Let's Talk PENANG

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Sure there is some corrosion caused by the salty sea air, whether you live at 50 meter from the sea (as I do now), 5 km (Kuantan) or 10 km when I lived in Holland. My condo is 15 year old and in very good condition, only the fan blades were corroded, but a grinder and hammerite solved that problem.
B.t.w. my apartment is at level 8 and the whole block is built on a rocky hill. Tsunami and land-slide free 

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hi,

A grinder and hammerite. That's what I use on the boat, a great combination.

BTW, Danny - what was Kuantan like as a place to live? I take your point about the distance to KL or Singapore.

regards, Scott

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Penang is a funny old place really, just an overgrown village which might not suit everybody but we love it. There is a lot to do here for the gents and the ladies. Having the sea close by makes for a totally different lifestyle than KL. The plusses are fishing, boating, beach life (and beach bars), barbecues, seafood etc etc, the negatives are holes without covers and UFOs (unidentified floating objects) We live on the east end of Batu Ferringhi which is reasonably close to Georgetown and still ideal for escaping to the countryside. No sign of any salt on the condo which is fairly close to the sea.

I went to KL twice and hightailed it out of there at a great rate of knots. I am not a property developer or merchant banker so I didnt see much to keep me interested. Just a personal opinion, I am sure its a fine place, I just didnt have the inclination to get to know it.


Bob

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Danny, Scott, Bob - thanks for all your replies.  Getting a good feel for the place but first reccie towards the end of July, so we'll see how we feel about the place.  We're going to be staying in B Ferringhi though only 'cause we've got a ton of hotel-points to use up (for free hotel stays  ).  Will get a hire-car and take a look all round the island.

Danny - Oy, no need to mention tsunami just 'cause we're living on Phuket currently though must admit we're up an incline too 

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hi,

Georgetown has a lot of very nice buildings. Fort Cornwallis is wonderful. But its not just the 19th century stuff. There are many Art Deco buildings still standing, and some 1950's apartment blocks in 30's style "moderne." Plenty to look at as you walk around.

There's a better range, more choice of food, than anywhere else in Malaysia. Transport in and out of the island is good, and there's the prospect of a 2nd bridge.

The current plan : I'll be moving up there next year when the boat is finished, and staying for a few years. I think Citi Marina for the better access to Georgetown.

regards, Scott

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Living on the boat, Scott??

Looking forward to seeing the Citi Marina next month.

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BTW, Danny - what was Kuantan like as a place to live? I take your point about the distance to KL or Singapore.

regards, Scott

Hi Scott,

See new topic "Living in Kuantan".

Danny

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Penang island..... just love it here. We have lived in Tanjung Tokong area past 4 years and still living here in our recent move.
I do not have much sense of direction, as long as I don't cross the Pg Bridge I know I can find my way home 
Most conveniences are close by and within easy driving, cycling and walking especially after a very reasonably priced meal at the nearby hawkers center.
We enjoy cycling around in our area which is safe, not on the main road for me, at least not brave enough yet

BB

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http://www.georgetowndaily.com/

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We enjoy cycling around in our area which is safe, not on the main road for me, at least not brave enough yet

BB

BB - is that "safe" as in quieter roads away from the main road, or "safe" as in crime, bag-snatching (not sure if Penang has that)?

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BB - is that "safe" as in quieter roads away from the main road, or "safe" as in crime, bag-snatching (not sure if Penang has that)?

Papaya, there's only one main road running through the housing estate which is an "extended" part of Tg. Tokong. The rest are quiet residential auxillary roads. "safe" as in both.
So far have not heard of purse snatching in our area maybe because we are in a guarded community. But, I think every where in MY and Penang is no exception, petty crimes like purse snatching is possible if the assailant sees an easy target like handbag sling casually from the shoulder. But, there doesn't seem to be much news on purse snatching in Pg lately. I'm not sure if it's the result of the promotion of community policing.

BB

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Thanks BB.

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Would we be correct in thinking that the way to go is via Georgetown?  Presume the western route is not so good roads?  Any roads to avoid (landslides, flooding etc etc)?

We emailed the hotel but clearly they cannot be a**ed to reply to us 

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I noticed a nice apartment for vacation renting in Bayswater Apartments in Gelugor. Is this a suitable area to start to look around Penang for future accomodation.
It has been many years since I was last in Penang and believe that used to be the area for an Army barracks?
Will I need a car if I stay there?

Thanks for any advice

New MM2H applicant

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Hi Davita

Bayswater is next to Tesco and the coastal express way (highway). Behind it they are building an other condominium. Although you could do most of your shopping walking I still think you would need a car there, as almost everywhere on Penang. It is closer to the bridge to Butherworth then it is to Georgetown. If I would be you I would definitely have a look around in the neighbourhood first before you deicide to rent.

regards Paul