Retire Like a Boss: 5 Tropical Destinations Where You Can Relax

Edlen Gatchalian
   |   
July 9, 2025

Looking to Settle Down and Get a Good Tan? Here Are 5 Tropical Destinations in Asia Where Retirees Can Still Work Away from Work

Mate, you’re staring at that beach poster on your wall again. You said it’s your dream to settle down in that spot — so why not fulfill that dream now? After decades of working for your family and building a thriving business, it’s high time you sipped a cold one and enjoyed life in the tropics.

But of course, you just can’t let go of the business rope all at once, right? So why not ease into retirement — where you settle down while slowly letting your team handle the day-to-day, manage things online, explore remote operations, and find alternative investments in the process. Sounds like a great plan?

For retirement, you’re probably thinking of a place with warm weather, friendly locals, low-cost living, the chance to run a business, or do remote work. Well, not far from the Land Down Under, Asia has a range of destinations where you can enjoy a peaceful lifestyle while keeping your business smarts ticking over.

Here are five promising retirement spots in Asia where you (if you really insist) can still operate remotely or invest:

1. Mataram City, Lombok – Indonesia’s “Next Bali”

If you’re craving a laid-back lifestyle and real estate investment opportunities, Mataram might be your dream spot. This up-and-coming “Next Bali” offers a slower pace of life, beautiful natural attractions, and plenty of time for family and relaxation.

Business-wise, Mataram banks heavily on tourism. Villas and vacation rentals are booming, offering lucrative investment opportunities for foreign buyers. But this doesn’t mean saying goodbye to your Aussie business. While exploring new markets in Mataram, you can still steer your ventures from abroad with just a few clicks — especially by hiring remote outsourcing experts like Skill Cloud.

2. Penang, Malaysia – Culture, Cuisine, and Convenience

Penang is rich in culture and heritage, but what really makes it appealing to retirees is its excellent healthcare system, featuring internationally accredited hospitals — so you can worry less when you’re under the weather.

Often called Malaysia’s food capital, Penang will spoil you with dishes like Asam Laksa and Nasi Kandar. Unlike in Indonesia, expats in Malaysia are allowed to own property with a minimum investment threshold, making it a great place to live and invest. With a reliable internet connection and a shared time zone with much of Asia-Pacific, you’ll have no trouble outsourcing services or staying on top of your Aussie business remotely.

3. Da Nang, Vietnam – Coastal Comfort on a Budget

Da Nang offers a cost-effective lifestyle, particularly in housing and transport, which makes it perfect if you want to retire on a modest budget. Sick of Australia’s cold winters? Enjoy Vietnam’s tropical monsoon climate and year-round outdoor activities.

If you’re not quite ready to let go of your business, Da Nang is remote work–friendly. With high-speed internet powered by Viettel and support from experts like Skill Cloud, staying connected to your operations has never been easier.

4. Koh Samui, Thailand – Luxury Meets Laid-Back

Tropical beauty, a modern lifestyle, and affordable beachfront condos — that’s Koh Samui. If you want to enjoy your Pad Thai in a beachside villa while leading remote meetings or managing a small business, this is the place.

Thailand also offers strong legal and banking support, making it easier for foreigners to invest or set up business support services. Go ahead — book that flight and explore your retirement dreams in Koh Samui.

5. Cebu, Philippines – Island Living with a Business Backbone

Last but not least: Cebu. Home to the Sinulog Festival and whale shark diving in Oslob, Cebu offers vibrant island life alongside modern investment opportunities. Known as the Queen City of the South, it also boasts a strong business process outsourcing (BPO) industry.

Filipino professionals are friendly, hardworking, and experienced in customer service and tech support. Companies like Skill Cloud offer seamless BPO solutions — perfect if you’re planning a smooth retirement transition while keeping your business running.

So, Mate — What Are You Waiting For?

Go ahead and book that trip. Visit the beach spot you’ve been dreaming about for years. Don’t stress about retirement — it doesn’t have to mean walking away from everything you’ve built.

These tropical Asian hotspots offer investment potential and remote work opportunities. So you can still check your laptop, make a few calls, sip a cold one, and spend time with your grandkids. Retirement doesn’t have to be a rocking chair — it can be your most exciting and fulfilling business move yet.

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