Nestled into the north coast of the island of Borneo is the little haven of Brunei that is quite appropriately known as the Abode of Peace. The small 5765 sq km Commonwealth boasts one of the most advanced economies of the region, supported mostly by strong oil and gas trade while the Sultan of Brunei is one of the richest men in the world, with a personal wealth topping $40 billion.
Landscape and Climate
Negara Brunei Darussalam, or Brunei as it is commonly known, is a small nation state that sits in two separate regions on the island of Borneo in the Sarawak state of Malaysia. It has a semi-tropical climate with annual temperatures that range from 14-33 degrees Celsius. The landscape is generally flat coastal plains with mountain range to the East, with the highest peak at 1850 meters above sea level.
History
The Sultanate of Brunei began as a rather prominent empire, reaching its height in the 14th to 16th centuries. Subsequent conflicts eventually led to European control over the area and Brunei was whittled down to the separate parts it is today. In 1888, it was established as a British protectorate until 1984, when it was officially given independence and remains a British Commonwealth to this day.
Getting There, Around and Enjoying your Stay
Australians will need to apply for a visa to visit Brunei, which can be obtained from the Bruneian embassy for $20 Brunei dollar, while residents of other countries, including the US, EU and Japan will be granted a tourist visa upon arrival. Visitors can get to Brunei by land, sea or air. Brunei has its own international airport that is located just 16 km outside of the nation’s capital, Bandar Seri Begawan (or BSB to most travellers). Service is available to make of Southeast Asia’s major airport hubs, including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Hong Kong, so the easiest way to get there is for travellers to find cheap flights to Thailand and other neighbouring countries. Alternatively, visitors coming from Malaysia can drive into Kuala Beneit or by ferry from Limbang in Sarawal or Pulau Labuan in Sabah. Flight Centre also offers a great Brunei tour for Australians to discover the region.
Once there, buses and taxis are the best way to get around if you’re hesitant about renting a car. For some, hitching a ride can also be a relatively simple way to get to your destination, but of course should be done with care.
Culture and Cuisine
Brunei is a Sharia country and over 2/3 of the population actively practice Islam. As a result, the sale and consumption of alcohol has been banned since 1990. Travellers are permitted to bring in a certain limit of alcohol for their own personal consumption, which is limited to 12 beers and two other bottles of “other” alcohol. Meanwhile, the local cuisine very much resembles its Malaysian neighbours with an eclectic mix of ethnic choices, including Chinese, Thai, Malay and other inspirational dishes.
Travel to Brunei – Fast Facts
Population: 388,190 (2009 Census)
Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB)
Language: Malay, English
Currency: Brunei Dollar
Economy: GDP: $14.553 billion
Did You Know?
His Majesty Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah is the head of state and is one of the wealthiest men in the world. Brunei is also the operating hub of the Royal Brunei Airlines.
Wai Chim writes for FlightCentre in Australia, specializing in cheap flights worldwide.