IN RECENT years Malaysia has emerged as a hot spot for people seeking a retirement haven abroad.
In the Annual Global Retirement Index for 2017, Malaysia topped the list of all Asian retirement destinations.
The report analysed 24 countries, ranking them across categories including the cost of real estate, special benefits offered to retirees, entertainment and amenities, safety and stability, healthcare, climate, infrastructure and cost of living.
The report notes that Malaysia's robust economy delivers a consistently high standard of living available to locals and expats alike, delivering a quality of life that is cost-efficient and attractive.
It is one of only three countries in Asia (Singapore and Hong Kong are the other two) where it's possible to buy property freehold. And you don't need to be living there to do it.
Visitors arriving in the country will be given a three-month visa, and if you decide to buy while you are there, you can. But even if you don't, typical expat locations such as Kuala Lumpur and Penang also offer high-quality real estate at low rental.
According to the report, Malaysian cities are clean and modern, its public transport unrivalled, and its people the friendliest in Asia.
And while other Asian countries offer great budget holidays, and some offer first-class vacations, Malaysia manages to cater extraordinarily well to both.
Malaysia has no less than four UNESCO World Heritage sites - the Lenggong Valley, the Gunung Mulu National Park, Kinabalu Park and the cities of George Town and Malacca.
Coining Malaysia as "Great value for money in a cultural melting pot", the report indicates that the average retiree can enjoy a life of luxury in the country on a modest budget. It also notes that Malaysia makes a perfect base from which to explore the many treasures of South East Asia.
Other benefits associated with retirement in Malaysia?
The proliferation of low-cost Asian airlines in recent years has made it easier (and more affordable) than ever to explore the rest of Asia. It is also easier for retirees to fit in and socialise with locals as English is so widely spoken. Also worthy of mention is the quality of health care in Malaysia which, according to the report, is comparable to that in any First-World nation.