Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque at
dusk Photo credit: Sam Garza
Despite its modest size, the sultanate of Brunei Darussalam has
a wealth of natural resources and worthwhile tourist attractions.
It's also one of Asia's safest and most environmentally pristine
countries. Travellers will find much of value within its
borders.
Culturally speaking, Brunei's identity flows from its Malay
majority and deeply entrenched Islamic traditions, bound together
by the sultanate's uninterrupted 600-year royal heritage. Its
citizens enjoy one of the world's highest standards of living,
receiving free healthcare, housing and education from the Sultan,
who is the sole beneficiary of the country's oil reserves.
Essentially, the country is divided into two halves. Most of its
population lives in the larger western territory, where the modern
capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, is located. The rest of Brunei's
people are residents of the mostly rural and mountainous eastern
region. Adventurous travellers will relish its virgin
rainforest.
Travellers should also visit the country's architectural
treasures, such as the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, the
fascinating traditional water villages, and the Sultan's palace,
Istana Nurul Iman, which is the world's largest palace still in
use. BSB has some worthwhile beaches, too, most notably
Jerudong.
Key Facts
Language:
The official language of the Sultanate is Malay, though
English is spoken widely and is the medium of instruction in
secondary and tertiary education.
Passport/Visa:
Travellers must have all documents necessary for their next
destination, return air tickets and sufficient funds for their
stay. Passports must be valid at least six months beyond their
arrival date. Visa requirements vary from country to country.
Currency:
The Brunei Dollar (BND) is the official currency, and it's
divided into 100 cents. The currency is pegged to the Singaporean
Dollar, which is accepted as legal tender throughout Brunei.
All major credit cards are accepted in shops, restaurants and
larger hotels. Cash is best advised for smaller establishments and
when transacting in remote areas. ATMs are widespread, especially
at major banks that are concentrated along Jalan Sultan in the
capital. Money can also be converted at the informal moneychangers
that operate from booths at most transport hubs. If travellers
choose to use this channel, they should ensure that they shop
around for the best rate.
Electricity:
Electrical current is 220 - 240 volts, 50Hz. Plugs are
of the three-pin, rectangular blade type, commonly referred to as
the British three-pin plug.
Travel to Brunei
Overview
Known for its stunning mosques, its virgin rainforest and the
world's largest floating village, this tiny Southeast Asian
destination is tailor-made for short, unforgettable getaways. Many
of Brunei's best attractions have to do with the outdoors, and
nature lovers will find an abundance of fun activities.
Those who venture out into the lush, tropical rainforests (which
are perhaps the best preserved in Asia) can enjoy canopy walks,
firefly boat trips and encounters with fascinating endemic animal
species such as the extremely shy proboscis monkey.
Stops at the country's breathtaking mosques should also be high
on any visitor's to-do list. The wonderful, Moghul-style Sultan
Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque is worth seeing in particular. Other
marvellous sights include the Bandar Seri Begawan Waterfront, which
is the ideal place for an evening stroll, and the Istana Nurul
Iman. With almost 1, 800 rooms, the Istana Nurul Iman is officially
the largest house in the world.
Climate in Brunei
Brunei has a distinctly tropical climate, with year-round hot
weather and high humidity. Uniquely for the region, Brunei has two
monsoon seasons, and experiences heavy rainfall from October to
February and from May to June. Rain showers tend to be heavy but
short-lived.
Rainfall drops to nearly nothing over March and April, when
drought conditions characterise the coastal areas. Temperatures
have been known to rise extremely high, making this an
uncomfortable time to visit. Conditions can also be uncomfortably
hot and humid from September to January.
The best time to visit is from June to September, though
travellers should avoid visiting Brunei during Ramadan, as many
businesses are closed.
Health Notes when travelling to Brunei
Travellers arriving from infected areas are required to produce
proof of a yellow fever vaccination, and vaccinations may be
recommended for hepatitis A and hepatitis B, though these are not
required. Health concerns will depend on whether or not visitors
are traveling to the remote areas of the Sultanate.
Tap water is safe to drink in Bandar Seri Begawan and in the
large towns, but travellers who explore the remote wilderness
should drink bottled water only. They should also consider
additional vaccinations for typhoid, tetanus, rabies and Japanese
encephalitis, depending on the duration of their stay, and their
planned activities. Dengue fever outbreaks and other mosquito-borne
diseases are common. Visitors should take precautions against
mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent at all times.
Though the FCDO says standards of healthcare are generally
acceptable, visitors are strongly advised to take out comprehensive
medical insurance that includes the option of emergency
repatriation.
Safety Notes when travelling to Brunei
Brunei ranks as one of the safest countries in the world.
Violent crime against people or property is virtually unheard of
and penalties for such offences are severe. However, there are
occasional incidents of petty crime against travellers, and
tourists should take care of their belongings. Protests and street
demonstrations should be avoided. Although the risk of
indiscriminate terrorist attacks exists globally, Brunei is
considered to have a low terrorism risk.
Customs in Brunei
Visitors should observe local manners and avoid showing the
soles of their feet, which is considered rude. One implication of
this etiquette to avoid crossing their legs when they sit.
They should also use their right hand when pointing or passing
an item. If they need to gesticulate, they should use their right
hand with the other fingers remaining closed. They can greet
business associates with a handshake, though not if they're from
the opposite sex.
When making small talk, foreigners should be cautious about
commenting on local issues, especially those relating to the royal
family.
Duty Free in Brunei
Travellers over the age of 17 may import the following into
Brunei without having to pay customs duty: 2 bottles of alcoholic
spirit (maximum total of 2 litres) and 12 cans of beer/lager (by
non-Muslims and for personal consumption only); 60ml of perfume and
250ml eau de toilette. Duty is charged on all tobacco products.
Doing Business in Brunei
Business people dress smartly for meetings; a suit and tie is
expected. Office hours are typically Monday to Thursday 8am to 5pm,
and Saturdays 8am to 12pm. Shortened office hours operate during
the fasting month of Ramadan. Business associates greet members of
the same sex with a handshake.
Communication in Brunei
The international country dialling code for Brunei is +673. The
outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g.
0044 for the United Kingdom). High-speed internet access is widely
available in the main towns and large hotels; travellers can
purchase local SIM cards for unlocked phones.
Tipping in Brunei
A 10 percent service charge is normally included in all hotel,
taxi, bar and restaurant bills, and further tipping is not
necessary.
Passport/Visa Note
Travellers must have all documents necessary for their next
destination, return air tickets and sufficient funds for their
stay. Passports must be valid at least six months beyond their
arrival date. Visa requirements vary from country to country.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for Americans:
US passport holders require a passport valid for at least six
months after arrival, but a visa is not necessary for stays of up
to 90 days.
Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian passport holders require a passport valid for at least
six months after arrival, but a visa is not necessary for stays of
up to 14 days.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK passport holders require a passport valid for at least six
months after arrival, but a visa is not necessary for stays of up
to 90 days.
Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian passport holders require a passport valid at least
six months after arrival, and a visa. Visas can be obtained on
arrival for a stay of up to 30 days.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish nationals require a passport valid for at least six months
after arrival, but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to 90
days.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand nationals require a passport valid for at least six
months after arrival, but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to
30 days.
Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African passport holders require a passport valid for at
least six months after arrival. A visa is required.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Brunei. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
Hepatitis A outbreaks occur throughout the world and sometimes in countries with a low risk for hepatitis A (including the US). You can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Brunei, so talk to your doctor to see if the hepatitis A vaccine is right for you.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
You may need this vaccine if your trip will last more than a month, depending on where you are going in Brunei and what time of year you are traveling. You should also consider this vaccine if you plan to visit rural areas in Brunei or will be spending a lot of time outdoors, even for trips shorter than a month. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans. See more in-depth information on Japanese encephalitis in Brunei.
Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Brunei, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:
Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
People who are taking long trips or moving to Brunei
Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
There is no risk of yellow fever in Brunei. The government of Brunei requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US. If you are traveling from a country other than the US, check this list to see if you may be required to get the yellow fever vaccine: Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Brunei. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
Hepatitis A outbreaks occur throughout the world and sometimes in countries with a low risk for hepatitis A (including the US). You can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Brunei, so talk to your doctor to see if the hepatitis A vaccine is right for you.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
You may need this vaccine if your trip will last more than a month, depending on where you are going in Brunei and what time of year you are traveling. You should also consider this vaccine if you plan to visit rural areas in Brunei or will be spending a lot of time outdoors, even for trips shorter than a month. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans. See more in-depth information on Japanese encephalitis in Brunei.
Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Brunei, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:
Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
People who are taking long trips or moving to Brunei
Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
There is no risk of yellow fever in Brunei. The government of Brunei requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US. If you are traveling from a country other than the US, check this list to see if you may be required to get the yellow fever vaccine: Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Brunei, so your behaviors are important.
Eat and drink safely
Food and water standards in Brunei are similar to those in the United States. Most travelers do not need to take special food or water precautions beyond what they normally do at home.
Although Brunei is an industrialized country, bug bites here can still spread diseases. Just as you would in the United States, try to avoid bug bites while spending time outside or in wooded areas.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
Consider using permethrin-treated clothing and gear if spending a lot of time outside. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
If your travel plans in Brunei include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip:
Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity in the heat of the day.
If you are outside for many hours in the heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
Do not dive into shallow water.
Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if you are driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
Go to a doctor right away.
Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance for things your regular insurance will not cover.
Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medicines you take.
Bring copies of your prescriptions for medicine and for eye glasses and contact lenses.
Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Brunei’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
Make sure there are seatbelts.
Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
Wear a seatbelt at all times.
Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
If you choose to drive a vehicle in Brunei, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Brunei for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
Currency
The Brunei Dollar (BND) is the official currency, and it's
divided into 100 cents. The currency is pegged to the Singaporean
Dollar, which is accepted as legal tender throughout Brunei.
All major credit cards are accepted in shops, restaurants and
larger hotels. Cash is best advised for smaller establishments and
when transacting in remote areas. ATMs are widespread, especially
at major banks that are concentrated along Jalan Sultan in the
capital. Money can also be converted at the informal moneychangers
that operate from booths at most transport hubs. If travellers
choose to use this channel, they should ensure that they shop
around for the best rate.
Exchange rate for 1 BND - Brunei Dollar
0.00BMD Bermudan Dollar
0.71EUR Euro
0.71USD U.S. Dollar
0.62GBP U.K. Pound Sterling
102.28JPY Japanese Yen
0.94CAD Canadian Dollar
0.68CHF Swiss Franc
1.06AUD Australian Dollar
26.14UAH Ukrainian Hryvnia
339.10KZT Kazakhstani Tenge
1,075.08LBP Lebanese Pound
3.52LYD Libyan Dinar
4.91BOB Bolivian Boliviano
90.58NPR Nepalese Rupee
0.27OMR Omani Rial
2.62QAR Qatari Rial
1.00SGD Singapore Dollar
7.63SEK Swedish Krona
4.83TTD Trinidad Tobago Dollar
0.00VEF Venezuelan Bolivar
37.74DOP Dominican Peso
5.37HRK Croatian Kuna
14.29MXN Mexican Peso
467.73XOF West African CFA Franc
2.51PGK Papua New Guinean kina
0.71BSD Bahamian Dollar
1.60FJD Fiji Dollar
17.56HNL Honduran Lempira
100.18DZD Algerian Dinar
1,495.47MMK Myanma Kyat
9.27BWP Botswana Pula
2.76PEN Peruvian Nuevo Sol
657.16CLP Chilean Peso
288.52AMD Armenia Dram
17.50CZK Czech Koruna
13.77MDL Moldova Lei
98.97ISK Icelandic Krona
7,791.23UZS Uzbekistan Sum
2.45ILS Israeli New Sheqel
0.51JOD Jordanian Dinar
0.22KWD Kuwaiti Dinar
29.03UYU Uruguayan Peso
32.17MUR Mauritian Rupee
25.59NIO Nicaraguan Córdoba
7.23NOK Norwegian Krone
3.37PLN Polish Zloty
2.68SAR Saudi Riyal
259.61LKR Sri Lanka Rupee
26.19THB Thai Baht
2.62AED U.A.E Dirham
3.71BRL Brazilian Real
3.51RON Romanian New Leu
5.59HKD Hong Kong Dollar
468.57XAF Central African CFA Franc
16,777.78VND Vietnamese Dong
101.86ARS Argentine Peso
1.93XCD East Caribbean Dollar
5.55GTQ Guatemalan Quetzal
7.58MAD Moroccan Dirham
0.27BHD Bahrain Dinar
0.71PAB Panamanian Balboa
1.21AZN Azerbaijan Manat
3,148.33COP Colombian Peso
57.60KGS Kyrgyzstan Som
290.46HUF Hungarian Forint
7.30TJS Tajikistan Ruble
10,592.09IDR Indonesian Rupiah
13.84EGP Egyptian Pound
996.31KRW South Korean Won
4,969.09PYG Paraguayan Guaraní
3.22MYR Malaysian Ringgit
450.90CRC Costa Rican Colón
1.19NZD New Zealand Dollar
159.32PKR Pakistani Rupee
42.92RUB Russian Rouble
12.50ZAR South African Rand
2.29TND Tunisian Dinar
1.44BBD Barbadian Dollar
1.40BGN Bulgarian Lev
13.02TRY Turkish Lira
40.84PHP Philippine Peso
22.21TWD New Taiwan Dollar
305.27NGN Nigerian Naira
85.09XPF CFP Franc
7.16GHS Ghanaian Cedi
108.54JMD Jamaican Dollar
1.28ANG Neth. Antillean Guilder
83.65RSD Serbian Dinar
4.98CNY Chinese Yuan
5.31DKK Danish Krone
2.49TMT New Turkmenistan Manat
56.87INR Indian Rupee
Exchange Rate for U.S. Dollar to Brunei Dollar
1 USD = 1.40 BND
Exchange Rate for Euro to Brunei Dollar
1 EUR = 1.40 BND
Exchange Rate for Canadian Dollar to Brunei Dollar
1 CAD = 1.06 BND
Exchange Rate for U.K. Pound Sterling to Brunei Dollar
1 GBP = 1.61 BND
Exchange Rate for Australian Dollar to Brunei Dollar
1 AUD = 0.94 BND
Exchange Rate for New Zealand Dollar to Brunei Dollar
1 NZD = 0.84 BND
Exchange Rate for South African Rand to Brunei Dollar
1 ZAR = 0.08 BND
Brunei International Airport (BWN) Bandar Seri Begawan International Airport
Location: The airport is situated five miles (8km) north-west of
the city centre.
Time: GMT +8
Transfer between terminals:
The airport has one terminal.
Getting to the city:
The journey to the city should take 15 to 25 minutes. Travellers
won't find many taxis in Brunei, so they will have to call one in
advance. They should also arrange fares prior to their trip. For a
more positive experience, visitors should insist on paying the
official rates, or risk having drivers charge them up to 30 percent
more.
Visitors can also travel into Bandar Seri Begawan by bus. Purple
buses 23, 24, 34, and 38 run from Brunei Airport to Bandar Seri
Begawan bus station every 30 minutes. The trip should take around
30 minutes. Passengers will find all public transport bus routes at
the departures hall, which is at the south end of the main
terminal. Buses are cheaper than taxis, though less frequent or
convenient.
Car rental:
There are no car rental offices at the airport, meaning
travellers will need to pre-arrange a pickup by calling their
preferred provider.
Airport Taxis:
Facilities:
Luggage lockers can be found on the arrivals level. Other
amenities include banks, bureaux de change, ATMs, bars and
restaurants, tourist information, and shops, including
duty-free.
Parking:
Long and short-term parking is available.
Overview of the Attractions in Brunei
Known for its stunning mosques, its virgin rainforest and the
world's largest floating village, this tiny Southeast Asian
destination is tailor-made for short, unforgettable getaways. Many
of Brunei's best attractions have to do with the outdoors, and
nature lovers will find an abundance of fun activities.
Those who venture out into the lush, tropical rainforests (which
are perhaps the best preserved in Asia) can enjoy canopy walks,
firefly boat trips and encounters with fascinating endemic animal
species such as the extremely shy proboscis monkey.
Stops at the country's breathtaking mosques should also be high
on any visitor's to-do list. The wonderful, Moghul-style Sultan
Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque is worth seeing in particular. Other
marvellous sights include the Bandar Seri Begawan Waterfront, which
is the ideal place for an evening stroll, and the Istana Nurul
Iman. With almost 1, 800 rooms, the Istana Nurul Iman is officially
the largest house in the world.
Bandar Seri Begawan
Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB) is something of an anomaly for a
capital built on oil money, where the cityscape is virtually free
of showy places trumpeting wealth. All it has along these lines are
a palace, an ostentatious hotel and a few enormous mosques. Still,
it is the commercial and political centre of Brunei. The city's
stunning mosques should feature in any sightseeing trip, and its
many royal buildings are worth stopping at as well. No visit would
be complete without seeing the Water Village (Kampong Ayer). Best
reached by water taxi, the village comprises houses on stilts, with
the community appearing to float on the water.
Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque
The Mosque is named after the 28th Sultan, Omar Ali Saifuddin,
and took four years to build. Finally completed in 1958, its design
takes much from the Mughal architecture of India, with nothing but
the finest materials used in its construction. Shanghai granite,
Italian marble, stained glass and crystal chandeliers from England
come together in this exquisite structure, along with fine
trimmings such as carpets from Saudi Arabia, and a dome covered in
gold leaf. The mosque welcomes non-Muslim visitors every day bar
Thursdays and Fridays. Silence must be observed at all times;
visitors are forbidden to take photographs of people in prayer.
Temburong
Physically separated from the rest of Brunei by Sarawak's
Limbang division, Temburong is the country's green jewel and a
nature lover's dream destination. Just a short boat trip away from
Bandar Seri Begawan via the mangrove-lined Brunei River, Temburong
is home to breathtakingly beautiful flora and fauna, and eco lodges
that promise tranquil escapes from everything. Things to do include
visiting centuries-old botanical towers in Bangar Town, exploring
the upper reaches of Brunei's rainforests on the Belalong Canopy
Walkway, and relishing delectable local dishes such as salted duck
eggs at the main market, Tamu Bangar.
Los Angeles City Councilman Paul Koretz said he will ask the city to continue to boycott the Hotel Bel-Air and the Beverly Hills Hotel although the leader of Brunei said the country will not impose the death penalty on those convicted of having gay sex. In a speech Sunday, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah said he would extend a moratorium on capital punishment and ratify the
Kampong Ayer, in Brunei's capital, is the world's largest settlement on stilts. It's made up of more than 40 villages connected by a 38-kilometer boardwalk
While Americans regard prohibition as a romanticized thing of the past, alcohol bans still exist in countries like Brunei, Libya, and Saudi Arabia — and if Indonesia’s Parliament has its way, you can soon add tourist destinations like Bali to the list, too
