Monday, December 14, 2020

Brunei

Brunei Flag


Why visit Brunei?
A great nearby stopover developed destination for architecture, beaches, caves, coastline,  jungle, local art, modern city, rainforest and wildlife.


Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, Brunei. Photo Credit: vyngor/Pixabay 


At a Glance
  • Souvenirs to Buy: Brass, bronze and silver goods.
  • Local Cuisine to Try: Ambuyat (flavourless starch). 

Fun Facts
  • Around 1400AD, discovered by Awang Alak Betatar. 
  • By 16th Century (1501-1600), Islam was rooted.
  • In 1521, Ferdinand Magellan (1480-1521), Portuguese Explorer visited.
  • In 1578, fought against Spain (Castilian War).
  • In 1846, attacked by Britain.
  • In 1888, became a British protectorate.
  • In 1929, discovered petroleum.
  • Late 1941, invaded by Japanese.
  • In 1984, became independent from United Kingdom.
  • Highest per-capita income in the world.
  • Around 167,000 barrels of oil are produced daily.
  • Housing is available and subsidized for all citizens.
  • Imports approximately 60% of their foods.
  • Japanese built the runway at Brunei International Airport (BWN).
  • Education including post secondary is free to all citizens. Students may also receive expenses and tuition and expenses for studies abroad.
  • There's no personal income tax.
  • Absolute monarchy government with generations of the Sultan Family  control.
  • Parents of stateless status are required to apply for a special pass in order for their child to be born in the country.
  • Promotes self food sufficiency with rice.
  • One of the highest car ownership rates in the world contributed to fuel prices, low import tax and transportation systems.
  • The 9 mile Brunei Bay Bridge costs $1.6 billion connecting Muara and Temburong Districts.

Special Holidays/Occasions
  • Holidays: New Year's Day, National Day, Armed Forces Day, Sultan's Birthday, Start of Ramadhan, Nuzul Al-Quran, Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, Hari Raya Aidil Adha, Islamic New Year, Birth of the Prophet, Isra Mi'raj, Christmas Day and Chinese New Year.

Good to Know
  • Sight attractions are limited and nightlife is nonexistent.
  • Year round humidity.
  • Has four districts: Belait (west), Brunei-Muara (central), Temburong (east) and Tutong (west-central).
  • Official language Standard Malay uses the Arabic and Latin alphabet. English is widely spoken. Arabic and Chinese also spoken.
  • Homosexuality is illegal.
  • Do not drink alcohol in public, it's illegal. Sale of alcohol is banned!
  • Shark finning is banned.
  • Death penalty is applied for drug use, smuggling and trafficking.
  • Shoes are not permitted in mosques.
  • Do not shake hands with the opposite sex.
  • Do not hold hands or display affection in public!
  • Avoid pointing with your index finger in public areas.
  • Public criticism of Sultan or Royal Family members is illegal and punishable.
This international destination requires:
  • A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp and six VISA pages.
  • Tourist VISA not required for visits under 90 days.
  • Vaccination not required. 
  • Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $15,000BND.
Monsoon Season is September - February.
  • Best Time to Visit: March - October
  • Coldest Month: January
  • Hottest Months: March - September
  • Peak Season: June - August

Peat Swamp Forest, Brunei. Photo Credit: Ken Shono/Unsplash

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                                  All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice. 

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