The 8 Best-Kept Secret Places for Americans to Retire in Malaysia

#8 Penang

If it is good food, a thriving expat community, endless shopping opportunities, and gorgeous beaches you are looking for, Penang is the place for you. Malaysian Traveler calls this island “Malaysia in miniature.” Travel Awaits, a website dedicated to the 50-plus North American traveler, voted The Pearl of the Orient the third-best island in the world to retire in 2021. In short, Penang has got it all.

#7 Perak

Ipoh, the capital city of Perak, has one of the lowest costs of living in Malaysia. If you are looking for the best place to retire on a budget, Ipoh may be the place for you.

It is located along the Kinta River. Locals claim that the clean water and fresh air improve your general health. Ipoh also has a reputation as the cleanest city in Malaysia. Nearby Kinta Nature Park offers hiking, birdwatching, and other outdoor activities attractive to nature lovers.

Retirees looking for a relaxing, quiet lifestyle that still provides delicious food opportunities and excellent nearby amenities, should consider Ipoh a good option. A quiet lifestyle with excellent amenities, minus the crowds and pollution, awaits.

#6 Johor

Bordering Singapore, Johor is the perfect place for retirees seeking a luxurious life. The 1,200-acre township of Horizon Hills is a popular choice for foreigners. It is a well-guarded, fully gated community with an award-winning, private golf course in the heart of the community. The area also offers a complete range of amenities covering shopping, groceries, healthcare, and more. Horizon Hills even has its own mall!

#5 Sarawak

Kuching is the laid-back capital of the state of Sarawak and is located in the region of East Malaysia in northwest Borneo. If you are looking for a city life that incorporates the beauty of nature, Kuching has it all. Nearby Bako National Park and Gunung Gading National Park are forest reserves offering wildlife watching, boat trips, and hiking. The urban areas are known for providing a comfortable life with a low cost of living. Amenities like great food and hospitals with a high standard of care help to make Kuching a popular destination for Americans retiring in Malaysia.

#4 Cherating

This east coast town is a popular choice for retirees looking for a place to live a quiet life away from the tourist crowds. Nearby Club Med makes for the perfect option when family comes to visit. Known for its idyllic coastal charm, Cherating still offers modern amenities. The state capital Kuantan is only a short drive of 18 miles away.

#3 Kota Kinabalu

Located on the north coast of the island of Borneo, Kota Kinabalu is a clean, off-the-beaten-path place to retire in Malaysia. While less well-known as a retirement destination, it has a lot to offer. Rainforest surrounds Kota Kinabalu, the coastal capital of Malaysia’s Sabah state. With its bustling markets, modern boardwalk, and adequate modern amenities, nature lovers can enjoy a high standard of living while being surrounded by rainforest.

#2 Langkawi

Adjacent to the Thai border, Langkawi is a duty-free island. Part of an archipelago of 99 islands, it is located off the coast of northwestern Malaysia. While this developed island caters to tourists, much of the Jewel of Kedah is untouched. Retirees will find it offers a laidback and affordable lifestyle with gorgeous shorelines and endless nature.

#1 Desa ParkCity, Kuala Lumpur

Last, but in no way least, retirees looking for a clean, safe place while still enjoying a big-city lifestyle, Desa ParkCity in Malaysia’s capital of Kuala Lumpur is the place to be.

“Desa ParkCity is truly a self-contained township, centered on the ideals of good, wholesome living, where its residents are able to foster family, neighborhood and community ties,” according to the community’s website.

One of the most complete and diverse residential areas, the township centers around a 13.9-acre central park and lake, a waterfront commercial hub, and a friendly sense of community. Desa ParkCity is a highly sought-after destination among American retirees. With its safe and self-sufficient neighborhoods, urban comforts, and green spaces, Desa ParkCity has it all.