It's now 2022 and I have retired from the UK to live in Malacca. My wife is Malaysian and we bought a condo here way back in 2004 off plan . We have no rent or mortgage to pay. I also bought a motorcycle here 10 years ago. For us we enjoy cooking for ourselves and we live a comfortable lifestyle on 1000GBP per month (5500 Malaysia Ringgit). We don't drink or smoke. A 3 bed condo like ours here in Malacca would cost you to rent around 1100 Ringgit a month which is just over 200GBP.
@@Chris-dw6cu Can't give you an expat's perspective as I'm Malaysian, but I can tell you it's a laidback town. It's definitely less hustling and bustling like in the capital where I live. If you live within or near the town centre most things are within walking distance or a short bike ride, driving is actually a little more challenging in downtown if you're unfamiliar with the one-way streets there - if you missed a turn you might need to drive a long way around to get back to where you were. Not aware of any train systems, there's none as far as I know. Like in Penang, you can use Grab for longer distances or rainy days. Much like most parts of Malaysia including Penang in this video, you'll find a mix of the 3 main races in Malacca - Malay, Chinese and Indians - and on top of that, the Peranakan/Baba Nyonya people and the Kristang people who are sort of indigenous to Malacca (you can Google about both of them). That said, you'll get a diverse mix of culture and food, some of which are unique to Malacca. You'll need to Google about the property prices, but it's definitely cheaper than in the capital. A latest news report mentioned that Malacca has one of the lowest average prices.
This reminds me of my expatriate assignment in Penang, Malaysia for 2 years , wayback 2008-2010. I really love it!! Its one of the best decision I made in my career. I consider Penang as my second home. A very beautiful place with nice people, with great culture and best foods. I have no complaints...Lots of memories!! Penang will always be in my heart!!
Some of the best 40 minutes I have ever spent in my life ... listening to a good man who speaks the truth with wisdom and intelligence. Thanks for your efforts. Regards from a Hoosier.
I was born in Hong Kong, and now living in San Francisco for more than 30 years but thats where ( Malaysia ) I wanna retire at , I used to had relatives there years years ago. Studied Malay pretty much fit me there beside all those good food I like !!! THX man for this video, you just make me thinking 90% change to 98% moving there !
There are lots of Malaysia expat videos on UA-cam, but this one is exceptionally well done and highly informative. As someone who is considering retirement in Malaysia, this kind of quality information is priceless. Unlike many other videos out there the information isn't hyped or topical. This video really digs down into the practical expenditures of living in an unfamiliar place. Many thanks to you, sir.
Excellent video! As a first generation immigrant to the US, I arrived in Texas in the early 1980s. I was 19. I immediately enlisted in the US Army and was sent to Mannheim, Germany for 2 years. I've done fairly well for myself but and I love many aspects of living in the US. But sadly it is no.longer the place I once knew post 911. The constant economic and social upheavals here remind me of the 3rd world country I left so many decades ago. There is a growing atmosphere of agitation, restlessness and overall aggressiveness that you encounter on a daily basis. People are simply too much "on edge" all the time. I visited Kaula Lampur and Langkawi back in 2013. I visit San Jose and Jaco, Costa Rica once a year. What I find the most appealing about life in these places is that it is a very relaxed and friendly feeling you get as you go about your day. Now at 62, I am seriously considering leaving the US for the first time. All the major metropolitan areas in the US are horribly expensive and the costs keep going up each year. After putting two children through college at a state school and paying about $12000.00-$16000.00 a semester, it is becoming a bit too much. Food, insurance, medical costs are all going up each year. I just paid $7.99 for a doezen eggs in Hpuston!
That was incredibly well said and I agree with you on each and every individual point you made. It is so sad and frustrating that I equivocate between paying close attention and emotionally withdrawing from watching this horrible play unfold before my eyes. I wish you the very best and encourage to you use your deepest wisdom and intuition to find a place that is peaceful, beautiful and economically more enjoyable.
It is absolutely insane. I've been searching for a new home through my travels on and off for 12 years. I got back to it more seriously as of 2022. I'm SO done with the US
@@AnyWherebutHere1973 Better think twice; since a few years ago, Malaysia has become politically unstable and anti-foreigner sentiments have started to play a significant role in it. Hence, they put the retirement visa program on hold and are putting more red tapes for foreigners everywhere.
@@nevim007 thanks for your reply. Is this your own experience you are talking about or did you read that somewhere? And if the latter, please give me your source of information. I have Malaysians friends who I talk to at least every week ( I have been there twice in 2018 and 2019) and yes politically it is shaking a little bit but it can't be worse than what we are going through with the covid scam. I also have an expat friend she has returned there last week and is so happy to be back in KL. She was in Paris for a month holiday to visit her family after 1 year and she was shocked how people became zombies with their muzzles everywhere even in places where not imposed, (western Europe).We call each other almost every day. So now the problem is to get there during the MCO, you need a governmental authorisation. If anyone can help, I would be the happiest man on earth. Fingers crossed and I pray every day.
Hi Robert, I just wanted to say (as an avid viewer of UA-cam food and travel vlogs and documentaries, especially those based in Asia) that this was one of the best programmes I've seen in a long time. I thought the story and content was useful and the pace and your delivery as a presenter was awesome. The quality of your filming and editing was also inspiring and I'm 100% inspired and buying into 'The Expat TV show' and what you're doing. Please keep this going!!! All the best James
This video is by far the best I've watched so far. I'm Canadian and I'm seriously thinking to move overseas... Your vid is very informative and detailed...and YESSSS I wanna be happy again.... thank you 😊
Excellent Video! So well done, I love the documentary style. We just finished a 6-month stay in Penang and feel that everything is your video is accurate and a good representation of life there. Just subscribed, thanks again.
Thank you guys! We want to do more and in fact have an episode coming up on Aruba though it won’t be the fully produced version like Penang. Trying to figure out the combination of funding the episodes and making them as aesthetically interesting as possible!
This is the best expat video I watched so far, and I watched a lot! Not only the highest quality videos but also very informative and answered all my questions. Can't wait for your next video. Thank you!
I just found your channel and love it. My advice is not to pay for the whole year unless they required it. Incase there is an emergency in the country example like Covid you will not get your money back. In some countries people were thrown out on the streets overnight during Covid. Some had paid up to 3 years rent upfront.
Go look at Langkawi and Pulau Payar. Taman Negara (sp?) also, the oldest or one of the oldest jungles in the world. An incredibly beautiful country. Watch out for the bugs, though (and monkeys)!
This video is simply outstanding in all aspects - outstanding video production, well considered narration, believable budget numbers proven out in front of us, and a real joy for the expat experience. I cannot wait to see future episodes! Thank you.
Love your sentiment at he 24 min mark. We lived in Penang in the early to mid nineties and it was such a gift. To be an American, live very well but still learn to be a good rep for your culture (accept that your way isn't always the best way) and to be sensitive and open to a different, wonderful and in most cases, better way of doing things. Oh how I would love to do it again!
After watching this whole video, and very nicely produced I might add, I'm surprised to see that there are only two videos on the channel. I guess life happens. With this quality, this could have been a huge channel.
Honda EX5 (cab) its kind of legendary best selling bike northern region. Best choice for ride around 9:40 wow....that shop.. recalled wonderful memories me with my beloved dad. I bought his fav brand new 200cc scooter in cash. Its about around 8k that time. Shop owner the 'uncle' made the arrangement just in a day. Me n dad when for a short trip around Penang then came n collect the bike in the evening. The way Chinese do business. I learned something new that day. Thanks for the recap. Appreciated. For locals and tourist who visit Penang....they wish to own a home there. Best place for retirement as well. Peaceful life guaranteed.
As this started I had reservations. I thought it would be yet another American trying to recreate America in a foreign land. However, this guy more or less embraced the culture and traditions of the place he was in (apart from the burger and coke, the pool and the must have a/c). I know Penang. I lived there some years ago. It is very good at 'accommodating' the foreigner. It's an easy place to be an ex pat without ever feeling really foreign. If you are a 'virgin expat' this is a good place to start. An enjoyable programme. Thank you.
Since you have experience there, how would you recommend finding good priced monthly rentals in penang? On my initial visit I plan to stay 1-3 months so I do not want to enter into a rental contract, just rent by the month. Would Appreciate any suggestions you could share
White coffee is originated from Ipoh, Perak Malaysia. And the experts of the white coffee says that it is combinations of Java Arabica and Robusta beans and it’s roasted up to 80-90% with margarine only without sugar. A regular coffee bean will be roasted 100% with margarine and sugar.
I loved this video. You were so thorough in your questions and seeking out the true cost of what a Westerner would consider a comfortable budget living abroad. While yes, you can always go cheaper and only eat the lowest cost of meals and sleep in a shed for $400USD- thats not what this video was about. My SO and I have been dreaming of the Expat life for the last 3 years and every video we come across is like some fairy tail dream paid for by being 'instagram' or 'youtube' famous. The reality behind living abroad isn't all sunshine and rainbows, but filled with stress and many unknowns. i really look forward to your future content! This was well done.
Oh, how I miss Penang. I visited here often back in 2018 and 2019. The place is beautiful, the food is great, but the best of all, the people here are wonderful. And as a Chinese American, I feel right at home. The first time I visited here, I was shocked. Shocked because I was unaware that there is such a deep-rooted Chinese culture and history in Penang, which I found fascinating.
I lived in Malaysia for 2 years and it is true the most friendliest country in the world., the food, climate, people, nature truly truly unique. I fell in love with this place I stayed there for a total of 4 years, while visiting Singapore (very rude people) Indonesia also incredible, food, people and peaceful also. My favorite was Malaysia. The women are truly beautiful but very modest and very very shy. Mmmmm the women wow wow wow. Fruits I had never heard of like Durian, rumbuton, dragon fruit. Wow Malaysia😍😍😍💋💋💋😁😁😁💝💝💝💕💕💕
@@updatename6637 if you love island.. 1. ua-cam.com/video/UU1YPdYBYfw/v-deo.html 2. ua-cam.com/video/8GCKoJNJK60/v-deo.html 3. ua-cam.com/video/K6pz6a4bgQU/v-deo.html 4. ua-cam.com/video/mOZYTDwxM6k/v-deo.html 5. ua-cam.com/video/04ejKwXV8TA/v-deo.html
I just want to say that this was perhaps one of the best videos I've EVER seen that properly explained the costs with a truly realistic result. I'm looking forward to visiting Malaysia to see where I might fit in the best. Thanks for the video, and keep up the good work.
such an original and personal view of this area. It wasn't just about the budget; it was all about the lifestyle and the joys of the expat life that SO MANY other vlogs just miss completely
Oh man, this was an incredible watch. Shockingly high value production. And dude, you're such a true gem of a human being. Respect for culture, kindness, caring about the people, not just out to take advantage of "cheap Asia." Plus you express yourself lucidly and with a certain amount of grace. The world needs more people like you. Thanks for this video. Really looking forward to more. Hell, you could do some lifestyle type stuff, like what does your daily life look like after having settled in for a month or so, or what do locals' lives look like, etc.
Thank you so much for your generous comments. I'm actually at a bit of a loss for words (not normal for me haha). I will have a new video soon, though it will not be the fully produced version that Penang is. I would love to hear your opinion on it. And yes, I am planning on other videos not always involving a particular country, but all kinds of philosophical and financial topics. Thank you for your support!!!
$2,000 a month! I've been to Penang and I could live there for $500 a month. I lived in Costa Rica for two years on $500 a month. I lived in China for three years on $1,500 a month, and I saved half of my income.
@@gif24gt60 In Costa Rica, I got a punctured ear from a big wave, and a doctor's visit cost me five bucks. I could have had a sex-change for two hundred bucks. You know what, I still might...
Thank you for loving Penang. I was Penang born and left for US for college more than 30 years ago. Definitely moving back to Penang when retirement comes up. The first plate you ate is similar to char kueh teo, it is called char kueh kat.
Wonderful video. Life is much more than making money and buying stuff.. I'm nearly 50 and I'm dreaming of doing something like this and spend a few years in Malaysia... Thanks for this clip, it's truly inspiring.
I went to Penang from Hua Hin Thailand in 2019 then had to go to Langkawi in March 2020. Two weeks each time. Both amazing places. Lockdown now so haven’t traveled since March. Great Video
Great video , I found Penang interesting, to see again I once visited for a day from a cruise destination, love to go back and stay awhile thanks for the great video
I drove a perodua kancil for a month in Penang. What a cramped vehicle it was. If you wanted to make it up the hills you had to turn off the aircon due to being so underpowered. We (my Malaysian Chinese girl friend at the time and I) drove this car to Ipoh, where she was from and K.L Sunway resort. I had such a great time in Malaysia. Great people there, always nice and hospitable
My first overseas trip was to Penang, decades ago! It was a business trip and I was spoiled! Eager to go back once the door is open again and visit my long lost friend!
First time on this channel, arrive randomly and like what I see. You spend time and explore the subject where more channels snap at fast pace. You zoom in even return to scenes, connect with people, allow your viewer to engage with the subject. I especially appreciate the closeness and intimacy of experience I receive on this channel
This video is absolutely perfect for people looking to retire/live nomadically. I enjoyed it so much I went to watch the next episode only to see there is only one! :( Will there be a whole series of these?
Excellent vidéo. Thanks for bringing back memories. I worked in Ipoh for 5 years and used Peneng airport, then also used it for visas for Thailand. I haven't been back in 4 years but getting the itch again.
Great video and beautiful job. Well done. Very well filmed and explained. I can't say enough. You did a great job on this video, very professional. Thanks for sharing. I hope that you're still together with your wife and kids? Great quality video. Hope to see more on Malaysia from you.
what a great video, you really get it - I was in Penang when I was 31, almost half my life ago and got incorporated into the life of a Chinese family to some degree. This is inspiring me to consider living there
Oh yeah, when we lived in Penang, there wasn't much Western food and unfortunately, when traveling thru Hong Kong I would go ga-ga over a great steak, onion rings... but most of the time it was dimsum, wonton noodles, etc. Now we're back in Maine and suffering big, big withdrawal from Penang food!
hey brother, this is a very good produced, researched and narrated video 🎥📹👍 Penang is a beautiful Island 🏝 maybe some day I get to visit. Waiting for more of your videos 👍💯
However, the revised MM2H 2021 requirements have been criticised as being so stringent that the country risks losing applicants to competing expat retirement programmes in other Asian countries (This is so true and short sighted of the Malay Government)
By the end of the video, Robert’s got a tan you can wear on your sleeve. Way to go! Oh by the way, for anyone watching and seriously considering living in Msia with the air conditioner cranked up as often as Robert Baker was contemplating (which I do), you’d want to budget 4-5 times what Robert has budgeted. The property agent he was speaking to didn’t quite get what Robert meant - which is closer to having the AC pretty much on 24/7 whenever he’s at home (which is how I do it and my part of M’sia isn’t even as humid as Penang is).
Fantastic video. Highly informative. You have solidified Penang as a place my wifi I may look to move to on our next international teaching post. Would love to see more videos!
Wow this is an amazing documentary! I’ve lived in Malaysia from 2003 to 2009, amazing country. Visited Penang only one time for 4 days. Planning to come back to M’sia again soon.
I resonated deeply with the beautiful message at the very beginning of this video. And realized the more i watched, the more i wanted to began my travels to distant lands sooner instead of later. The energy that was put out during this video was that of kindness and compassion. You have helped to put this lovely city and its people as a must see, and must spend some time getting immersed into the culture there in the near future. Ty so much for doing this and being so transparent with your information and the ideas behind them. Hope you will find a way to share more about ur life and the experiences u have had since being there, or wherever you might go next! Namaste 🙏
As a veteran motorcycle rider I rented a 250cc motorcycle when I first moved to Penang, but after a few close calls found it too risky with the mindless and careless drivers. A friend who used to buy and resell ex-pat cars rented (technically loaned) me a used Mazda sedan for about $150/mo. I later bought a nice used Proton from him for about $3,000 USD, and sold it back to him two years later for $2500. Having a car over a motorbike was a transformative quality of life move. The added freedom to and comfort of AC, safety and luxury to explore and head out for a few days to K.L. Singapore, Thailand or Cameroon made Malaysia really feel like home and adventure. A word of caution, in many countries outside of America or Europe is that an injury accident can result in a driver being held on criminal rather than simply civil charges. While Malaysia is pretty much a Common Law system similar to the U.K. or the U.S. or Australia, I had heard of ex-pats being arrested for traffic accidents or violations, as a mild form of extortion. Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Korea, China and other countries being more like the old Napoleonic code of "Guilty until proven innocent" can leave you at risk for some real headaches.
@@theexpattvshow127 Thank you, are you still in Malaysia, and if so are you planning on new episodes and updates? I would be interested in getting your impression as to how things may have changed economically and socially in Malaysia over the last couple of years.
Dude, your financial advice is 💯, and you know it. 101 stuff and that works long term, cash is king, cds at 5; percent, i day trade with 20 percent, 40 in cash, 40 in real estate, and can live retired in US, but brother your converting me to SE ASIA, great information and so well done PEACE to you!!!
I wanted to thank you for your honesty. I see on a lot of travel videos people are trying to convince and excite people if they have it all figured out and it’s easy and cheap and blah blah blah. There’s a trade off and everything I’ve lived all over the world. It’s really sad when you see people putting out information that’s not exactly the truth I think they’re seeking subscribers. Everything that you have said Passes my test!
You are very detailed in doing things and calculating things . This is a very good video in educating people to be clear at what they spending and hidden cost .
im from penang and now i live in london i miss home so much i hope this pandemic will gone soon so we all can travel and go home without worrying BOUT GETTIN COVID I REALLY ENJOY YOR VIDEO THANKS
"I see people who are kind". "Living a life that is real" "Living a life that I am proud of" Well said with love and kindness! P.S. It's unusual to get a hug with the opposite sex in Malaysia, unlike in the US.
Just watching this today, and thank you for showcasing my hometown😍 I've been living KL for 16 years and I used to travel back regularly to visit my mom & eat the hawker food. Atm, state borders are closed and My last trip back was Aug 2020. I do miss going back and I hope we'll be able to travel soon. I'm just thankful my siblings managed to bring my mom over before they closed the state borders. Anyhow, back to your video. I do think your estimates for food & transportation are too high. Based on the condo you chose( assume it's in Tanjung Bungah), you should be able to get to a few places via rapidpg with ease, and marketing at the wet markets near Tanjung Bungah could be cheaper than buying from the city centre.
I miss Penang! The first dish is Char Koay Kak. It is fried rice cakes. You’ve to try Char Koay Teow! It is flat rice noodles fried with prawns and bean sprouts.
the housing cost can definately be reduce by living away from big city like Penang, Kuala Lumpur etc. For example, Klang is only 35 mins drive outside of KL, Butterworth just across from Penang, but it offers everything a bit city has. I would choose a city on east coast or Langkawi island. This video didn't mention how bad traffic jams are in the big cities. That breakfast is called Char Koay Kak, a type of is fried parsnip mixed with rice flour cake, my fav food. The most famous Char Koay Kak is near Penang Road, the 2 sisters has been cooking it since 1980s, I visited in 2018, they were still making it :) I eat 1 dish, take away 3 more orders, lol it's a once every 5 years feast. There has been many medical tourism in Malaysia
How about cheap monthly rentals in penang? How can I find them? It will be my first visit so I want to stay in a fairly central area. Any suggestions? Thank you.
It is really interesting. I am going to travel to work in Malaysia in this few months. I want to learn about this before I go because worry about it and I never experience to work at other country. Luckily I found your video. Thank you very much for your interesting video.😊
It's now 2022 and I have retired from the UK to live in Malacca. My wife is Malaysian and we bought a condo here way back in 2004 off plan . We have no rent or mortgage to pay. I also bought a motorcycle here 10 years ago. For us we enjoy cooking for ourselves and we live a comfortable lifestyle on 1000GBP per month (5500 Malaysia Ringgit). We don't drink or smoke. A 3 bed condo like ours here in Malacca would cost you to rent around 1100 Ringgit a month which is just over 200GBP.
What's Malacca like? Haven't been there yet. How much to buy a studio type condo there?
@@Chris-dw6cu Can't give you an expat's perspective as I'm Malaysian, but I can tell you it's a laidback town. It's definitely less hustling and bustling like in the capital where I live. If you live within or near the town centre most things are within walking distance or a short bike ride, driving is actually a little more challenging in downtown if you're unfamiliar with the one-way streets there - if you missed a turn you might need to drive a long way around to get back to where you were. Not aware of any train systems, there's none as far as I know. Like in Penang, you can use Grab for longer distances or rainy days.
Much like most parts of Malaysia including Penang in this video, you'll find a mix of the 3 main races in Malacca - Malay, Chinese and Indians - and on top of that, the Peranakan/Baba Nyonya people and the Kristang people who are sort of indigenous to Malacca (you can Google about both of them). That said, you'll get a diverse mix of culture and food, some of which are unique to Malacca.
You'll need to Google about the property prices, but it's definitely cheaper than in the capital. A latest news report mentioned that Malacca has one of the lowest average prices.
Hi steve, great info do you happen to know the prices for renting a similar condo like yours in the middle of 2024 in Malacca?
@@bokmunc RM800 to RM1500 depends on location and size of condo.
This reminds me of my expatriate assignment in Penang, Malaysia for 2 years , wayback 2008-2010. I really love it!! Its one of the best decision I made in my career. I consider Penang as my second home. A very beautiful place with nice people, with great culture and best foods. I have no complaints...Lots of memories!! Penang will always be in my heart!!
Some of the best 40 minutes I have ever spent in my life ... listening to a good man who speaks the truth with wisdom and intelligence. Thanks for your efforts. Regards from a Hoosier.
Such a generous compliment James. Thank you!
I was born in Hong Kong, and now living in San Francisco for more than 30 years but thats where ( Malaysia ) I wanna retire at , I used to had relatives there years years ago. Studied Malay pretty much fit me there beside all those good food I like !!! THX man for this video, you just make me thinking 90% change to 98% moving there !
Haha ❗️❗️good for you....👍👍👍
being in US, nothing in Europe attracted you for retirement? Just curious to hear you view.@@healthytruth1363
You are the best in presenting this beautiful country. Lots of love and respect from here in Iran 🇮🇷
There are lots of Malaysia expat videos on UA-cam, but this one is exceptionally well done and highly informative. As someone who is considering retirement in Malaysia, this kind of quality information is priceless. Unlike many other videos out there the information isn't hyped or topical. This video really digs down into the practical expenditures of living in an unfamiliar place. Many thanks to you, sir.
Excellent video! As a first generation immigrant to the US, I arrived in Texas in the early 1980s. I was 19. I immediately enlisted in the US Army and was sent to Mannheim, Germany for 2 years. I've done fairly well for myself but and I love many aspects of living in the US. But sadly it is no.longer the place I once knew post 911. The constant economic and social upheavals here remind me of the 3rd world country I left so many decades ago. There is a growing atmosphere of agitation, restlessness and overall aggressiveness that you encounter on a daily basis. People are simply too much "on edge" all the time. I visited Kaula Lampur and Langkawi back in 2013. I visit San Jose and Jaco, Costa Rica once a year. What I find the most appealing about life in these places is that it is a very relaxed and friendly feeling you get as you go about your day. Now at 62, I am seriously considering leaving the US for the first time. All the major metropolitan areas in the US are horribly expensive and the costs keep going up each year. After putting two children through college at a state school and paying about $12000.00-$16000.00 a semester, it is becoming a bit too much. Food, insurance, medical costs are all going up each year. I just paid $7.99 for a doezen eggs in Hpuston!
That was incredibly well said and I agree with you on each and every individual point you made. It is so sad and frustrating that I equivocate between paying close attention and emotionally withdrawing from watching this horrible play unfold before my eyes. I wish you the very best and encourage to you use your deepest wisdom and intuition to find a place that is peaceful, beautiful and economically more enjoyable.
@@theexpattvshow127, it’s been 3 years since you’re last documentary, what happened? 🥺
@@markjoseph196that’s what I’ve been wondering, hope he’s ok
It is absolutely insane. I've been searching for a new home through my travels on and off for 12 years. I got back to it more seriously as of 2022. I'm SO done with the US
This video is before covid 2020. I wonder what changes now?
I'm a proud expat, 20 years abroad, 5 countries, now in KL. Malaysia on my shortlist of places to retire
That's my dream! I want to move to Malaysia asap.
How to you live?
ua-cam.com/video/QuoFc29ElSQ/v-deo.html
@@AnyWherebutHere1973 Better think twice; since a few years ago, Malaysia has become politically unstable and anti-foreigner sentiments have started to play a significant role in it. Hence, they put the retirement visa program on hold and are putting more red tapes for foreigners everywhere.
@@nevim007 thanks for your reply. Is this your own experience you are talking about or did you read that somewhere? And if the latter, please give me your source of information. I have Malaysians friends who I talk to at least every week ( I have been there twice in 2018 and 2019) and yes politically it is shaking a little bit but it can't be worse than what we are going through with the covid scam. I also have an expat friend she has returned there last week and is so happy to be back in KL. She was in Paris for a month holiday to visit her family after 1 year and she was shocked how people became zombies with their muzzles everywhere even in places where not imposed, (western Europe).We call each other almost every day. So now the problem is to get there during the MCO, you need a governmental authorisation. If anyone can help, I would be the happiest man on earth. Fingers crossed and I pray every day.
Great video man! I've lived in KL for around 8 years. Now back in Europe, but surely miss Asia. Malaysia is awesome
Thank you
whats your retirement hotspots?
Hi Robert, I just wanted to say (as an avid viewer of UA-cam food and travel vlogs and documentaries, especially those based in Asia) that this was one of the best programmes I've seen in a long time. I thought the story and content was useful and the pace and your delivery as a presenter was awesome. The quality of your filming and editing was also inspiring and I'm 100% inspired and buying into 'The Expat TV show' and what you're doing. Please keep this going!!! All the best James
This video is by far the best I've watched so far. I'm Canadian and I'm seriously thinking to move overseas... Your vid is very informative and detailed...and YESSSS I wanna be happy again.... thank you 😊
I love your video of Penang, but what I love the most is the background music of Melayu Asli song! Awesome!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Excellent Video! So well done, I love the documentary style. We just finished a 6-month stay in Penang and feel that everything is your video is accurate and a good representation of life there. Just subscribed, thanks again.
Cleanest town, peaceful and down to earth people
Thank you guys! We want to do more and in fact have an episode coming up on Aruba though it won’t be the fully produced version like Penang. Trying to figure out the combination of funding the episodes and making them as aesthetically interesting as possible!
Doesn’t this justify the funding?
@@PoliticalWeekly Not even close, but it is a good start and I'm hopeful I can figure out how to make it pencil. Thank you for your support!
Wow, this is really well produced. I hope you keep it going.
This is the best expat video I watched so far, and I watched a lot! Not only the highest quality videos but also very informative and answered all my questions. Can't wait for your next video. Thank you!
I just found your channel and love it. My advice is not to pay for the whole year unless they required it. Incase there is an emergency in the country example like Covid you will not get your money back. In some countries people were thrown out on the streets overnight during Covid. Some had paid up to 3 years rent upfront.
Wow my God unbelievable I didn't know Malaysia is so beautiful
Go look at Langkawi and Pulau Payar. Taman Negara (sp?) also, the oldest or one of the oldest jungles in the world. An incredibly beautiful country. Watch out for the bugs, though (and monkeys)!
This video is simply outstanding in all aspects - outstanding video production, well considered narration, believable budget numbers proven out in front of us, and a real joy for the expat experience. I cannot wait to see future episodes! Thank you.
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Love your sentiment at he 24 min mark. We lived in Penang in the early to mid nineties and it was such a gift. To be an American, live very well but still learn to be a good rep for your culture (accept that your way isn't always the best way) and to be sensitive and open to a different, wonderful and in most cases, better way of doing things. Oh how I would love to do it again!
Mate, I found this production very inspiring. You made understanding the financials very easy. Thanks, from New Zealand.
After watching this whole video, and very nicely produced I might add, I'm surprised to see that there are only two videos on the channel. I guess life happens. With this quality, this could have been a huge channel.
Honda EX5 (cab) its kind of legendary best selling bike northern region. Best choice for ride around
9:40 wow....that shop.. recalled wonderful memories me with my beloved dad. I bought his fav brand new 200cc scooter in cash. Its about around 8k that time. Shop owner the 'uncle' made the arrangement just in a day.
Me n dad when for a short trip around Penang then came n collect the bike in the evening. The way Chinese do business. I learned something new that day.
Thanks for the recap. Appreciated.
For locals and tourist who visit Penang....they wish to own a home there. Best place for retirement as well. Peaceful life guaranteed.
As this started I had reservations. I thought it would be yet another American trying to recreate America in a foreign land. However, this guy more or less embraced the culture and traditions of the place he was in (apart from the burger and coke, the pool and the must have a/c). I know Penang. I lived there some years ago. It is very good at 'accommodating' the foreigner. It's an easy place to be an ex pat without ever feeling really foreign. If you are a 'virgin expat' this is a good place to start. An enjoyable programme. Thank you.
only got the char kway teow wrong perhaps .
Since you have experience there, how would you recommend finding good priced monthly rentals in penang? On my initial visit I plan to stay 1-3 months so I do not want to enter into a rental contract, just rent by the month. Would Appreciate any suggestions you could share
White coffee is originated from Ipoh, Perak Malaysia. And the experts of the white coffee says that it is combinations of Java Arabica and Robusta beans and it’s roasted up to 80-90% with margarine only without sugar. A regular coffee bean will be roasted 100% with margarine and sugar.
This is one of the best expat videos I've ever seen!! Beautifully presented, thank you very much. Looks like an awesome place with real people!
I loved this video. You were so thorough in your questions and seeking out the true cost of what a Westerner would consider a comfortable budget living abroad. While yes, you can always go cheaper and only eat the lowest cost of meals and sleep in a shed for $400USD- thats not what this video was about. My SO and I have been dreaming of the Expat life for the last 3 years and every video we come across is like some fairy tail dream paid for by being 'instagram' or 'youtube' famous. The reality behind living abroad isn't all sunshine and rainbows, but filled with stress and many unknowns.
i really look forward to your future content! This was well done.
Oh, how I miss Penang. I visited here often back in 2018 and 2019. The place is beautiful, the food is great, but the best of all, the people here are wonderful. And as a Chinese American, I feel right at home. The first time I visited here, I was shocked. Shocked because I was unaware that there is such a deep-rooted Chinese culture and history in Penang, which I found fascinating.
Did you find most people spoke Chinese as well as English there?
I lived in Malaysia for 2 years and it is true the most friendliest country in the world., the food, climate, people, nature truly truly unique. I fell in love with this place I stayed there for a total of 4 years, while visiting Singapore (very rude people) Indonesia also incredible, food, people and peaceful also. My favorite was Malaysia. The women are truly beautiful but very modest and very very shy. Mmmmm the women wow wow wow. Fruits I had never heard of like Durian, rumbuton, dragon fruit. Wow Malaysia😍😍😍💋💋💋😁😁😁💝💝💝💕💕💕
Great video! We are considering moving to Malaysia next year (family of three) and we are definetely convinced!
Very well done production. I have to echo what others have said: $2K is quite a luxurious budget for Penang!
is 5kRM enough for a couple to live comfortably?
I can't wait for the borders to open again. Malaysia is a very welcoming country I'll keep coming back whenever I got the chance
It is on the list of countries I want to visit
Border has been open since 4 april 2022 .. Your arrival is very welcome to our country ❤
@@ghuruba88 great! Will see you soon then 😊
@@ghuruba88 Booking tickets :)
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I just want to say that this was perhaps one of the best videos I've EVER seen that properly explained the costs with a truly realistic result.
I'm looking forward to visiting Malaysia to see where I might fit in the best. Thanks for the video, and keep up the good work.
such an original and personal view of this area. It wasn't just about the budget; it was all about the lifestyle and the joys of the expat life that SO MANY other vlogs just miss completely
You won't ever have any peace, though, because of the racist, non-reciprocal visa treatment (= no green cards for white people).
This might be the favorite travel video I’ve ever seen. The “citizen of the world” message so beautiful and resonates strongly.
I lived in KL for 4 years and it was one of the happiest times in my life. ❤️🇬🇧
Lived in KL for 4 years went to school to learn the language….❤ the people so friendly❤❤Malaysia…beautiful country…❤miss my life there❤miss the food👍
Being a Kathmandu born, AUssie guy wanting to visit Penang and Malaysian food being my favorite, this video just hit it right for me.
I love it! Thanks for your support.
The detail of the video, the professionalism is on another level. Top notch
Oh man, this was an incredible watch. Shockingly high value production. And dude, you're such a true gem of a human being. Respect for culture, kindness, caring about the people, not just out to take advantage of "cheap Asia." Plus you express yourself lucidly and with a certain amount of grace. The world needs more people like you. Thanks for this video. Really looking forward to more. Hell, you could do some lifestyle type stuff, like what does your daily life look like after having settled in for a month or so, or what do locals' lives look like, etc.
Thank you so much for your generous comments. I'm actually at a bit of a loss for words (not normal for me haha). I will have a new video soon, though it will not be the fully produced version that Penang is. I would love to hear your opinion on it. And yes, I am planning on other videos not always involving a particular country, but all kinds of philosophical and financial topics. Thank you for your support!!!
@@theexpattvshow127 No problem. I appreciate all the work you put into this, and I'm definitely happy to hear there will be more coming!
$2,000 a month! I've been to Penang and I could live there for $500 a month. I lived in Costa Rica for two years on $500 a month. I lived in China for three years on $1,500 a month, and I saved half of my income.
Yes usd2000 is plenty in Malaysia
Do those figures include comprehensive health insurance?
@@gif24gt60 In Costa Rica, I got a punctured ear from a big wave, and a doctor's visit cost me five bucks. I could have had a sex-change for two hundred bucks. You know what, I still might...
I am planning a trip..any suggestions on where I should look for cheap monthly rentals in penang?
Thank you for loving Penang. I was Penang born and left for US for college more than 30 years ago. Definitely moving back to Penang when retirement comes up. The first plate you ate is similar to char kueh teo, it is called char kueh kat.
mas, 3:26 is chay kueh kat at 汕頭街( = Kimberly Street = Lebuh Kimberly)
What happend? Such high quality, and only two videos on this channel?? No upload in over a year ...
Wonderful video. Life is much more than making money and buying stuff.. I'm nearly 50 and I'm dreaming of doing something like this and spend a few years in Malaysia... Thanks for this clip, it's truly inspiring.
It should be much more. But that's what governments and corporations have reduced it to. Greed
I went to Penang from Hua Hin Thailand in 2019 then had to go to Langkawi in March 2020. Two weeks each time. Both amazing places. Lockdown now so haven’t traveled since March.
Great Video
Great video , I found Penang interesting, to see again I once visited for a day from a cruise destination, love to go back and stay awhile thanks for the great video
Maaaaan, I miss Penang! Cheers from Hanoi! Just started this youtube channel about Vietnam.
I drove a perodua kancil for a month in Penang. What a cramped vehicle it was. If you wanted to make it up the hills you had to turn off the aircon due to being so underpowered. We (my Malaysian Chinese girl friend at the time and I) drove this car to Ipoh, where she was from and K.L Sunway resort. I had such a great time in Malaysia. Great people there, always nice and hospitable
My first overseas trip was to Penang, decades ago! It was a business trip and I was spoiled! Eager to go back once the door is open again and visit my long lost friend!
First time on this channel, arrive randomly and like what I see. You spend time and explore the subject where more channels snap at fast pace. You zoom in even return to scenes, connect with people, allow your viewer to engage with the subject. I especially appreciate the closeness and intimacy of experience I receive on this channel
This video is absolutely perfect for people looking to retire/live nomadically. I enjoyed it so much I went to watch the next episode only to see there is only one!
:( Will there be a whole series of these?
Wow, really nicely done. I love the longer format. I hope you can cover Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam.
Excellent vidéo. Thanks for bringing back memories. I worked in Ipoh for 5 years and used Peneng airport, then also used it for visas for Thailand. I haven't been back in 4 years but getting the itch again.
Great video and beautiful job. Well done. Very well filmed and explained. I can't say enough. You did a great job on this video, very professional. Thanks for sharing. I hope that you're still together with your wife and kids? Great quality video. Hope to see more on Malaysia from you.
what a great video, you really get it - I was in Penang when I was 31, almost half my life ago and got incorporated into the life of a Chinese family to some degree. This is inspiring me to consider living there
Thank you for showing us the living in penang. I just retired recently and penang is one of the places on my shortlist.
Thanks for your video and reminder of my beloved hometown. Havent been back for more than a year, stuck in KL due to MCO, can't wait to go back soon
You are beautiful, please can we be friends here. I have WhatsApp number (+601125678748) please add me, I want to be your friend. Please 🙏🏻
Oh yeah, when we lived in Penang, there wasn't much Western food and unfortunately, when traveling thru Hong Kong I would go ga-ga over a great steak, onion rings... but most of the time it was dimsum, wonton noodles, etc. Now we're back in Maine and suffering big, big withdrawal from Penang food!
hey brother, this is a very good produced, researched and narrated video 🎥📹👍
Penang is a beautiful Island 🏝 maybe some day I get to visit.
Waiting for more of your videos 👍💯
Hi Fr:NYC metro area..I agree, the best for expats... very thoroughly researched..A+
Robert, You are natural UA-camr. Keep the videos rolling . Thanks Rod
Thanks Jack! Hopefully it will continue to be fun and informative for all of you!
The train from KL to Ipoh, Penang is great. I hope Malaysia clears up revised MM2H soon
However, the revised MM2H 2021 requirements have been criticised as being so stringent that the country risks losing applicants to competing expat retirement programmes in other Asian countries (This is so true and short sighted of the Malay Government)
By the end of the video, Robert’s got a tan you can wear on your sleeve. Way to go!
Oh by the way, for anyone watching and seriously considering living in Msia with the air conditioner cranked up as often as Robert Baker was contemplating (which I do), you’d want to budget 4-5 times what Robert has budgeted. The property agent he was speaking to didn’t quite get what Robert meant - which is closer to having the AC pretty much on 24/7 whenever he’s at home (which is how I do it and my part of M’sia isn’t even as humid as Penang is).
Fantastic video. Highly informative. You have solidified Penang as a place my wifi I may look to move to on our next international teaching post. Would love to see more videos!
THIS IS ACTUALLY GREAT THX DUDE
You are very welcome!
By far the best video on Penang, love how in-depth the costing is
It’s char Koay Kak not Koay teow.. Koay teow is rice noodles while Koay Kak is rice cakes
Yup it's char koay kak not char koay teow
Ahhh... I did wonder when he mentioned rice cakes. Thanks for the clarification
It's not rice cakes, char kuey kak is fried carrot cake...
I missed Penang Koay Kak 😋
Forgive the Ang Mo for he doesn't know all the food he is eating. (Proverbs) LOL
14 min in, this is wonderfully made. Great work instant sub here can’t wait to see more!
Wow this is an amazing documentary! I’ve lived in Malaysia from 2003 to 2009, amazing country. Visited Penang only one time for 4 days. Planning to come back to M’sia again soon.
Thank you friend.
Your video is so well done! It's beautiful!
I resonated deeply with the beautiful message at the very beginning of this video. And realized the more i watched, the more i wanted to began my travels to distant lands sooner instead of later. The energy that was put out during this video was that of kindness and compassion. You have helped to put this lovely city and its people as a must see, and must spend some time getting immersed into the culture there in the near future. Ty so much for doing this and being so transparent with your information and the ideas behind them. Hope you will find a way to share more about ur life and the experiences u have had since being there, or wherever you might go next! Namaste 🙏
Thank you for making such a kind well-spoken comment.
As a veteran motorcycle rider I rented a 250cc motorcycle when I first moved to Penang, but after a few close calls found it too risky with the mindless and careless drivers. A friend who used to buy and resell ex-pat cars rented (technically loaned) me a used Mazda sedan for about $150/mo. I later bought a nice used Proton from him for about $3,000 USD, and sold it back to him two years later for $2500. Having a car over a motorbike was a transformative quality of life move. The added freedom to and comfort of AC, safety and luxury to explore and head out for a few days to K.L. Singapore, Thailand or Cameroon made Malaysia really feel like home and adventure.
A word of caution, in many countries outside of America or Europe is that an injury accident can result in a driver being held on criminal rather than simply civil charges. While Malaysia is pretty much a Common Law system similar to the U.K. or the U.S. or Australia, I had heard of ex-pats being arrested for traffic accidents or violations, as a mild form of extortion. Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Korea, China and other countries being more like the old Napoleonic code of "Guilty until proven innocent" can leave you at risk for some real headaches.
This is a great comment. Thank you!
@@theexpattvshow127 Thank you, are you still in Malaysia, and if so are you planning on new episodes and updates? I would be interested in getting your impression as to how things may have changed economically and socially in Malaysia over the last couple of years.
I’m not in Malaysia anymore and I’m thinking I’m going to change the format of the channel to philosophy of living well. Haven’t quite decided yet
So great. I love Malaysia.
Very well done. Best I have seen anywhere. I look forward to more.
Dude, your financial advice is 💯, and you know it. 101 stuff and that works long term, cash is king, cds at 5; percent, i day trade with 20 percent, 40 in cash, 40 in real estate, and can live retired in US, but brother your converting me to SE ASIA, great information and so well done PEACE to you!!!
i love the background music
I wanted to thank you for your honesty. I see on a lot of travel videos people are trying to convince and excite people if they have it all figured out and it’s easy and cheap and blah blah blah. There’s a trade off and everything I’ve lived all over the world. It’s really sad when you see people putting out information that’s not exactly the truth I think they’re seeking subscribers. Everything that you have said Passes my test!
This is a nice video. I just moved to Penang and I love it. Thanks for the insight.
For the past 20 years I've been going to Penang two weeks every year, mainly to eat!
*Welcome to Malaysia Truly Asia Good foods - Enjoyed Thanks for Sharing very good videos*
🇲🇾💝❤️💗💖😍🥰💕💓💖💗❤️💝💖🇲🇾
How i missed my home in Penang, the simple life and modest people.
Half way through your video, first time viewer, and gotta say that you have an inspiring video and message. Right, on!
Love this video very informative , whatever happens to you, you put out 1 video and just disappear, hope all is good.
You are very detailed in doing things and calculating things . This is a very good video in educating people to be clear at what they spending and hidden cost .
Very thorough and enjoyable review of Penang… you now have me interested in exploring there for myself, thanks for sharing.
im from penang and now i live in london i miss home so much i hope this pandemic will gone soon so we all can travel and go home without worrying BOUT GETTIN COVID I REALLY ENJOY YOR VIDEO THANKS
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Wonderful drone shots. Penang looks very beautiful. Thanks for this video.
"I see people who are kind". "Living a life that is real" "Living a life that I am proud of" Well said with love and kindness! P.S. It's unusual to get a hug with the opposite sex in Malaysia, unlike in the US.
Really enjoyed penang when i visited. Food was wonderful and scenery was beautiful.
Your selection of musics are fantastic..
beautiful views of Penang and an inspiring point of view, thank you!
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Thank you sir
Thank you, amazing video❤
and needless to say, video production of 4K and everything narrated and research so well! ♥️
I've been in penang back in 2013 and i loved the city so much.. kumtar george town to batu ferringhi i will definitely gonna visit it again
Super well done video! Thank you.
I so proud to be malaysian n i stay penang too, best food in malaysia u can get in penang
Just watching this today, and thank you for showcasing my hometown😍
I've been living KL for 16 years and I used to travel back regularly to visit my mom & eat the hawker food.
Atm, state borders are closed and My last trip back was Aug 2020. I do miss going back and I hope we'll be able to travel soon. I'm just thankful my siblings managed to bring my mom over before they closed the state borders.
Anyhow, back to your video. I do think your estimates for food & transportation are too high. Based on the condo you chose( assume it's in Tanjung Bungah), you should be able to get to a few places via rapidpg with ease, and marketing at the wet markets near Tanjung Bungah could be cheaper than buying from the city centre.
I miss Penang! The first dish is Char Koay Kak. It is fried rice cakes. You’ve to try Char Koay Teow! It is flat rice noodles fried with prawns and bean sprouts.
Awesome video- so well said! Life should be an adventure.
Thank you so much for making this video. Very informative 👍🏼
the housing cost can definately be reduce by living away from big city like Penang, Kuala Lumpur etc. For example, Klang is only 35 mins drive outside of KL, Butterworth just across from Penang, but it offers everything a bit city has. I would choose a city on east coast or Langkawi island. This video didn't mention how bad traffic jams are in the big cities. That breakfast is called Char Koay Kak, a type of is fried parsnip mixed with rice flour cake, my fav food. The most famous Char Koay Kak is near Penang Road, the 2 sisters has
been cooking it since 1980s, I visited in 2018, they were still making it :) I eat 1 dish, take away 3 more orders, lol it's a once every 5 years feast.
There has been many medical tourism in Malaysia
How about cheap monthly rentals in penang? How can I find them? It will be my first visit so I want to stay in a fairly central area. Any suggestions? Thank you.
It is really interesting. I am going to travel to work in Malaysia in this few months. I want to learn about this before I go because worry about it and I never experience to work at other country. Luckily I found your video. Thank you very much for your interesting video.😊
this is amazing, please keep them coming, uncle
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