Can I find a quiet (but not remote) house/bungalow on Penang / Cameron/Langkawi?

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Hi.
newbe to the forum; been browsing, thanks for all the useful info from previous posts.

retirement having arrived and the MM2H programme looking attractive, our thoughts have returned to beautiful malaysia.

Had thought to come to penang, but now concerned as it looks like much of it has been built over in the 14 years since I was last there!  Seem to be a lot of developments of tower apartment blocks and densely packed bungalows: I'm sure these are great, comfortable and convenient but . . .  not the tranquility in nature we're looking for. 

We're seeking a small (say 1000 sq foot) detached bungalow/house with no other building within 100 yards, situated 5-30 minutes from shopping/restaurants/beach.
Please can anyone tell me does such a thing still exist on Penang (and if so where abouts), or on the mainland nearby?  Or do we have to look at Cameron (foresaking the beach) or Langkawi?

Any thoughts much appreciated
Cheers
David

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Hi David and welcome,

I think that what you are after may be available in areas towards Telok Bahang and Balik Pulau.

I have been in Penang recently but wasn't looking for houses so I am not sure what the situation is. I'll take a look when I go next month.

Believe it or not Penang is still quiet in some areas but it may be because those areas are only available for Bhumiputras. When you get past the end of Batu Ferringhi you will find it hasn't changed too much. Of course if you move away from the sea it soon gets pretty quiet. Just Monkeys and squirrels out there.

I'll post when I get there.

Regards

Bob

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hi, David,

There's quite a few posts on Penang, and some on Langkawi. Another island to try is Pangkor in Perak. It's really quiet, and small. It's got an airstrip although the frequency of flights, or any flights, needs checking.

It takes 1 hour to motorbike around Pangkor. Helmets are optional as the locals will give you a good warning if there's a police check ahead. There's a couple of 4 star hotels and lots of mid-range and budget accommodation. The ferry (passengers and motorbikes only) from Lumut takes 20 minutes. Most locals with cars park them at the several long-term parking lots in Lumut.

regards, Scott

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Hi David,

I read your post with interest. We presently live in KL but have been thinking of buying a property in one of the quieter areas of Malaysia when I decide to finish working. However, one thing that worries me, and I am sure some other colleagues will comment on this, is the level of security/safety when one moves outside a gated community or a Condo.

While I think it may by idyllic ( and tranquil) to live a 100 yards from anybody else you will need to carefully think of the possible consequences of this. There have been many very unpleasant instances recently of ex-pats being targeted for burglary and robbery.

I hope I am not sounding too pessimistic but it is something that needs to be considered.

Cheers

Brian

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Hi and thanks for your input, I appreciate it.

Thanks for the tip, Bob, I'll check out those areas

Hi Scott and thanks for suggesting Pangkor, I'll put it on the list of places to see.

I hope you're unduly pessamistic Brian, doesn't sound at all like the Malaysia I remember (albeit from 14 yrs ago). Could the risk not depend on exactly where I live and how many "attractive stealable"  gadgets, jewellry etc etc I surround myself with? 

Thanks again & maybe see you one day for a drink!
cheers
David

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hi, Vivit,

Your ad has been removed as this site is not for classifieds.

You are, of course, most welcome to join in the general discussion.

regards, Scott