Kulai, Malaysia

Capital City

This provincial town is hardly the idyllic escape some expats imagine. With just 1,772 acres of palm plantations and a single taxi in 1936, Kulai has remained a sleepy backwater, its economy reliant on a handful of agricultural operations. And the climate - a relentless tropical downpour year-round - is no picnic for those accustomed to temperate climes. The local government has also weathered its share of political turmoil, including a deadly 1948 attack by communist guerillas. While the town does boast a few temples and cultural attractions, Kulai is best suited for those seeking a remote, rustic lifestyle far from the comforts of modern city living.