This Is Asia
INDONESIA
In Indonesia, we recommend you consider the small tropical island of Bali as a place to call home. Bali, dubbed the “Enchanted Land,” packs in everything you expect of paradise, from coral reefs to the jungle-clad slopes of mighty mountains complete with tribes of naughty monkeys. Here, amid the most gracious and hospitable of peoples, you can live for as little as US$1,500 a month.
Indonesia is a poor country, and Bali—although better off than most of Indonesia—is no exception. Although most roads on the island are paved, they tend to be busy and poorly maintained outside of tourist areas. Power outages are common, while air conditioning is not. Bali is making progress on its infrastructure, but in the meantime, we recommend other locales if reliable internet is a necessity.
One of the most popular areas that foreigners choose to live is Sanur, which is on the west coast of southern Bali. Quiet and low-key, it’s attractive to older expats and others who choose not to live near the nightlife of other areas. Rents around Sanur tend to be quite reasonable.
The resort town of Kuta is famous for its wide, sandy beaches and raucous nightlife. Nearby Legian, Sanur and Seminyak also boast fine beaches and attract many foreign retirees from all over the world. Most of Bali’s population lives in this general region.
More isolated but still very accessible is laid-back Lovina. Located on a lovely stretch of black-sand beach on the north side of the island, about 100,000 people live in this general vicinity, which actually consists of several small villages strung out along the coast. Dense jungles, remote waterfalls, and a large resident dolphin population draw thousands of visitors to this area every year.
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PHILIPPINES
The Philippine islands are rich in natural beauty. Lying about 500 miles off the southeast coast of China and to the northeast of Borneo, the Philippines is made up of over 7,000 islands created from volcanic activity. Yet the total land mass is about the size of Arizona. Only about 7% of the islands are larger than one square mile, and only one third of them have names. They form three main groups: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Colonized by the Spanish in 1521, their influence can be seen all over the Philippines, from the Spanish churches and religious observation to Hispanic last names and foods. The Spanish language was the official language of the country for over three centuries and was the lingua franca up until the 21st century.
The Philippines is one of the world’s most affordable places to retire, and welcomes foreigners, to boot. Offering one of the best retirement programs and an easy path to permanent residency (the easiest in Southeast Asia), plus top-notch health care (and the only remaining overseas VA hospitals in the world), established retiree communities, and stunningly beautiful beaches… it’s easy to see why so many retirees have decided to make the Philippines their permanent home.
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THAILAND
Thousands of foreigners have settled in Thailand, in world-renowned resorts such as Koh Samui, Koh Lanta, and Phuket, in cities including Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai, and in the smaller towns of Hua Hin, Cha-am, and Pai. It’s rare to find a town in Thailand that doesn’t have at least a few foreign residents.
There’s a lot to like in Thailand: Breathtaking beaches, friendly locals, and well-established expat communities are just what’s on the surface. Beyond these attractions, Thailand boasts excellent health care (sometimes one-fifth the cost of U.S. health care) and easy retirement visa options.
A would-be retiree would have no trouble enjoying life here… there is a large and established expat community, plenty of golf courses, excellent medical and dental care, and all the services and amenities that an expat could want. Plus, the geography offers everything from misty mountains to pristine beaches.
The real kicker though, is the price. Thailand is arguably the cheapest place on Earth to live well. While affordable luxury is available, you can live on a very modest budget, thanks to US$1 pad Thai lunches and US$11-a-night hotels (including breakfast and free Wi-Fi).
Bangkok is a popular choice among retirees who appreciate its cosmopolitan flair, vast variety of entertainment venues, shopping, and warm, tropical climate. The city’s proximity to beach resorts is another plus. Pattaya and Cha-am are just two hours from the city, and the retirement haven of Hua Hin is less than three hours away.
Many foreigners come to Bangkok to work. The demand for English teachers is insatiable, as is the market for skilled employees in many other industries. If you have at least a bachelor’s degree and a willingness to work, you will have no difficulty finding a job in this city.
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VIETNAM
This new retirement haven might not have crossed your mind, as it’s not the typical American-chosen destination… but it has a lot going for it.
Our favorite place is Da Lat. Something about Da Lat inspires romance… Whether it’s the well-preserved past or its cool weather, misty peaks, and pine forest, love is in the air here in Vietnam’s honeymoon capital.
Vietnam may be famous for having some of the most delicious food on the planet, but Da Lat is famous for having some of the most delicious food in Vietnam. The herbs and vegetables essential to Vietnamese cuisine are at their freshest here. The best thing about Da Lat, though, is that it can be enjoyed at an impossibly low cost to expats.
Recreation options are limitless, with trails and vistas throughout its many peaks, valleys, and forest providing hiking and biking opportunities. Da Lat has several lakes in the city and on its outskirts, which you can paddle around in or walk around. And Da Lat is extremely safe, whether you’re male, female, single, or accompanied.
Get ready to discover more about this unique place…
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