| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
slancaster
Joined: 10 Nov 2005
|
 Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2007 7:45 am Post subject: SE Asia: city closest to paradise & feasible to live in? |
 |
|
I'm just curious. If you were to live anywhere in SE Asia, which place(s), in your opinion, would you be the closest to paradise and yet feasible in which to live and even save some money? Of course, we could cull any number of parameters to define 'paradise', but for now, let's just use the following:
1) close proximity---maximum 1 hour (PREFERABLY LESS) travel by bus or boat----to gorgeous beaches, translucent blue waters, and, least important, rainforest/jungle/mountains.
2) affordable----highest ratio of money earned from teaching English (another line of work accessible to Westerners?) to living expenses
3) adequate level of compatability with and acceptance by local community
4) good social life
5) good arts & entertainment sector
6) good cuisine with ample variety
Which city or town in SE Asia would get your vote? |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
thepeel
Joined: 08 Aug 2004
|
| Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2007 10:26 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Singapore. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
desultude
Joined: 15 Jan 2003
Location: Dangling my toes in the Persian Gulf
|
| Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2007 9:00 am Post subject: |
|
|
Is this true in terms of affordability? I have been under the impression that Singapore was not an affordable option. I would love to hear otherwise.
I think Saigon/HCMC would fit the description. The demand and wages for English teachers is rising, the Dong is pretty stable, and there are beaches and jungle close by. Arts and entertainment depend on your preference- western "high art" might not be so available, but I find Vietnam in general to be quite "artistic" in a more culturally specific sense. As for food, and coffee (which can be dicey in Asia) Saigon is great. And Cambodia is right there. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
thepeel
Joined: 08 Aug 2004
|
| Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2007 9:27 am Post subject: |
|
|
Yeah, I think it is affordable.
I only really know two esl teachers here. A Kiwi and his Kiwi wife (they both teach). They brought their 2 kids and have a full-time live in maid and 3 bedroom apt. ESL teachers earn about S$50/hour for part-time and around S$4,000/month for full time. On the other thread about Singapore in this forum I explained the housing situation. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Tiger Beer
Joined: 07 Feb 2003
|
| Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2007 9:04 pm Post subject: Re: SE Asia: city closest to paradise & feasible to live |
|
|
For teaching English and making $ on an ESL income, I'd agree with Vietnam.
For living and working and normality.. definetely Singapore. Very comfortable city, and its great to overhear English everywhere.. and go to so many international restaurants. Would offer the best quality of life if you have an income in line with the cost-of-living.
Maybe not any good for ESL teaching either.. but Philippines is very comfortable with English.. 7000+ islands meaning that many and more beaches.. live music is everywhere from very talented musicians.. island-hopping, etc.
For me personally, it would be either Singapore or the Philippines due to the English factor. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Yaya
Joined: 25 Feb 2003
Location: Seoul
|
| Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2007 10:49 pm Post subject: Re: SE Asia: city closest to paradise & feasible to live |
|
|
| Tiger Beer wrote: |
For teaching English and making $ on an ESL income, I'd agree with Vietnam.
For living and working and normality.. definetely Singapore. Very comfortable city, and its great to overhear English everywhere.. and go to so many international restaurants. Would offer the best quality of life if you have an income in line with the cost-of-living.
Maybe not any good for ESL teaching either.. but Philippines is very comfortable with English.. 7000+ islands meaning that many and more beaches.. live music is everywhere from very talented musicians.. island-hopping, etc.
For me personally, it would be either Singapore or the Philippines due to the English factor. |
I've talked with a buddy who might help run a hakwon in the Phils, and he was telling me about the #$@!! foreigners who do biz there have to go through. Seems so many Filipinos want a piece of the action, from the cops, document processors and others. I also heard that it's not rare for a Filipina maid to threaten or cry sexual harassment for a fast buck. There is a phrase "massineun Korean," or "delicious Korean," referring to how much shakedown can occur for Korean and other foreigners doing biz there.
But Koreans are going into the Phils for study and biz like mad dogs. When I was in Cebu in April, I saw quite a few noraebangs and Web cafes run by Koreans. And the number going to the islands grows every day.
I'm looking to see what I can do there. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
