Although a tiny state with a small population on the northern coast of Borneo in South-East Asia, Brunei has one of the highest standards of living in the world thanks to sizeable deposits of oil and gas.
Brunei is a heavily forested state, and most human activity is restricted either to coastal areas or estuaries. Visitors will encounter the grandeur of Islamic architecture and royal tradition in Brunei and cannot miss architectural treasures such as the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, with its gleaming gold dome.
The country only gained independence in 1984, but has the world’s oldest reigning monarchy and centuries of royal heritage.
At the helm of the only remaining Malay Islamic monarchy in the world, the Sultan of Brunei comes from a family line that dates back over 600 years.
The first sultan ascended the throne in 1405, founding a dynasty of which the current sultan, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, is the 29th ruler.
In 1984, the sultan declared Negara Brunei Darussalam (’Brunei, The Abode of Peace’) as a sovereign, democratic and independent Malay Muslim monarchy (Melayu Islam Beraja) which would be administered according to the teachings of Islam.
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has been on the throne for 38 years and is one of the world’s richest individuals.
Food and Drink
European food is served in hotel restaurants, along with Malaysian, Chinese and Indian dishes. Local food is similar to Malay cuisine with fresh fish and rice, often quite spicy.
Tipping: Most hotels and restaurants add 10% to the bill.
Shopping
Special purchases include handworked silverware, brassware and bronzeware such as jugs, trays, gongs, boxes, napkin rings, spoons and bracelets; resplendent gold and silver threaded material known as Jona Sarat, fine handwoven baskets and mats of pandan leaves.
Shopping centres at Bandar Seri Begawan, Seria and Kuala Belait offer local products and imported items. The ‘Tamu’ Night Market in Bandar Seri Begawan is open from early morning to late at night and sells many fruits, spices, poultry and vegetables, as well as antiques. Food is available there at the lowest prices in town.
Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 08.00-21.00.
Climate
Very hot, humid tropical climate most of the year. Heavy rainfall in the monsoon season, November to December. Average temperature is 28°C (82ºF).
Required Clothing
Lightweight cottons and linens. Waterproofing is advisable all year.
Getting There by Air
The national airline is Royal Brunei Airlines (BI).
Departure Tax
Br$5 for flights to Kota Kinabalu and Kuching; Br$12 for all other destinations. This is payable in local currency in cash, at the airport check-in desk.
Main Airports
Bandar Seri Begawan (BWN) is 11km (7 miles) south of the city. To/from the airport: Taxi services are available to the city with surcharges after 2200. Lower rates are charged by taxis leaving from the airport car park. Facilities: Bank, bureaux de change, car hire, duty-free shops, post office, restaurants and shops.
Getting There by Water
Main ports: Muara and Kuala Belait are the entry points for sea cargo.
There are passenger services between Singapore and Muara port. Ships and water taxis run a service between Bandar Seri Begawan and the Malay city of Luaban (Sabah).
Getting There by Road
There are access roads into Brunei from Sarawak at various locations, although some are unpaved.
Currency
Brunei Dollar (BND; symbol Br$) = 100 cents. Notes are in the denominations Br$10,000, 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in the denominations 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 cents. The Brunei Dollar is officially on a par with the Singapore Dollar.
Currency Exchange
Foreign currencies and travellers cheques can be exchanged at any bank.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are generally accepted by hotels, department stores and major establishments.
Traveller’s Cheques
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling. Hotels and many department stores will also cash traveller’s cheques.
Banking Hours
Mon-Fri 09.00-15.00; Sat 09.00-11.00.
Passport Note
A return ticket is necessary for visa-free trips. All visitors must possess sufficient funds to support themselves whilst in the country and a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers aged one year and over who have visited infected or endemic areas within the previous six days.
Passports
Passport valid for at least six months from date of departure required by all nationals of countries referred to in chart above. Travellers must be entitled to return to home country.
