If you think living in a tropical country just might be your thing, take a look at the experiences of Dutch-Canadian Brenda and her Kurdish-Turk husband Mehmet, who now live in Malaysia. Brenda shares the things she likes and dislikes about living in this area of Southeast Asia, her job as an English teacher in the multicultural city of Kuala Lumpur, and some of the memories of expat life in Malaysia they'll be bringing with them when they finally leave for Canada.

Brenda Engberts

-Where were you born?

Rural Ontario, Canada

-In which country and city are you living now?

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

-Are you living alone or with your family?

With my husband, Mehmet. We got married two days before we came to Malaysia!

-How long have you been living there?

Two years

-What is your age?

38

-When did you come up with the idea of living in Malaysia?

I teach English, so it's not so difficult to get work in any country where English is not the first language. I love Asia, and Malaysia is such a comfortable place to live. Actually so many people can speak English (makes it so much easier to get things done); it's also tropical, beautiful, Kuala Lumpur is very developed, and the cost of living is low!

We also wanted a country to spend time while waiting for my husband's Permanent Residency Visa from Canada. He's Turkish, and it's not easy for him to even get tourist visas for many countries. Malaysia had no visa requirements for him to come – and now he's on a spousal visa.

-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?

No, my company took care of that.

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?

Again, my company covers me for this.

-How do you make your living in Malaysia? Do you have any type of income generated?

Like I mentioned above, I'm an English teacher, and I've been teaching and travelling for about 12 years. I have a post-grad diploma for Teaching English, but when I first started out, I had no teaching qualifications.

Malaysia is not the easiest place to land a job as an English teacher, since so many people speak English here, and there are not that many language schools. I knew I wanted to come to Malaysia, so I just did some regular and intensive Googling for English teaching jobs in Malaysia. If you are interested in seeing what's out there, www.tefl.com is a good site to start with.

-Do you speak Bahasa Malaysia and do you think it's important to speak the local language?

I've always made efforts to learn some of the local language in places I've lived – I do believe it's important and respectful. But we haven't learned much Bahasa Malaysia at all, and I think that's because everyone is able to interact quite well in English here: taxi drivers, shop workers, government offices – they often choose interact in English with each other too. Malaysia was a British colony, and most middle age Malaysians were educated in English. In Malaysia you are surrounded by English everywhere, and this definitely doesn't help motivate us to learn the local language. I admire those that take lessons and make a greater effort than I have.

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?

Of course, all the time! Living overseas has huge rewards and benefits, but there are sacrifices too – like not being around to watch nephews and nieces grow up and missing important family gatherings and celebrations. As for the conveniences of home, it's so comfortable living here, that I don't miss that aspect of Canada life. One thing I miss a lot is the four seasons. I love the tropics, and don't cry tears over having no winters, but I do miss autumn, spring, and crisp weather. Mehmet and I both love nature, but find it too hot and humid here to go for walks or enjoy the jungle as much as we'd like to.

-Do you have other plans for the future?

We are planning to move to Canada in December 2008, since Mehmet has now received his Permanent Residency Visa there. I haven't been home for three years, and it'll be the first time in a decade that I've been home for Christmas. For my husband, it'll be his first time there ever!

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?

We are renting a small, one-bedroom apartment right in the city centre. We pay 1150RM, which is about $400. Others I work with pay up to double that and others who have settled here pay much less and live outside the city centre. As English teachers, we don't live the luxurious life that many expats live, such as those working for large multinational companies. But compared to the locals, our life is very very good, and of course we are thankful for this tropical lifestyle!

This picture is a view from our balcony at night.

-What is the cost of living in Malaysia?

The expats I know would give widely varying answers to this question. General everyday items here are cheap. You can eat a great meal at a restaurant for $5, but most spend more. You can shop at the local markets or at the international supermarkets that sell imported 'necessities' at a much higher price than you'd pay at home sometimes.

You can get a decent flat for $200-$300 a month if you don't live in the poshest districts, but most expats I know pay $500-$700 and live in the city centre. Other expats whose multinational companies pay for them have much much more expensive flats!

Cars are expensive, gas is cheap, travel is very cheap by bus and taxi. Local produce and other groceries are cheap. Alcohol is expensive but widely available. Cigarettes are very cheap.

-What do you think about the locals?

Malaysia is a very multicultural country – a large number of Malaysians are of Indian or Chinese descent, and there is a real openness to different cultures, food and language. For example, Malaysia has 18 public holidays (more in some states) because they recognise the major holidays of Islam, Christianity, Buddhism and Hinduism. As for foreigners, I suppose there are the same issues as most developing countries – foreigners are often stared at, hassled, and assumptions are often made about us that can be frustrating or hurtful. But I have to say I feel like I fit in here – it's such a mix of cultures and people.

Malaysians are quite reserved at first, so they may seem a little unfriendly to some in the beginning. But I have found that they are sweet, polite, kind and helpful.

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Malaysia?

Positives: Well I have to say I think the most positive thing about living here is that you're in the tropics! There's beautiful jungle throughout the country, and you're never far away from a gorgeous island, such as Redang Island (in the photo). KL is also close to lots of other great destinations - Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, Singapore, etc. And with Air Asia, it's easy to come across great travel deals!

Also, as I mentioned, the abundance of English makes things so much easier (if a little less adventurous). The mix of ethnicities among Malaysians makes for a very unique and interesting culture.Lots of great food here, low cost of living, and great shopping!

Negatives: The heat and humidity are a lot to take day after day, though there are some foreigners here who love every second of it!

Malaysia is a young nation and it's difficult to find the same level of historical richness here that is so embedded in some of the surrounding countries. (Having said that, the colonial and wartime history of Malaysia is quite interesting).

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Malaysia?

Well, I guess I can say that Malaysia is a great place to live (or even settle) if you want a tropical, bright country which is quite safe and comfortable. Penang is not as developed as KL, but has a lot of charm and history - it's a favourite destination for lots of travellers. Outside of KL surrounds and Penang, I think life would be a lot more difficult because cities have less infrastructure and other development. They would also be much more conservative, and it would be harder for foreigners to fit in.

If you're after the gritty, wild Asian life, do know that KL is not at all like Bangkok - this is an Islamic country, with lots of freedoms but also lots of control. Malaysia has a much more foreign feel to it, with all the influence of the Indian and Chinese Malaysians, as well as the colonial history.

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about anything related to that country and/or living there?

Asian Honeymoon - This is my blog about our life there. I love having new guests, and new comments, so please come visit!

iproperty.com - This is a site lots of expats use to help them get a handle on the housing market here.

Allo Expat - Malaysia Expat Information, communities, forums, etc.

MM2H - Malaysia my Second Home - Malaysia My Second Home Programme is promoted by the Government of Malaysia to allow foreigners who fulfill certain criteria, to stay in Malaysia for as long as possible on a multiple-entry social visit pass (first pass is 10 years)