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.
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
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.
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.