Bandar Lampung, Indonesia

Capital City

With a population of over 1.1 million, Bandar Lampung is the fourth-largest city in Sumatra - a chaotic, congested hub that may test the mettle of even the most intrepid expat. The city's cottage industries like metalworking and pottery-making provide some economic opportunities, but the tropical climate brings heavy rainfall year-round, and bureaucracy is a persistent headache. While Bandar Lampung serves as the chief port and transportation center for the surrounding agricultural region, its sizable Javanese, Sundanese, and Bantenese populations make it a melting pot - but one that requires a thick skin and patience to navigate.