By Karen Bong
KUCHING, March 26: Kuching has been recognised as being among the top 13 of the most affordable places to retire worldwide by International Living Magazine.
This distinction was revealed in a report titled ’13 Places Where You Can Live on as Little as $1,500 a Month’, released on Feb 27.
“Kuching is the capital of the state of Sarawak on the island of Borneo. Founded in 1839 by Sir James Brooke, it is now a diverse city of old colonial buildings and modern towers. Its bustling streets are full of food stalls and juice vendors, which give it vibrancy, unlike any other town in Malaysia,” it wrote.
While many good-value retirement destinations exist globally, International Living Magazine specifically highlights Kuching among the 13 exceptional spots where couples can comfortably live on $1,500 (approximately RM6,900) per month, covering “housing, healthcare, food, fun… the whole nine yards”.
“Kuching city is very pretty. The river that slowly meanders through the town, with Raja Brooke’s palace on the far side facing the town, makes this a very attractive city to live in.
“With numerous antique stores facing the river, you can easily spend a day meandering in and out of them yourself. A three-bedroom house on the river, within walking distance of town, will set you back $700 per month. Monthly living costs for a couple, excluding housing, are an additional $500,” it said of the contributors to Kuching’s appeal.
Furthermore, it added that Kuching’s proximity to scenic areas and national parks makes it an ideal base for thrilling day trips to explore the region’s wild coastal and rainforest destinations.
Joining Kuching in the top 13 spots on the radar to retire in the 2024 list are Penang (Malaysia), Chiang Mai (Thailand), Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Hoi An (Vietnam), Querétaro, Isla Mujeres and Cozumel (Mexico), Armenia (Colombia), Arenal (Costa Rica), Alicante and Granada (Spain), and Bergerac (France).
International Living Magazine, renowned as the leading resource for global lifestyle insights, delivers comprehensive reports compiled from its network of correspondents worldwide.
In its 2024 Annual Global Retirement Index, published on Jan 1, Malaysia was also recognised among the top 10 Best Places to Retire.
The magazine praises Malaysia for its harmonious blend of affordability, cultural diversity, natural beauty, and the warmth of its people.
Additionally, Malaysia’s high-quality healthcare and education systems, particularly in locations like Penang, Kuala Lumpur, and Kuching, further enhance its appeal to retirees and expatriates.
“Boasting modern facilities and highly skilled medical professionals, expatriates can immediately access quality medical services at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries. Similarly, Malaysia offers a range of educational institutions, including reputable international schools and universities, providing excellent educational opportunities for expatriate families,” it added. — DayakDaily
