This Aussie Family Shocked Everyone & Moved to MALAYSIA 🇲🇾🇾—The Unexpected Truth!

View on Amazon

Introduction

Imagine being just five hours away from Australia, yet feeling like you’re on a permanent holiday. That’s the reality for many Australian expats who have made Malaysia their home. In this article, we dive into the experiences of Jack, an Aussie expat, and the Moth family, who have embraced life in Malaysia. From the vibrant food scene to the family-friendly environment, they share why Malaysia is their chosen destination and why it might be yours too.

A Warm Welcome in Malaysia

Jack, an Australian expat living in Malaysia, introduces us to the Moth family, who have been living in Malaysia on a digital nomad visa for about six months. Having visited Malaysia multiple times over the years, the family, led by Jimmy and Pauline, decided to settle down and make it their home base. They even run a YouTube channel documenting their adventures, offering a glimpse into their expat life.

View on Amazon

Escaping the Grind: Why Leave Australia?

The Moth family’s journey to Malaysia began with a desire to break free from the relentless grind of their life in Australia. Jimmy shares, “It came down to a bit of a midlife crisis. We had a business, 15 staff, everything going on, and we’d had enough of the grind.” The constant 9-to-5 routine left little time for their children, with days passing where they barely saw them between school and bedtime. This breaking point pushed them to seek a new lifestyle, and traveling as digital nomads became the answer.

For many Australians and Westerners, this sentiment resonates. The desire to escape the rat race and prioritize family time is driving people to explore new horizons, with Malaysia emerging as a top destination.

View on Amazon

Why Malaysia? The Family-Friendly Haven

After exploring various parts of Asia, the Moth family kept returning to Malaysia. Jimmy explains, “Of all the countries in Southeast Asia, it’s probably the most family-friendly by a long shot.” Malaysia offers a unique blend of convenience and comfort, often described as “Southeast Asia on easy mode.” Here’s why:

• Ease of Living: Clean water, reliable transportation, and a relatively uncrowded environment make daily life straightforward.

• English Proficiency: English is widely spoken, easing communication for expats.

• Cultural Alignment: Driving on the left side of the road, similar to Australia, adds a touch of familiarity.

• Family-Friendly Environment: Malaysia’s infrastructure and community vibe make it an ideal place to raise children.

For Jack, a younger expat without a family, Malaysia’s underrated appeal lies in its safety and accessibility compared to other Southeast Asian destinations like Bali or Thailand. “If you have kids, Malaysia is where to be,” he notes.

View on Amazon

Homeschooling and Socialization: A New Approach

The Moth family has embraced homeschooling, using an online Australian curriculum supplemented by real-world activities. Pauline shares, “We do a bit of school in the morning, then activities with friends in the afternoon.” From science lessons to museum visits and even pickleball for physical education, their children, Liam (10) and Riley (8), are thriving.

Contrary to common concerns about homeschooling and socialization, the Moths have found the opposite. “The kids are making friends with other traveling kids,” Jimmy says. “They always have things to talk about, like their friends’ adventures in Dubai.” This global exposure has made their children more social and adaptable than they might have been in a traditional Australian school setting.

A Foodie Paradise

Malaysia’s food scene is a major draw for the Moth family. Riley’s favorite is chicken rice, while Liam enjoys noodles and has developed a taste for unagi and mackerel during their travels in Japan. Jimmy highlights the diversity: “You can get pretty much anything—Indian, Chinese, Malaysian, or Western food, with well-thought-out fusions.” This variety ensures that even picky eaters, like Riley once was, find something to love. For families with children accustomed to Western diets, Malaysia offers familiar options alongside opportunities to explore new flavors.

Choosing Penang Over Kuala Lumpur

While Jack is based in Kuala Lumpur (KL) for work, the Moth family opted for Penang. They nearly signed a lease in KL, attracted by the iconic Petronas Towers, but chose Penang for its community and scenic views. “In Penang, you’re looking over the water a lot of the time,” Jimmy explains, contrasting it with KL’s urban sprawl. The ocean views remind them of Australia, and the cost savings—about 1,000 ringgit less per month for a larger apartment with a sea view—sealed the deal.

Penang’s vibrant expat community also played a role. With a large group of friends and organized activities for kids, it’s a haven for families. However, Jimmy notes that KL has better highways, while Penang’s traffic can be challenging due to fewer roads.

Cost of Living: Quality Without the Price Tag

One of the biggest advantages of living in Malaysia is the cost of living. Jimmy estimates it’s about a third of Australia’s, but the quality is closer to three-quarters of what you’d get back home. Their 2,500-square-foot, four-bedroom, five-bathroom apartment with ocean views costs just AUD 270 per week—a fraction of the AUD 2,000 it might cost on Australia’s Gold Coast.

This affordability allows the Moths to enjoy a high quality of life without the financial strain. “We could afford to go back to Australia,” Jimmy says, “but the quality of life here, spending time with family instead of chasing money, is why we stay.”

Safety: A Safe Haven for Families

Safety is a top concern for expat families, and Malaysia delivers. Pauline shares, “I’ve never had an issue here. Even when Jimmy was away, I felt safe walking around KL with the kids at night.” Common-sense precautions, like dressing modestly and avoiding flashy jewelry, further enhance safety. Jimmy adds that Malaysia’s national pride discourages crime against foreigners, and the strict rule of law acts as a deterrent. “If you rob someone, you’ll go to jail,” he notes, contrasting this with Australia’s more lenient penalties.

Unique features like women-only MRT carriages and parking spaces near entrances add an extra layer of security, particularly for women and families. Pauline appreciates these options, especially when traveling with her children.

Healthcare: Affordable and Accessible

Malaysia’s healthcare system is another underrated gem. Jimmy debunks the misconception that healthcare in developing countries is subpar: “Most doctors here are trained in Australia.” The Moths have found healthcare in Malaysia to be as good as, if not better than, Australia’s due to shorter wait times and affordability. Booking a dentist appointment via WhatsApp and paying a third of Australian prices is a common experience. For example, fixing Liam’s cracked teeth in Australia cost AUD 1,000, while in Malaysia, similar procedures are far cheaper without compromising quality.

Even for major treatments like Invisalign, the materials are identical to those in Australia, but labor costs are significantly lower, making healthcare a major draw for pragmatic play expats.

Visa Simplicity and Lifestyle Benefits

Malaysia’s straightforward visa system, including options for digital nomads and retirees, makes relocation accessible. Combined with its affordability, safety, and family-friendly environment, Malaysia offers a lifestyle that feels like a “permanent holiday,” as Jack puts it. The Moth family encourages other Australians to consider Malaysia for its proximity to Australia—just five to nine hours away—and its unbeatable quality of life.

Conclusion

The Moth family’s story, echoed by Jack’s enthusiasm, paints a compelling picture of Malaysia as an expat paradise. From its diverse food scene and affordable living to its safety and excellent healthcare, Malaysia offers a balanced, fulfilling lifestyle for families and individuals alike. As Jimmy aptly summarizes, “You’re getting a better quality of life than you would in Australia, and it’s like living in a place you don’t need to escape from.” For Australians seeking a change, Malaysia might just be the perfect destination.

Subscribe to my email newsletter now.

Listen to my articles now. Click the below link

Listen now

Buy my latest book on Amazon from here. Buy from Amazon

Affiliate Disclaimer:
This article may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you click through and make a purchase. As an affiliate, I only recommend products and services that I genuinely believe will add value to your holiday season. Your support helps me continue to create helpful content—thank you!