Kota Bharu, Malaysia

Capital City

With a population of 491,237, Kota Bharu touts itself as Malaysia's "Islamic City," but the reality is a bureaucratic headache for many residents. The town's architecture and cultural sites are undoubtedly unique, from the historic royal palaces to the vibrant Siti Khadijah Market. However, the city's tropical monsoon climate brings heavy rainfall for half the year, making it a persistent challenge. And while Kota Bharu markets itself as a tourist destination, the eroding coastline and limited dive sites offer limited appeal for adventurous expats. Overall, this city's strict Islamic identity and environmental drawbacks make it best suited for devout Muslims seeking a traditional Malay lifestyle, rather than the average Westerner looking to move abroad.