Say yes to the Kingdom of Brunei-Darussalam
One of the few absolutist monarchies that have endured to this day, the most controversial far and wide, a home of incalculable wealth and a small paradise of rainforests and tropical climate. We will shift to a country neighboring Malaysia and Singapore, that is 83% Muslim(1. to introduce Sharia law), with an area of only 6000 square km and merely 450,000 citizens, but one of the richest due to its enormous wealth from oil. …Yes, this is crazy but lovely Brunei!
Brunei or the “Abode of peace” is split into 2 segments and situated in Southeast Asia on Borneo Island surrounded by the South China Sea. Borneo is the only island in the world that is divided between 3 countries. 50% of the country consists of forest reserves and national parks, 80% of Brunei is pure rainforest, which means, exceptionally diverse fauna and flora, and as for a nature lover, this is luring when choosing countries to explore.
What makes it accessible to travel here? The official language is Malay, but it is possible to communicate here in Arabic, Mandarin and their knowledge of the English language is high. They have a currency exchange program, Brunei dollar=Singapore dollar so you can pay with both. Criminal activities are very rare which makes it highly safe to visit.
Let’s wander straightaway through this rare and bizarre country:
1. Bandar Seri Begawan- “Palace of the Light of Faith”
It is the capital and the only big population city in Brunei. Bandar Seri Begawan was a river port and trade center for agriculture. Today, it remains a peaceful, relatively small, not too crowded, but one that pays attention to cleanliness. Nevertheless, it is one of the best places to live, but more on that later.
Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque (“Heart of the city”) -is the most frequently visited tourist site because it is one of the largest mosques in the area and a major historical site with a prodigious panoramic view of the city. The building is a symbol of modern Islamic architecture and is built of marble with domes made of pure gold.
Mahligai Barge- this ceremonial barge is connected to the mosque on the lagoon. Its meaning is to symbolize the 1,400th anniversary when the Quran’s words were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad for the first time.
If you love the stunning architecture of mosques like I do, I definitely recommend not to miss the following places:
Brunei International airport mosque- it will be the first one you will see upon landing so you won’t regret your visit to this country right from the start.
Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque- is the biggest mosque in Brunei and was built in honor of the Sultan’s 48th birthday and the monarchy’s 25th year of rule. This mosque is also on the 10 Bruneian Dollar banknote. Gardens with beautiful fragrant flora, fountains, Persian carpets, pure gold and more are waiting for you to visit!
Ash Shaliheen Mosque- is located close to the Prime Minister’s Office and was built in Moroccan style as a spiritual oasis with many parts imported from North Africa.
Masjid Kampong Pandan- if you already fell in love with their mosques as much as I did, I recommend visiting this one even though it is not located in the capital, but in Kuala Belait.
Kampong Ayer-(“Venice of the East”) is a traditional settlement and the world’s largest water village with surprisingly more than 10,000 residents! They even have electricity, WiFi, a floating gas station, water taxis, boats as mass transportation, restaurants, shops, schools, and even a hospital. Kampong Ayer was first found by Portuguese explorer Fernão de Magalhães. It is a very popular tourist destination since it is located close to the city center.
Gadong Night Market- is a night market open from 4 pm to midnight where they allure with their varied exotic cuisine as an example of their culture. Food here is very affordable, from 1 BND to 3 BND (1 BND=0,68 EUR). More of a national food later in the article.
Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha Bridge- the second longest cable-stayed bridge in the world, named after the Sultan’s wife, Queen Saleha. It is located near the village on the water.
Teng Yun Temple- the oldest existing Buddhist temple in Brunei for the Chinese(biggest) minority as their influence has been present in Brunei for centuries. Its tiles tell stories from Chinese mythology.
Royal Regalia Museum- exhibits of His Majesty’s Jubilee celebrations, portraits of the sultan, gold models of oil wells, and other pieces of the Sultan’s inscrutable wealth. You can also visit the Malay Technology Museum(2. picture) or the Brunei Darussalam Maritime Museum.
You will certainly find traces of history in these museums, so let’s briefly summarize. They have traded with China from the very beginning. In the 14th century, Brunei was already a powerful maritime state headed by a sultan. Brunei remained independent until the 19th century when Sarawak wanted to acquire its territory so they asked the British for protection. They finally managed to become independent from Britain in 1984, because before that time huge oil reserves were discovered and they didn’t want to leave. But the British were not the only ones who wanted to use their oil reserves, after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Japanese also attacked Brunei for their reserves. At all costs, Brunei tried to maintain its independence since ancient times and therefore refused to be included in the Malayan Federation.
And finally, we come to my favorite part and what this country is blessed with the most…the incredible beauty of nature.
Tasek Lama Recreational Park- located in the capital city, full of jungle walking and hiking trails, housing a natural waterfall, lake, picnic spots, and observation tower. The perfect place for people who are drawn to nature but don’t want to stray too far from the center of the action.
2. Outside of Bandar Seri Begawan
Ulu Temburong National Park- (“a Sultanate in the jungle”) the first national park has an area of 50,000 hectares and is accessible by longboat. You can find here many unique species, varied wildlife, and around 400 kinds of butterflies. They offer options such as zip-lining, rafting, fish massage, forest night walks, jungle trekking, panoramic views from treetops, or climbing.
Lalak Lake National Park- a unique natural feature of Borneo, a freshwater still water swamp connected with wooden walkways is a muse for photographers. It can be a perfect place for watching birds, sunsets, and meditating.
Wasai Wong Kadir Recreational Park- you can also take a look at this waterfall park with cold water pools suitable for swimming that is only 22 km away from Lalak Park, in the Belait district.
Tasek Merimbun- is the largest natural lake and home to several rare and endangered species such as the clouded leopard, sun bear, sea eagle, Vordermann’s flying squirrel, great argus, slow loris or Bornean gibbon, and around 800 species of plants.
My recommendation for tourists: Try the River Safari, they will show you all the beautiful river views of the mangrove trees from a typical small boat.
Andulau Forest Reserve- is a magnificient forest close to village Kampong Sungai Liang. It is not known among tourist spots, so you will enjoy privacy and silence.
If you dream of visiting the rainforest, it doesn’t have to be only the Amazon forest.
Bukit Pagon- is the highest mountain in Brunei (1,875 m (6,152 ft)) positioned on the border with Malaysia. Access from the Brunei side is not feasible for ordinary hikers because of the expanse of virgin jungle, it is better to try it from the Malay side. On the slopes of a mountain, you can find pitcher-carnivorous plants.
Meragang Beach- In addition to forests, this country also offers fabulously beautiful tranquil beaches with soft sand. Watching the sunset here is an unforgettable experience.
Muara Beach- (“Green Beach”) pristine beach with clear waters, various caves, and rock formations, you can even find a war memorial from the Battle of Brunei here, built in honor of the assault. For visitors, they offer barbeque pits, playgrounds, camping sites, volleyball fields, cycling track or beach cleaning activities.
Pantai Seri Kenangan- located 2 km from Tutong town, faces the South China Sea. If you are lucky enough you can find turtles!
If you find yourself in the Tutong district, you can also try the following attractions: https://green-brunei.com/kenali-negara-kitani/tutong-3/places-of-attractions/
Lugu Lake Brunei- before it was a pit dug for construction, today its a lake and recreational site with clear turquoise water, only 29 km from the capital city. You can try paddleboarding, diving, or boating!
For admirers of monuments or statues?
Billionth Barrel Monument- a celebration of the first reserve finding of oil in the Seria field, located in Kuala Belait.
Tea-Pot Roundabout- built up as a sign of the Sultan’s love evenly to his people:
“Never say goodbye because goodbye means going away and going away means forgetting.”- J.M. Barrie
Menara Cendera Kenangan- beacon serving as a gift commemorating His Majesty’s 50th birthday. It is also located in Kuala Belait.
Cendera Lambang Kenangan- built to commemorate the change of the name of the capital city.
As in previous articles, I like to give a tip for a place where you can go if you plan to travel with your kids…Jerudong Park. It is the largest amusement park in Southeast Asia. It has a Little Kingdom Petting Zoo or stadium.
Now I will introduce you to interesting facts about this country, which also enchants with its craziness:
- Brunei is one of the richest countries per capita and one of the best countries to live in, > 50,000 is the average income
- Shell oil comes from here→95% of the entire economy depends on oil&liquefied hydrocarbon production
- this country has one of the biggest rates of obesity (51% of kids)
- caning is still a method of crime punishment
- celebrating Christmas is publicly banned
- homosexuality means 10 years in prison or stoned to death
- as for the more positive statistics: the literacy rate is 97% of the population, there is a free healthcare system, free education, free from taxes, very cheap gasoline, life expectancy is 75 years
- one of the first to ban shark finning
- you can still find 7 indigenous tribes hidden in the rainforests
- one of the highest car ownerships globally
- marriage between Muslims and Christians is prohibited
- 99% of the population is active on social media
- Brunei is home to many endangered species, like the Proboscis monkey or Bornean Sun Bear- the world’s smallest bear
- traditional sport is Silat- a martial art that is also part of school education
- you can buy their traditional caps- Songkok or Tudung for women to cover their hair
Here are some facts about their controversial Sultan- Hassanal Bolkiah:
- that’s right, this is the man behind the construction of many magnificent buildings in Brunei
- he is the longest-reigning monarch in the world after Queen Elizabeth- over 53 years on the throne and lives in the largest residential palace!
- he also holds the position of Prime, Finance, Defense, and Foreign Affairs Minister
- his property reaches more than 28 billion dollars
- owns more than 2000 cars such as Buggati Veiron, Rolls-Royce Phantom IV, Lamborghini Aventador, Ferrari F12 TDF, and private jets
- he also owns The Beverly Hills Hotel in LA (of course other hotels as well), a mansion in the UK that is the most expensive house
- he banned the usage of smartphones in his presence
- he spent more than 20 million on his daughter’s wedding with performances of Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston
- he has 12 kids and had 3 wives (was married to his cousin, and the second wife was a flight attendant)
- even yellow on the Brunei flag represents the Sultan
Bruneian cuisine:
Roti canai
Ayam Penyet
Nasi Lemak
Ambuyat- the interior trunk of the sago palm
Hati Buyah- beef lungs
Pulut Panggang
Ais Batu Campur- “bean ice”
Warning for tourists! The sale and public consumption of alcohol and tobacco products is illegal. Non-Muslim tourists are allowed to bring or buy 2 liters of alcohol only. You must observe the rules of Sharia law in place, such as not eating during Ramadan, not possessing pornographic material or gambling, taking photos in some places, for Non-muslims being in close proximity with a Muslim…
Conclusion: Brunei is one of the least-visited countries in the world. This is also one of the reasons why I chose to spread awareness about this country. When we think about visiting snow-white beaches with turquoise water or paradisiacal rainforests, we think of choosing popular tourist spots somewhere in Thailand or Malaysia. They are definitely beautiful, but people who like to choose something special, less commercial, and unusual…By all means, try Brunei. I have no doubt you will find what you are looking for. I was completely fascinated by the fact that Muslim culture got to Southeast Asia and the possibility of visiting the Muslim culture of the environment in a tropical climate outside the deserts is a really alluring experience. Plus, people from Europe can easily get there from London Heathrow. Safety is guaranteed because even the smallest crimes can be punished with a death sentence.
My own motto: Sometimes the only thing you have to do for unforgettable experiences is to properly look for small places that are inconspicuous on the map.
As always, do not hesitate to contact me for more information, questions, or traveling tips♡ Thank you for reading my loved ones.
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!!My advice:!! For frequent travelers, I’ve included a great helpful guide. On this page, you will find basic information about the current situation, health care, or rights of the country you are going to travel to and what you should avoid. I strongly recommend opening it before your trip because it is always better to be prepared than to be unpleasantly surprised.
So here: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/brunei-darussalam
Stay safe! :)
