She'd dreamed of retiring in Malaysia for years. At 58, she packed up her life in New Zealand and went for it.

Jill Tozer retired and moved to Penang, Malaysia, alone a decade ago.

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• Jill Tozer, 68, left New Zealand to retire in Malaysia a decade ago.
• She now lives in a $450-a-month apartment with sea views in Penang.
• She says she loves the warm climate, the lower cost of living, and the welcoming local community.

Ten years ago, Jill Tozer packed her bags, said goodbye to her daughters, and moved alone to Penang, a state in the northwestern part of Malaysia.