BiG Tips for Travel to Brunei

BANKS

Banks in Brunei Darussalam are open Mondays-Fridays 9.00am – 4.00pm, Saturdays 9.00am – 11.00am. Islamic banks follow the same operation times except on Fridays when they are closed for prayers between 11.00am – 2.30pm. Some banks have started operations within shopping complexes and are open till late. Cash deposits and withdrawals can be made from Automated Teller Machines (ATM) that can be found in various shopping complexes and bank branches all over Brunei.ATM cards affiliated with the international Plus or Cirrus systems are accepted at most ATMs.

CREDIT CARDS

They are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and major shopping complexes. Most widely accepted cards are VISA and Mastercard. Some establishments accept American Express.

MONEY CHANGER

This service is available at the airport, banks, hotels and some licensed money changers. To cash or exchange travelers cheques, visit major international banks in the capital.

MONEY REMITTANCE/ TRANSFER

Transferring money overseas can be done at all major banks or remittance agencies in Brunei.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Most public phones operate on calling cards such as Hello card, Netkad and Payless. These cards can be purchased at any store and comes in $5, $10, $20 and $50 denominations. Prepaid calling cards for the two mobile telephone operators, DST and B-Mobile, can be purchased from their respective authorised dealers in all major shopping areas.

LOST/STOLEN PASSPORTS AND CREDIT CARDS

If you ever do find your passport missing, go to the nearest Police Station to lodge a police report and inform your embassy to seek further assistance. If your credit cards get lost, make sure you call your bank to cancel the cards immediately.

ISLAMIC ETIQUETTE

Although Islam is the state religion of Brunei Darussalam, it is also a country that prides itself on the diversity of its people – including their religions. Visitors are welcome to mosques, provided some etiquette is followed. In general, proper attire is required; women are required to cover their head, shoulders, and knees. Some mosques will provide simple robes and shawls to meet these standards. Shoes are to be removed before entering a mosque. Please do not pass in front of people in prayer, and do not touch the Al-Quran. Please ask for permission before taking photographs – particularly inside! Mosques are usually closed on Thursday and Friday, and during prayer times – your hotel, tour guide, or even friendly muslim locals can help you determine a good time to visit.

SMOKING

Smoking is prohibited in both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned areas in Brunei Darussalam. Smoking is banned in specific places, including government buildings, hospitals, recreational and educational centres, public transport and restaurants. Offenders could be fined.

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER

Located at 3 places around Brunei - the arrival hall of the Brunei International Airport (opening hours 9am-5pm); Kg. Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery (9am-2pm) and Bangar town, Temburong (8am-12pm).Visitors can obtain information about Brunei and related pamphlets, maps and BiG magazine free from here.

FINDING YOUR FEET

Brunei towns are generally small, so getting around is easy once you get to the town centres. As any die-hard tourist will confirm, you can absorb more of a place when you go around on foot. Soak in the tropical sun, stroll through local neighbourhood areas and discover some gems that locals rave about. When the walking has taken its toll, there are numerous options of public transport available.

BUSES

There are six bus routes servicing the BSB area; the Central Line, Circle Line, Eastern Line, Southern Line, Western Line and Northern Line. They usually operate from 6.30am – 6.00pm. Bus fares start from B$1.00. Buses heading to other towns in Brunei like Tutong, Kuala Belait and Seria depart from the bus terminal located at the multi-storey carpark on Jalan Cator in BSB.

TAXIS

There are not many taxis around but metered taxis are available from most hotels, shopping centres and the airport.

WATER TAXIS

Unique to Brunei, the water taxis are the most common means of transportation at Kampung Ayer. You can hail for a water taxi from the numerous jetties along the banks of Brunei River. The water taxi is an ideal way to view the Kampung Ayer up-close. Fares are negotiable but usually a standard ride costs about B$1. Regular boat services to Temburong operate between 7:45am to 4:00pm daily, and a round trip fare costs $15.

FERRY SERVICES

Passenger ferry services to the Malaysian town of Labuan, operates between 7:00am to 4:00pm and departs from the Serasa Terminal in Muara Town. The journey takes between 45mins to an hour.

NUMBERS TO NOTE

FOREIGN MISSIONS

Australia, 2229435/26, 2241121, Bangladesh, 2238420, Belgium, 2787058/59/60, Benin, 2611586, Britain, 2222231/2222131, Burkina Faso, 2331773, Cambodia, 2654046, Canada, 2220043, Chile, 2451606, China, 2339609, Denmark, 2422050, 2427525, 2447559, Finland, 2243847/2243019, France, 2220960/61, Germany, 2225574, India, 2339947, Indonesia, 2330180, Japan, 2229265, Korea, 2426038/39/40, Laos, 2345666, Malaysia, 2381095/6/7/8/9, Mexico, 3331001, Myanmar, 2450506/7, Netherlands, 3372051/3332802, Norway, 2239091/2/3/4, Oman, 2446953/4, Pakistan, 2339797,2334989, Peru, 2650264, Philippines, 2241465/6, Poland, 2331395, Russia, 2448679,2421957, Saudi Arabia, 2792821/2/3, Singapore, 2262741/2/3, Sweden, 2448423,2444326, Switzerland, 2228382, 2226888, Thailand, 2653108/9, United States of America, 2220384, Vietnam, 2651580.

EMERGENCY

FLIGHT INFORMATION

AIRLINES

MEDICAL SERVICES

LOCAL LINGO-HELPFUL BRUNEI WORDS

  This article was provided by BiG Magazine (Borneo Insider’s Guide)