As rents rise and condo square footage falls, what’s a family to do? Expat-veteran Australian TANIA GROSE-HODGE advises making a run for the border.
When did you first move to Singapore?
My husband and I moved here 25 years ago. We love it and have considered it home ever since. When we arrived in 1993, Ngee Ann City was still being built and Suntec was a construction site. Taxis had no seat belts in the back, and a bell rang when they broke the speed limit! We’ve lived in Balmoral Road, the East Coast, Pandan Valley, Serangoon Gardens and Kovan Road, so we have covered most of the island.
Why did you decide to move to Johor?
Our daughter had been weekly boarding at Marlborough College Malaysia since 2015, and we were travelling up repeatedly for various school functions, sporting events and social occasions with friends. When my husband had a career change, we decided to move into Malaysia. Education is so important, and finding the right school is vital. Marlborough is the perfect fit for Reilly, and with the amount of time we spent there, it was a big factor in choosing to cross the causeway. We gave our daughter the choice to continue as a weekly boarder or to become a day student. She chose the latter but is still open to going back to weekly boarding or utilising the school’s new flexi boarding option, which boards three days a week. For now, she loves being at home and we love having her with us – well, most of the time!
What are the pros of living in Johor?
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Esta historia es de la edición December 2018 de EL Singapore.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
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Perfect Pearly Whites!
Knowing you have white, sparkling teeth beneath your lips is a sure-fire way to make you smile with confidence. If you've noticed your teeth looking more yellow than "hello" lately, perhaps it's time for a visit to a dental clinic for a teeth-whitening session.
Save your Spine at Work!
Sitting in an air-conditioned office has its benefits in steamy Singapore. But, long, sedentary days can play havoc on our necks and backs. Here, orthopaedic surgeon DR YILUN HUANG talks about spinal issues faced by office workers, and how to treat and prevent them.
Curry, Spice & Everything Nice
Craving a curry? Whether you're dreaming of a creamy korma or a biryani, the EL team went all in, indulging in everything from buttery parathas to tangy papdi chaat. We explored the best of Singapore's Indian dining scene, and trust us-these spots will spice up your life!
Is It Really Backed Up in the Cloud?
SARAH and BO PINEL of Tekkie Help break it to us that cloud storage is not a data backup. Here's why that's the case and how we can rectify the problem.
Finding Eco-Luxury In Fiji
Here's a destination that's often a little bit off the travel radar for people in our region - but definitely shouldn't be!
Festive Fashion Show!
As the year draws to a close, now's a good time to stock up on festive fashion. White Ginger has released a fab new line just in time for party season. Plus, it's hosting a fun multilabel fashion soiree so you can view the looks with tasty bites and a glass of vino in hand!
48 Hours in Patong
CHERRY LAI checks into the sparkling new M Social Hotel Phuket for a weekender full of food, fun and relaxation.
Ticket to Thailand
Are you physically here but mentally on a beach in Thailand? We've found destinations for two types of holiday-goers: one for someone looking for a place to chill, and another where you can also let loose!
Laying Out Memories Through Food
YASMIN, JESSICA and PEARL are the local co-founders of The Plattering Co. They share their favourite parts of doing business with each other and a few of their hobbies outside work hours.
A Musical Community
The new Pops Chorus and Orchestra at Marlborough College Malaysia (MCM) has students, parents, staff and even the Master involved. SIMON BURBURY tells us more - including where you can catch their performances.
