Thank you Mr Taylor. I am returning to Malaysia from the UK this November with my Malaysian born wife of 41 years marriage. We bought a 3 bed condo in Malacca in 2004 and will be staying there the majority of the time but also want to stay in Penang for a while. We are not "rich" by any means so the condo complex you have highlighted in this video is perfect for our needs. At the end of the day a roof over our heads and a bed is what is important not the exterior of a building. Now we are both retired I will be applying for a spouse visa during our stay as, in my opinion, the UK is going down the toilet and Malaysia to me is heaven on earth.

@andrewtaylor4558

11 ай бұрын

Good luck to you. 😊

Mr. Taylor is living the dream! Thanks for allowing a window for us to peek into your lifestyle. Penang is a gem

@andrewtaylor4558

11 ай бұрын

You bet!

Andrew - Thank you for the Video!! I am planning to return to Malaysia soon. I will come and look you up! Cheers!

Thanks Taylor for info...we are heading to Penang and KL in November to see if we can retire there for half a year...your calming voice exudes confidence for us...hope to buy you a beer!

@andrewtaylor4558

11 ай бұрын

Sounds great! 😊

Very much enjoyed this look into the condo offerings in Penang. Thanks for this one Taylor, take very good care.

@andrewtaylor4558

10 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

Thanks so much for sharing Andrew!! I hope you get well soon! 🧡💛💚

@andrewtaylor4558

11 ай бұрын

Thanks so much!

Thank you Taylor for your presentation I really enjoyed it. I hope to meet you one day.

The maintenance fee is about RM200 a month, multiply that by thousands of units, that is a significant amount of money each month available to maintain the building. I currently live at my mum's 20 year old apartment with a much lower maintenance fee at RM140 and a much lower density at around 300 units only, it is still holding up pretty well after 20 years. Without a doubt the building will need a new coat of paint after 10 years, my mum's apartment looks almost brand new after each paint. My mum's apartment has been repainted 3 times within the span of 20 years.

@brightlaw95

11 ай бұрын

Also the pool could be closed temporarily for cleaning, or they just applied new chlorine to the pool and it is unsafe to swim in it until after a few days. I guess you could clarify at the management office.

Hi Andrew My wife and I love your videos..She finds you especially perceptive, informative and charming.. You have made Malaysia a very attractive place to visit for us and we will hope to meet up with you there in the future!❤

@andrewtaylor4558

11 ай бұрын

Wow, thank you

Great video! We used to shop at that Tesco and could see the massive Santorini towers and wondered what those units were like inside. Now we know, thank you!

@andrewtaylor4558

11 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@salinamdnoor603

11 ай бұрын

I live around Tg Tokong and also wondering how's inside the Santorini. Tq for the video.

This was a very interesting video. I liked seeing the different apartment options that you were able to stay in as Airbnb’s or the equivalent. Cheers!

@andrewtaylor4558

11 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

just great Taylor ... thank you !

Thanks, as always Taylor !!

@andrewtaylor4558

11 ай бұрын

My pleasure!

Loved the vid! I've been to all those places, except ironically the vegan restaurant. I'm vegan, but they were closed at the time of day that my agent was showing me around (if I remember correctly) in September. One thing I would have added is that foreigners can only buy property in Penang valued at $250K USD or greater. It's less in some other Malaysian states. I would love to be able to buy something closer to 300K RM! But it makes more sense for foreigners to rent in most cases, and that's of course what you recommended anyway. I'm less concerned about the décor but I agree that the previous place you stayed was nicer. I hope you complained about no aircon in the living room! They should have advertised that. That would definitely affect my review!

Wow Andy, Great perspectives and insights! I've been away from Penang for a LONG time, and seriously considering retiring back there, so I've been looking at accommodations, and been wishing for an honest and in-depth 'Boots on the Ground' opinion, and this was perfect as I looked at some units for rent and sale at i-Santorini, but they of course are only pictures and specs, not the whole picture. You report confirms some of what I suspected about it and other properties. Many years ago, I rented a bungalow in Tanjung Bungah, and found it very livable but a car was a must, but also made my time there much more enjoyable. If you have any thoughts Andy on Tanjung Bungah vs. Tanjung Tokong or other areas, I'd love to hear them as well.

@andrewtaylor4558

11 ай бұрын

Sure, I lived in Tanjung Bungah!

@jackoneil3933

11 ай бұрын

@@andrewtaylor4558 Cool! Sorry I missed your reply, I'll drop you message. I rented a Bungalow up by the old Quary at the foot of hill on Lembah Premi 6. It was quiet and comfortable, having a car and being about half-way between Georgetown and Batu Ferringhi was handy.

Thanks it was one of the best video you made, I like this town and the price for the rent is cheap also good location it's very affordable than buying, thanks again and see you soon.

@andrewtaylor4558

11 ай бұрын

Glad you liked it!

love the shirt! fabulous insights!

@andrewtaylor4558

11 ай бұрын

Thank you CK ❤️

Thanks for sharing this interesting video Taylor 👍😊

@andrewtaylor4558

11 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! 😊

In the 70's that area was mainly a stretch of beaches with wooden houses, I remember we had a relative who used to live there and when I hear Tanjung Tokong her name is always the first that comes to my mind

Thank you for this. It was very informative

@andrewtaylor4558

26 күн бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Hey Andrew☘️ good explanation about ☆ your vlog is always good idea & have nice weekend☕️🍮

Take care Taylor, I also got sick this wk from going in to the office. I hope it's not covid again 😪🤒 Thanks for the apt tour. Intriguing to see what rental rates are like there.

@andrewtaylor4558

11 ай бұрын

Thanks, I tested negative for Covid. 😊

@katem4365

11 ай бұрын

@andrewtaylor4558 glad to hear it. I'm doing a test in the morning. Feel awful!

6:03 i stayed exactly the same unit as what you did, it's at level 37~ my only nitpick are that it has no balcony, no AC on living room, the pool seem like lacking of maintenance, it had algae growing~ the pros are, it's a quiet residential estate yet not lack of amenities~ the view was great, during clear day i can see the mountains at the mainland~ there's no fence around the condo, which means i can walk out in any direction~ there's 12 passenger lifts and 2 firemen lifts on the tower i stayed which is more than many condos~

@andrewtaylor4558

11 ай бұрын

I agree totally! 😊

Hi Taylor, like to watch your video.Penang is building a new lrt system that will support transportation system like in kl.so the future is bright wherever you chooses the location.

Thanks for sharing the Penang prices.good to know to compare with Sarawak.

I just arrived in Malaysia for my first visit, I think I will love Penang. Need some nature, culture, and sandy beaches. Your videos have been so helpful Taylor! ❤🙏🏼

@andrewtaylor4558

4 ай бұрын

Hope you enjoy it!

Great video. I love Straits Quay, it's a pretty nice spot to go to with my girlfriend anytime I'm in Penang. A must-visit for us is Blue Reef Fish and Chips over there. They make one the best fish and chips in all of Malaysia! Also we would always go for a walk down the marina to look at the various yachts parked there at night after having drinks at the always vibrant Healy Mac's :)

@andrewtaylor4558

11 ай бұрын

Yes, I miss it! 😊

So much concern and things going on in the US it's a pleasure to come to this channel. GBU

@andrewtaylor4558

10 ай бұрын

Thank you so much 😊

@SwisstedChef2018

Ай бұрын

NO KIDDING

Thank u for this wonderful video.

@andrewtaylor4558

11 ай бұрын

My pleasure 😊

@Yasin_Affandi

11 ай бұрын

@@andrewtaylor4558 😄

Thank you, Taylor. Your videos make me look forward to retirement but regretting the 8 or 9 more years of working before I can enjoy my life. Hopefully the US dollar will still have a lot of value in Malaysia in the future, and Malaysia decides to return to a more inclusive retirement visa program. When the time comes, I'll see what my options are. Maybe I'll jump from country to country for duration of tourist visas. I've heard people also get student visas, and take a single online course, such as in the native language of the country.

@teatree6228

11 ай бұрын

Me too Frankly i think USA is done for Your government focuses on international and external items - wars, coups, color revolutions, fake news etc- and neglects domestic problems- and in my opinion is not that elected governments do ??

@kyleanuar9090

11 ай бұрын

US dollar is very strong currently, why not buy now and rent out.

Hi Andrew! I just love your videos....informative and inspiring. So, I finally subscribed. I hope to get to KL soon. Maybe I will run into you.

@andrewtaylor4558

11 ай бұрын

Thank you so much 😊

Good sharing on Penang Property, Penang Island is always very cheap and attractive to foreigners who hold strong currency

Really looking at Penang too - very attractive location for retirement!

Hi Mr T thanks for the video

@andrewtaylor4558

9 ай бұрын

You are very welcome

Great review frankly speaking 300 a month would only pay for land tax for similar condo in the USA If all you have to spend is 300 a month on housing you can’t beat this

I've stayed there when it was still being developed. Will be back in George town next week for 40 nights.

My daughter is renting a studio apartment in NYC and unfurnished. It’s really small and she is paying USD2800 per month. With that amount, one could rent a bungalow here or a very upscale condo

@andrewtaylor4558

11 ай бұрын

Yep

A basic room fir a decent price. I have enjoyed trips to Penang. All the best to you and to Earl Grey.

@andrewtaylor4558

11 ай бұрын

Thanks! 😃

I got one unit of 850 sqft affordable apartment too in Bukit Jalil. I loved penang too because it is my hometown. 🤩

Thanks! I may move to Malaysia for a try teaching assignment

The government of Malaysia will review the MM2H & PVIP requirements & we'll get to know the new requirements within 2 months time.

@andrewtaylor4558

11 ай бұрын

Yes, I’ve heard that. Fingers crossed. 😊

@leopoldbourne8444

11 ай бұрын

The real killer is the income requirements. Even if one has plenty of savings, once you retire income is usually much lower unless you have multiple rental properties or a great many investments. The Malaysian authorities seem to have unrealistic ideas about what middle income people in developed countries retire on.

Hi Taylor, really enjoying your videos! I'm wondering if you could please do a video on short term, affordable, rental options in either Penang or KL. I'm an Aussie living in Denmark with my Danish hubbie. We would love to spend 2 to 3 months every year in Malaysia to escape the long, cold dark Scandinavian Winters. I've spent many hours searching but can only find 1 year leases or shorter term Airbnb which is not affordable for months on end. There also seem to a fair bit of scamming which is a concern. We would be part time semi retirees! 😀 Thanks so much for your time!

@andrewtaylor4558

10 ай бұрын

It’s a good idea, I’ll look into it. 😊

@lindysparrow4382

10 ай бұрын

Thanks! 😊

Great video! Thank you so much! $300 is awesome! =D

Please start showing some furnished condos for short term lease, say 1-6 months.

Hello Andrew rental in Penang much cheaper you are right hospital it's a headache to wait so what to do just wait have a great day ❤😊

That is good market intelligence. Thank you

TQ for sharing!

Bring back the old MM2H and me and hundredsof retiredAustralians will be be there ASAP.

@andrewtaylor4558

11 ай бұрын

Fingers crossed 🤞

@teatree6228

11 ай бұрын

Nada mate I just read the Home Minister said they are raking in more $ from the much fewer MM2H entries than they had 5 years ago with twice as many.

Hi Taylor. Thanks for another great video. Other than I Santorini, would you recommend any other Condos in Penang, conveniently located to food and shopping? Also, would you be able to get a condo similar in price or a bit more pricier in KL at all? Your condo looks great. It would only initially be for about 1-2 months, as an exploratory visit around later October to late December. Not sure what the weather will be like then though.., Thanks Taylor. Hope you’re feeling better now. All the best. Rob 😊

@andrewtaylor4558

11 ай бұрын

Oct to Dec should be nice! For such a short stay you will probably have to do Airbnb. 😊

@rob2530

11 ай бұрын

@@andrewtaylor4558 HI Taylor. Thank you for your reply. Great to hear the weather should be good then. Yes, looked on AirBnB - probably be a bit pricier that the USD300 I guess then. Perhaps I'll do a search for KL condos and contact the agents directly about short-term stays. Thank you. All the best Taylor. 🙂

Thank you for the information

@andrewtaylor4558

5 ай бұрын

My pleasure

I've been living in Penang for the past seven years. Such a nice place, nice people and quite affordable.

@andrewtaylor4558

4 ай бұрын

Yes! 😊

With so many units in the property I'm sure they have plenty of cash in the Sinking Fund. When the time comes to refurbish the building it may mean a major overhaul.

@andrewtaylor4558

11 ай бұрын

Good point 😊

Its been 1 and half year i am listen and watching u every day even ever i ve free time it so nice , love ur vloging .. Where we can find affordable low cost homes and decent society waiting for ur response

@andrewtaylor4558

10 ай бұрын

Many places in Malaysia

@akhterjakhro8552

10 ай бұрын

@@andrewtaylor4558 what do u think about johor baru

@andrewtaylor4558

10 ай бұрын

@@akhterjakhro8552 I haven’t been there yet.

Thanks the Video Taylor, very useful. Could you tell me which agent did you use to for the MM2H or can you recommend a list of agents. Thanks

@andrewtaylor4558

11 ай бұрын

I use Alter Domus in Penang. You can Google them easily. 😊

@eskeels3953

11 ай бұрын

@@andrewtaylor4558 We’ve been in contact with them, thanks for that. 💨😉

Going to Malaysia without a Malaysian spouse is not easy. We had MM2H over a decade ago , and lived in Port Dickson , but permanent stopping/starting of MM2h and requirements made it impossible to stay and we left . Also buying land and a house in MSIE is difficult due to the lack of a land database . We enjoyed our time in MSIE , but the governmental changes made it difficult in the long term

The second unit you showed is a lot more tastefully furnished.

@andrewtaylor4558

11 ай бұрын

Absolutely

good job, as usual, thx

@andrewtaylor4558

11 ай бұрын

Thanks again! 😊

Great video

@andrewtaylor4558

11 ай бұрын

Thanks!

Hi Taylor, have you ventured in/around Johor area ot even the east coast - Kuala Terengganu so great places and bargins to have.

@andrewtaylor4558

11 ай бұрын

Not yet!

Another nice video. Are there any smaller low-rise buildings suitable for expats? I’m not really a fan of these colossal apartment buildings, I prefer cosier ones.

@TS-pq8km

11 ай бұрын

There's lots of semi detached landed properties but most condos are minimum 20 storeys on the island. Butterworth on the mainland has more of the type you mention

@andrewtaylor4558

11 ай бұрын

Not many small buildings. Maybe some older ones. 😊

Hi Mr. Taylor, my husband and I watch your videos a lot, thanks for the great retirement tips. We have some questions and wonder if you can help us. If Americans come to Malaysia to retire, how can we stay and live? I heard that if we use the USA passport to enter Malaysia, we have to leave Malaysia every 90 days. After leaving, how many days to wait before re-entering Malaysia? Or we have to apply for long-term residency.

@andrewtaylor4558

11 ай бұрын

Thanks. You need long term visa to stay without worry. Currently it’s too expensive. Hoping for some changes soon. 😊

It's super clean and nice, actually. You made it sound a little run-down in your description.

@andrewtaylor4558

11 ай бұрын

You think so?

@googleuser2170

11 ай бұрын

@@andrewtaylor4558 Its a nice video, but many of us overseas would love to live in a place like that. 3 decently sized bedrooms, clean, ocean view, all for $300?!?!??! Heck yeah!

Hello my question is I live in the United States when traveling to Malaysia do I need to purchase a return ticket to the states

Hi Taylor. I'll be returning to Penang in a few months and would like to get a health checkup. Can you explain how it works, where you go, etc? Ive heard of this great health checkup but just dont know where to start learning about it. Thank you!!

@andrewtaylor4558

11 ай бұрын

Go to any hospital

@valerietan2850

11 ай бұрын

​@andrewtaylor4558 You shud specify PRIVATE Hospitals. Government hospitals are more for Malaysian citizens. Well, u CAN go to govt. hospitals but u will hv a long wait n the results are not immediate.

Hope you are getting well now, catching a flu is really annoying.

@andrewtaylor4558

11 ай бұрын

Very annoying 😂

Are rentals cheaper over in butterworth area or other mainland areas right across the island bridges compared to georgetown?

@andrewtaylor4558

9 ай бұрын

Probably

Very interesting video. It has got me wondering . Can a foreigner with the usual three month stay find an apartment for rent for 90 days ? It obviously would not have to be in the heart of the tourist areas as you would have time to become familiar with Penang's public transport etc . Food for thought . Wishing you a speedy recovery.

@andrewtaylor4558

11 ай бұрын

Yes you can! But most likely an Airbnb. They sometimes give better rates for monthly. 😊

@btkindonesia137

11 ай бұрын

Anything is possible in Malaysia the ringgit talks.

i feel good for u sir

Thank You Andrew - is it a safe place to walk the streets ? I have friends in Singapore and they said you need to keep your wits about you when visiting Malaysia

@andrewtaylor4558

8 ай бұрын

In my opinion, perfectly safe 😊

Thanks so much!

@andrewtaylor4558

3 ай бұрын

You're welcome!

Thanks Andrew ! Very informative video. Just wondering please if I was renting and live there for 4-5 years, in terms of the visa, how does it work? Thanks

@andrewtaylor4558

2 ай бұрын

MM2H visa or Digital nomad visa. 😊

Hi Andrew, we are from Toronto and are considering retiring to Penang. We have watched many of your videos and have been impressed with your knowledge. We are currently in Penang and will be here for a month checking it out. Any tips for us? Thanks!

@andrewtaylor4558

Ай бұрын

Just have fun! 🤩

@JanItalie

29 күн бұрын

@@andrewtaylor4558 How do we meet people and make new friends?

I prefer condo with glass windows from floor to ceiling with a view.

@getsmartpaul

11 ай бұрын

Is that more expensive?

Mr. Taylor, just wonder for traveling and stay in penang for a month, do they offer short term lease for a month?

@andrewtaylor4558

11 ай бұрын

I’m sorry, I’m not sure since they are banning Airbnb.

Hi taylor ,very much enjoy you vlogs , you seem to really enjoy penang can i ask why did you move to Kl ?

@andrewtaylor4558

11 ай бұрын

For a relationship that sadly just ended. I might go back to Penang

@twobob40

11 ай бұрын

@@andrewtaylor4558 sorry to hear it didn't work out but you must put it behind you and go with your heart ,it seems you have lots of good friends in Penang who will be there for you .I look forward to seeing your vlogs in the future ❤️

13:50 I think the window height might be for safety and cost effectiveness. You get what you pay for. Compared to Chicago, these are beautiful. I'd expect to pay $3000 a month for a 3 bedroom here.

@andrewtaylor4558

2 ай бұрын

Yes, most likely.

Hi Andrew, you're so comfortable in Malaysia. Does medicare cover over there or you have to buy extra health care insurance?

@andrewtaylor4558

11 ай бұрын

Private insurance. Medicare doesn’t cover you out side the US

@siraxela

11 ай бұрын

Thank you for your reply.

Welcome home

Good advice on the not purchasing but renting because that's how one extracts the best value in Malaysia due to the lack of a maintenance culture especially for lower-end developments like these that look fine when new but deteriorate not long after. You were careful in expressing that :)

@andrewtaylor4558

11 ай бұрын

Very true!

Andrew - it isn’t just ‘AirBnB’ that is illegal in Penang, it is ALL Short Term Rental Activity (STRA). Air BnB is unfortunately just a ‘shorthand’ people use for all STRA’s. The ban was brought in a year ago by the Penang local government (it only applies to Penang). At the time they swore they were going to be ‘firm’ in enforcing the ban, but as you can see by your own experiences there is ZERO enforcement. This is very typical in Malaysia. Lots of rules, no enforcement. That said, another typical thing in Malaysia is the sudden application of a rarely enforced rule. That means you could book a short rental and be refused entry on arrival, or be kicked out during your stay. There are SOME exceptions to the ban - for instance Serviced Apartments. But booking anything else short term (less than a year) and you are taking a big risk. Please make your viewers aware of this when you recommend a STR in Penang.

@andrewtaylor4558

19 күн бұрын

I stayed in a Service Residence last time I was there.

Beautiful relationship! In the US vet costs are possibly permitting me from being a future cat owner. I’ve had cats most of my life. Wondering how vet costs and care are in K L.

@andrewtaylor4558

3 ай бұрын

Very reasonable!

Nice Islamic dome shape roof situated next to the swimming pool. This condo rent is very reasonably.

@btkindonesia137

11 ай бұрын

I actually thought that was the Italian theme of the condo

@aniwee17

11 ай бұрын

@@btkindonesia137 you might be right. I am not an architect.

@szelengtan1677

11 ай бұрын

Greek orthodox church design

I'm in KL until July 9th. Do you want we meet us? After this is Penang until July 30. Regards

@andrewtaylor4558

11 ай бұрын

Thanks but I’m in a bad place right now. 😢

Have you visited any of the mountain cities? Much better climate in my opinion, no aircon needed to 😴💤.

@andrewtaylor4558

11 ай бұрын

Yes I have

Great video. New sub

@andrewtaylor4558

10 ай бұрын

Thanks for the sub!

Not bad for the price!

Tks!

Great video, it’s good to see you eating vegan food ❤

@andrewtaylor4558

11 ай бұрын

Thank you 😋

I was stationed over the water at RMAF Butterworth during the 90's and enjoyed Penang. I am considering retiring to Penang under the MMH2 program. I am interested buying a small villa type property, do you have any into the local property market?

@andrewtaylor4558

2 ай бұрын

Check Property Guru

@31Tetrahedron19

2 ай бұрын

@@andrewtaylor4558 Thanks

It will not be small for Hong Kong citizens, though.

@andrewtaylor4558

11 ай бұрын

That’s right! 😂

Airbnb is illegal in Penang? How would one rent a place for a month? Thanks for your videos. I wish I would qualify for MM2H program.

@andrewtaylor4558

11 ай бұрын

I’m not sure but there must be a way.

Enjoyed

7:46 I would have had the windows all the way down to the floor.

@ericsblank

11 ай бұрын

I wonder if that's a safety issue so kids (or even adults) don't fall out?

Taylor Lets hope there will be no wars in Asia to upset our retirement plans. I like Penang heaps as it retains most of the British heritage which was deliberately destroyed by one of their longest serving prime minister What a shame!!!

@andrewtaylor4558

11 ай бұрын

🤔

Hi i think it is great usd 300 is a good price l think any other bigger units available??

@andrewtaylor4558

10 ай бұрын

Not that I know of

Taylor, Can you recommend an agency for obtaining an MM2H visa? Thank you, Jim

@andrewtaylor4558

3 ай бұрын

Alter Domus in Penang

Where's Stewie? Love this guy.

Hi Mr. Taylor, Whars the name of your this serviceapartment that u recommend?

@andrewtaylor4558

Ай бұрын

I Santorini

Great..

Hi Andrew, we'll be visiting Penang in Oct, en route to KK, my home town. Which is a better location to stay, Georgetown or Tanjung Bungah? My sister in law absolutely loves the sea, beach, etc as well as culture and food. In your opinion, best to stay by the beach and use a Grab into Georgtown? Thanks

@andrewtaylor4558

4 ай бұрын

Yes, best to stay Tanjung Bungah.

@positivelyserena

4 ай бұрын

@@andrewtaylor4558Batu Ferringhi Vs Tanjung Bungah?

@andrewtaylor4558

4 ай бұрын

@@positivelyserena Batu Ferringhi is too far.

@positivelyserena

4 ай бұрын

@@andrewtaylor4558 thanks, much appreciated..now next question as your are the resident expat expert, which is the best accommodation, ideally by the beach? X