Travel Guides: All Countries / Asia / Brunei
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| | | | Extremely efficient
I lived in Brunei for a number of years and believe that information regarding Puasa (Ramadam) is not accurate, yes it is true that practicing Muslims are not meant to eat between sunrise and sunset but to say the service is slow and quite often they are closed is not entirely true.
It is possible to get drink and food in a number of places and also the service is not slow, in fact compared to Britain I think we can say it is extremely efficient.
Also there are a number of places that would perhaps appeal to different ages and people, for example Jerudong Park, River Boat Rides and also trips with the flying doctors to see where and how the natives (Ibans, Dusans and Dyaks) live, this may attract different types of people.
I myself love Brunei and have a number of fond memories some of them being the kindness that the people show and also how safe it is, I felt safe wandering around by myself at any time.
Travel guide: Brunei
A wonderful holiday
We went to Brunei last yearand had a wonderful holiday.
We stayed for three weeks with friends in their home.
We must correct you on one small point - Jerudong Amusement Park is no longer free. We paid around £16 for a party of three adults and three children.
We went across the border to Malaysia to buy alcohol - that was an experience.
Travel guide: Brunei
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| | Destination Guide : Brunei |
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| | | Ancient and modern land |  | Why go on holiday to Brunei?
To visit the home state of one of the world's richest men, the Sultan. To see a mixture of ancient and modern - people still live in houses on stilts in Kampung Ayer.
To visit the rainforest and see the wildlife - for forest trekking, it is best to head for Temburong.
How much does it cost?
Things may be well priced when you get here, but flights and accommodation aren't super cheap. Expect to pay around £350 for a return flight from London. A hotel room costs from around £50 per night.
When should I go?
Avoid the rainy season, from September to January, but otherwise the weather is pretty much the same all year round, with temperatures averaging 24C minimum and 31C maximum (75-88F).
During Ramadan service can be slow and restaurants can be closed, so check before booking.
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| | | Beautiful mosques | | What should I do when I'm there?
The obvious starting point for a visitor is the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, which contrasts the sterile marble of mosques with litter-strewn ramshackle houses on stilts. A car is essential to reach most of the sights.
What excursions are there?
Well worth a look is the Jerudong Playground, a free amusement park - yes, really. The Sultan presented the park to the nation to celebrate his 48th birthday. Women must wear shirts with sleeves.
Polo, the Sultan's favourite game, is played at Jerudong Park. Not far away is the Pantai Muara white, sandy beach.
What about the rainforest?
A stay at the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre in the Batu Apoi Forest Reserve can be arranged from the capital. The centre was set up by the University of Brunei and Brunei Shell for research purposes.
Although it is mainly a study centre, overseas visitors are allowed to stay here and see the forest using walking trails.
Further afield, there's a two-day walk to Buki Belalong beneath one of the world's largest canopy walkways. Access is by longboat.
Also in this region is Peradayan Forest Reserve about 15km from Bangar. Trails lead to the forested peaks of Bukit Patoi and Bukit Peradayan.
Is Brunei just for the rich?
No, but the accommodation options for those on a tight budget are limited - there is just one youth hostel in the capital.
Sleeping on beaches is frowned on by the authorities. The middle range is wider, but a big jump in price. Expect to pay around £50-60 per night.
Food can be cheap, especially if you try some of the street vendors selling noodles and other dishes.
Is it a strict Muslim society?
Yes. It's important to observe the correct behaviour - always remove footwear before entering a mosque, and neither men nor women are allowed inside with bare legs.
Shoulders and women's heads should be covered too. Non-Muslim restaurants show a sign stating that they are not suitable for Muslims.
But Bruneians are accepting of other religions. Women are likely to get less hassle than in other Muslim countries in Asia.
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| | | Free amusement park | | Where's good for nightlife?
Er... there is no nightlife. Brunei closes at 9pm so take some good books, as English-language reading matter is hard to find and you will need to entertain yourself.
You may bring two bottles of liquor with you, as you will not be able to buy it on arrival.
What's the food like?
In the capital, the stalls near the Tamu Kianggeh are worth stopping at. Good cheap food includes satay, barbecued fish and kueh melayu, sweet pancakes.
What should I buy?
There's nothing unique from Brunei to buy - except possibly an Iranian chandelier - otherwise snap up sunglasses, watches, etc.
What is there for children to do?
Well, they really shouldn't miss out on Jerudong Playground - there are hardly any queues and it's free!
Tourist office
There is no UK tourist office, but some information is available from: The Information Section, Brunei Darussalam High Commission, 19-20 Belgrave Square, London, SW1 8PG. Tel. 020 7581 0521.
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| | Fact File : Brunei |
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| | | Brunei | | Did you know?
Brunei's full name means 'Brunei - the Abode of Peace'.
Language
Malay/English/Chinese
Visas
UK citizens do not need them if staying for fewer than 30 days.
Getting there
Most travellers arrive through the capital Bandar Seri Begawa's international airport.
Flying time from London
16-18 hours
Getting around
Public transport is infrequent and unreliable. Buses go when full and all stop at 6pm. There are express boats to Lawas and Limbang in Sarawak from just outside Bandar.
Currency
Brunei dollar. Singapore dollars can also be used.
Costs
Pint of beer N/A (no alcohol in Brunei), roll of camera film £3, moderate restaurant meal £2, litre of petrol 15p, short taxi ride £2. All prices may vary.
Weather
Year round temperatures average 24C minimum and 31C maximum. Rainfall is high (annual average around 3295mm) and so therefore is humidity - average 79%. September to January are the wettest months.
Time difference
Eight hours ahead of GMT.
International dialling code from the UK
00 673
Voltage
220-240V AC
Opening hours
Government offices: 7.45am-12.15 and 1.30-4.30pm (closed Fridays and Sundays). Banks: 9am-3pm Monday-Friday, 9am-11am Saturday. Most shops: 9am-6pm (shopping malls close 9.30/10pm). Hours are shorter during Ramadan.
Health - Before you go
The following vaccinations are recommended, but not compulsory; polio, typhoid (if you're staying for longer than three weeks), Japanese Encephalitis (if staying longer than 30 days or in rural areas), Hepatitis A and B, and cholera (if your stay is to be lengthy, or in insanitary conditions).
Health - When you are there
Brunei has a serious problem with smoke haze - sometimes it gets so bad that schools have to close. Seek information before you arrive, especially if you are taking young children. Remember, it's a tropical climate, so guard against heat exhaustion and dehydration by drinking plenty of water and not over-exerting yourself physically. The tap water is safe to drink. Make sure you have adequate travel insurance.
Warnings
There are severe penalties for drug offences, including death. Entry can be refused if your passport has less than six months validity left. Anyone flying should check their route is not over Afghanistan, where civilian flights are under threat from military attack. British carriers and Royal Brunei Airlines do not fly over Afghanistan.
Emergency
Police 995
Customs
Strict Muslim culture, no alcohol available.
Pets
Pets have to go into quarantine on return to the UK.
Tipping
There is no fixed percentage but tips are welcomed.
Tourist office
There is no UK tourist office, but some information is available from: The Information Section, Brunei Darussalam High Commission, 19-20 Belgrave Square, London, SW1 8PG. Tel: 020 7581 0521.
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