires waiting a long time to be seen by a doctor and you aren’t always guaranteed the best care. Penang is considered a haven for healthcare in both aspects. It’s incredibly affordable and you will receive the same level of care that private Westernised hospitals provide. There is a total of seven hospitals on the island and each one has a team of different specialists who have been trained in Australia, the US, and the UK.
Your first visit will cost you no more than SGD 80 and follow-ups are about SGD 40. All medical procedures are handled on the same day so you don’t need to worry about going back each time for a new doctor or test. While you wait, x-rays and scans are done in the hospital, and although it isn’t free healthcare, it’s a far cry from the exorbitant fees most insurance companies charge for the same level of treatment. All of the doctors, nurses, and specialists speak English, so Penang is ideal for any ex-pat looking to relocate.
The Government Wants Expats
The Malaysian government started a program called Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H). This initiative helps expatriates move to Malaysia by providing them with assistance in applying for their visas and finding a secure and comfortable place for them to live. The government understands how much value ex-pats have on their economy by providing diversified skills from people around the world.
Regardless of your age, gender or race, the MM2H program allows ex-pats to move to the country by only following certain criteria. For example, anyone in the program has to stay in the country for a minimum of 90 days in one year and must be financially secure enough to take care of themselves. The maximum visa length is five years, after which you can extend it for another five years at a time.
Apart from the culture, affordable living, and healthcare, Penang is one of the most popular places for ex-pats to live and work in. With the rich island life and the chance to interact with wonderful cultures from around the world, Penang is truly a top destination, especially for ex-pats looking for a new home.
