Fabulously wealthy from oil, Brunei is a destination equipped with services suitable also for the taste of the most demanding. This small Southeast Asian Sultanate hosts shops selling international luxury goods, hotels priced and equipped for the needs of those who don't ask for prices, and amusement parks built by the Sultan of Brunei, who is widely considered the richest person on earth. Yet there are also many things about Brunei all people get to enjoy, like for instance the warm tropical weather or the lush green tropical rainforests.
Nature and cultural sights. Interesting opportunities are available in Brunei for those interested in nature or cultural sites such as a traditional villages built on water, or sites offered by the tropical jungle of Borneo. For example the rural Temburong region with Belalong National Park is well worth visiting. You can also see the oil industry up close in the coastal towns of Seria or Kuala Belait.
Brunei, the wealthy oil nation with cultural attractions
Brunei is tiny but interesting Southeast Asian country on the island of Borneo, and a traditional Islamic Malay Monarchy. The most popular attraction of Brunei is its capital city, Bandar Seri Begawan (Bandar). This wealthy small coastal city offers its visitors fabulous cultural attractions like the Sultan's Palace and the traditional Kampong Ayer village, popular entertaining sites and amusement parks, and excellent possibilities for duty-free shopping. However, if you are looking for a lively nightlife, you should choose another destination.Nature and cultural sights. Interesting opportunities are available in Brunei for those interested in nature or cultural sites such as a traditional villages built on water, or sites offered by the tropical jungle of Borneo. For example the rural Temburong region with Belalong National Park is well worth visiting. You can also see the oil industry up close in the coastal towns of Seria or Kuala Belait.
Practical information for your trip to Brunei
British protectorate from 1888 to 1984, Brunei gained independence from United Kingdom in 1984, and is today an economically important country, whose wealth is connected with the possession of rich oil and gas resources. Brunei's Malay culture has gathered influences from both Islam and Hinduism, which is a consequence of historical links with Hindu empire and contemporary connections with neighboring Indonesia and Malaysia. English is spoken by many educated people in Brunei.
Photo: Shnib snuff, used under Creative Commons License (By ND 2.0)
Climate in Brunei is tropical with average monthly high temperatures rising to 30 degrees of Celsius. There is no special rainy season in Brunei, but usually the weather is humid with some rains all year round. Generally Brunei is a safe travel destination, where attacks against tourists are rare. When traveling in Brunei, you should however respect local habits and culture, which has restrictions for things like women's dressing and alcohol use. Drug laws of Brunei are also severe and the possession of illegal drugs will lead into severe consequences.
How to get there. Direct flights to Brunei are available from London, and from several Asian and Australian locations, and you can also travel to Brunei from Malaysia by ferry or bus. Visas are required from most foreign visitors, and nationals of Israel are banned from entering Brunei.
hint See also these nearby destinations: Bandar Seri Begawan
