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I Thought I Knew Why I Retired to Malaysia. I Was Wrong!

Judge Jeff Retired

12,613 views

After retiring from the bench and building a new life in Penang, I've been asked many times why I chose Malaysia.

Filming from Buahan in the highlands of Bali, I reflect on what really brought me here—and why the answer goes far beyond affordability, healthcare, English, or the convenience of living in Southeast Asia.

When I retired, I thought the next chapter of life would be about simplifying and making my world smaller. Instead, I discovered that I wanted the opposite: to travel more, stay curious, experience new cultures, and make my world bigger.

Malaysia gave me a comfortable home base for that life. Somewhere along the way, Penang stopped feeling like simply the place I retired to. It became home.

Retirement means something different to each of us. Whether you're already retired, planning for it, or just beginning to imagine it, I'd be interested to hear what you want your next chapter to look like.

#RetireAbroad #JudgeJeffRetired #LivingInMalaysia #PenangExpat #ExpatLife #RetirementLife #RetirementTravel #Malaysia #Bali #SeniorTravel

20 Comments

@JudgeJeffRetired Creator 1 day ago Pinned

Thank you so much for all your comments about your thoughts and experiences around retirement! I've enjoyed reading every one of them, so far. If you haven't already, take a minute and share with the group here your fears, your joys, and your hopes for this period of your life. Will you be staying near your long-time home? Or striking out for some place new? Let us know in the comments!

@KucingCatMami 2 days ago

I retired at 49, just had enough of the corporate world. Bought a house in Penang mainland and live a simple life. As I get older, I just need basic necessities and as a muslim, I am preparing myself for the after world. I love your content, keep it up sir👏

@sehrascye 2 days ago

So eloquently put Judge Jeff, what a wonderful attitude and outlook you have about retirement, and life in general! It’s so true, sometimes ‘enough’ is all you ever need. ❤

@JasonLee_JDL 19 hours ago

Thank you Judge Jeff for another wonderful video.

@tengjoolee 1 day ago

Well said Judge! Enough is truly enough. The rest is just bonus. Wishing you a happy retirement.

@theeternaloptimists365 1 hour ago (edited)

Judge Jeff, thank you so much for this video. When you spoke, it was as though you weren't speaking as a content creator or influencer, but rather talking to a friend like the video with Taylor. It is though you are "being or experiencing" and not so much "doing".

You have so much to impart those who have retired. Looking forward to your next video. Also, the music on this video is awesome!

@sawbeeang7385 23 hours ago

Thanks for taking time to share your retired life and how much you like Penang. I feel honored as coming from here. Left for UK in 76 to train as a nurse and have retired. Now I spend more and more months in Penang as it will always be home to me. And I can’t bear the long winters in UK

@WeaWeeHau 1 day ago

Judge, u got the type of voice and timbre that alot of people would kill to have and only a few achieve. It is infused with calming effect and story telling quality that made me listen all the way to the end ...thank you for sharing your thoughts

@lewisaus 1 day ago

Penang getting better and better. 👍🏻

@secretariatmalaysia2581 1 day ago (edited)

We Malaysians love powerfully peaceful wisdom you are sharing. Tqvm Judge 😊 stay blessed and grow furher

@theankimpin-fm2sc 7 hours ago

I like how, for you, retirement is another interesting chapter in life. For so many people, it is like a chapter of waiting for the end. For you, it is a change of scene, an unveiling of a new adventure. You’ve inspired me to rethink my retirement in the not-so-distant future. I’m semi-retired, as it is. However, for me and a few of my friends, this stage in life requires looking after our aged parents. So right now, I’m planning trips with old folks and making their lives interesting. 😁

@CrossHyer 2 days ago

Enjoying our retirement, watching Andaman Island grow - my wife enjoys Mahjong, line dancing and we sketch together. Walk down to Gurney drive - coffee, lunch or dinner at the many eateries there or close by. We like walking around the heritage areas in George Town - watching the tourists and cruise ship day trippers. Talking to the locals and we thank the Universe every day.

@marie-u6t8o 1 day ago (edited)

Retirement is a new beginning — a chance to pursue passions and embrace a meaningful life. It’s about savoring simple joys, like residing at Straits Quay and sharing each day with the loving company of your dog and parrot. Welcome to Malaysia, where life’s second act unfolds with serenity and companionship..

@kyleanuar9090 1 day ago

I've been in Penang for decades and nothing is really happening here despite news of catastrophe and chaos from everywhere. Realised now how precious is the place. Even during lockdown my little town was even more vibrant than usual. Afraid the peace won't be long though as it's touted to be the new Dubai. The people here are simple people and don't follow trends but once you get to know them better you'd realise that a lot have travelled the world and hold or held high positions in big companies but choosing the simple life here. We don't need the trendy food places or fancy amenities to feel better.

@colinting8154 1 day ago

Hello from Thunder Bay! (Well, I was born in Sarawak, East Malaysia.) As always, I truly enjoy your vid. and your perspective. Ribuan terima kasih!🙏

@Miaat-d9b 1 day ago

What Retirement means to me is another new start. Going through the process of MM2H visa at the moment with great guidance of my Visa Agent in Penang.
Eventually finding a home to buy in Penang and go travelling like you.
Having visited Malaysia for 3 months last year, Penang felt home to me.
I have been following your channel and your stories from the beginning.
I love your relaxed story telling and you give me such encouragement and wonderful outlook for me to experience.
Thank you 🙏 ❤

@lamcso 2 days ago

Its refreshing to listen to your thoughts on living in Penang.
Growing up in Penang for 71 years, I am still enjoying living in this strategic location.
Civilizations existed in this area Bujang Valley, Kedah as early as the 6th century BCE. Bujang Valley is only an hour drive from Penang

@SyedAhmadMansor 1 day ago (edited)

Retirement took me by surprise. I had low savings and single living in JB. Then I befriended with a trouble person 15 years younger. Suddenly him n me get thrown out as gangster chased him. So we travel north, sleeping at RnR bench n cheap hotels in small towns. Then I stumbled upon homestay condo with kitchen n washing machine which previously was a resort. I asked price per night, RM 200, later I asked for a month, RM 900. I figured out at RM 30 it is so much cheaper than a budget hotel, so I stayed a month. Then owner offer special at RM 600 if I pay for the whole year. This is my 2nd year stay at a private island named Marina Island Pangkor. The view is outstanding combining lake, sea and mountain.

@carolkwong5484 2 days ago

Retirement to me means doing things that I have always wanted to do but dont find the time and money in my younger days...Now I can achieve them all and am grateful..😊