Living in rural Malaysia

[Booboostwo]

I appreciate this post will come across as silly and naive, feel free to set me straight, this is what is needed.

DH works a lot in Singapore, Malaysia and a bit in Thailand. We live in Europe and so far we've coped with him being away for a while and then being at home for a while. However DH is keen for us to move, possibly to Malaysia and I am coming around to the idea.

I have lived in three different European countries so I am not entirely new to the problems of adjusting, fitting in, feeling home sick, etc. On the other hand, I have never lived in Asia and I suspect the cultural differences may be more pronounced.

To make things more complicated I have always lived rurally. I love the space, the quiet and I have a lot of animals including horses. I don't mind being out of the way but now we have children so we have to be reasonable about access to schools.

Is it completely silly to think about living in rural Malaysia? Am I deluded? Is there any way one could live rurally in the periphery of a major town (Kuala Lumpur presumably but open to suggestions) and commute in for schools?

Is northern Australia too far? 4 and a half hours by plane from Darwin to Singapore.

It is VERY hard for a foreigner to own land in Vietnam (and, I suspect, Cambodia). You can, of course, rent. Also not an animal friendly country in the slightest. Pet dogs regularly go missing and end up on the plate. You also need an employer to sponsor your visa or it is regular visa runs with no security (in the set up you're describing). Amazing place to love but I don't think it ticks your boxes.

@Booboostwo I was fortunate enough to explore the regions of Kampar, Gua Musang and Raub in September and October last year, celebrating Hari Raya Haji with locals and weeks later trekking into the depths of Malaysia’s jungle to visit friends at Orang Asli kampungs at Kuala Betis and Pos Senderut.

If you're interested to live in Malaysian rural areas, regions of Kampar can be a great choice. It refreshes the mind and soul.

Thank you ShazFaz it sounds incredible, but we’ve decided to move to Germany. We’ve been to see schools so plans are firming up.

Germany is a great destination Booboostwo. I like your choice.