Betong, Malaysia

This town in Malaysian Borneo is no tropical paradise. The population has declined by 15,231 over the past decade, with only 46,900 residents as of 2020. The majority are Iban (75,923), followed by Chinese (20,584), Malay (8,362), and smaller ethnic groups. Farming, agriculture, and fishing drive the local economy, but bureaucracy remains a persistent headache - the Betong Division Development Agency is working to boost economic opportunities. With a tropical rainforest climate and heavy rainfall year-round, Betong is likely best suited for those seeking a slower pace of life in a remote, rural setting.