Penang or KL

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Hi everybody its theold100 again. I am considering moving to Malaysia but have the conundrum Penang or KL. Having read the forum you guys in Penang appear to be well organised and the idea of starting a social club seems a great idea and one that I would not mind being an active member of. However, I am not sure of where I want to end up, I like both Penang and KL and cannot make up my mind and would welcome any advice/comments particularly any members who have experience of both places.
Best wishes
David

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Hi David

I would love to give my full opinion on the subject but I would only be opening myself to replies/criticism that I couldn't be bothered to answer.

Living in KL or Penang is an individuals preference based upon needs and wants and affordability, for us having lived in KL for the past few years and now Penang, Penang is more suitable.

There are areas KL that I would be happy to go back and live in, and areas of Penang where I wouldn't want to live even if the place was given to me for free and vice versa.

In general I like Penang as its more laid back. I'll be happy to send you a PM with our personal views of living in both places but you need to get to 10 posts first!

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Hi corporateangel

Many thanks for your reply. Having visited both KL and Penang as you say Penang is more laid back whereas KL is very busy and difficult to move around. I have looked at properties in both areas and find that there are many simalarities which makes it difficult to make a choice and it is the same for areas to live. I have seen Suasanna Cental Loft  and Kiara 9 in KL which I quite like and Baystar, Fettes Residence and Infinity in Penang. I would welcome any comments on these from the members of the Forum.

Many thanks

David

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From the list of condos you mentioned, we have viewed Fettes Residences in Tanjung Tokong.  We liked it very much    Plenty of nice eateries including two food courts within staggering distance and Island Plaza just across the road (though crossing Jalan Tanjung Tokong can be a bit hairy at times I believe).  A short drive to Tanjung Bungah and Georgetown, and an even shorter drive to the new Straits Quay which opens at the end of 2010 I believe.  We liked the size of the units in Fettes R which are around 2000 to 2500 sq ft (not too big, not too small) and the units are very private, good separation between each.  There are some big penthouse units too.  Front units, as long as you are high enough, will have views of Straits Quay, the sea and Gurney Drive.  Back units have hill views towards Mount Erskine.

I guess the main issue with Fettes R is that it is located on a very busy road, albeit it does stand well back from the road.  I would think some of the lower units may get some road noise - I don't know.  Last time we checked, which was just a few months ago, all the units from 17th floor to the 35th I think had sold, though no doubt some people will have bought to resell once completed.

I'm pretty sure that several people on this board have looked at Infinity.  We didn't as we knew the units would be too big for us.   So over to Infinity viewers.

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Hi David,

I also liked Fettes Residences (good quality/access - high floor suggested) & was not impressed with Infinity (i.e. expected better for the $$$).

You might like to check out Scotland Villas if you require a lush location with superb views over Turf Club (Caveat: some talk about developing Turf Club).

Cheers,

James

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Infinity has two towers. The front angled tower with the bigger units is worth a look but is very highly priced. The tower that is set to the rear is cheaper but you really need to have a good look. If you want something a little cheaper (around 1.6-1.8) try block C at the Cove. Again you have to spend a lot of time looking and soaking in all the different aspects.
Good Luck 

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Hi corporateangel

Many thanks for your reply. Having visited both KL and Penang as you say Penang is more laid back whereas KL is very busy and difficult to move around. I have looked at properties in both areas and find that there are many simalarities which makes it difficult to make a choice and it is the same for areas to live. I have seen Suasanna Cental Loft  and Kiara 9 in KL which I quite like and Baystar, Fettes Residence and Infinity in Penang. I would welcome any comments on these from the members of the Forum.

Many thanks

David

Hi David,

I can only comment on Baystar. I have been staying here for the last few weeks. I like it here. Very easy to catch a taxi or RapidPenang. Thus, not necessary to own a car, if you don't want to drive. I have notice more expats staying in this area. There are 2 major banks just across the road, several good restaurants, food courts and "kopitiam".

If you can afford the seaview units, which is 2,000+ sqft on higher floor, you will have fantastic unobstructed view (provided it is over 4 floors!).

The downside is the aircraft noise. But if you have AC and windows shut, the noise is practically block out.

But, if you can wait, I was told the developer will launch 2 high rise luxury condos, between Gold Coast and Baystar. They will definitely be sea front with great views! But, the price naturally will be more expensive than Baystar. I heard the unit will sell at $650psf with build up starting from 2,000 sqft. That means, the cheapest unit is over $1M ringgit.

Other future plan for the Queensbay area, include INTI college,  a private hospital and another hotel. But, the developer has been changing their plan so very often. So, hard to know what is really true.

Cheers,
Victor

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Has any other forum members look at The Uban, The View or The Platino in Penang?  I understand the area can be very congested at times as it is near to Tesco. Any other comments on Mount Kiara would be very welcome. There seems to be an oversupply of developments in the area and there again it can be very congested at the beginning and end of the school day as it is near to 3 international schools.However,that aside is it a good area to live in as it near to facilities such as eateries, banks, other amentities and the local Mount Kiara Park.
I am also undecided about one or the other at the moment but more bias towards Penang as there are more forum members who seems to very well organised and willing to assist each other with advice and knowledge about living on the island.

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My 2 penny worth. If anyone cannot decide, why not rent 6 months in KL then 6 months in Penang .
I was born in Penang then at 12 ,  I, moved to KL and at 25 ,I moved to UK.  Now as a senior citizen  its summer in the UK and winter in Penang and shopping spree in KL

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My 2 penny worth. If anyone cannot decide, why not rent 6 months in KL then 6 months in Penang .
I was born in Penang then at 12 ,  I, moved to KL and at 25 ,I moved to UK.  Now as a senior citizen  its summer in the UK and winter in Penang and shopping spree in KL

That's a great life! My dream, and hopefully one day will come true - summer in Hobart, winter in Penang, but shopping in Bangkok (rather than KL) - a hop away on Air Asia, and maybe health and spa treatment in Chiang Mai. 

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I agree totally with Foodtrail, once one has retired from the ratrace, the next stage of your life is to enjoy what time you have left exploring the things you have missed when you were too busy working. The reason for me to retire to Malaysia is to spend more time travellling round the region. I enjoyed shopping and eating the lovely food in in Bangkok, socialising with friends in Singapore, Malaysia, Bangkok and Sdyney.

If I cannot decide, I will probably take Georgeshooter's advice and spend some time in each.
Thanks for your information on Baystar. A friend have juust move into the 1562 sq ft unit last month and am very pleased with it. When I meet up with him in July I should give Baystar some  serious consideration.

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The idea of renting in both areas makes perfect sense. If anyone is looking to rent from 1 month to 3+ months to try things out in Penang then send me a PM as I have a contact at a serviced apartment complex that may be able to give you a 'very' special rate.
(I'm staying there at the moment and got a absurdly good deal)

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If possible, it might be helpful to identify the apartment complex/location initially without of course disclosing any details of the very special rates on Forum.

Cheers,

James

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If possible, it might be helpful to identify the apartment complex/location initially without of course disclosing any details of the very special rates on Forum.

Cheers,

James

Ok, James. Point taken. 

Btw, is anyone staying in Gold Coast or Putra Marine? There is a quiet beach along there. Nice and peaceful. But, not for swimming. Then I read this article just now. The area is earmarked to be redeveloped. http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/6/29/north/6560617&sec=North

I guess depending on where you want to buy, do your research. Know the area well, and know what is being planned in the area to safeguard your investment.

Victor

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Hi Victor,
We have a place in Petra Marine, good location & a million dollar view view across the bay, the bridge, Jerejak Island & Butterworth in the distance. Fantastic when theres a thunderstorm!
The beach just along from us was dedicated last year by the chief minister, trees planted, new rubbish bins, however its mostly used at weekends by Malays, couting couples, families etc., Monday morning its filthy!!!, 2 cleaners spend all week cleaning, I used to walk along there in the morning and see the rats foraging for scraps, rat holes all along the road edge and under the rubbish bins.
Recently some quite big catering operations have set up amongst the trees, but as far as I can see, no running water, no toilet facilities, hygiene very basic.
The land opposite is empty, used as a toilet!, that must be the land mentioned in the article. Regards Robert (in Spain)