Jerudong, Brunei

This $1 billion amusement park is the crown jewel of Brunei, but it's a poor indicator of life for the average resident. While the park once offered free admission and rides, it now nickel-and-dimes visitors with a $8-$10 ticket system. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with a government-run censorship board that vets all local entertainment. And despite the park's family-friendly facade, the real Jerudong is a sleepy, isolated town far from the bright lights. This city is best suited for those content with a plodding pace of life, far removed from the dynamism of Southeast Asia's megacities.