Brunei

Understand

Brunei is a pint-sized oil-rich sultanate with a population of 450,000 as of 2016, strategically positioned on the South China Sea, close to vital sea lanes linking the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Its oil resources have generated great wealth for the Sultan and some of the local people, and the best evidence of this is seen in the palaces and mosques. However many Bruneians, including those who live in the water village (Kampong Ayer), still have relatively simple, albeit comfortable livelihoods. The description of an "oil-rich sultanate" might conjure the images of the United Arab Emirates or Qatar, but travellers with such expectations will likely be disappointed. Brunei does not have much in terms of grandiose man-made attractions, and although excellent diving and jungle trekking are available, it does not have mind-blowing natural parks as the neighbouring Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak do. Many people that visit Brunei actually do so only for the sake of "country collection" or "passport stamp collection". If there are attractions particular to Brunei, it is perhaps the absence of crowds, the comfortable but relaxed atmosphere, and the way that society remains religious and conservative, refusing to embrace modernity and globalisation despite having the material wealth to do so.

History

The Sultanate of Brunei's heyday occurred between the 15th-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. It was offered the opportunity to join Malaysia as a state in 1963, but opted out of the federation due to

See

Istana Nurul Iman in Bandar Seri Begawan, the residence of the Sultan and the world's largest occupied residential palace, built at an estimated cost of US$600 million and occupying 300 acres of prime real estate on a man-made hill. Ulu Temburong National Park in Temburong The Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan Bandar Seri Begawan has a couple of museums dedicated to the history of Brunei and that of the monarchy.

Do

For things to do in and in the near vicinity of Bandar Seri Begawan, see Bandar Seri Begawan. There are many eco-tours which typically go to the Temburong district by boat then to a native "longhouse". It is then followed by a powered boat (by the natives) up the river to the Belalong reserve in the Borneo rainforest. 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 cycle of neglect, declining admission 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 a

Getting there

Compared to other nations in Southeast Asia, Brunei's visa policy is a bit more restrictive.

Entry requirements

All foreign nationals must fill out an online arrival form prior to their arrival in Brunei. Foreign nationals of the following countries/territories can enter Brunei visa-free as long as they present a passport valid for at least 6 months: For up to 90 days: All European Union member states, British citizens and subjects with right of abode in the United Kingdom, Canada, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the United States For up to 30 days: Japan, Laos, Malaysia, New Zealand, Oman, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Turkey, Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates For up to 14 days: Cambodia, China, Costa Rica, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Macau, Maldives, Myanmar, Peru, Russia, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam Citizens of Australia and Kuwait can obtain a visa on arrival for 30 days. Citizens of Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia can obtain a visa on arrival for 14 days. The visa-on-arrival costs $20 for a single-entry visa and $30 for a multiple entry visa. Saudi citizens are only eligible for the single-entry visa-on-arrival. Immigration officers at Sungai Tujoh Checkpoint between Miri and Kuala Belait will not accept payment for a visa on arrival other than in Brunei or Singapore dollars — there is no ATM and cheques are not accepted. At Brunei airport payment must also be made in cash. There is a money changer (with reasonable rates), but no ATM prior to immigration. If you need a visa-on-arrival, make sure you join the right queue at entry. Joining the foreign passport queue will see you sent to the back of the line. Large tour groups requiring visas on arrival can jam up the system. You may have to be quick, persistent or patient. Pr

Getting around

Use caution when asking locals for transportation information. People here are friendly and very helpful, but when asking about transportation, you'll get three different answers from three different people, even people whose job it is to help tourists.

By car There is one "motorway", from Bandar Seri Begawan along the coast. It is almost all dual carriageway from Muara 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. Driving between Temburong and the rest of Brunei used to require passing through Malaysian territory, and clearing Malaysian customs and immigration, but since the completion of the Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Bridge in 2020, that is no longer necessary.

By taxi There are not many taxis in Brunei, because car ownership and usage are high. There are always some at the airport and some in the Belait District, but little chance of finding a free taxi along the road, especially during morning and afternoon peak hours when they are hired by businessmen. Needing a taxi might require a phone call. The main taxi stand is direct north of the bus station in the capital with only a few taxis waiting. None of the taxis has a taxi meter since there is no taxi company nor regulation requiring to have one. Drivers have fixed prices for most trips, although the tariffs may vary between different drivers, or they will give a price for an irregular trip.

By ride-hailing The main ride-hailing app in Brunei is Dart. Well-known ride-hailing apps found else