Lumut, Perak, Malaysia

This once sleepy fishing town has become a hub of naval activity, but don't be fooled - Lumut is no idyllic coastal retreat. The town is home to Malaysia's largest naval shipbuilder, Boustead, and has served as a repair site for 6 U.S. Navy warships at a cost of RM 1.6 million since 1993. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the town's history as part of the Straits Settlements until 1935 leaving a legacy of red tape. And while the town is known for its seashell and coral handicrafts, the risk of helicopter collisions during military parades is a sobering reality. Lumut is best suited for those with a strong stomach for military logistics and a high tolerance for bureaucratic hurdles.