My Experience Living in Malaysia as an Expat
Discovering Malaysia’s Beauty
IPOH and Kulim are picture perfect places that capture Malaysia’s natural scenery. With beautiful parks, quiet streets, and scenic highways, these cities offer a peaceful respite. One of my favorite pastimes was driving along the wide, well-maintained roads between IPOH and Cameron Highlands. The 80 km journey through lush green tea plantations and stunning mountain backdrops was truly breathtaking. Whether you want spacious parks for kids or serene landscapes for relaxation, Malaysia has it all.
Celebrating Cultural Diversity
As a melting pot of ethnicities, Malaysia truly lives up to its motto “Malaysia, Truly Asia.” During my 8 years in IPOH, I witnessed the harmonious coexistence of Malay, Chinese, Indian and other communities. This cultural richness was on full display at bustling streets, festivals, and eateries. As an Indian expat, I particularly cherished opportunities to learn about different traditions through interactions with locals. Visiting international hotspots like Love Lane in Penang also gave me a chance to meet folks from around the world - an experience I’ll forever treasure.
Savoring Delicious Cuisine
Foodies will be in heaven exploring Malaysia’s incredibly diverse culinary options. I was fortunate to sample dishes from Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Malay and Indian cuisines during my stay. Local specialties like nasi lemak, char kway teow and asam laksa quickly became favorites of mine. And let’s not forget about Penang’s world-famous hawker street food scene - I still dream of sampling satay and cendol there once more. With an abundant choice of affordable, top-notch meals, it’s no wonder Malaysians enjoy some of the best food around.
Embracing an Active Lifestyle
As an avid cricket fan, I loved having spacious playing fields close by for weekend games. The large number of Indian expats in Malaysia meant it was easy to put together casual matchups, just like back home. I also took advantage of the country’s natural beauty through scenic road trips, hiking trails and beach visits. And when I needed to unwind, dependable massage spots provided affordable relaxation. Malaysia supports healthy living with well-developed infrastructure for sports, exercise and leisure activities.
Appreciating Operational Efficiency
Government offices, banks, telecom providers - I found Malaysia’s services sector to be impressively streamlined. Tasks like license renewals were hassle-free thanks to organized systems. Having lived in metro cities back in India, I savored the lack of long queues here. This efficiency spilled over to other areas too. For instance, just-in-time access to amenities like consistent electricity, potable water and fast WiFi ensured a smooth daily experience. Overall, Malaysia offers convenience through well-planned infrastructure and processes.
Embracing an Affordable yet Comfortable Lifestyle
Staying in IPOH and Kulim, I was surprised by the low cost of living. On a modest salary, it was easy to rent a family home, own a car, dine out regularly and still save significantly each month. Basic groceries, utilities, transportation - most expenses were very reasonable compared to other international destinations. In fact, living costs were almost equivalent to a tier-2 Indian city. This affordability meant stressing less about finances and enjoying life’s pleasures. No wonder Malaysia has attracted many digital nomads and retirees seeking value.
Fond Memories of Malaysia
Nearly a decade on, I still look back proudly on my Malaysian experience. The cultural diversity, natural beauty, efficient systems and affordable cost have left me with memories - and a taste for food - that will last forever. While I now work in Singapore, a part of my heart remains in IPOH and Kulim. Someday I hope to return to explore more of Malaysia’s hidden gems off the beaten path with my family. Until then, I will keep recommending this special country as a top locale for global residents seeking an enriching yet comfortable lifestyle abroad.