Retire To Malaysia

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Dear Live and Invest Overseas Reader,

''Kuala Lumpur, located in the heart of the Malaysian peninsula, is a city of contrasts,'' writes Asia Correspondent Wendy Justice.

''It's also one of the world's most affordable, exotic, and, at the same time, fully appointed and comfortable places to retire.

''It qualifies as one of the best places in the world right now to live well--what can qualify as a luxury lifestyle--on even a very modest budget.

''The shining stainless steel Petronas Towers, two of the tallest skyscrapers in the world, anchor a startlingly beautiful skyline that is unique to this city. Modern, air-conditioned malls flourish, selling everything from beautifully handcrafted batik clothing to genuine Rolex watches and Tiffany jewelry.

''In the shadows of these ultra-modern buildings, the ancient Malay village of Kampung Baru thrives, with free-roaming roosters and a slow pace of life typical of the country's most rural of villages. Less than a 20-minute walk from the city center, you can find yourself conversing with monkeys in the city-jungle surrounding one of the highest telecommunications towers in the world.

''A walk of less than 30 minutes leads you to Chinatown and Little India, where merchants offer their wares, foods, and culture in happy neighborhoods that showcase the amazing diversity of the city.

''Life is different here than in the West. When you go to your neighborhood shop, take your time and converse with the owner, ask about his family as he asks you about yours. By your second or third visit, you'll be recognized and waved to when you enter. You may be invited to dinner, or at least to share a cup of delicious kopi or the tarik.

''Unlike so many places in Asia, foreigners are genuinely welcomed in Kuala Lumpur. Language isn't a problem--almost everyone speaks adequate English. It is taught in the schools and is the primary spoken language for many Malaysians.

''In some Asian cities, it's easy for a foreigner to feel something akin to a walking wallet. Not so in KL. Here, foreigners pay the same prices as the locals. People want to know you. Health care is first-rate, public transportation is modern and efficient, and the tap water is safe enough to drink.

''Beautiful beaches are just a short drive or flight away, cool mountain retreats can be reached in less than an hour, and the thriving city-state of Singapore is easily accessible in a few hours by car, train, and bus or an hour by plane.

''Kuala Lumpur is an easy city to stay in for a few weeks...or, indeed, a lifetime.

''Immigration is easy, and it is possible to stay in Malaysia for an extended period with a simple tourist visa.

''Although KL is more expensive than rural Malaysia, it is marvelously inexpensive by Western standards. You can realistically expect to cut your living expenses by a third and still enjoy a lifestyle comparable to what you are accustomed to now. Kuala Lumpur is one of the most affordable modern cities in the world.

''Although KL is one of the most expensive parts of Malaysia, rents are surprisingly affordable. Unfurnished two-bedroom condominiums of 1,000 square feet and larger, in attractive parts of town, start around 750 RM (US$225) per month. If you prefer a fully furnished condominium, expect prices to begin at around 1,500 RM (US$450) per month. Modern, two- and three-bedroom fully furnished condominiums in upscale neighborhoods generally start in the neighborhood of 2,500 RM (US$750).

''Rents vary enormously on semi-detached and freestanding homes. In general, the farther from the city center you get, the lower the prices. You can find homes in the northern suburb of Gombak, for example, for less than 2,000 RM (US$600) per month, whereas in KL proper, a similar home could easily cost upward of US$2,000 per month.

''Your living costs overall in Kuala Lumpur are surprisingly affordable, especially given the qualify of life you're buying. Here's a typical budget, showing that you could live in this city, enjoying a fully appointed lifestyle, on a budget of about US$1,200 to US$1,300 per month, including rent:

That's a total monthly budget of US$1,223.

Kathleen Peddicord

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