Prior to moving to Malaysia I had lived in various places in Asia including nine years in Singapore which is just just nearby and accessible by bridge. While in Singapore I had visited Penang in Malaysia several times but mostly I would ride across from Singapore on my motorbike with friends who also worked in the oil and gas industry. So we'd often explore places like Johor Bahru and Mersing on the East coast of Malaysia.
When I moved to Malaysia in 2003, it was with the intent purpose of investing in property. The reason for this is because foreigners can purchase property in their own name. I was living in the UK at the time and it was with a lot of pleasure that I arrived in Kuala Lumpur with just a couple of suitcases. I wanted to live in the city and after getting to know a few foreigners there I rented an apartment in the Bukit Bintang area. It was a 700 ft2 one bedroom apartment that cost me Rm1500 per month. Unfortunately it was broken into when I was away traveling.
During my stay in Malaysia I actually spent most of my time traveling around Asia, often for months at a time. However, when in Asia I really feel at home as people are far friendlier than back home. Also, I was fluent in Mandarin and could get by in the Malay language, but in anycase, pretty much everyone in Malaysia speaks English.
I did make lots of friends quite easily, both locals and foreign. I served on the Owner's Committee of several condos and made many friends in all walks of life. Also, finding partners was always easy there so there was no issue with mental health or loneliness or anything like that. I also joined a fitness center and made friends there too and I joined model photo shoots which was really fun. I have never been a drinker so I didn't visit bars or clubs and I would not think that you would meet "nice" people in such places.
As for the weather, I had lived and worked many years in Asia so I was very accustomed to the heat and humidity.
I stopped working back in 2001 so my stay was more like a long fun-filled holiday. That got even better when I married my wife and had two children and decided to move to one of my larger apartments in Bangsar which is more family friendly.
I have never really believed in making an effort to find friends. I sometimes wonder why people say they are looking for friends or are lonely when overseas. I believe that you just meet the right friends through what you do day to day. Malaysians are friendly people and it is so easy to become friends with them. I even became friends with the Branch Manager of my bank and would often go out with her.
I think one of the reasons that many older people consider Malaysia a suitable place for retirement is because firstly the cost of living isn't too expensive. Also, almost everyone speaks English, the food is delicious, the shopping is great, and it feels like a very civilized and safe place for families.
The reason I left is because after 12 years of living there I started to feel bored and needed a change. I moved to Indonesia because it is more of a developing country with much nicer scenery and I was ready for a new chapter in my life. However, I would recommend Malaysia as a nice place to live.
