Muar, Malaysia

Capital City

Living in Muar is not for the faint of heart. The district has a population of 239,027 people, with Malays making up 55.3% and Chinese 35.7%. While the city boasts the title of 'Asean Clean Tourist City,' the bureaucracy can be a persistent headache - Muar was once the only town in Malaysia that required a license to own a bicycle. And the climate is not without its challenges, with severe flooding in 2006-2007 displacing over 22,000 people. Still, Muar's rich history, thriving furniture industry, and scenic riverside location make it an appealing option for those seeking an authentic Malaysian experience outside the usual tourist hubs.