Malaysia’s Top 10 Best Places to Retire
If you haven’t considered playing out your third act in life in retirement within Malaysia, here are our top recommendations in alphabetical order.
By Raajeish Taalver
Bentong is not far from Klang Valley and popular for a slower pace of life.
BENTONG Bentong and its surrounding towns like Janda Baik, Genting Sempah and Bukit Tinggi are within shuttling distance from Klang Valley and popular among those looking for an eco-friendlier environment and slower life. Food, groceries and even properties are much cheaper in these spots, with some retirees even opting to buy land to convert them into orchards that thrive on the cooler climate and fertile soil.
Cherating is ideal for a quiet kampung and seaside life away from the tourist pulls.
CHERATING This east coast town is more than just beaches and Club Med. Cherating is ideal for retirees looking to live the quiet, even low-cost kampung life away from these tourist pulls. As much as it’s known for its idyllic coastal charms, Cherating has accessible modern facilities and relatively developed infrastructure. In addition, the state capital Kuantan is just 30km away.
The lower cost of living in Ipoh is certainly worth some consideration.
IPOH There’s less entertainment here than any other central town, but Ipoh is just as attractive for its relatively slower pace. The old city has every conceivable modern convenience you need. The lower cost of living compared to Klang Valley or Penang is worth considering, too. Property prices here remain comparatively affordable, and many gated and guarded communities have sprung up in recent years.
Though less known as a retirement destination, Kota Kinabalu's is an interesting option.
KOTA KINABALU From lush greenery to the majestic Mount Kinabalu to South China Sea sunsets, the low-key Kota Kinabalu has a lot to offer to those looking for a tranquil, serene location that keeps them close to nature. Though less known as a retirement destination, its relatively low population and adequate modern amenities make this walkable town worth some consideration.
Kuching is clean and may be the perfect off-the-beaten-path retirement spot.
KUCHING Kuching may be the perfect off-the-beaten-track retirement destination. The Sarawak capital’s charms make it an exciting retirement spot for the blend of adventure, laid-back life and high standard of living it offers. It is also one of the country’s cleanest cities.
Much of Langkawi is untouched and offers a laidback life.
LANGKAWI While the island’s rapid development over the years catered to attract tourists, much of the Jewel of Kedah is untouched and offers a laidback life. The reasons to consider retirement on the island vary from one person to the other. But we’re confident the duty-free status, casual and affordable lifestyle, lovely shorelines and abundant nature will go a long way in helping you make this place your retirement paradise.
Away from the tourist attractions, Melaka's leisurely atmosphere is perfect for a slower pace of life.
MELAKA Melaka is a delightful mix of modern-living and centuries-old heritage. Away from the tourist attractions, its leisurely atmosphere is perfect for a slower pace of life. If you’re into a change of scenery and lifestyle, Melaka has a little bit of everything. Interestingly, if you’re looking to invest in a property for retirement, new-fangled developments set to change the Melaka skyline include Melaka Gateway, The Sail and Melaka Straits City.
Penang is perfect as a place where there’s a choice of things to do.
PENANG In April, TravelAwaits, a website dedicated to the 50-plus North American traveller, called the Pearl of the Orient the third best island in the world to retire in 2021. That said, why shouldn’t Penang be the ideal choice for retired Malaysians too? Sure, it isn’t necessarily tranquil, but it’s a haven for all the food you love, beautiful for its well-preserved heritage, and picturesque for its beaches. It’s perfect for retirees wanting a place where there’s a choice of things to do.
Port Dickson could be the perfect sleepy hollow for some retirees.
PORT DICKSON Although once a much-loved beach destination, Port Dickson could be the perfect sleepy hollow for some retirees. Life moves at a slower pace here, and it’s not uncommon to see older folk meeting over breakfast in a coffee shop or come across family-run sundry shops that dot across the town. If you plan to buy a property, consider the cheap old bungalows or a well-maintained apartment.
There’s a different vibe to Taiping you won’t find in anywhere else in Malaysia.
TAIPING There’s a different vibe to Taiping that you most likely won’t find in any other Malaysian town. Life’s laidback and unhurried here. The lovely heritage buildings and storied spots tie to the town’s rich history as Perak’s early administrative capital. In 2019, it was also named the world’s third most sustainable city. So, we’re not surprised that the name of Malaysia’s purported “retirement capital” translates to “Great Peace” in Chinese.