accommodation research in Ipoh and Penang

The key to living/retiring in Malaysia is immigration and the Malaysia My 2nd Home is the only real option. There are agents that arrange the application and they can also advise on rental property hunting. For Penang take a look at this website for general information https://www.penangmyhome.com/

Thanks Gravitas. Very useful link indeed, how did I overlook it in my search ?
My retirement is at least 3 years away, no need to think of MM2H yet.  I just want to get a good idea what it is like living there, and accomodation is, of course, a major thing to look at. I will contact someone from penangmyhome.com and ask them how I can see accomodation examples when I am there. cheers

If you join Facebook Group "Expats in Penang" there are some good agents on there. But they mainly assist in the area from George Town northwards (where most of the retiree expats live).

Just a note on MM2H. It's sometimes easier to get it pre-retirement while earning a salary because of the income requirements. Be aware that prior to the change in Government a month ago, there were plans to hike the fixed deposit considerably. So getting in before any changes might be beneficial. Having said that, the new government may not implement the previous plans - so everything is up in the air.

Thanks again for a tip. I will be keeping my eye on the rules and any changes. If they turn too difficult and restrictive at the time, well ... will be looking at other expat opportunities. The world is a big place and I am not spoilt or too demanding, surely will find a good-enough place for myself
cheers

Sri Lanka has a very simple expat visa.
http://www.immigration.gov.lk/web/index … mp;lang=en