Conjuring up all the mysteries of Asia, Malaysia is a former British colony that remains as colorful as ever. Beyond the lofty skyscrapers of the capital, Kuala Lumpur, its dramatic canvas is embroidered with tropical beaches, mountains, dense rainforest, and vividly green tea plantations.
Along with foreign expats from around the globe, the country is home to Malay Malays, Chinese Malays, Hindu Malays, and Sikh Malays. There are still traces of the British influence. Throughout the Muslim world, there’s probably no more liberal country.
Malaysia has great infrastructure and foreigners are allowed to own properties freehold, has no inheritance tax, and places no tax on income repatriated from overseas. There’s no property capital gain tax either.
Fast Facts
Population: 26,160,256 (July 2010 est.)
Capital City: Kuala Lumpur
Climate: Tropical; annual southwest (April to October) and northeast (October to February) monsoons
Time Zone: GMT +8 hours
Source: CIA World Fact Book
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Malaysia Articles
Malaysia’s Secret Island of Komodo Dragons and Deserted BeachesPosted on April 25, 2012 by Keith Hockton
In the musical South Pacific, the island of Bali Ha’i is an exotic paradise off limits to all except the officers. But in reality, the tropical island of Tioman—where the 1958 blockbuster was filmed—is a destination open to any traveler.
Low Costs and the Good Life AbroadPosted on March 27, 2012 by International Living
The lush, green valley of Vilcabamba was where the royalty of the Inca Empire came for their rest and relaxation. You can still find reminders of their ancient civilization. And people are still coming here to find tranquility and live well. In the past three years, this magical place has experienced a tsunami of new arrivals.
Retire Cheap: Great-Value Towns Where You Can Live Better for LessPosted on March 27, 2012 by International Living
At home, prices are rising. It costs more to put gas in the car, buy groceries, and pay for health insurance. At the same time, retirement savings eroded in the market downturn. And with interest rates at near-zero today, it’s difficult to rebuild.
Great Health Care at a Low Cost in MalaysiaPosted on March 26, 2012 by Keith Hockton
One of the things we are most grateful for living in Malaysia is the health care, which is among the world’s best—and cheapest. It’s rare we need to use it, but when we do, it’s good to know we’re dealing with the very best doctors and at very low prices. There’s a reason four plane-loads of medical tourists land in Penang every day.
Why I Think Malaysian Doctors are the BestPosted on February 21, 2012 by Keith Hockton
There’s so much to love about island life in Penang, Malaysia, that it’s hard to know where to start. My wife Lisa and I spend just $1,719 a month to live here, and that’s renting with an ocean view and eating out regularly in the island’s amazing restaurants.
The Man Who Followed His Dream…And Found ItPosted on February 21, 2012 by Keith Hockton
Howard earned a good salary as an I.T. engineer, but he knew deep down that this was never his calling. Howard wanted to be a photographer. His nine-to-five was so far removed from his dream job that he thought he would never be able to make the switch. Aged 32, he decided he needed a change.
Why I Quit my Bank Job and Moved to MalaysiaPosted on February 13, 2012 by Keith Hockton
I’d always wanted to be a writer. It was something I yearned to do for a living. I had worked in banking all my life but in 2008, aged 47, I decided that it was now or never—I would take a chance. So, I quit my job, sold my house, gave away my two cats (to a woman who adored them) and moved lock, stock and barrel with my wife to Malaysia.
Live in MalaysiaPosted on January 3, 2012 by Keith Hockton
On the terrace of the grand, British colonial E & O Hotel, evening light flickers through the coconut grove as a warm breeze drifts in from the Straits of Malacca. I’m sipping a gin and tonic, watching the sun go down. This has become one of my regular habits since moving to the island of Penang, off the west coast of mainland Malaysia, over a year ago.
Drums, Buskers, and a Circus FestivalPosted on December 20, 2011 by Darius Fisher
A round-up of the weird and wonderful events taking place around the world over the coming months.
- Why Ecuador is the World’s Best Retirement Haven
Posted on December 20, 2011 by Robert Carry
Why did Ecuador top the 2012 Retirement Index? One of the key strengths that …
- Cheapest Places to Retire
Posted on December 20, 2011 by Robert Carry
Ecuador 97/100 Ecuador stormed to the top of our list in the cost of …
- Healthcare in our Havens
Posted on December 20, 2011 by Robert Carry
Panama, Scored 91/100 Panama offers high quality health care and modern hospitals in the …
- Ice Sculptures and Camel Wrestling
Posted on November 24, 2011 by Darius Fisher
A round-up of the weird and wonderful events taking place around the world over the coming months.
- Island Life in Colonial Malaysia for only $1,719 a Month
Posted on November 24, 2011 by Keith Hockton
On the terrace of the grand, British-colonial E & O Hotel, evening light flickers through the coconut grove as a warm breeze drifts in from the Straits of Malacca. I’m sipping a gin and tonic, watching the sun go down. This has become one of my regular habits since moving to the island of Penang, off the west coast of mainland Malaysia, over a year ago.
IL’s Best: 10 Cities Where You Can Eat WellPosted on August 22, 2011 by International Living
From steaks in Buenos Aires to tapas in Madrid, some cities are worth visiting for the food alone. Below, our writers give their tips and recommendations for eating well in 10 of the world’s culinary capitals. First up is Bangkok. Bangkok’s lower Sukhumvit Road area is an oft-missed foodie’s paradise.
See Asia from a Train in Old-World LuxuryPosted on April 18, 2011 by Roger Norum
My butler, dressed in a gold-leafed, mandarin-collared waistcoat, hands me a Jim Beam and Coke on the rocks. A woman wearing an elaborate silk gown bows her head as I enter the restaurant. A crooning piano player launches into “As Time Goes By” in a dimly-lit lounge bar next door…
Voyage into a South-Asian ParadisePosted on September 29, 2010 by Jean Flitcroft
It’s the stuff of dreams and fantasy-adventure stories—a bold rescue by the crew of an elegant ship.
“They Saved My Knee in Malaysia—I Saved $72,000”Posted on September 29, 2010 by Josef Woodman
For a little less than $18,000, Mary Percak-Dennett, the owner of a tanning salon in Wasilla, Alaska, got not only a successful knee replacement in Malaysia but also plenty of time to explore Penang on the northwest side of the country—its museums, fishing villages, brightly colored handmade batiks, a coffee factory, and the hawker stalls serving Malaysian cuisine that have caught the attention of foodies from all over the world.
Island Extravaganza: Retire to the Philippines on $800 a MonthPosted on July 29, 2010 by Steenie Harvey
It’s a sight to swoon over. As the plane dips down, there they are—strewn across the South China Sea like glittering emerald necklets. Glimpsing even a fraction of the Philippine’s 7,107 islands gives most visitors a visual knock-out
The Best Places in the World to do BusinessPosted on February 1, 2010 by International Living
As I travel, I see many places that are compelling for talented entrepreneurs because of a combination of business opportunities, tax-advantaged corporate structures, and low cost of doing business. Here are some of those places
Five New Retirement Havens We’re Scouting in 2010Posted on January 1, 2010 by International Living
We survey 194 countries in our annual Quality of Life Index. How do we decide which of them should be on your radar screen for retirement? With an eye firmly on places where your dollars are likely to stretch, we send a scout to take a look.
Follow the Trade Winds to Penang: Malaysia’s Island of Spicy PromisePosted on June 25, 2009 by International Living
Breathe it all in: incense fragrance from a Chinese temple; frangipani blossoms wafting though the balmy night air; the pungent aroma of fish drying on sidewalk racks. Everywhere is suffused with spices—ginger; nutmeg; cloves.
- My Most Expensive Meal in Delicious Malaysia: $8
Posted on March 31, 2009 by len
You probably wouldn’t pick a retirement destination simply for its food, but Malaysia’s Penang …
Kuala Lumpur—Luxury City-center Living for Less Than $150,000 in Malaysia’s Colorful CapitalPosted on March 25, 2009 by Steenie Harvey
Cascades of silver lights twinkle from trees…red lanterns bob in celebration of Chinese New Year, the Year of the Ox. I love dining on Jalan Alor street, but should it be Fu Xi’s again? Enough for two, his spiced clams are only $3.35.
Don’t make a mess of your heir’s inheritancePosted on November 26, 2007 by Lief Simon
How you take title to and hold a piece of real estate in another country can be as important as how much you pay for it. If you’re not careful, you could end up in a situation where your heirs have to go through probate in one or more foreign countries—something that, believe me, you don’t want them to have to do.
The world’s top retirement havens in 2007Posted on August 27, 2007 by Laura Doyle
Whether your retirement is fast approaching or just something you find yourself often dreaming about, you’ve probably imagined spending it in some far-flung tropical haven. But moving to a country that you know little about is a lot of hassle, right? It’s probably not worth the time and effort, you think. Besides, all your family and friends are here.
Hotspots: Head for the HeightsPosted on August 23, 2007 by International Living
The soaring coastline of Calabria, the towering skyscrapers of Kuala Lumpur, and the high vineyards of Mendoza, Argentina are where it’s at
Treasure Hunting Made Easy: 712% Mark-ups Without Even TryingPosted on September 11, 2006 by Steenie Harvey
Although I’m not a shopper, numerous treasures from around the globe have somehow managed to insert themselves into my suitcase. Seeing what some of my favorite souvenirs sell for in the U.S., I’m staggered.
A Malaysian Road Trip with Red Carpet TreatmentPosted on September 1, 2005 by Peter Dunkley
Consideration for others, not just foreigners, is a tradition in this country. Ruled successively by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British for five centuries, “Malaya” became independent in 1957 and renamed itself Malaysia. Nature has been kind here.
