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Living in Penang: Pros and Cons of My Island Life

Last Updated on January 17, 2024 by Kirsten Raccuia

There is no such thing as a perfect place. I would know since I’ve lived in three US states and six foreign countries. But since moving to Malaysia in 2013, we’ve learned all the living in Penang pros and cons.  

If you read my last blog about culture shock, you’d know I am still in the adaptation and acceptance stage and quite happy to be there.

But that doesn’t mean I can’t see the forest through the trees. Actually, it’s quite the contrary. I’ve been here long enough to know all about the crap on top of the ice cream sundae, and it ain’t no cherry, my friends.

So, let’s get to it. Here are the Living in Penang – Pros and Cons.

The Biggest Advantages of Living in Penang

fishing boat near the shore of a beach

Personal Safety

Is Penang a safe place to live? I can honestly say I’ve never felt safer.

Overall, Malaysia is a very safe country. But don’t just take my word for it. According to the Global Peace Index of 2020, Malaysia is number 20/163 on the list. The US is 121/163 (the lower the number, the safer it is).

Penang is one of the safest expat havens in Malaysia.

Of course, there is petty crime here and the odd machete stabbing, but it’s still less than anywhere else in Malaysia.

It’s one of the reasons why retiring in Penang is so popular, not just for expats but for Malaysians as well.

Island Life

Penang has a very laidback feel that I love. It is extremely chill here. Even George Town, Penang state’s capital and the business hub on the island, has a laze about it.

Maybe it’s the heat, but nothing moves quickly here. And I’m here for it.

Cost of Living in Penang vs. Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur skyline at night

Overall, living costs in Penang are lower than in many other cities throughout the world. Especially when it comes to renting, which is the largest portion of your monthly nut.

It doesn’t matter if you live in Batu Ferringhi, Tanjung Bungah, or Georgetown. Rent is more affordable on the island of Penang than in KL. 

The rent may be more affordable here, but the groceries are a little cheaper in Kuala Lumpur. There are more grocery stores and more competition, which pushes the prices down a bit. It’s not an overwhelming difference in price, but it’s there.

You can read more specifics about our living expenses in my Cost of living in Penang 2020 report.

Affordability is another reason living in Penang as an expat is so attractive.

By the way, if you want to make a city price comparison check out Numbeo. I don’t always agree with their exact prices; they tend to be lower than they should be. But for an overall comparison, it is a great site.

Small Village Feel

One of the things I love about living in Penang is the small village atmosphere. I know my egg lady, the fruit guy, the lady at the butcher shop, and the cashiers at my grocery store.

Coming from Chicago, that small-town feel is endearing and makes us feel like we are part of a village.

It is big enough to feel anonymous but small enough to feel quickly at home. I like that balance.

Lots of Penang Expats, Retirees, and Digital Nomads

One of the biggest benefits of living in Penang is the expat community. They are a very welcoming bunch, and it’s not hard to find your tribe.

In the last couple of years, more places for Penang digital nomads are popping up. Short-term rentals are easier to find, and co-working places are scattered throughout Penang, Georgetown especially.

If you are an expat living in Penang, there is a revolving door of people moving to the island. Some are planning their Penang retirement. Others are here for work, yet others are here for the overall quality of life in Penang.

Now for the Disadvantages of Living in Penang

tea plantations; living in penang pros and cons

Island Time

Yup. That’s right. It’s a living in Penang pro and con.

I love how laidback Penang is until I need something fixed. It took 10 days to get the parts for our A/C, and it wasn’t some old unit that had to be repaired in Singapore; it was still under warranty, and it took 10 damn days. That’s a little too laidback for me.

Imported Items are Expensive

I’m not saying imported items aren’t expensive in other places in Malaysia. They are. Imported goods are always more money, and if only Hellman’s mayo will do, you’re gonna pay for it.  

However, the imports in KL are cheaper than in Penang. I’m sure it’s a case of supply and demand.

It’s Hard to Find Things

From groceries to furniture, Penang is limited in what you can find.

It is much better than it used to be but still has a long way to go.

That being said, Penang is better than Langkawi or Kuching for particular items. People from Langkawi regularly fly here for grocery items, and people from Penang fly to Langkawi for duty-free booze.

There is always a tradeoff.

Boring Nightlife

girl looking at red Chinese lanterns living in penang pros and cons

Penang really lacks in the nightlife department.

There aren’t many neighborhood bars. There aren’t that many bars, period.

There are quite a few speakeasies or hidden bars, but they are more expensive. They do, however, make delicious craft cocktails.

But when you just want to hang out and grab a glass of wine with friends, the options are far and few between.

When we go to KL for the weekend, I put on a pair of heels and go wild. And by wild, I mean hitting three bars before calling it a night. I’m out of practice, my friends.

Not a lot of Restaurant Choices

People come to Penang for street food because it’s the best in Malaysia. No joke.

However, we are lacking in decent restaurant choices. More and more are popping up these days, but still, there is a gap in the market here.

We love going to KL for excellent restaurants and good service.

Beaches in Penang Suck

Yes, Penang is an island and has some pretty to look at beaches, but the water isn’t clear.

I don’t want pretty beaches. I like water that I can swim in. Now I’d even settle for water I can stand in.

The beaches in Penang are pretty from afar, but as soon as you get closer, they are far from pretty.

For gorgeous clear water beaches, we go to Langkawi because it’s a 17-minute flight and duty-free. But to actually spoil ourselves with crystal clear water and fantastic coral, it’s best to go to Perhentians, Tioman, or Kota Kinabalu.

Living in Penang Pros and Cons: The Final Tally

orange and blue sunset in Langkawi with parasail

So how does it feel living in Malaysia as an expat? I’d have to say, pretty damn good – even though this list has more cons than pros.

Clearly, the significant advantages of living in Penang tip the scale for us and have kept us here for seven years.

Now that you know the living in Penang pros and cons, does that

So now you know the living in Penang pros and cons.

If you are thinking about retiring in Malaysia or moving to Penang, these blogs can help give you the bigger picture of life in Malaysia:

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Hey friends in Penang, tell me what I’m missing. What are your pros and cons of living here? Tell me in the comments below.

20 thoughts on “Living in Penang: Pros and Cons of My Island Life”

  1. Thank you for the post Kirsten! Another interesting part about Penang healthcare and banking. I found it quite frustrating sometime to take my mom to the hospitals for doctors appointments. Even with appointments scheduled ahead of time, one can expect to spend at least half a day to see your doctor for a routine check up. Same for doing simple bank transactions in the bank can take some time (you go from one window to another window and taking a number ticket and turning in the ticket to take another…). Parking spots can be challenging (but, that’s the same in high population density cities). Totally agree with you that bars/restaurants to hang out with friends are not easy to find/lack of. The street food stalls/hawker centers are very affordable and yummy; but, as you said, there may be times/once in a while you want to enjoy and hang out with friends in a restaurant or bar that are not easy to find. You have the super affordable street food/hawker centers versus the super expensive restaurants (not much in between). I love the beach; but found that they are strewn with litter (seems like folks feel ok/entitled to just leave their trash behind after picnic by the beach)…..I would love to see Penang to change for the good, for the residents. For me, Penang was a very special place and is still special.

    1. Hi Jeff,
      I understand what you mean about the doctors appointments. But at least you get to see who you want, when you want. Want to see a specialist, just go get a number. And you get the results the same day (usually). I’m happy to wait if I know I’ll leave that day with some sort of movement in the right direction. I still think its a better system than we have in the US and for sure than in Canada where you could wait for 6 months to see someone.

      As for the bars, now more than ever, more bars and restaurants are popping up so it’s easier now than a few years ago.

      Unfortunately, litter is a world wide problem. Historically, only wealthy countries make the environment part of the education. So, it’s going to take decades for some countries to learn that the environment is important. Many people around the world are more concerned with where their next meal is coming from vs throwing a plastic bag on the ground. Even though it’s super hard for us to see, I just thought I’d add a different perspective to that.

      Thanks for reading, Jeff!

  2. I’m happy to see that none of your cons matter to me. I’m not sure what is considered “cheap” real estate but the exchange rate seems favorable and cheaper than buying in the USA. Thanks for your information.

  3. Penang lacks basic road infrastructure. This is congestion city. Last Tuesday it took me almost two hours to get from Tanjong Tokong to the Penang bridge to the mainland. The locals get around on mopeds to circumvent the road madness. When it rains they get very wet. Malaysia is getting hotter, more humid and now it rarely rains. Kuala Lumpur has a well developed road system, but Penang lacks this essential need, so if you move to Penang expect to be sitting in traffic jams forever.

  4. Straits of Malacca….known as one of the busiest waterways in the world for sure. Thousands of ships discharging their effluent. So please don’t swim in those waters. Find a swimming pool somewhere!

  5. “living costs in Penang are lower than in many other cities throughout Malaysia”

    Definitely not true at all. Penang is the 2nd most expensive city to live in Malaysia. Only top by KL. Ipoh, Melaka, Kuantan, Alor Setar, Seremban and many more are all way cheaper than Penang. And eventhough its cheaper than KL, these days I dont think its that much cheaper than KL. I have just googled rent prices in Penamg, its comparable to KL. Probably slightly cheaper.

    1. Hi Ms. Adrianne Shelley,
      Penang is an incredible place, or we wouldn’t have chosen to live there for 9 years. And no place is perfect.

      I would agree that buying a property in Penang isn’t the best idea. Renting is a far better choice.

      I do agree that the beaches aren’t the best. They are very pretty to look at and walk on, but if you want to dive into the water, it’s not the best.

      The weekend gets busy with tourists, so if that is what you mean by packed and noisy, then I guess you are correct. Tourism brings a lot of money into Penang, and the locals need that business. If you want secluded and quiet, head to the back of the island. There is little to no tourism there.

      So, if you are trying to come to Penang because you think you can buy cheap housing and lounge on the beaches, it’s probably not for you. However, if you are coming to explore incredible culture, food, and people, then by all means, Penang is the place.

    1. Hey Adam!

      Thank you for reading!

      I just read your post and I cover a lot of those points in my other blog about the pros and cons of being an expat in Malaysia. We are def on the same page! Good thing we found Penang! See you soon!

  6. Hey Kirsten!
    You’ve captured the top pros and cons of living on Penang very well! Since we’re newbies here (~3 months and counting) not much to add except:
    1. Being a Seattle transplant, the warm and sunny weather has been both nurturing and rejuvenating.
    2. We had previously lived in China for two years, so it is delightful to be able to easily navigate the island and communicate in English.
    3. Lastly, the locals we’ve met have been both welcoming and gracious.
    We love it here!

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