Penang Named ‘3rd Best Island to Retire On’ Giving “Luxury Lifestyle on a Budget”

By Karissa Lund  •  17 Dec 2021 in News

Thirsty for JUICE content? Quench your cravings on our Instagram, TikTok and WhatsApp

Dubbed the ‘Pearl of the Orient’, Penang is mostly known as a state island on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia in the northern region. While some might say that it’s one of the places you absolutely must visit before you die, now it’s officially hailed as one of the “15 Best Islands in the World to Retire On” by International Living.

The website that covers global retirement or relocation opportunities, puts Penang in third place after Malta and Mallorca in Spain.

According to International Living, it said the island of Penang, off the coast of Malaysia, has been a firm favourite among savvy expats for decades, and that as a former outpost of the British Empire, Penang’s English-speaking populace makes it easy for North American expats to fit in.

It also stated that not only were people friendly and helpful, but retirees could talk to them in English.

“Here, the lifestyle is First World—it’s possible to trade-up. A couple can live well on a monthly budget of between $1,500 and $2,500 a month. It’s a luxury life on an affordable budget with all the comforts and conveniences of home”, International Living wrote.

The article went on to mention that, known as a foodie haven, Penang’s largest city, George Town, was home to eclectic architecture, a vibrant art scene, and the best street food in the world.

It added that Penang was situated almost smack in the middle of Southeast Asia, which made travelling to places like Bali, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia a breeze.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow took to his official Facebook page to say that Penang had made its mark once again as one of the people’s favourite locations, with all the comforts and conveniences of home, according to NST.

State Tourism Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin on the other hand said this accolade proved that Penang was still a relevant and competitive tourism powerhouse in the international market, even in times of uncertainty.

Others who made it into the list were Ambergris Caye in Belize, Ireland, Roatan in Honduras, Isla Mujeres in Mexico, Isla Colon in Panama, Bali in Indonesia, Koh Samui in Thailand, Las Terrenas in Dominican Republic, Crete in Greece, Cozumel in Mexico, Caye Caulker in Belize and Phu Quoc in Vietnam.