You have a near modern country that by 2030 is looking to become fully developed at half the price as you would in the west.
Personally, I am a big fan. But don’t take just my word I have known many that have the option of living anywhere in the world pick KL as a base and personally, I am looking to go back.
What do you get?
In a place like KL, you can live very easily a lifestyle that you would want to have.
Shopping
Well, you have malls every 100 meters, they are modern and large, and have all you need. Personally, not a big shopper, but you need most things can be accommodated in these places.
Hospitals
I once had a check-up and cost $100 with lunch, back in the U.K one, if I didn’t do it privately, I would have needed to wait 6 months (and would only do if something was wrong with me) and private it would cost 3 times this amount for what I doubt would be an as good treatment. I went in to make an appointment by the end of the week I had a full check-up.
Its a hospital tourism place for a reason, and anyone wanting affordable health care your in for a treat here. With Bangkok, Singapore for me these are the top places in the world.
People
Maylas are generally nice people, I hear a lot of people complain they get scammed or it’s dangerous. I would disagree if you go down any tourist areas/shady areas you are likely to get scammed. I have found the taxi drivers, to be honest, had the ability to have a conversation with them and have never felt unsafe (I do know that bag snatching goes on).
Altogether, Maylas have been some of the nicest people in the world and for me some of the nicest in south-east Asia (that in its self has some of the nicest people) as a westerner due to the English speaking nation (predominantly) you will find it easy to get to know local more than you would in most other Asian countries.
Weather
It is south-east Asia so hot and hotter and hot with some rain the session.
If you don’t like the heat it’s not for you, it’s 30 degrees all year round and lows at night of 26.
Personally, I like it better than the cold and wet in the U.K for 300 days a year.
Transportation
If you are from the U.S you don’t have too much budget travel, in Europe, you have budget airlines and they aren’t great. Here you have a reasonable airline (for what you pay) Air Asia, is the main based in KL, here you can easily get away for a weekend for less than $100 with plenty of beaches nice island nearby its easy to see why most do.
Housing
Malaysia unlike most of Asia, allows you to buy land, this is a big plus if you are wanting to live here long term. They do have set restrictions on must be over a certain amount, and taxes but all in all its good to pro.
Condos, this place is cheap and has quality, stay in KL, central you can get a nice two-bedroom for $1000. In Bangkok (a similar city) you get stuck in a rabbit hut-like place in the center are end up paying twice this price. Or Singapore, 5 times as much. So, some of the best housing options for me in the world, a plus is that most come with gyms and pools
Expat community
This depends on where you live but in the main areas Penang, KL you have a lot of expats so a lot of options and clubs to choose from.
I like Trail running and found no problem finding a few clubs.
A great residency program and company set up
MH2 is for me one of the best schemes in the world, for just place 75,000 USD in MR in a Malaysian bank you get a residency, although talks of increasing the price or getting rid of it (with the new government) this is a fraction, of what you would pay in Europe.
Also, it is straightforward (ish) to set up a company, you can do an offshore one in Labuan, and it’s pretty simple and a lot cheaper than Singapore or Hong Kong for me the best place in Asia for small to medium-size businesses.
Food
Wow, Malaysians is made of mixed races (Chinese, Indian, Malay) and this comes out splendidly in their food. Some of the best Indian food here for a few bucks. as well as Chinese and Malay the place is great. In fact, I would argue to be in the top 5 food cities in the world.
Cons
I really, can’t think of much here.
Nightlife, if you are into that I don’t think is great.
It is still a bit rough around the edges, people easily forget that you are still living in a developing country (which is easily forgotten as to how modern the place feels) but if you go to the outskirts and some areas in the city it can be a bit dirty. But, compare this to other like for like place Manila, Jakarta, Bangkok it is far cleaner.
Corruption
Anyone that lives in this part of the world knows that there is some (a lot mostly) going on and this is no different, although it is trying to tackle this and see a lot less than other places nearby.
Conclusion
All in all this pound for pound is one of the best value places in the world today, if you are looking for a hub KL is a great option. Although, if you are looking for something a bit more laid back you have Penang. I would urge anyone that is looking to come or live here to do so.
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