Seria, Brunei

Sitting in Brunei's Belait District, Seria is a small, oil-driven town with a population under 4,000. It’s a quiet place, surrounded by mangrove swamps and oil fields, with a narrow coastline facing the South China Sea. The town’s economy revolves entirely around the oil and gas industry, which means jobs here are niche and opportunities for expats outside that sector are slim. Daily life is slow-paced, with limited amenities compared to larger cities like Bandar Seri Begawan, 65 kilometers east.

Living in Seria comes with quirks. The humid, swampy environment can feel oppressive, especially during the rainy season. While the town is safe, it’s isolated, and the lack of international schools or major healthcare facilities makes it less ideal for families. Birdwatchers might appreciate its designation as an Important Bird Area, but for most expats, the appeal is limited to those working directly in the oil and gas industry. Seria is for oil professionals who don’t mind a quiet, remote lifestyle—not for retirees, digital nomads, or families seeking convenience.