Penang expat group

[sandielenton]

Hi Muriel,

I didn't see this message till just now so you may already be up to speed with living in Penang. If you have not yet joined the International Womens Association I highly recommend this as an easy way to meet people and there are lots of events organized as well as book clubs, bridge etc. Membership is only 150RM per year. IWA Penang - an International Womens Association and email for subscription info@iwa-penang.info. Also Food Friends which is free membership organizes at least two functions per month.

Regards
Sandie

Originally Posted by mumuthomas

Hello Rob, thank you to answer so quickly. We still in Bangkok for the moment, we lived here for 2 years. We are arriving in Penang saturday afternoon, we are staying in Century bay service appartement. For the apartment we are looking for a long stay, can you tell me wich condominium is it because it is the area we are looking for. I will be please to met you and your wife some times.

[Rusty 747]

Thanks for the helpful reply Sandie,

We will be in Penang in early to mid May for some more viewings on property.

Does anyone else have anything to add?

Rgds to all

[sandielenton]

Hi Rusty,

The prices don't seem to have gone down here but I would say that they haven't gone up in the last year. I am not involved in real estate here but I do have quite a few contacts - let me know the sort of thing that you are looking for and budget and if I hear of something suitable I will let you know.

Sandie

Originally Posted by Rusty 747

Thanks for the helpful reply Sandie,

We will be in Penang in early to mid May for some more viewings on property.

Does anyone else have anything to add?

Rgds to all

[Rusty 747]

Hi Sandie,

We are in Penang now. Staying very close to you in fact at the Copthorne Orchid hotel.

We had a look around Alila Horizons and another couple of developments this morning but were quite disappointed by the build quality. I think we might be coming back for another viewing of The Cove (last saw it on our last visit to Penang about 2 years ago) and might have to buy more space than we actually need (only the 2 of us at the moment) in order to get a decent build quality.

We are dealing with 'Penang Property" real estate agents at the moment and they hope to show us around the Cove either tomorrow or friday.

Full sea view is an absolute must, as is a large balcony suitable for a barbie with a few friends. Furnished to a good standard (no cheap units that wont last 2 years) or unfurnished is fine. At least 3, preferably 4 beds and either an additional bed that I can user for an office or dedicated office/office space.

Budget is a bit variable but total including any necessary renovations we would like to keep around RM1.5 mill but could stretch ourselves further for the right place - that figure includes any necessary refurbishment.

Rgds

Rusty

Originally Posted by sandielenton

Hi Rusty,

The prices don't seem to have gone down here but I would say that they haven't gone up in the last year. I am not involved in real estate here but I do have quite a few contacts - let me know the sort of thing that you are looking for and budget and if I hear of something suitable I will let you know.

Sandie

[sandielenton]

Hi Rusty,

I am teaching tomorrow in the morning but should be back at the Cove by about 2.30 - give me a call 899 4055 or mobile 016 555 1950. Block D (our block) is the only one with guaranteed full sea views, but over 2m - the other blocks start from about 1.4m. Come and have a look at what we have done and I can tell you costings!

Regards
Sandie

Originally Posted by Rusty 747

Hi Sandie,

We are in Penang now. Staying very close to you in fact at the Copthorne Orchid hotel.

We had a look around Alila Horizons and another couple of developments this morning but were quite disappointed by the build quality. I think we might be coming back for another viewing of The Cove (last saw it on our last visit to Penang about 2 years ago) and might have to buy more space than we actually need (only the 2 of us at the moment) in order to get a decent build quality.

We are dealing with 'Penang Property" real estate agents at the moment and they hope to show us around the Cove either tomorrow or friday.

Full sea view is an absolute must, as is a large balcony suitable for a barbie with a few friends. Furnished to a good standard (no cheap units that wont last 2 years) or unfurnished is fine. At least 3, preferably 4 beds and either an additional bed that I can user for an office or dedicated office/office space.

Budget is a bit variable but total including any necessary renovations we would like to keep around RM1.5 mill but could stretch ourselves further for the right place - that figure includes any necessary refurbishment.

Rgds

Rusty

[Helen and Bill]

Originally Posted by mumuthomas

Hello Rob, thank you to answer so quickly. We still in Bangkok for the moment, we lived here for 2 years. We are arriving in Penang saturday afternoon, we are staying in Century bay service appartement. For the apartment we are looking for a long stay, can you tell me wich condominium is it because it is the area we are looking for. I will be please to met you and your wife some times.

Hi Muriel, My husbabd and I will be posted to Penang for 12 months to 2 years.
We will be looking for a serviced apartment with ocean views. Can you recommend any and give approximate costs. We wil be arriving mid December ( right in the Wet Season) and will be at a hotel until we can find something. Can you sugggest any agencies who have these type of apartment for rent.

Hoping tolhear from you.

Thanks

Helen

[sandielenton]

Hi Helen

First of all where will you/your husband be working because if it is in Butterworth on the mainland or Bayan Lepas by the airport the transport needs to be considered.
A lot of ex patriots live in an area called Tanjung Bungah (where I also live) which is mid way between George Town (capital) and Batu Ferringhi (the beach area).
There are very few 'serviced' apartments here and those which are, are mostly aimed at people staying for relatively short stays (3 months for example); perhaps you really mean an apartment which is let furnished - or do you want to bring your own furniture at some stage. Also will there be just the two of you or do you have children? If so, what ages and are you also looking for schools?
The cost will depend very much on the size of the property. Where I live for example, the apartments are all the same size which is around 6000 sq. ft and have five bedrooms, all on one floor. The prices here range from RM9,000 - RM15,000 per month. A two bedroom apartment of about 2,500 sq ft. will be from 3,000-8,000 depending on location. Gurney Drive which is closer to George Town is considered to be 'millionaires road' with lovely apartments but few of them have any decent balconies. Further out, between Tanjung Bungah and Batu Ferringhi there are apartments which are not beach side, but which still have sea views and there a two bedroom apartment would be between 2,500-3,500. So you see there is a huge variety.
Which hotel will you be staying in when you arrive? I would be happy to try and find something for you if you would give me some more information.
The IWA (International Womens Association) is a fabulous organization to join - I am Hospitality Chair - there are about 330 members from at least 20 different countries. We have a vast variety of entertainment and things to do ranging from scrabble to bowling, photography to lunches; Xmas bazaar (today) to balls and so on. Something for everybody and we also get very involved in local charity work.
I look forward to hearing from you,
Regards
Sandie

Originally Posted by Helen and Bill

Hi Muriel, My husbabd and I will be posted to Penang for 12 months to 2 years.
We will be looking for a serviced apartment with ocean views. Can you recommend any and give approximate costs. We wil be arriving mid December ( right in the Wet Season) and will be at a hotel until we can find something. Can you sugggest any agencies who have these type of apartment for rent.

Hoping tolhear from you.

Thanks

Helen

[Helen and Bill]

Originally Posted by sandielenton

Hi Helen

First of all where will you/your husband be working because if it is in Butterworth on the mainland or Bayan Lepas by the airport the transport needs to be considered.
A lot of ex patriots live in an area called Tanjung Bungah (where I also live) which is mid way between George Town (capital) and Batu Ferringhi (the beach area).
There are very few 'serviced' apartments here and those which are, are mostly aimed at people staying for relatively short stays (3 months for example); perhaps you really mean an apartment which is let furnished - or do you want to bring your own furniture at some stage. Also will there be just the two of you or do you have children? If so, what ages and are you also looking for schools?
The cost will depend very much on the size of the property. Where I live for example, the apartments are all the same size which is around 6000 sq. ft and have five bedrooms, all on one floor. The prices here range from RM9,000 - RM15,000 per month. A two bedroom apartment of about 2,500 sq ft. will be from 3,000-8,000 depending on location. Gurney Drive which is closer to George Town is considered to be 'millionaires road' with lovely apartments but few of them have any decent balconies. Further out, between Tanjung Bungah and Batu Ferringhi there are apartments which are not beach side, but which still have sea views and there a two bedroom apartment would be between 2,500-3,500. So you see there is a huge variety.
Which hotel will you be staying in when you arrive? I would be happy to try and find something for you if you would give me some more information.
The IWA (International Womens Association) is a fabulous organization to join - I am Hospitality Chair - there are about 330 members from at least 20 different countries. We have a vast variety of entertainment and things to do ranging from scrabble to bowling, photography to lunches; Xmas bazaar (today) to balls and so on. Something for everybody and we also get very involved in local charity work.
I look forward to hearing from you,
Regards
Sandie

Hi Sandie,

thanks for getting back to me. I hope your function on saturday went well.
We are a pair of 60 years young, Aussies. We have no kids to worry about and have a good sense of humour and adventure. We have lived overseas in Korea, Singapore, Miri in Sarawak. Bill is involved in shipbuilding , mostly for the offshore oil industry.
We only found out about this last Friday so final agreements on housing allowances etc are still to te finalised. Bill flying up to Miri on Wednesday for final arrangements to be made. I think the budget will be around 7000 RM per month including cable TV, elec, gas, water, internet etc. ( thats what we had in Miri)

Bill will be working on the island of Paulau Jerejak, so needs to be fairly close to the ferry terminal. Is a car essential or are taxis an option. I'm OK about driving but car may not be provided, so we'd have to hire one.

Although we will be returning to Australia each 3-4 months for a few weeks, we expect to have the lease for 12months with option to renew. We will just lock up until our return, so it needs to be secure.

We would need someting furnished, definitely seaview but preferable sea front. We are fit and like to walk. I exercise regularly, so a walking area/gym would be good. We would like something with 3 bedrooms but 2 would suffice.

I would be very interested in joining IWA. I would love a book club, and used to work in PR /Media and Event Managment. ( God this sounds like a dating advert!!!)

We will be arriving around 15th December, and will probaly stay in a short term fully serviced apt, for a week or two. this will give me a bit of time to get a feel for the place and a look at a few long term apartents for rent. Are ther many to for 12month lease? near the Ferry terminal? Is that area OK? Perhaps I may take up your offer of checking out a few, so I can get a short list for when I'm there.

I have had a look online a Penang Properties, and there seems to be lots but of course I dont know which area is which and which is close to the Ferry.

Thanks for you help. It's soooo good to have a bit of local knowledge!

Cheers

Helen

[sandielenton]

OK Pulau Jerejak is a small island off the South Easter side of Penang, ferry from Bayan Lepas which is where the airport is. Don't get confused with the main ferry which goes from George Town over to Butterworth. If you are going to live out that way you definitely need a car as it is quite a distance from George Town and where most of the social life goes on (although I am sure that there are things happening out that way too!). They drive on the left here like the UK and the motor bikes are really the only nuisance, the rest of the traffic is normally quite well behaved. There are some good new apartments in the Queensbay area which is very close to the huge shopping mall there and not far to go to Bayan Lepas and the ferry. The area of Bayan Lepas is mostly industrial estates and of course the airport and the Malaysian villages which provide the labour for these two main things.
I have good contacts in the Real Estate world and particularly with the Managing Agents of some of the blocks of apartments and so I will find out what is available and at what price. We hire a car on a long term basis for RM1500 per month inclusive of everything except fuel. I find it a better option than buying one here as they are expensive and don't hold their price and this way when anything goes wrong I just call the agency and they replace it. There are some fully furnished service apartments and I will find out the going rate for the Christmas period and let you know.

Look forward to meeting you in a month or so.

Regards
Sandie

Originally Posted by Helen and Bill

Hi Sandie,

thanks for getting back to me. I hope your function on saturday went well.
We are a pair of 60 years young, Aussies. We have no kids to worry about and have a good sense of humour and adventure. We have lived overseas in Korea, Singapore, Miri in Sarawak. Bill is involved in shipbuilding , mostly for the offshore oil industry.
We only found out about this last Friday so final agreements on housing allowances etc are still to te finalised. Bill flying up to Miri on Wednesday for final arrangements to be made. I think the budget will be around 7000 RM per month including cable TV, elec, gas, water, internet etc. ( thats what we had in Miri)

Bill will be working on the island of Paulau Jerejak, so needs to be fairly close to the ferry terminal. Is a car essential or are taxis an option. I'm OK about driving but car may not be provided, so we'd have to hire one.

Although we will be returning to Australia each 3-4 months for a few weeks, we expect to have the lease for 12months with option to renew. We will just lock up until our return, so it needs to be secure.

We would need someting furnished, definitely seaview but preferable sea front. We are fit and like to walk. I exercise regularly, so a walking area/gym would be good. We would like something with 3 bedrooms but 2 would suffice.

I would be very interested in joining IWA. I would love a book club, and used to work in PR /Media and Event Managment. ( God this sounds like a dating advert!!!)

We will be arriving around 15th December, and will probaly stay in a short term fully serviced apt, for a week or two. this will give me a bit of time to get a feel for the place and a look at a few long term apartents for rent. Are ther many to for 12month lease? near the Ferry terminal? Is that area OK? Perhaps I may take up your offer of checking out a few, so I can get a short list for when I'm there.

I have had a look online a Penang Properties, and there seems to be lots but of course I dont know which area is which and which is close to the Ferry.

Thanks for you help. It's soooo good to have a bit of local knowledge!

Cheers

Helen

[Helen and Bill]

Originally Posted by sandielenton

OK Pulau Jerejak is a small island off the South Easter side of Penang, ferry from Bayan Lepas which is where the airport is. Don't get confused with the main ferry which goes from George Town over to Butterworth. If you are going to live out that way you definitely need a car as it is quite a distance from George Town and where most of the social life goes on (although I am sure that there are things happening out that way too!). They drive on the left here like the UK and the motor bikes are really the only nuisance, the rest of the traffic is normally quite well behaved. There are some good new apartments in the Queensbay area which is very close to the huge shopping mall there and not far to go to Bayan Lepas and the ferry. The area of Bayan Lepas is mostly industrial estates and of course the airport and the Malaysian villages which provide the labour for these two main things.
I have good contacts in the Real Estate world and particularly with the Managing Agents of some of the blocks of apartments and so I will find out what is available and at what price. We hire a car on a long term basis for RM1500 per month inclusive of everything except fuel. I find it a better option than buying one here as they are expensive and don't hold their price and this way when anything goes wrong I just call the agency and they replace it. There are some fully furnished service apartments and I will find out the going rate for the Christmas period and let you know.

Look forward to meeting you in a month or so.

Regards
Sandie

Thanks for the quick return. I had already had a bit of a look online via Penang Property. found the Pulau Jerejak on their map and clicked on something nearby, and up came some in the area you are talking about.

Billl will discuss the car issue with company this week and now we know it essential we may be able to get one from them. We've driven in UAS and Europe and Korea, so on the left is a bonus!!

finding whats available wouldf be a great help though the company does has its own offices there and may also suggest something. I'd like to have a general idea of what is the going rate for a nice place and negotiate accordingly.

Thanks again,

I'll keep you posted.


Helen