Kapit, Malaysia

Reaching Kapit, Malaysia by boat or plane can take over 2 hours from the nearest major city, a trek that sets the tone for life in this remote, riverside town. With a population of just 65,800 across 15,595.6 square kilometres, Kapit is a commercial hub for the surrounding longhouse communities and timber camps. However, the area is prone to severe flooding, with the worst event in 1934 reaching water levels of 49 meters. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the local government office has been housed in the historic Fort Sylvia since 1973. Overall, Kapit is best suited for those seeking a tranquil, off-the-grid lifestyle, away from the crowds and chaos of Malaysia's major urban centers.