Brunei Darussalam is an Islamic country located in the northwest of the Borneo Island. Brunei is surrounded by Sarawak of Malaysia that makes Brunei Darussalam to be divided in two parts. Brunei is a small country with a total land area of 5765 sq km with its coastline runs 161 km along the South China Sea. Brunei Darussalam’s population is mostly Malays with a mixture of the Indian and Chinese communities. Brunei’s population is about 388,000. The country is ruled by according to Islamic rules and culture and the system of government is monarchy. Brunei’s form of government is called Malay Islamic Monarchy or as it is called in Malay language, ‘Melayu Islam Beraja’ (MIB). Brunei Darussalam is one of the oldest kingdoms with over 600 years of history and yet, one of the youngest independent nation in the region. Brunei benefits from extensive petroleum and natural gas fields, the source of one of the highest per capita GDPs in Asia.
Brunei is one of the most ancient states in Southeast Asia. Brunei used to be called Barunah until Sultan Ahmad, the second sultan of Brunei changed in into Brunei. The word Darussalam was added by the third sultan of Brunei, Sultan Sharif Ali which means the Adobe of Peace. The word was added to emphasis Islam as the state religion. The first sultan of Brunei, Sultan Muhammad Shah, he embraced Islam when he converted. The capital city of Brunei in the pre Islamic era was at Temburong before it was moved to Kota Batu. The capital of Brunei was again moved from Kota Batu to Brunei Town presently knows as Bandar Seri Begawan by Sultan Muhyiddin 1 during his reign. Brunei Darussalam was given its independence by Britain on 1st January 1984.
Geographical Location and Climate
Brunei Darussalam is located in Southeastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and Malaysia. Brunei’s total land area is a total of 5765 sq km with the coastline of 161 km. Brunei is situated between the longitudes of 114
- 115 30’ East and the latitudes 4 - 5 30’ North. Brunei Darussalam is divided into two parts – West and East. West Brunei is three times larger than the East. There are a total of 38 mukims in Brunei Darussalam. Brunei’s highest peak is Bukit Pagon (1841 m). The eastern part of Brunei which is Temburong district is famous for its rainforest and natural habitat. Temburong has a low-lying coastal plain on the northern part and the southern area of Temburong district, the area rises to become a hilly terrain. In western Brunei, three districts combining together, Brunei Muara District, Belait District and Tutong District are mostly located on lowlands and swampy plains. There are also hill ranges to the south, watershed to the biggest rivers in the country. Brunei has an equatorial climate. It is usually hot and wet throughout the year. The heaviest rainfall usually falls during September and January and May to June. The warmest months are March and April with the temperature around 28
. Humidity is high with 79% throughout the year. Brunei is not a common place for natural disasters.Districts
Brunei is divided into two parts, the western part consists of three districts and the eastern part consist only one. Altogether Brunei Darussalam has a total of four districts. Those districts are:
1. Belait District
Belait district is the largest district in Brunei Darussalam with the total area of 2724 sq km. It is the production base of the nation’s main export commodities which are the oil and gas. Belait district is divided into eight territorial subdivision or mukims which are, Belait, Seria, Labi, Sungai Liang, Sawat, Sukang, Kuala Balai and Melilas.
2. Temburong District
Temburong District is located at the eastern part of Brunei. It is the second largest district with the total area of 1304 sq km. It is the least populated district in Brunei. The district is heavily forested and largely undeveloped. There are 5 mukims in Temburong, Batu Apoi, Labu Bokok, Bangar and Amo.
3. Tutong District
Tutong district is third largest district in Brunei Darussalam with the total land area of 1166 sq km. Tutong district is the home of many Brunei ethnic tribes such as the Tutong, Murut, Dusun and Kedayan. Tutong is divided into 8 mukims which are, Keriam, Pekan Tutong, Tanjung Maya, Telisai, Lamunin, Kiudang, Rambai, and Ukung.
4. Brunei Muara District
Brunei Muara District is the smallest district in Brunei Darussalam. The total area of this district is 571 sq km. Even though it is a small district, most of the population of Brunei is located in Brunei Muara District. One of the reasons this district is the most populated because the capital of Brunei Darussalam which is Bandar Seri Begawan is located in this district. Brunei Muara District has the total of 17 territorial subdivision or mukims, Mentiri, Sengkurung, Kilanas, Gadong, Kota Batu, Serasa, Kianggeh, Berakas, Lumapas, Sg. Kebun, Sg. Kedayan, Burung Pingai, Saba, Pengkalan Batu, Tamoi, Peramu and Kumbang Pasang.
Language and Religion
Bahasa Melayu is the official language in Brunei Darussalam. English are also spoken as well as Mandarin and other Chinese dialects such as Hokkien, Hakka and Cantonese. Indian languages used include Tamil and Hindi. Islam is the state’s official religion but other beliefs are also practised in this country.
Culture
Brunei’s culture is basically based on Islamic rules and old Malay world, which encompassed the Malay archipelago and from this stemmed what is known as the Malay civilisation. Most of the rules are as follows:
Do’s | Don’ts |
Dress code in Brunei is modest. Dress codes are expected when a certain place is visited such as weddings. Anyone who visits the mosque should remove their shoes before entering. Women should have their head, knees and arms covered while entering the mosque. When people in Brunei shake hands, it is usually done by shaking and then brings your hand to your chest. | It is unacceptable to dress casually when attending religious events. Make sure you don’t the Koran or pass in front a person who is kneeling in prayer. It is better to go around or behind them. Some people does not shake hand with the opposite sex Do not point with your finger. Do not present gifts for food with your left hands because it is rude and disrespect. |
Point with your thumb with all four fingers below it. Gifts or anything should be passed with right hands. It is polite to accept a little food and drinks that are offered. During the month of Ramadan Muslims do not take food from sunrise to sundown. | It is inconsiderate to eat or drink during the month of Ramadan. Muslims are strictly restricted from drinking alcoholic drinks. Muslims are not allowed to eat pork and also touching dogs. |
Places of Interest
Brunei Muara District
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| Jame' Asr Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque |
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| Bukit Shahbandar |
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| Tasek Lama |
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| Kampung Ayer |
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| Royal Regalia |
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| Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque |
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| Tamu Kianggeh |
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| Istana Nurul Iman |
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| Brunei Museum |
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| Brunei Arts and Handicraft Centre |
- Istana Darussalam
- Taman Damuan
- Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah
- Taman Jubli
- Sultan Bolkiah’s Tomb
- Malay & Technology Museum
- Lapau + Jabatan Adat Istiadat
- Pantai Serasa
- Pantai Muara
- Berakas Forest Reserve
- The Empire Hotel & Country Club
- Royal Brunei Golf & Country Club
- International Convention Centre
- Sports Complex
- Bumbungan 12
- Taman Mini Perayaan Kg Parit
- Mangrove Paradise Resort
- Pulau Cermin
- Pulau Selirong
- Jerudong Park Polo Club
- Lumut Lunting
- Taman Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien
- Mentiri Golf Club
- Taman Riadah Tasek Serubing
- Water Sports Complex
- Pusat Dakwah Islamiah
- Pasar Malam Gadong
- The Mall, Gadong
- Tamu Selera
- Chinese Temple
- Proboscis Monkey Tour
Tutong District
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| Tasek Merimbum |
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| Pantai Seri Kenangan |
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| Wasai Bedanu |
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| Tamu Tutong |
- Mandian 7 Puteri
- Wasai Batu Mapan
- Sg Basong Recreational Park
Belait District
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| Oil and Gas Discovery Centre |
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| Lumut Beach |
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| Billionth Barrel Monument |
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| Wasai Wong |
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| Sungai Liang Recreational Park |
- Penago Golf Club
- Singgah Ruwai Resort
- Iban Longhouse
- Silver Jubilee Park
- Anduki Recreational Park
- Oilfields
- Luagan Lahak Recreartional Park
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Temburong District
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| Ulu Temburong Resort Centre |
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| Kuala Belalong Mini Park |
Accommodation
There is a broad range of accommodation options in Brunei to suit the budget of every traveler.
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| The Empire Hotel & Country Club Kampung Jerudong, tel: 241 8888 |
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| Rizqun International Hotel The Mall, Gadong, tel: 242 3000 |
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| Centrepoint Hotel Gadong Centre, tel: 243 0430 |
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| Radison Hotel Jalan Tasek, tel: 241 8888 |
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| Brunei Hotel 95 Jalan Pemancha, tel: 2242372 |
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| Orchid Garden Hotel Spg 9, Jalan Berakas, tel: 233 5544 |
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| Riverview Hotel Km 1 Jalan Gadong, tel: 2238238 |
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| Mangrove Paradise Resort Spg 912, Kg Sungai Belukut, Jln Kota Batu, tel: 278 6868 |
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| Asma Hotel Jalan Pertanian Luahan, tel: 261 2218 |
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| Riviera Hotel Jalan Sungai Kuala Belait, tel: 333 5252 |
Eating Areas
The food available in Brunei is a showcase of culinary diversity with influences from many parts of the world. Local food is everywhere, relatively cheap and delicious.
The restaurant in Brunei is expending with many family-owned restaurants offering traditional foods at affordable prices and higher-ends establishments offering Italian, Middle Eastern, Indonesian, Thai, Chinese, Japanese and many other cuisines.
Fast-food outlets such as KFC, Jolibee, Pizza Hut, Dairy Queen and others can be found everywhere. Other restaurants or cafes which are equally popular and located in Gadong, the town centre, includes restaurants such as McDonalds, the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Fratini's, Cheezbox and many more.
Night stalls can be found in the capital. Tamu Selera and Kianggeh Food Court serve all kind of delicacies such as barbecued meat and Malay cuisine. Gadong Night Market is also one of the most popular stalls for food lovers.
The food in Brunei is mostly halal as the majority of population is Muslim.
Mode of Transportation
Brunei's public transportation has improved over the years. Majority prefer their own transportation to get around easily.There are taxis availableat most hotels, shopping centres and airports. Buses are regular, comfortable and cheap. There are six bus routes in daily operation in the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. Water Taxis are also available. Visitors should try taking the water taxis at least once. This mode of transportation allows visitors to travel and take tours around the Kampung Ayer. Ferry are also available in Brunei.
Activities and Entertainment
Cinemas
There are cinemas in various places around the country. The Mall Cineplex in Gadong, Bandar Seri Begawan is the best with its multiple screens. In Jerudong, the Empire Hotel & Country Club has the Empire Cinema, while nearby Seria has the OGDC Theatre (Oil & Gas Discovery Centre), and the Seri Qlap Cineplex is at Seri Q-Lap Mall in Kiulap.Shopping
Shopping is the biggest deal in Brunei. There are several massive shopping malls in the capital city and other major cities, and most also come with a measure of entertainment. The YSHHB mall and the Tamu night market are the main places to shop in the capital, while the nearby mall in Gadong is also popular. Silverware and handmade baskets are popular items to buy.Sporting events
Football, tennis, and golf are all big in Brunei and there are many sizeable tournaments held here throughout the year.
Football, tennis, and golf are all big in Brunei and there are many sizeable tournaments held here throughout the year.
Brunei is not big into museums but there is one or two worth checking out. The Royal Regalia Museum near downtown Bandar features a selection of gifts received by the sultan, while the Brunei Museum, farther afield on Kota Batu Road, is good for Islamic art. Nearby is the Tomb of Sharif Ali, Brunei’s third sultan.
Tours
Brunei offers wide range of tours that can be made at the tour operators. Common tours are such as city tour and proboscis monkey tour. Other tours can be conducted at tour operators.
Meeting and Conference
Brunei has various types of halls for meeting, expos, conference and others. some of the halls are:
- International Convention Centre
Largest venues for meeting. Since its completion, it has hosted recent ASEAN Ministers Meetings, the 2000 Asia-Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) and 2001 ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF). - Empire Hotel & Country Club (5-star)
Often considered a “7-star” resort, the Empire Hotel offers some of the most luxurious and advanced facilities in the region, making it an ideal and user-friendly setting for meetings, conferences and exhibitions. Location itself, a few minutes from the bustle of the capital’s urban centre, makes the hotel very conducive for productive meetings and events. - Centrepoint Hotel (4-star)
A popular business class hotel located in Gadong commercial district, shopping centres and financial services are located at your doorstep at the Centrepoint Hotel. The hotel has excellent facilities that would meet the demands for MICE events ranging from large conferences to smaller board meetings. - Orchid Garden Hotel (4-star)
Aside from being the closest hotel to the international airport, Orchid Garden is within walking distance to Brunei's premier sporting facilities, and the I.C.C., the largest meeting venue in the country. In addition, the hotel is endowed with more than adequate facilities to host its own meeting and conference groups. Function rooms and Grand Hall are located on the 8th floor and can be combined to accommodate more attendees or can be converted into meeting rooms for smaller functions.
- Seameo Voctech (2.5-star)
Situated in the heart of the Gadong commercial centre and within walking distance to various shops and restaurants, Seameo Voctech is designed to host live-in seminar or training groups. In addition to its conference facilities and meeting rooms is a computer laboratory featuring fully networked multimedia-equipped computers for smaller hands-on seminars and training events.
HOSPITALS / MEDICAL CENTRES | ||
Gleaneagles JPMC | 2611212 | |
Hospital PIHM Temburong (Pengiran Isteri Hajjah Mariam Hospital) | 522 1526 ext 127 | |
Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC) | 261 1433 | |
Panaga Health Centre | Seria, KB3534 | 334 1302 |
Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital BSB (RIPAS) | 2242424 | |
Pengiran Muda MahkotaPengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, Tutong Hospital | 422 1336 ext 991 | |
Suri Seri Begawan Hospital (Belait) | 333 2366 ext 991 | |
CLINICS | ||
Amir's Clinic | 1st Floor, Unit 5 PAP Hajah Norain Shopping Complex, Bandar Seri Begawan | 222 8002 |
CY Lim Clinic | Unit 16, Block J, Ground Floor, Abdul Razak Complex, Gadong | 244 9488 |
Dr Haji Asri Clinic | No. 2, Simpang 161, Jalan Pasir Berakas | 242 2788 |
Dr Lim Medical Clinic | 1st Floor, Block D, Complex Abdul Razak, Gadong | 242 2788 |
Dr Prema Clinic | Unit D, Bangunan Pengiran Haji Mohd Daud, Bandar Seri Begawan | 242 1727 |
Lee Clinic & Dispensary | Unit C-1, Ground Floor, Abdul Razak Complex, Bandar Seri Begawan | 242 8428 |
Lim's Clinic & Dispensary | 2.26 Level 2, Block C, Bangunan Yayasan SHHB, Bandar Seri Begawan | 222 2181 |
Luke Tan Clinic | 47A, 1st Floor, Jalan Bunga Melor, Kuala Belait | 322 5601 |
Riverview Medical Centre | Riverview Hotel, Km. 1, Jalan Gadong, Bandar Seri Begawan | 223 8018 ext 8816 |
TK Chan Clinic | Unit 9, Ground Floor, Block C, Kiarong Complex, Bandar Seri Begawan | 242 2141 |
Yong Clinic & Dispensary | Block 1, Room 1, PAP Hajah Norain Complex, Bandar Seri Begawan | 222 0284 |
Spas
The tourist information centre can be found at Brunei International Airport at the arrival ground.
- Thann Sanctuary Spa
- Palm Garden Spa
- Intan D’Zaress Spa
- Health Express Day Spa
- Amanha Spa, Orchid Garden Hotel
- Shiatzen Spa
- Zen Spa
- Haniesah Spa Kiulap
The tourist information centre can be found at Brunei International Airport at the arrival ground.
