 Brunei Darussalam (Brunei, the Abode of Peace) is a small, prosperous, stable and peaceful oil rich Kingdom located on the northern shores of the island of Borneo, which it shares with Malaysia and Indonesia.
Mostly covered in luxuriant and pristine tropical rainforests rich in exotic flora and fauna, Brunei is a paradise for nature lovers and for eco-tourism in general.
Because of its small size and excellent road and tourist infrastructure, the best preserved rainforests in Borneo can be easily and safely discovered in day trips from the comfort of international standard hotels ranging from tourist class inns to the regally opulent Empire Hotel & Country Club, making the enriching experience of eco-tourism a much more approachable proposition for those who cherish comfort and safety.
With plenty of greenery, fresh and invigorating pollution free air, a healthy environment free of tropical diseases, no traffic jams and one of the lowest crime rates in the world, Brunei is a welcoming and rejuvenating experience.
Whether it is enjoying the bountiful nature, admiring the opulence of Brunei’s ancient monarchy, discovering the fascinating Water Village – the largest in the world – and the thriving culture and traditions of the Malay people; or simply enjoying a world class round of golf, horse riding by the beach, being pampered in luxury at the spa or having fun with the family in our safe and wholesome environment, Brunei will reveal itself as a true Kingdom of unexpected treasures.
 With over two thirds of the population professing the Islamic faith, Brunei is ruled according to the national philosophy of the Malay Islamic Monarchy, with most people practicing a pious but tolerant brand of Islam, which encompasses as well respect and attachment for the age old Malay traditions and culture and reverence for the monarchy and its members.
Often wrongly perceived as a strict and boring place, Brunei in fact has much to go for it. Tourists who can go for a few days without a drink or gambling will find no more restrictions to their enjoyment than in neighboring countries, as long as they respect Brunei’s cultural and religious traditions.
Brunei of course does not pretend to become the next Bali or Phuket. Its strengths lie elsewhere, although there is also plenty of sea, sun and clean, wholesome family fun for those looking for it. Brunei’s strong points are rather found in its natural and cultural assets : the vast stretches of virgin tropical rainforests covering over 70% of the land, and its rich Malay culture, traditions and colourful history dating back centuries and reading like the pages of an adventure epic, replete with tales of sultans, princesses, pirates, headhunters and swashbuckling European adventurers.
Despite all this, few tourists as yet can be seen around Brunei, prompting many in the know to call Brunei “Asia’s best kept secret”. Even now that tourism promotion and development are firmly on the agenda for the future diversification of the oil dependent economy, Brunei is likely to remain a destination for discerning, experienced travelers in quest of an untouched and seldom visited new place to discover.
Capital
Bandar Seri Begawan
Where is it and how do I get there?
Located on the northwestern shores of the Island of Borneo. Brunei, although occupying less than 1% of Borneo’s land area, is the only sovereign country on the island, which it shares with the Indonesian provinces of West, East, South and Central Kalimantan, and the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak. Bounded on all sides by the Malaysian state of Sarawak, except in the North for a 161 km long coastline with the South China Sea.
Royal Brunei Airlines flies non-stop or direct to most major destinations in Asia-Pacific, while Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways provide easy one-stop connections to the rest of the world through their hubs in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Bangkok.
When to go/Weather
Temperate equatorial climate year round, characterised by temperatures ranging between 23 to 32 degrees Celsius and an average annual rainfall of 320cm. There is no distinct rainy season, though the period from November to March tends to bring heavier rains.
 Where to stay
There is a wide choice of hotels, guesthouses and serviced apartments in the capital and throughout the country. Hotel accommodation in Brunei Darussalam caters to all types of visitors, from luxury to business to tourist class. From the impeccable elegance of the “7-star” Empire Hotel & Country Club or the business refinement and efficiency of the Sheraton Utama, to a number of mid-range and budget hotels and guesthouses throughout the nation, visitors will be greeted with friendly service and Brunei’s trademark hospitality.
Brunei Tourism offers a list of accommodation, please click here.
Airport Tax
Kota Kinabalu & Kuching B$5.00
Other destinations B$12.00
Airport Check-In Times
Please arrive in good time at the airport terminal as this will ensure that your flight operates on schedule. Check local road conditions to avoid possible delay. To enable pre-flight formalities to be concluded, have your baggage screened and checked-in at Brunei International Airport at least one and a half hours before scheduled departure.
Getting around for families
Many of Brunei's attractions lie within walking distance of each other in the heart of the capital city, Bandar Seri Begawan. A comprehensive public bus system serves the capital and other destinations.
Taxis - Metered taxis are available at most hotels, shopping centres and the airport. In the capital, taxis are located at the Jalan Cator car park.
Car Rentals - Self-drive or chauffeur-driven cars are available for hire from major hotels and the airport.
Avis Rent-A-Car
Ph: +673 242 6345 / 244 2284 / 244 6380 / 242 4921
Hertz Rent-A-Car
Ph: +673 245 2244
 Buses
There are six bus routes serving Bandar Seri Begawan, with buses running every 15 to 20 minutes. Fares start from B$1.00. Buses to other major towns such as Seria and Kuala Belait depart from the bus terminal located at the Jalan Cator car park in downtown Bandar.
What to wear
Tourists should observe the local dress code and dress modestly. Clothing comfortable for hot weather is acceptable, except when visiting places of worship or for social and business functions. Be sure to have hats and sunscreen on hand to protect your family from the hot, tropical sun.
Population
383,000 people (2006).
Culture/Religion
Brunei has, since independence from the British in 1984, adopted the national philosophy of the Malay Islamic Monarchy (Melayu Islam Beraja). It is a system that encompasses traditions dating back to the early days of the South East Asian Malay Kingdoms and that stresses the strong Malay cultural influence on the nation’s fabric, the importance of the Islamic religion in many aspects of daily life and governance and the acceptance and respect for Brunei’s ancient Monarchic tradition as represented by His Majesty The Sultan. It is also a philosophy of tolerance, allowing for other cultures to follow their own traditions, for other religions to be freely practiced, and for a caring and approachable Monarch working for the wellbeing of His subjects.
Islam (official): 67%; Buddhism: 13%; Christianity: 10%; indigenous beliefs and other: 10%
Language
Bahasa Melayu (Malay) is the official language, but English is the language of business and is widely spoken at all levels. Mandarin, Chinese dialects and native Borneo languages are also spoken by segments of the population
Time
Brunei is 2 hours behind Eastern Standard Time. For time zone information, click here.
 Currency
The local currency is the Brunei Dollar (BND). Dollar notes are available in $1, $5, $10, $50, $100, 500 and $1,000 denominations, while coins are in
1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cent denominations. The Brunei Dollar is pegged to the value of the Singapore Dollar and both currencies can be used in Brunei.
AUD1.00 = BND1.3239
NZD1.00 = BND1.1996
Rates correct as at 27th June 2007
Banking Hours
Banks are generally open from 9am to 4pm on weekdays and 9am to 11am on Saturdays. Most banks are government-approved to handle traveller’s cheques and currency exchange, and most offer ATMs on international networks.
Credit Cards
All major credit cards (Visa, American Express, MasterCard, Diner’s Club) are accepted widely throughout Brunei.
Do’s and don’t’s
Bruneians are generally very tolerant and will understand that visitors are not familiar with all of their customs and Islamic traditions.
Nonetheless, keeping these few things in mind will go far in showing the Bruneian people that you respect and appreciate their culture, enriching your experience:
· Tourists should observe the local dress code and dress modestly. Clothing comfortable for hot weather is acceptable, except when visiting places of worship or for social and business functions.
· Bruneians shake hands by lightly touching the hands and then bringing the hand to the chest. Some people do not to shake hands with members of the opposite sex.
· You should not point with your finger; instead, use the thumb of your right hand with the four fingers folded beneath it.
· When visiting a mosque, all visitors should remove their shoes. Women should cover their heads and not have their knees or arms exposed. You should not pass in front of a person in prayer or touch the Koran.
· Gifts (particularly food) should only be passed with the right hand, although it is acceptable to use the left hand to support the right wrist.
· It is polite to accept even just a little food and drink when offered. When refusing anything offered, it is polite to touch the plate lightly with the right hand.
· During the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan, Muslims do not take food from sunrise to sundown. It would be inconsiderate to eat or drink in their presence during this period.
· In deference to the Muslim majority, alcohol is not sold in Brunei, but private consumption by non-Muslims is allowed. Non-Muslim tourists are allowed a generous duty-free allowance of 2 bottles of alcohol (wine, spirits, etc) and 12 cans of beer per entry, and may consume alcohol with sensible discretion in hotels and some restaurants.
 Health, Safety and Security
Brunei is free from malaria and other tropical diseases, is outside the typhoon belt, has no volcanoes, and is not prone to earthquakes or other major natural disasters. The country also enjoys government stability and economic prosperity, resulting in a very low crime rate.
Passport and Visa Requirements
Visas
The government of Brunei Darussalam requires all visitors to have a valid passport and onward tickets or sufficient funds to support themselves while in the country. Visa requirements vary by nationality:
Australia: Visas granted on arrival for visits not exceeding 30 days
USA: 90 days entry with no visa
Ireland, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and the United Kingdom: 30 days entry with no visa
A 72-hour transit visa issued on arrival is available to all nationalities except for Israeli passport holders.
Please contact your nearest Brunei Darussalam diplomatic mission for further details regarding visas and entry procedures, or check this website : www.mfa.gov.bn/visainformation/visaarrangements.htm
 Customs
Arriving passengers over 17 years of age are eligible to bring in the following items for personal consumption/use:
Cigarettes – 200 sticks
Tobacco – 60 grams
Perfume – 60 ml
Eau de toilette – 250 ml
(Information correct as at 27th June 2007)
Alcohol
A non-Muslim over 17-years of age may bring in two bottles of liquor (about 2 litres) and 12 cans of beer for personal consumption, which must be declared to customs upon arrival.
| 
