Job Discussion Forums

[leftcoastlobster]

Hi,

I have the opportunity to work in Malaysia and have the choice of living in one of the following areas:

Rompin, Pahang

Jerantut, Pahang

Setiu, Terengganu

I've done some research online and so far haven't been able to make my mind up. They all seem to offer a variety of outdoor activities and natural beauty.

I know Jerantut is more centrally located and at a higher elevation and could offer nice weather all year round. I'm sure the sticky heat of the coast can be a bit overbearing at times.

On the other hand, being right on the coast has heaps of obvious advantages as well.

Has anyone out there been to (or near) any of these places? Looking for any insights or opinions or sources of information that could help with the decision.

Thanks!

LCL

[Bunny]

Never been to Setiu.
Jerantut is an awesome place if you enjoy hiking, jungle, tribal villages, lots of home brew toddy, and rivers and rivers and more rivers. It's a hot and steamy place with high humidity, but very peaceful and very clean.
Rompin is a great place for the beach and is a jumping off point for some of the islands off the east coast. If you enjoy snorkelling and diving etc, Rompin is your place. It has more of a town feel to it than Jerantut and gets a fair bit of traveller trade passing through. Personally I'd go to Jerantut as its in the middle of the country and easily accesible from pretty much everywhere. It also does some really great river fish steaks and lots and lots of delicious game.

[Hod]

All would be good for the quiet life. In all three places, Malays are in the majority, so you won't find much in the way of alcohol. Saying that, I'd love to live in any of them.

Jerantut is right next to the Taman Negara National Park. A big bonus is the train station which has 3 trains a day to places like Kuala Lipis, from where you can get a bus anywhere in Malaysia, or to near the Thai border.

Terengganu was, until last year, governed by the extreme PAS Islamic Party which put a dampener on a lot of fun things.

Put me down for Jerantut.

[been_there]

Terengganu is now ruled by the government party. PAS is out. Beer available at any friendly Chinese store.

[leftcoastlobster]

Appreciate the insights and advice.

I've settled on Setiu, as someone beat me to Rompin and I decided I wanted to be on or near the coast. Plus, it seems to have a bit of everything - nearby beaches, lakes, islands, and some resorts for times I feel the need for some indulgence.

Thanks again and I'll let you know how it goes when I get there!

LCL