Many people find Penang an affordable and interesting place to work from – in fact, a number of seasoned expats choose to stay in Penang and even retire there. If you’re considering a move yourself, you might be asking where do expats live in Penang? The first thing to know is that this state on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia consists of Penang Island as well as a section of mainland known as Seberang Perai. The two parts are connected by the Penang Bridge. Read on for details of some neighbourhoods on both the island and the mainland to help you find an area that suits your lifestyle, preferences and needs.
Popular neighbourhoods for expats to live in Penang
George Town
Penang’s capital, George Town, lies on the east side Penang Island and is a colourful, multicultural place that many expats call home. With a population of around 800,000, it is Malaysia’s eighth biggest city. The old town is home to interesting architecture, from mosques to Chinese shophouses, as well as reminders of George Town’s colonial past and its former importance as a trading hub along the Straits of Malacca. That being said, central George Town is also the busiest part of Penang, and the focal point of tourism on the island. For this reason, most expats choose to stay in one of the neighbourhoods a little further away from the main action.
Bayan Baru
One such neighbourhood is Bayan Baru, in the south of the island. This is an ideal place to stay in Penang if you’re one the many people employed in the Free Trade Zone – sometimes referred to as the ‘Silicon Valley of the East’. Lots of expats have jobs in tech companies here, for example.
The Bayan Baru neighbourhood is quiet, the rent won’t break the bank and, if you do happen to work nearby, having no commute is a huge plus. The area is big – over 3,000 acres – so it’s got a bit of everything. Along with houses and apartments, you’ll also find schools and shopping malls in Bayan Baru. For healthcare options, there’s Pantai Hospital, the main hospital in the area. If you’re into sports, the SPICE Arena is the go-to place for indoor sports events. Bayan Baru is a practical place to live, too, as it’s just minutes from Penang International Airport and also close to the Penang Bridge.
Jelutong
Jelutong is a neighbourhood just south of George Town. It’s named after a type of rubber tree that was once found in abundance here. Like Bayan Baru, Jelutong is close to the Free Trade Zone, so it’s another spot that’s popular among young professionals working for one of the many multinational companies based there. The suburb is also close enough to George Town to keep things interesting, but not so close that it feels chaotic or touristy.
On the eastern side of Jelutong is Karpal Singh Drive, a straight promenade right by the water, and named after a famous local politician and lawyer. This stretch has a breezy seaside vibe, with some up-and-coming apartments and places to hang out.
Bukit Mertajam
Not all expats live on Penang Island. For example, you could also consider Bukit Mertajam over on the mainland part of Penang. This suburb of Seberang Perai (Malaysia’s second biggest city after KL) is popular, especially among families looking for a slower pace of life, or couples considering retirement.
Bukit Mertajam is a mix of old neighbourhoods with new developments. The place is big — in fact, it’s one of the largest areas managed by a single government worldwide. You’ll find some old colonial landmarks around too.
This is also an expanding neighbourhood. There are loads of schools here — more than 20 at last count – and enough services to satisfy most daily needs. Bascially, Bukit Bertajam is a spot to escape the busier island life without missing out on essentials, with the bonus of very affordable accommodation options.
Pulau Tikus
Pulau Tikus is another neighbourhood of George Town – just northwest of the city centre, in fact. The place is a neat mix of modern highrises and some old-school buildings and colonial houses, making it a good choice for those wondering where to stay in Penang. It’s got a different atmosphere to other neighbourhoods, partly because of the interesting Thai and Burmese temples found in the area.
Being close to Gurney Drive and central George Town means everything’s within reach here. There are schools for all ages and also healthcare options, including the Penang Adventist Hopsital and Gleneagles. In short, this Penang neighbourhood offers a combination of convenience, culture and history. Speaking of history, Pulau Tikus translates as ‘Rat Island’ – apparently it was named after a little rocky islet off the coast that’s said to look like a bunch of rats at low tide.
Batu Ferringhi
Batu Ferringhi is a tropical resort town around the north coast from George Town, and another place to consider if you’re an expat looking to move to Penang. There’s a stretch of sandy beaches here, though do note that the water isn’t ideal for swimming – for one thing, because of the proliferation of jellyfish. But you can still enjoy a gorgeous ocean view, and if you have access to a pool, then cooling off in Penang’s year-round heat is no problem.
This is also a popular neighbourhood in Penang for shopping and trying out local street food – for example at the Batu Ferringhi night market. Just keep in mind that it does attract a lot of tourists.
It’s also a bit far from central Georgetown, and even further if you need to get to the Free Trade Zone for work. So, if you have to travel to the city often, this isn’t a super convenient choice of neighbourhood. Don’t mind a commute? Batu Ferringhi has the kind of relaxed ambience that can make you feel like it’s a holiday every day!
Balik Pulau
Balik Pulau is a small town on the west side of Penang island with lots of greenery, durian farms, fruit orchards and palm trees. The rolling hills and beaches provide a peaceful escape from the busy city life on the east side.
Balik Pulau has all the basics covered. There are schools up to the tertiary level and a public hospital for healthcare needs. However, you won’t find fancy bars or big malls here. But that does mean that it’s quiet and peaceful; it’s also still well-connected so you won’t feel too cut off.
Tanjung Bungah
Tanjung Bungah, located along the north coast of Penang Island, offers a serene alternative for those keen to live near the sea without the busyness of nearby Batu Ferringhi. Properties in Tanjung Bungah are predominantly upscale, ranging from luxurious high-rise condominiums to hillside villas. Along with a tranquil coastal lifestyle, you can enjoy a shorter commute to Georgetown compared to Batu Ferringhi, adding convenience for those who need to travel daily. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to live in Penang or a pretty seaside home, Tanjung Bungah is a comfortable and accessibile option. This neighbourhood is also home to international schools such as Tenby Schools Penang and Dalat International School.
Now read about one expat who’s chosen to work and live in Penang!
