Malang - some advice, please...?

[SugzaMin]

Hey all,
I'm currently based in Semarang and am beginning to develop a case of itchy feet. I'm considering Malang as my next port of call. It sounds kind of appealling as there seems to be a fair bit to do nearby in terms of touristic pursuits, but wondered if anyone could give me a little advice first...
- I'd like to know how much I can expect to pay for residential accommodation - I'd ideally like to rent a 2/3 bedroom with a decent sized garden in a relatively quiet residential area, but not too far from town (unable to drive so am reliant on taxis).
- What's the score with regards places to eat of an evening - is there a decent choice? Would I have to pay top dollar for some decent western scran and a beer/glass of wine?
- Is there a large expat community?
- Are there decent supermarkets? (Carrefour/Gelael ideally)
- Is everything pretty central, or is it the kind of place where it's better to have your own transport (much like Semarang)?
Thanks to anyone who can help with any of the above.
Sarah

[hibby]

Have been going to Malang for a few years now, is a nice city and has many resturants, when you say western scran , McD, AW and KFC plenty of and Dundee chicken. As for bars as I am off the bevy have not tried any.
There is one Carrefour I Know off Giant and Hypermarket, may indo/alpha marts.
Your other thread on schools, there was a guy 'tom tom' who moved to Malang to teach , have not seen any posts by him for months but PM one time and he did reply.

[exiledgooner]

nice bar at the tugu hotel

the centre is quite compact, all in all not a bad place to spend time. mate of mine has been there couple of years now

[adindas]

Malang is a nice city, quite cheap to live ...
Moderate temperature and close to the second largest city in Indonesia. e.g Surabaya

ADINDA

[wm]

Some info on living in Malang - http://www.expat.or.id/info/malang.html

[SugzaMin]

Thanks for the info guys.

In terms of western scran, in Semarang there's a pretty decent semi-kinda-European eaterie in town called Basillia where I can get a good pizza (not your greasy Pizza Hut slop - though I have been known to be partial to said slop at times), Indian curry (not truly western, but you know the score) and some decent soups and salads. There's also a good Italian at S2 and On On Pub do a range of decent pub-grub, bangers and mash, lasagna etc., and The Hills in Bukit Sari has some quality dishes. Is there owt along those lines in Malang?

Semarang is a bit of a sprawling city, it can be a real pain in the arse to negotiate without transport. I mean, I have to go to 3 different supermarkets do get my monthly food shop done (I cook a lot), which I usually do over 3 days cos everything's so far from each other, so it's good to hear Malang is quite compact.

Reckon it might be an idea to take some time off work sometime and go on a bit of a reccy...

Does anyone have any tips on house prices (rental)?

[hibby]

Depends on size of house etc , any where between 5-15 million/year