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ViewsBruneiFrom eTripTips Wiki
The Sultanate of Brunei (Full name: Negara Brunei Darussalam) is a small but - thanks to natural gas and petroleum resources - very rich country located in Southeast Asia. It is surrounded by Malaysia and has two parts physically separated by Malaysia, almost being an enclave. Strategically located on the South China Sea, close to vital sea lanes linking Indian and Pacific Oceans, it has an exclusive economic fishing zone that extends as far as Louisa Reef in the southern Spratly Islands although it makes no public territorial claim to the offshore reefs. A constitutional sultanate, with a hereditary monarch, it is a modern example of how this form of government has stood the test of time.
[edit] Regions Map of Brunei Brunei has four districts (Malay: daerah)
[edit] Cities
[edit] Other destinations[edit] UnderstandBrunei is a pint-sized and fabulously wealthy oil-rich sultanate with a population of just over 300,000. [edit] HistoryThe Sultanate of Brunei's heyday occurred between the 15th and 17th centuries, when its control extended over coastal areas of northwest Borneo and the southern Philippines. Brunei subsequently entered a period of decline brought on by internal strife over royal succession, colonial expansion of European powers, and piracy. In 1888, Brunei became a British protectorate; independence was achieved in 1984. The same family has ruled Brunei for over six centuries.
[edit] Economy The backbone of Brunei's economy is oil and gas and the Sultan of Brunei is, famously, one of the richest people in the world with an estimated personal wealth of around 40 billion dollars. Per capita GDP is far above most other Third World countries, and substantial income from overseas investment supplements income from domestic production. The government provides for all medical services and subsidizes rice and housing. All sectors of economy are fairly heavily regulated and government policy is an odd mixture of subsidies, protectionism and encouragement for entrepreneurship. Brunei's leaders are keen to balance the country's steadily increasing integration into the world economy with internal social cohesion. It became a more prominent player on the world stage by serving as chairman for the 2005 APEC (Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation) forum. Plans for the future include upgrading the work force, reducing unemployment, strengthening the banking and tourist sectors, and, in general, further widening the economic base beyond oil and gas. [edit] CultureBrunei is officially an Islamic state, with many large beautiful mosques around the country. Sale of alcohol is banned. Bringing in meat, (other than seafood), which has not been certified "halal", (slaughtered according to Islamic law), is also banned. During the fasting month of Ramadan, many shops and restaurants will be open however, eating, drinking or smoking in front of people who are fasting is considered rude and asking permission is appropriate. The bulk of the population is Malay (67%) and there is also a significant Chinese minority of some 15% as well as a number of indigenous peoples, including the Iban and Dusun tribes who inhabit the jungle upriver and the Temburong district, (the smaller eastern part detached from the rest of Brunei). There are a large number of foreign workers who work on the oil and gas production or in lower wage positions such as restaurant staff, field workers and domestic staff. [edit] Geography and climateIn a word, Brunei is all jungle, so it's hot and humid throughout the year. A rainy season (of sorts) extends from September to January, but there is plentiful rainfall throughout the year. A flat coastal plain rises to mountains in east, the highest point being Bukit Pagon at 1,850 meters, with some hilly lowlands in west. There are no typhoons, earthquakes, or severe flooding to contend with, and the biggest environmental issues is seasonal haze resulting from forest fires in nearby Indonesia. [edit] Get inNationals of Israel may not enter Brunei. Nationals of many, but not all, industrialized countries do not require a visa. Among those who do not need a visa are US, UK, Japanese,Canadian and New Zealand citizens. Those who need a visa must apply in advance at a Brunei embassy, where processing can take up to 3 days and costs B$15 for a single entry visa. See Brunei Immigration Department for the latest details. [edit] By planeBrunei's sole airport of significance is Brunei International Airport (BWN), the hub of national carrier Royal Brunei Airlines. The airport itself is small but clean and functional. After over-expansion and huge losses in the 1990s, RBA has cut down on its services considerably but still offers a reasonably comprehensive network, with daily flights to London, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Kota Kinabalu. Fares that transit via Brunei can be attractively priced, but long haul flights on RBA generally get somewhat mixed reviews. In addition, Singapore Airlines flies 5 times a week from Singapore, Thai Airways flies 3 times a week from Bangkok and Malaysia Airlines flies from Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu (twice a week from both cities). In July 2006, discount, no frills carrier Air Asia started flights from Kuala Lumpur, bringing some much-needed competition. Air Asia may is one of the cheapest carriers to serve Brunei from an international Hub, with fares as low as $35 USD one-way from Kuala Lumpur. Air Asia flies from 35 destinations in Asia to Kuala Lumpur, where connections to Brunei are possible. Getting there/away: A taxi to Bandar Seri Begawan takes 20 minutes and costs around B$25. A covered walk down to the end of the car park further away from the Terminal (turn right from Arrivals) leads to a bus stop for Purple buses to the city centre (B$1). [edit] By carIt is possible to drive into Brunei from Sarawak, Malaysia. There are two entry points for the main part of Brunei, one from Miri (Sungai Tujuh) and one from Limbang (Kuala Lurah). It is also possible to drive from the Sarawak towns of Limbang and Lawas to the Temburong district of Brunei. The drive from Limbang requires a ferry ride across the Pandaruan River (RM8) which forms the border between Malaysia and Brunei. You have to get your Malaysian exit stamp at Limbang wharf immigration office in Limbang town while Brunei immigration formalities are conducted at Puni, about 1km away from the actual border crossing. From Lawas (which is connected by road to Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia), a ferry ride across the Trusan River (RM10) is required before you can proceed to the actual border. Malaysian immigration formalities are done in Trusan (the immigration office is in a shoplot just east of the ferry crossing) and no longer in Lawas, while those for Brunei can be done at the Labu checkpoint at border. Bangar is about 20km away. [edit] By bus
[edit] By boatThe main ferry terminal in Brunei is the Serasa Ferry Terminal at Muara, where there are several ferries daily to/from Labuan and one daily ferry each to/from Lawas and Sundar, both in Sarawak. Please note that the ferry terminal is quite a distance from actual Muara town where the container port is located. The terminal is about 25km from Bandar Seri Begawan. Getting there: There are purple buses linking the ferry terminal with Bandar. Speedboats also operate between Bandar Seri Begawan jetty in town and Limbang. They depart only when full. [edit] Get around[edit] By car
There is one "motorway", from Bandar Seri Begawan (the capital) along the coast. It devolves into dual and then single carriageway but is suitable for all vehicles, right through to Kuala Belait and the toll bridge to Malaysia/Sarawak in the west) There is also a side road off this, which runs into the jungle towards the settlement of Labi and beyond. Excellent scenery, and a 4-wheel drive may be useful, but the road is now sealed up to the longhouses some distance beyond Labi. Stock up on water at the convenient shop at the junction. [edit] By boat
[edit] By busAround the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, there is a good-sized network of purple minibuses. Brunei's high rate of private car ownership means very few Bruneians take these buses, which instead largely cater to foreign workers. The buses are limited to a slowish 50km/h but are actually quite efficient and reliable. There is also an infrequent long-distance bus which runs between BSB and Seria through Tutong. [edit] Talk
The official language of Brunei is Malay but English is widely spoken and understood. Solely among the Malay-speaking states, Brunei also uses the Arabic script for Malay known as Jawi, although most signs are written both in Jawi and Roman letters. [edit] See[edit] DoVisit Kampong Ayer (the water village) by a taxi boat. It's a beautiful sight to see hundreds of houses seemingly floating on water. The water village people are very friendly and many open up their homes to visitors year-round. Water taxis can be found by walking along the Brunei river or the main market in Bandar Seri Begawan and waving one down. Try to negotiate the price down. You shouldn't pay more than B$30 for a tour of the Kampong Ayer. Locals only pay 50 cents to cross the river. It is also possible to walk there from behind the Sultan's Mosque or from the other side in towns like Batu Satu. The Royal Regalia museum near the city centre displays gifts received by the Sultan. Definitely worth checking out. The Brunei Museum on the Kota Batu road has an excellent display in the Islamic Gallery. It is highly recommended. There are many ecological tours which typically go to the Temburong district by boat, to a native "longhouse", then to catch a native powered boat up the river to the Belalong National Park, a reserve of Borneo rain forest. There is a canopy walk and research centre at the park headquarters. Jerudong Park was once a decent theme park with a multitude of rides. Sadly, a downward circle of neglect, declining admissions and unaffordable maintenance costs led to the closure and sale of most of the big-ticket rides, including the three roller-coasters. This has given the park a sad "circus left town last week" air about it. Most people who visit only go at night to avoid the heat during the day. Outside the park but very close is a small complex of restaurants which is open at night, though only a few of the stalls are still operational. The local papers have reported plans to renovate the park with a new selection of attractions, but as of March 07 it remains to be seen what these attractions will be and when they will be operational. [edit] BuyThe local currency is the Brunei Dollar (B$) which is also known as the Ringgit in Malay. US$1 = B$1.5405 (as of 10 Jan 2007). The Brunei Dollar is tied to the Singapore Dollar at a 1:1 rate. By law both currencies can be used interchangeably, so if you're coming in from Singapore, there's no reason to change money as your cash will be readily accepted. (Likewise, any leftover Brunei Dollars can be used at par in Singapore.) However, many stores refuse Singapore notes with seemingly microscopic tears in them, and notices to this effect are posted at the cash register. Malaysian Ringgit (RM) will also be accepted in a pinch, but the exchange rate may not be in your favour. The Ringgit is not available at Brunei banks but can be obtained from moneychangers. The Brunei Dollar is divided into 100 cents. There are banknotes from B$1 to a whopping B$10,000 (handy if you're shopping for Rolls-Royces) and coins of 1 to 50 cents . All smaller notes and the 2004 series of larger notes are in brightly coloured plastic. [edit] CostsBy South-East Asian standards Brunei is on par with Singapore, meaning roughly twice that of neighboring Malaysia. However, like any other place, it is possible to travel to this country on a budget by eating at the local restaurants and avoiding the more expensive restaurants in hotels. The major problem for the budget traveller is accommodation: the budget option in the centre of BSB is a single youth hostel, Pusat Belia, which is famously picky about who it accepts as its guests! Most two-star hotels charge closer to B$70 and a night in a "good" hotel will easily cost twice that. The APEK Utama Hotel along the Kota Batu road has very decent accommodation for about B$30. [edit] Eat
Bruneians love to eat out and there are many excellent restaurants in Brunei serving a wide variety of cuisines, thanks to the large number of foreign workers in the country. There is also the local nasi katok, a simple combination of rice and curried beef or chicken, which can be quite spicy. It's relatively inexpensive when compared to other food that you can buy, for example local food such as chicken rice. However, it is not a healthy option, with insufficient vegetables and too much fat. Another option is ambuyat, a culinary experience unique to Borneo. It is a starchy and gooey paste made from sago that can be dipped into a savoury sauce. [edit] DrinkBrunei is a dry country: alcohol is not sold anywhere in the country and consumption of alcohol in public is prohibited by law. That said, non-Muslim visitors are allowed to bring in up to two litres of alcohol (wine or spirits) plus up to twelve cans of beer every 48 hours, and there's a wide array of duty-free shops just across the border in Malaysia to cater to this demand. However, alcohol permits must be obtained upon arrival in Brunei while going through customs. Many higher-end restaurants allow guests to bring in their own alcohol and corkage is not charged, though this is technically illegal and it's best to keep a low profile if you choose to consume in a public establishment. At the lower end (particularly Chinese restaurants), many restaurants supply illicit booze under euphemisms like "special tea". One should definitely try out teh tarik, a sweet milk tea, as well as the wide array of coffee (kopi) available in restaurants. [edit] SleepAccommodation in Brunei was until recently famously expensive — there is still only one youth hostel in the entire country — but some reasonably cheap guesthouses can now be found here and there. [edit] Learn[edit] Work[edit] Stay safe
While some countries have a more liberal attitude to this, drug trafficking and illegally importing controlled substances into Brunei are serious offenses and carry a mandatory death sentence. [edit] Stay healthy[edit] RespectThe Brunei Government is run as a Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB), which means that the Sultan of Brunei, apart from being one of the richest men in the world, runs the show around here, appearing on the front page of the two local daily newspapers almost every day. At all costs, do not insult or speak badly of the Royal family. Furthermore, though Bruneians are generally courteous and tolerant, it is a good idea to be aware of sensitivities surrounding certain topics of conversation, especially politics (domestic, regional, or international), and world events, particularly those relating to Islam or Islamic countries. [edit] Contact[edit] By phoneThe international code for Brunei is 673. The telephone numbers in Brunei consist of 7 digits with no local codes, although the first digit of the number indicates the area, eg: 3 for the Belait District and 2 for Bandar Seri Begawan.
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