Kuala Belait, Brunei

Capital City

This sleepy oil town near the Malaysian border feels more like an outpost than a destination. The expat community here consists almost entirely of Shell employees and contractors—you’ll spot their company housing by the river. Everything revolves around the petroleum industry, which means decent infrastructure but zero nightlife beyond a few basic eateries.

Getting anything done requires patience with Bruneian bureaucracy, especially if you need to cross into Malaysia frequently. The 20km drive to Seria feels longer than it should due to poorly maintained roads. Humidity sticks to you like a second skin year-round, and the nearest real city (Bandar Seri Begawan) is a 90-minute slog east. Kuala Belait works if you want cheap stability with Shell’s expat package, but digital nomads and retirees craving amenities will feel stranded.