Relocate to Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur?

[wheretomovetonow]

Was unsure where to post this! But in a couple of months we'll be moving away to either these two places, due to DHs work. So far we've visited KL for an extended time and loved it but now Jakartas been put on the table and just looking to see if anyone has experience of living in either of these places have any advice for us! I haven't visited Indonesia before (DH has) so the plan is to stay for a month first before deciding which one to stay in longer term. I know both are hot, busy and polluted. And so very far away! Which one would you prefer to move to with kids? Any specific areas in each? We will be moving with 2 DCs, one who is a baby and the other a pre-schooler so schools will be a consideration for older DC in due time.

How good is your expat package?
Best schools? Will you go international school route? Are you planning to come back to the UK? British curriculum?
What is your housing allowance and what can you get for it in either place?
Where so you think you would fit in best with social conventions? KL is probably more liberal/cosmopolitan.
What is your healthcare provision like? And where will it be beat covered?
Two months is a very short space of time to decide this and I would take a dim view of any company that sprung this on my family.
Do you get a re-settlement agent on the other end to help to set up utilities etc?

I have friends who lived in KL, their kids were already grown up but they absolutely loved it. I haven't been to Jakarta but from what I know of it KL would be my choice.

See if you can find facebook or reddit expat communities - read and ask questions. You will soon get a feel for the type of issues expats deal with

We have family in KL so spend a fair bit of time there, though haven't lived there. Well, my husband grew up there, but not since.
Good questions to consider above.
In terms of areas, my family live in Seputeh, which is pretty central, good transport links not far away, easy to get around. Not entirely sure where niece and nephews are at school, but eldest is at a private international school (not British). All seem happy.
School hours have certainly been short though, which is worth considering re work - younger two are done by 1pm (though start early), and SIL did have a period of having to transport them from school to after school care, as it wasn't at the same place.
Another area with lots of expats is Bangsar, bit busier, but definitely a little more "Western". Slightly harder to get around.
My other SIL has a flat in one of the new buildings attached to The Gardens/Megamall. It's lovely, awesome rooftop pool, and very easy to get around.

School-wise though, if you are ever looking to come back then go for an international school with a British curriculum, otherwise they may well struggle.

Have never been to Jakarta, husband says it is busier than KL though 🤷🏻‍♀️

PM me if you want to ask any other questions I might be able to answer!!

Jakarta is horrible, and horrendous to get around. I definitely wouldn't want to live there.

KL is not a shithole at all. It is a modern, clean and friendly city and I loved it there - have been 3 times now. Fab accommodation, food, lots to do, lovely people, interesting melting pot of different cultures and religions, easy access to everywhere especially up the west coast of Malaysia by train eg Penang and langkawi islands which are lovely.

I have also been to Jakarta and didn't like it much - more crowded, more polluted, really bad traffic and I didn't feel as safe as in KL. I found English more widely spoken in KL as well if that's important to you.

I've also been to both cities and say KL in a heartbeat. It will be much less of a culture shock.

I don't dislike Jakarta, but my overwhelming memories are of mild chaos. Fun for a few days sightseeing, but I wouldn't choose to live there.

KL leaps and bounds.

Jakarta has the worst traffic in the world. The pollution is off the charts.

KL not great for that either but better.

From KL you have a ton of very beautiful places to visit over the next few years. It’s an amazing part of the world.

The only scary part is the heat. It’s getting very very hot in that part of the world. Maybe make the most of it while you can.

Its true it is strongly Islamic/Wahhabism is not hidden.

However it’s completely different to S Arabia for instance.

Enjoy for a few years.

Be prepared for massive culture shock. I thought it was so dirty when I arrived even compared to Thailand. Maybe it’s improved somewhat over the years.

I liked the city. I liked the food. I loved Singapore more though as a place to live. So ckean. So modern. Amazing food.

100% KL.

Another vote for KL! I lived there for a couple of years and loved it and have also been to Jakarta for short work trips. The traffic alone in Jakarta would put me off, especially with kids and trying to get to places. KL is very family friendly and is a great jumping off point for visiting amazing places. Enjoy!

Absolutely KL!

I also have a friend who was an expat there for six years. He's now in a neighbouring country, but itching to get posted back to KL.
There's a great expat community of families, going by his accounts.

At one point, a good few years ago, I looked at teaching either in KL or Penang, but decided I was to old for the upheaval involved. But if I had my youth/30s again, it'd be top of my list.

I only spent a couple of days in Jakarta, and wasn't impressed.