Job Discussion Forums

[xenab2]

Hi all,

I'm wondering if anyone can provide feedback which could help me decide on the best location to live in Malaysia. I have been offered a job on a government programme there which could see me posted anywhere, but I have the opportunity to state some preference.

The three general locations are Pelak, Selangor & Kedah (though I think Penang is in there as well). I've been in the Middle East for the last 4 years and am looking forward to the change of scenery.

I've never been to Malaysia before. I'm pretty open to placement, though there are of couple of things to which I will need reasonably close access.

As a single female with no contacts in the region, socializing is going to be important for me. I have a big interest in sport, specifically rugby, so an area that would have Social Sports Clubs with at least partial expat membership would be great.

I also like the outdoor lifestyle, so somewhere that would have access to hiking locations and/or coastline would also be great. I would hope to undertake some part-time studies, so access to that (if it's possible) would be ideal.

In terms of accommodation I think I should have about 2000 a month to spend.

I know these Malaysia posts don't tend to get much feedback, but if anyone has spent extensive time in the region has the time to even send a pm, I would be very appreciative.

[KayuJati]

Perak, Selangor, or Kedah?

In Perak, you would probably be posted in Ipoh, the capital of that state. Ipoh is one of the cities with a higher % of Chinese which would make socialising easier. Rugby is a fairly popular sport and there should be a club in Ipoh. The area is one of limestone karst topography and close to the Straits of Malacca.

Selangor would be probably Subang Jaya or Petaling Jaya. These are bedroom communities of Kuala Lumpur and would certainly have the widest range of choices for friends and sport activities.

In Kedah, you would probably be posted in Sungai Petani, which is not too far from Penang, Malaysia's second-largest city. The other probability is Alor Setar, which I like as a city. Kedah is one of the prime rice growing regions and has a high Malay %; they like rugby and there should be hiking opportunities in the mountains (near Thai border) and along the coast.

I would choose Kedah since I am not a big fan of large cities. Your RM2000 would go farther there than in Ipoh or Selangor. The traffic in KL and Selangor is quite problematic for commuters. If you do choose Selangor, try to rent close to your place of employ.

[wailing_imam]

Unlike the previous poster I am not a fan of alor setar. It has a conservative atmosphere and there isn't much going on there, it is close to langkawi though. I'd choose Ipoh, far less conservative, superb food, fascinating chinatown, well situated for trips to Penang, Cameron highlands, taiping, kl.

However, if I could choose cities that I'd like I'd go for Penang, kuala Terengganu, Melaka or Kuching.

[Sudz]

I will also be moving to Malaysia next year, but as a student. I'm also deciding where to live.

I don't want to change the topic, but would living in a place like Ipoh be quite a bit cheaper than KL?

[JosephP]

[mjmrjp]

Hi,
I just got the same offer, so I'm bumping this in case anyone has further insights

[malu]

I've just applied for one of the posts.

Never lived in Malaysia before but been there many times. I wouldn't bet on a posting to the state capitals with this type of job either. I believe the programme is aimed at bringing up standards at schools in the smaller towns so don't assume that Kedah = Alor Setar as it could be somewhere more sedate.

[KayuJati]

[malu]

The one I applied for involves mentoring teachers and I am under no illusions that it will be based in a state capital - bound to be up in the hulu! They specify that candidates must be willing to drive so that suggests a certain amount of bumping along rural roads visiting kampung schools.

[tefl peasant]

Consider KL.

I taught and worked in KL for a year.

Great experience.

You have the city, and can go into rural areas and/or the coast if you want.


Win-win situation.

[Sudz]

tefl peasant - how did you get around KL? Did you drive yourself around, or use public transport?

[Sudz]

Also how difficult was it for you to find teaching work? I'd like to find some part-time work there while (potentially) studying for an MA TESOL, but I currently lack an undergraduate degree (A have quite a bit of experience, and a TESOL certificate).

[jennateacher]

I have accepted an offer for this program too. I am hoping for a placement in Kedah. What kind of housing can I expect to find for 800 MR a month? I am not looking for a fancy pants high rise aptartment. Any ideas?

[KayuJati]

[Kana65]

I've lived in Ipoh the last three years after 5 1/2 years in KL before that.

I must say I lenjoy living Ipoh and I am making basically the same salary that I made in Kl but it goes so much further in Ipoh(I teach in a university).

For example rent- I rent a three bedroom house semi-d semi-furnished master bedroom has a/c with a big front yard for rm500. My last apartment in KL was double that.

Regarding the earlier post about food in Ipoh, it is a little bit cheaper here in Ipoh as well.

Not much traffic, pleasant neighborhoods, and with the new train schedule KL is not that far away is you feel like getting down to the city and don't want to drive. I find the people are a bit nicer here too (even if their English is worse....More "small town" in their manners)

But now I'm faced with a question-I've recently been approached by a Uni in Kl with an offer the pay's good a little more than I make now so trying to decide where or not to take that....Hard to give up Ipoh!