Malaysia

Where We’ve Been, Where We Are, and Where We’re Going? (Part 2)

Last Updated on March 10, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia The longer it’s been since I last wrote a blog, the harder it is to start. I realize I suck at telling my own story. Like, who cares? But I want to continue working on this blog, and I can’t just start a story in the…
So, This is What Goodbye Feels Like

Last Updated on March 10, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia Dear Friends and Family, It feels like the sun has set on a season in our lives. My keyboard is soaked in salty tears. I’m dreading this blog. It’s too real and what I’m about to pen out is heart-wrenching. This is a love letter to…
The Transition from Lockdown in Malaysia to Freedom in the US

Last Updated on October 7, 2021 by Kirsten Raccuia Hey there! It’s been a minute. I’ve been home for about a month now, and I haven’t blogged in a while. Because truthfully, I wasn’t sure what to write about. I’m still not sure. I’ve always been an expat blogger in Malaysia, but I’m not anymore. …
Dear Malaysia, Did You Really Just Kick Us Out?

Last Updated on August 22, 2021 by Kirsten Raccuia In my last blog, I wrote about how Mark and I were planning to leave Malaysia temporarily. Go to the US and Mexico and see how we feel, come back to Malaysia with new eyes. Feeling better, refreshed and regrouped. We were going to be gone…
Dear Malaysia, We Love You, but We’re Giving You a Time Out

Last Updated on August 21, 2021 by Kirsten Raccuia Dear Malaysia, You’ve been so good to me. You’ve taught me about the world. You’ve taught me about patience. About kindness. About privilege. About friendship. About sadness, loss, and love. But you’ve also taught me about frustration. Anger. Racism. Inequality. Persistence. You’ve taught me a lot.…
Top 13 Historical Places of Malaysia for History Buffs & Culture Cravers

There are a million places to go in Malaysia, so how do you narrow it all down? Well, if you are a culture and history buff, a good way to plan is by going to all the historical places of Malaysia. Or at least some of them because there are far too many to attempt…
21 Pretty Penang Cafes That’ll Make You Want to Eat Dessert First

Last Updated on January 19, 2024 by Kirsten Raccuia Put on your bib. You’re about to start salivating. This list of Penang cafes is all about indulgence. As far as I’m concerned, it’s totally acceptable to have dessert first. Actually, if you want, have 2 desserts and skip the main course altogether. No one here…
Best Jobs for Digital Nomads: Don’t Wait to Take Your Vacation Days

Last Updated on October 24, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia You know all those pictures of people working from their hammocks on a beach in Thailand? Or sitting in a café in Amsterdam with their laptops. That could be you. I know it sounds like a dream, but it could be your reality with these jobs…
What to do in Melaka: All the Best Places to Visit on Your Melaka Trip

Last Updated on May 16, 2021 by Kirsten Raccuia On our last trip to Melaka, I fell in love with the city. It was Mark’s first time, and he had no idea what to do in Melaka. He thought it was going to be like Georgetown because they are both UNESCO World Heritage Cities. There…
Living in KL: 7 Reasons why Expats and Digital Nomads Love it

Last Updated on May 16, 2021 by Kirsten Raccuia Let’s face it, these days, with the remote work economy becoming more the norm, expats and digital nomads have a lot of choices when it comes to places to move. The world is really their oyster. So why are there so many expats and digital nomads…
Guide to Malaysia for Expats: everything you Need to Know Before You Go

Last Updated on April 23, 2024 by Kirsten Raccuia I wish I had a Malaysia for expats guide when I first moved here. So, I decided to make one. It only took me seven years but still, here it is… I know some Malaysia expat forums, but I didn’t find them very useful. They mostly…
Want to Live in Malaysia? Let Me Clarify a Few Things First

Think you know what it’s really like to live in Malaysia? The media and the internet tell you a one-sided story, but I’m here to tell you the reality. Most people think about the scandals and assume Malaysia is some kind of backassward hillbilly country. But it couldn’t be further from the truth. Let’s play…
Fruits of Malaysia: The Secret why Malaysians are so Beautiful

There are many local fruits of Malaysia, and I think I’ve tried them all. But the list of tropical fruits below has super-duper extra-fancy health-powers. I’m convinced these powers are the reason there are so many gorgeous women here. It’s def not their bloodline. It’s all the rare fruits in Malaysia. I’m sure of it.…
Malaysian Supermarket Tour: What $20 Buys You

Last Updated on December 26, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia Not gonna lie; when I go back to the US and go grocery shopping, I lose my mind. Sooo many tomatoes. So much bread. And the cheeses! Praise cheesus! All the things I used to buy in 2.2 seconds now overwhelm me with choices. It’s not…
Malaysia Short Getaway: 17 Unique Places for Your Next Staycation

Last Updated on January 24, 2024 by Kirsten Raccuia Malaysia is full of wonders. But some of them take a lot of planning. These 17 spots are perfect for a Malaysia short getaway that you could plan on the fly. This is by no means an in-depth overview of each place, just a round-up to…
21 Quotes About Chinese New Year (the traditional, the sincere, and the hilarious)

Chinese New Year is around the corner. And even though we can’t celebrate in the way we are used to, I couldn’t let this year pass without writing about it. It’s far too special to ignore. So, I decided to learn a little more about the holiday and pick up some good quotes about Chinese…
Malaysian Legends and Folklore that Could Rival Disney’s Best Tales

Last Updated on February 21, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia Everyone knows the Disney tales. Some are all fluff, others are a bit dark, and some border on grim. But Malaysian legends are just as juicy, twisted, and ghastly. I’m not surprised these legends have stood the test of time. This is the Malaysian folklore that…
Food Delivery in Penang: The Best Restaurants in Penang that Deliver During MCO

Last Updated on January 24, 2021 by Kirsten Raccuia Well, here we are again. MCO part deux. No one is happy about it. And we are all worried about the economy. To play a part in helping our island paradise’s economy, I refused to cook for an entire week. Simply refused. I know. I’m very…
Should I Stay Or Should I Go? (It’s Not Just a Clash Song)

Last Updated on January 17, 2021 by Kirsten Raccuia Well shit. That didn’t go as planned. I should be writing this from Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. The big city that was calling our names. The place to wear heels, eat glorious food (not just street food) and get our big city fix. We…
Step Back in Time in Penang’s Most Eclectic Heritage-House Airbnb

Last Updated on September 20, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia Have you ever wondered what it was like to live in a refurbished shophouse of yesteryear Penang? Well, Mark and I got the chance when we were invited to stay at 29 Ceylon Lane, an Airbnb in the heart of George Town. Since living in Penang,…
Best Places to Live in Malaysia for Expats, Digital Nomads, & Retirees

Last Updated on November 7, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia Malaysia is known for its fantastic food, diverse culture, gorgeous landscapes, and incredibly warm-hearted locals. All that is great when you go on vacation, but you need that and more when deciding to move to a new country. Unless you are prepared to pioneer or want…
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…
Healthcare in Malaysia – Everything You Need to Know

Last Updated on November 7, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia Sadly, for most Americans, affordable healthcare is a joke. And top-quality, affordable healthcare is even more laughable. It’s one of the reasons some people move out of the country. It’s not why we moved, but it’s certainly a benefit that healthcare in Malaysia is affordable, and…
Answers to All Your Burning Questions About Moving to Malaysia (Part Two)

Last Updated on November 4, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia You’ve got questions about moving to Malaysia. I’ve got answers. After last week’s Q & A sesh, I got loads of emails asking fantastic questions about moving to Malaysia. So here you go. Let’s do this! How safe is Malaysia? Quick answer = VERY safe. Look,…
Q & A Sesh with Your Girl in Malaysia (Me)

Last Updated on October 26, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia Every week I get loads of emails asking about moving to Malaysia and expat life. I get it. I was in your shoes once and wished I had a girl on the ground. So here I am — your fave expat in Malaysia (or most likely…
How to Get to Tioman Island: The Easy Way

Last Updated on January 27, 2021 by Kirsten Raccuia Tioman is one of those islands that people dream about. The lush hilly interior pours into the crystal clear sea in an idyllic paradise. No one is on the beaches, which adds to the rustic and remote feel. I think some of the reason it feels…
How to Get to Perhentian Islands (Notes from the Road)

It all started with a 5:30 am wake up, which I was NOT happy about. As much as I want to be a morning person, I am not. I especially don’t like waking in the dark – that seems totally wrong. But we had an east coast Malaysia road trip planned, and we weren’t exactly…
Which Island is Best for a Short Getaway in Malaysia: Langkawi, Tioman, or Perhentian?

Last Updated on September 20, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia Malaysia is full of island paradises. Some are easier to get to, some are pretty commercial, and others are super remote. But the three most popular islands for a short getaway in Malaysia are Langkawi, Perhentian and Tioman. All three are vastly different from each other,…
Cheong Fatt Tze – Blue Mansion: Should You Stay There?

Last Updated on November 4, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia The other day for our 17th anniversary, Mark and I decided to do something different, and the Cheong Fatt Tze Blue Mansion Hotel was calling our name. We’ve been there a zillion times for the tours, the food, the bar, but never to stay. So, we…
Unique Places in Penang (that are Not in the Guidebooks)

Last Updated on February 21, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia I may not be Malaysian, but after living in Penang for nearly seven years, I think I qualify as a local when it comes to certain things. I can drive in two lanes at the same time and not look in my mirrors once. I can…
Apartments for Rent in Penang: What You Need to Know

Last Updated on June 15, 2020 by Kirsten Raccuia When Mark and I moved here, the hunt for an apartment for rent in Penang began on day one. We knew we wanted to live in Tanjung Bungah, but that’s about it. We looked at 38, I repeat 38, homes. It took us 10 long, torturous…
Cost of Living in Penang: How to Budget for Expat Life

Last Updated on February 21, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia So many people ask us why we moved to Malaysia. The cost of living in Penang is only one of the reasons. But it’s a big one. There are probably other, cheaper places to live in the world, but Penang has a standard of living that…
7 of the Best Malaysia Books to Leave You Breathless

Last Updated on December 26, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia There are A LOT of Malaysia books out there. And I did NOT read any of them before we decided to move here. I’m not bragging about that smart move of mine, just being honest. But in all fairness, we decided to move in December and…
Moving to Malaysia? This is How to Pack

Last Updated on November 9, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia If you’re looking for a complete packing guide for moving to Malaysia, this is not it. And there is a reason for that. You can pretty much find (almost) everything you want here, and certainly everything you need. Unlike what a lot of people believe, Malaysia…
Penang Expats (& All Expats): How to Meet People in a New Country

Last Updated on April 8, 2024 by Kirsten Raccuia I’ve been living in Penang as an expat since 2013. One thing I’ve learned is how crucial my friendships here have been for me. They have nurtured me, consoled me, and made my life on this island more meaningful. Without them, this island could easily have…
My Ultimate Penang Itinerary: What to Do in Penang in 3 Days

Last Updated on February 28, 2024 by Kirsten Raccuia Penang had me at hello. I didn’t want to like it. I certainly didn’t want to move here. But George Town sucked me in like a Kardashian at a Chanel store. Obviously, I have a soft spot for Penang and know it like the back of…
14 Days in Captivity: My Life During the Lockdown

Last Updated on February 21, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia I’ve been really struggling with whether to post or not. Does anyone want to read more about Covid-19, that f*cking bastard of a virus? Do you want to read about travel? Prob not. Honestly, it feels shitty either way. But I’ve been keeping a journal since…
Kota Kinabalu Itinerary: The Ultimate 5 Day Adventure Guide

Last Updated on December 29, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia Kota Kinabalu is as exotic as it sounds. If the name conjures up visions of headhunters, indigenous tribes, and people living in the jungles hunting food with blowpipes, you are spot on. That’s how it used to be. And deep in the jungle that still exits.…
7 Places to Visit in Malaysia in 3 Days

Last Updated on October 19, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia Planning a mini-Malaysian vacay but not sure where to go? No worries – I’ve got you! Here is a list of the 7 best places to visit in Malaysia in 3 days. After living in Penang for 6, going on 7 years, I know all about this wonderful…
The Best Festivals of Malaysia: How to Plan Your Trip

Malaysians love a good party! Give them any reason to throw a celebration, and everyone will attend. There are so many festivals that it’s hard to keep track. But fear not my friends. I’ve just made you the ultimate guide to the festivals of Malaysia sorted by month. Most people don’t realize that Malaysia is…
Penang: Where to Stay to Make the Most of Your Holiday

Last Updated on November 4, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia When you are planning your trip to Penang, where to stay is the most crucial feature that can make or break your holiday. There are so many hotels in Penang, Malaysia. And a lot of blogs list them off like Trip Advisor. But the ones I’ve…
The Ultimate Langkawi Itinerary: What to do in Langkawi for 3 Days

Last Updated on March 26, 2024 by Kirsten Raccuia When you picture a tropical island with turquoise seas and a lush interior, you are picturing Langkawi, Malaysia. Since we live so close, we pop over regularly and have explored EVERY inch of the island. People keep asking me what to do in Langkawi, so I…
25 Dos and Don’ts in Malaysia to Make You a Better Traveler

Last Updated on February 28, 2024 by Kirsten Raccuia Before you travel to Malaysia, there are a few things you should know. Like how you point could be offensive or kissing your husband could make the locals uneasy. This post is going to explain it all. These are all the dos and don’ts in Malaysia,…
Christmas in Penang: A Multi-cultural Celebration

Last Updated on February 21, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia Christmas For a Jew in Muslim Malaysia When we told people we were moving to Malaysia; they thought we were crazy. Here is how the rest of that convo would go… Friend: “But it’s a Muslim country.” Me: “Yes, it is.” Friend: But it’s a Muslim…
Lone Pine Hotel: Review of a Boutique Hotel on the Beach

Last Updated on February 21, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia I’ve been living in Penang for six years, and it never occurred to me to take a staycation. When I was presented with the opportunity by the Lone Pine Hotel, I jumped at the chance. I have to admit that I had never even been there…
Pure Energy Spa Review: Welcome to Blissville!

Last Updated on February 21, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia I’m a sucker for ambiance. I’ll frequent a restaurant with an incredible ambiance, even if the food isn’t great. Conversely, I hate going to a restaurant with great food if the atmosphere sucks. I’m all about the vibe. When I walked into the Pure Energy Spa…
The Best Hawker Food in Penang: How to Eat Like a Local

Last Updated on February 21, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia In Penang, food is a pastime, a sport, a national treasure. Most places have sports teams that they root for, argue over, have heated debates about. Not here. It’s food. And I’m not talking about fancy, white-tablecloth restaurants you go to on a date night. Although…
You Know You’re an Expat When…

Last Updated on February 21, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia There are so many changes that happen when you move abroad. You go through all the pains of settling into a new country and making a new life for yourself. You learn the ins and outs, the quirks of your new home. It’s your new normal.…
Best Hidden Bars in Penang (for a Date Night)

Last Updated on February 21, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia What do you do after dinner on a date night? No, no, not that! That comes later (sorry, mom). After dinner, we like to go somewhere dark and loungy for a good cocktail. This island may be small, but there are a lot of places to…
Best Places to Eat in Penang on a Date Night

Last Updated on February 24, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia Penang is known for its street food. I am not just saying that because I live here. I’m saying that because it’s true. It is world-renowned amongst foodies and travel sites like Lonely Planet and Trip Savvy. However, Penang isn’t known for its fabulous restaurants, but…
So You Want to Be an Extra in a Movie

Last Updated on February 28, 2024 by Kirsten Raccuia So you want to be an extra in a movie (or tv series)… you might just be a glutton for punishment. Like me. I have had a lot of people ask me what it’s like to be part of a TV or film production. And the…
27 Of The Most Interesting Facts About Malaysia

Last Updated on February 21, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia Fun fact about Malaysia: You WILL burn your ass on the hood of a car if you sit on it. My last few blogs have been about really important stuff, (insert snarky tone here) I mean critical. I know it’s essential to learn all the great…
The Coolest Places to Go in Malaysia

Last Updated on February 28, 2024 by Kirsten Raccuia Malaysia is the red-headed stepchild of Southeast Asia*. It is such an underrated travel destination that it’s just not on a lot of people’s holiday radar. My guess is that many of you don’t know much about the country at all. Let alone the best places…
12+1 Reasons to Visit Malaysia

Last Updated on February 21, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia Malaysia is the secret star that most people overlook when they come to Southeast Asia. Everyone travels to Bali and Thailand and with good reason, but for some reason, Malaysia doesn’t make the cut. I’m about to change that with this post. After reading my 12+1…
Must See Places in Southeast Asia

Last Updated on September 18, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia Travel is our baby. We have no more pets, and we have no children, our lives revolve around travel. We thrive on real journeys to exotic places and always leave wanting to discover more and visit again. Since Malaysia is centrally located in Southeast Asia, our…
Pros (and Cons) of Being an Expatriate in Malaysia

Last Updated on February 21, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia I’ll always be American but Penang, Malaysia is my latest home. Is it my forever home? Who knows? It is for now, and we love it here. But no country is perfect. Here are my pros and cons of being an expatriate in Malaysia. Pros of…
Life as an Expat: What You Need to Know

Last Updated on March 8, 2021 by Kirsten Raccuia After six years of living in Penang, I’m uniquely qualified to write about life as an expat. I’ve been through it, survived, and I’m still here to tell the tale. I’m not going to sugar coat it. But I absolutely love my life in Malaysia, and…
Want to Start a New Life Abroad? Here is Why I Moved

Last Updated on February 21, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia If you’ve been reading my blog, you probably know that Mark and I moved from Chicago to Penang six years ago. What many of you don’t know is why. There are many reasons to move overseas, but it’s not for everyone. If you want to start…
Thaipusam: A Festival Fit for National Geographic

Last Updated on January 19, 2024 by Kirsten Raccuia I grew up pouring over the pages of National Geographic, hoping one day I would be lucky enough to witness one of those pages in person. Flash forward a few years (ok maybe a lot of years), and I am living on an island that is…
The Panty Dropper, Mormons and a Road Trip to Thailand

Last Updated on February 21, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia Even after living here for 4 years, sometimes I have to pinch myself. The other day while my mom was visiting, we decided to take a road trip…to Thailand…for lunch. I never thought I’d live in a place where I could drive to Thailand for lunch.…
Live Large for Less on This Exotic Island in Malaysia

Last Updated on February 21, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia We’re sitting on top of a massive boulder, watching the once blue cloudless sky turn pink. The behemoth stone has been polished by the wind and sea over the centuries, and it’s a perfect place for a sunset picnic. We’ve brought a bottle of wine, some…
Your Dollars Will Go Further in Penang, Malaysia

Last Updated on February 21, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia Back in 2013, my husband Mark and I were living in Chicago, working 80 to 90 hours a week behind a desk. At the time, we each had our own businesses and we were completely run off our feet just trying to get by. It wasn’t…
This Tropical Island Has It All

Last Updated on February 21, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia For 10 years before my husband, Mark and I left Chicago, I was working 24/7. As the owner of a wholesale women’s clothing business, my career left me a little time to actually enjoy life. So, Mark and I made the massive decision to leave the…
5 Tips for Would-Be Expats in Southeast Asia

Last Updated on November 4, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia For 11 years, my husband Mark and I traveled to all the places we thought we might move to, researched so much that we felt overwhelmed, and read every forum, Facebook page, and blog we could find. Once we decided to move to Penang, Malaysia, we…
5 Reasons to Live in Penang

Last Updated on February 21, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia 1. Great Food Penang is well-known in Southeast Asia as a foodie haven. It’s a passion that the locals don’t take lightly (you can’t even take a taxi without getting into a big discussion about food). But, unlike many top foodie spots, Penang’s gourmand attitude doesn’t stem…
Escape the January Blues on These 3 Beaches in Southeast Asia

Last Updated on February 21, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia Tired of shoveling snow yet? Are those once delicate flakes now just a pile of grey slush? Snow is beautiful while it’s falling; who doesn’t like a romantic snowy day next to the fire? But that glorious vision ends abruptly when you have to trudge outside,…