Expat in Semarang (can travel in Java)

Assalamualaikum. Hi guys, I'm new to Semarang. I am also traveling around Java. I am an experienced language and humanities teacher. I 'm planning to do a legal post-grad in Semarang, so might be based here for a while. So I'm just looking for things to do here in the meantime.

(I'm also looking to hire a translator, and to know what the going rates are. Since there is some work that requires an interpreter.)

Back to my main questions,

  1. What are some nice places that are co-working spaces or like cafés. Ideally somewhere I can meet digital nomads or people working on their own projects.

I would also like to find somewhere where I can teach or volunteer maybe a couple hours a day or a week (not really for the money), because I like to work with communities.

I'd like to learn bahasa Indonesia fluently. I speak a few languages among them are English and Spanish, so if anyone is interested we can do a language exchange. Or I could teach English or Spanish for groups.

  1. Or do you know a place where I can learn bahasa Indonesia with serious students. (I have previously studied two languages in a school.) I don't mind a more open/ communicative approach as well.

I'd say I'm fairly traveled around the world. So would be down to meet fellow travelers. I have immersed myself and lived with communities in a few parts of the world. I have been to a few places in Java as well.

If your interests are in linguistics, world history, political thoughts, or culture maybe we can chat. I also like to talk about religion, theology and spirituality. I'm Muslim, to add more context.

  1. I also play football twice a week, so I need to find some people to play some sports with. I don't mind any sport but to have something physical to look forward to. All the padang food, soto, nasi uduk and sate is making me gain haha.

I usually would love to meet people and just walk around the city, plan a hike somewhere nice, do something slow, grab something to eat or work on something interesting like a community project. If you get the vibe.

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u/obahera — 3 days ago

Expat moving to Pakistan

I (32) make around 700k a month, and I really want to move to Islamabad. I'm not Pakistani, nor do I have family there or any roots there (maybe 10% Indus Valley DNA as per a study lol). My city is kinda expensive, so I'd have a better quality of life with that in Pakistan.

I really like Pakistani culture and would ideally like to live between Islamabad and my country. I'm thinking maybe move to Islamabad, since that looks proper.

I'm looking to network with people who are like minded before I make the move. I play football and workout at the gym to keep myself fit. I learn languages and travel around the world, so that's there as well. I like to read, study and talk about languages, history, culture and politics.

I'm thinking of enrolling in a language school or a college to learn a language or improve my Arabic in the meantime. Or I would like to visit different regions and make meaningful friendships.

I would like to look for a condo with some facilities like a gym and pool. What's the budget I should be expecting? I don't want to show off and stuff but I'd need a safe environment where I can have a good quality of life.

I would also like to know more about the marriage culture in Pakistan. I'd obviously be looking to get married when I'm there as well, but I want to look for a wife or a family who is like-minded.

I'm Muslim and practicing Islam seriously, so I'm looking forward to meeting other Muslims from Pakistan. I'm more in line with the ahl hadees movement in Pakistan but I do have good friends who are hanafis and deobandis as well.

Any ideas on places where I can go to network with businesses, startups, entrepreneurs & people in different fields professionally. In some cities I've been to, there are like meetups or brunches. I hope to go to one or maybe organize one as well.

My focus is to also meet people with varying interests, not talk about work only. I like poetry, language learning, history & everything humanities. Since that's my field of study as well, I'm a linguist.

I'm looking to meet normal, laid back guys who might be interested to hangout with. Not really into the arrogant or cocky people, who might have a superior complex. I can hangout with anyone from any background, I'm just interested to make a few good friends online before I go, and get a good idea of Islamabad.

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u/obahera — 2 months ago

M | 32 | Maldives

Age: 32

​

Height & Weight:

5'8" (173 cm), 75 kg

​

Location:

Maldives. I frequently travel due to remote work. Last year alone I was based in Latin America and North Africa.

​

Accommodation:

Own a three-bedroom apartment.

​

Education:

Master's in Education. In shā’ Allāh, starting a second Master's in Maldivian Language and Culture in February 2026.

​

Currently learning Arabic and previously studied Arabic in Egypt while seeking Islamic knowledge. My long-term aspiration is to pursue the path of Islamic scholarship. At the same time, I believe Islam encompasses balance, wisdom, and a healthy sense of humour.

​

Most of my teachers have been graduates of Madinah University, which has influenced my approach to learning and understanding Islam.

​

Profession & Income:

Director of an educational institute, remote digital work, and income from shares in another business.

​

Marital Status:

Divorced. Alhamdulillah, but I do not have kids. I'm very open to explaining details about my past marriage. Alhamdulillah, it wasn't very traumatic. However I do not wish to divorce a second marriage.

​

Religious Practice:

Muslim. I pray the five daily prayers, fast Ramadan, read Qur'an regularly, and continue seeking Islamic knowledge. I am currently learning Arabic to deepen my understanding of the religion.

​

Hobbies & Interests:

I speak five languages and enjoy learning new ones. I love cultural immersion, travelling, and giving da‘wah.

​

In the last two and a half years, I have lived in three countries across Latin America, the Middle East, and South Asia, and have visited several others in the Middle East and South East Asia. I enjoy connecting with Muslim communities wherever I go and am involved in community-related projects in the Maldives.

​

Family:

Please note that I am Maldivian, not Pakistani. I am posting here because I am interested in finding a Pakistani wife.

​

I come from an upper-middle-class Maldivian family. My parents are alive, supportive, balanced, and grounded in strong values. I have one twin brother, and Alhamdulillah we are a close-knit family.

​

Looking For:

A kind-hearted, practicing Muslim woman with good character, emotional maturity, and strong family values.

​

I would prefer someone who is knowledgeable about Islam or open to learning. Intelligence, kindness, and emotional intelligence are qualities I deeply admire.

​

I am affectionate and expressive by nature and would love a spouse who values romance, communication, and showing care through both words and actions.

​

Age Preference:

Preferably younger, though I am open to someone older if she possesses excellent akhlāq and compatibility.

​

Deal Breakers:

Dishonesty, disrespect, smoking, or major incompatibility in religious values.

​

I also value positivity and appreciation for the beauty that Allah has placed in life.

​

Family Setup Preference:

Nuclear family is my preference. However, I am open to a respectful and balanced joint-family arrangement if circumstances require it, such as caring for elderly or sick parents.

​

I do not mind dividing time between the Maldives and Islamabad, though I expect that my future may involve living in different countries due to my international lifestyle.

​

Children:

Yes, in shā’ Allāh.

​

Marriage Timeline:

Within the next 6–12 months, depending on compatibility.

reddit.com
u/obahera — 2 months ago

32 M: Maldives

Age: 32

​

Height & Weight:

5'8" (173 cm), 75 kg

​

Location:

Maldives. I frequently travel due to remote work. Last year alone I was based in Latin America and North Africa.

​

Accommodation:

Own a three-bedroom apartment.

​

Education:

Master's in Education. In shā’ Allāh, starting a second Master's in Maldivian Language and Culture in February 2026.

​

Currently learning Arabic and previously studied Arabic in Egypt while seeking Islamic knowledge. My long-term aspiration is to pursue the path of Islamic scholarship. At the same time, I believe Islam encompasses balance, wisdom, and a healthy sense of humour.

​

Most of my teachers have been graduates of Madinah University, which has influenced my approach to learning and understanding Islam.

​

Profession & Income:

Director of an educational institute, remote digital work, and income from shares in another business.

​

Marital Status:

Divorced. Alhamdulillah, but I do not have kids. I'm very open to explaining details about my past marriage. Alhamdulillah, it wasn't very traumatic. However I do not wish to divorce a second marriage.

​

Religious Practice:

Muslim. I pray the five daily prayers, fast Ramadan, read Qur'an regularly, and continue seeking Islamic knowledge. I am currently learning Arabic to deepen my understanding of the religion.

​

Hobbies & Interests:

I speak five languages and enjoy learning new ones. I love cultural immersion, travelling, and giving da‘wah.

​

In the last two and a half years, I have lived in three countries across Latin America, the Middle East, and South Asia, and have visited several others in the Middle East and South East Asia. I enjoy connecting with Muslim communities wherever I go and am involved in community-related projects in the Maldives.

​

Family:

Please note that I am Maldivian, not Pakistani. I am posting here because I am interested in finding a Pakistani wife.

​

I come from an upper-middle-class Maldivian family. My parents are alive, supportive, balanced, and grounded in strong values. I have one twin brother, and Alhamdulillah we are a close-knit family.

​

Looking For:

A kind-hearted, practicing Muslim woman with good character, emotional maturity, and strong family values.

​

I would prefer someone who is knowledgeable about Islam or open to learning. Intelligence, kindness, and emotional intelligence are qualities I deeply admire.

​

I am affectionate and expressive by nature and would love a spouse who values romance, communication, and showing care through both words and actions.

​

Age Preference:

Preferably younger, though I am open to someone older if she possesses excellent akhlāq and compatibility.

​

Deal Breakers:

Dishonesty, disrespect, smoking, or major incompatibility in religious values.

​

I also value positivity and appreciation for the beauty that Allah has placed in life.

​

Family Setup Preference:

Nuclear family is my preference. However, I am open to a respectful and balanced joint-family arrangement if circumstances require it, such as caring for elderly or sick parents.

​

I do not mind dividing time between the Maldives and Islamabad, though I expect that my future may involve living in different countries due to my international lifestyle.

​

Children:

Yes, in shā’ Allāh.

​

Marriage Timeline:

Within the next 6–12 months, depending on compatibility.

reddit.com
u/obahera — 2 months ago