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Negara Brunei Darussalam
means State of Brunei, “the Abode of
Peace”. Brunei is a small Islamic Sultanate on the North West coast
of Borneo, with a population of 343,000 and a total land area of
5,765 sq. kilometers. It is an important source of oil and natural
gas for the expanding markets of Asia and the Far East.
The country is one of the most ancient sovereign states in Asia and
was mentioned in the Chinese historical writings of the 6th and 7th
century as “POLI” and “PUNI” or “BUNLAI”.
The present Sultan and Yang Dipertuan of Brunei is the 29th Sultan
of a consecutive line of ascendants to the throne.
In this green rainforest Kingdom, one does not find overcrowded
skyscrapers and tired people of bustling cities but a race whose
adherence of religion and life give originality and peace.Although
the people enjoy one of the highest per capital income in the world,
they do not live in an over-industrialized environment. The country
is safe, clean and pollution free. It’s fauna and flora and the
white sandy beaches are still well preserved and are transforming
itself into a garden city with lush tropical foliage and palms
lining the sidewalks and walkways.
Since its independence on 1st January 1984, Brunei has advanced
towards progress and prosperity through several economic, religious,
cultural and social progresses.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO TRAVEL?
Borneo has tropical climate. Usually before or after the rainy
season the weather is pleasant to travel to Borneo.
During July and August and sometimes up to October there have been
forest fires reported in different parts of Borneo affecting the
air quality. It is highly recommendable to find out about possible
fires in Sabah, Sarawak or Kalimantan through your country's embassy
before you travel. |
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3. WHAT ARE THE VISA REQUIREMENTS AND CUSTOM FORMALITIES?
Malaysian, Singaprean, and British Nationals (with right of abode in
UK) are exempted from visas to visits of up to 30 days. Nationals
from Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Canada, Denmark, France,
Germany, Japan, South Korea , Belgium, Sweden, Liechtenstein,
Lumbourge, Norway, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the Republic of
Moldives, and New Zealand are exempted from visas for 14-day visits.
Australians with confirmed tickets to a third country can apply for
transit visas valid for 72 hours upon arrival at the airport.
American passport holders may enter for three months without a visa.
All other visitors require visas which are normally issued for a
two-week stay but can be renewed in Brunei. Visitors must have
onward tickets and sufficient funds to support themselves while in
the country.
As regulations may change from time to time, it is advisable
to check with the nearest Brunei Embassy before your
departure.
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4. DO'S AND DON'T'S?
Though the standard of hygiene in Brunei is high, we recommend to
drink bottled water only which is widely available throughout the
country. Food is generally ok to eat even at traditional food stalls
anywhere in Brunai. Please guard against sunburn and dehydration as
the tropical heat is much stronger than it seems. |
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5. WHAT MONEY SHOULD I TAKE?
The Brunei dollar is on par with the Singapore dollar and is freely
interchangeable. There is no restriction on import or export of
money. Banks, hotels and major department stores can cash
traveller's cheques. |
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6. WHAT LANGUAGE WILL THEY UNDERSTAND?
Malay is official language but English is widely used. Other
language includes Chinese and dialect is also spoken. Although the
official religion is Islam, other faiths including Christianity and
Buddhism are practiced. |
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7. HOW ABOUT MY HEALTH?
Brunei
is one of the healthiest countries of South East Asia.
It requires no vaccination from foreign visitors and
enjoys a good standard of health and cleanliness throughout
the country. Visitors are advised to check with their
doctor or travel immunization clinic for further details. |
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8. WHAT FOOD WILL I FIND?
Hawker-Style
Food
Hawker centers offer fine local delicacies at very reasonable
prices. Favourite dishes include satay, noodles, rice, whole roasted
chicken, and grilled fish.
Hawker food can be found in downtown areas of all four districts,
and in a purpose-built complex next to Jerudong Park. After a day
spent shopping at the Yayasan SHHB Complex, why not visit Padian
Food Court which offers a variety of food, from local favourites
like chicken rice and laksa to Japanese and Western food. You can
also visit the Wisma Setia Fod Court at the Wisma Setia building,
downtown Bandar, for a wide selection of local and international
fare at reasonable prices. The Persiaran Damuan Park on Jalan Tutong
is well known for its popular steamboat dinners and satay. In Gadong,
there is an indoor hawker centre on the ground floor of Jaya
Hypermart and Food Junction at Gadong Properties Centre - which
offers a variety of food, ranging steak to sushi.
Restaurant Dinning (Asian)
Gadong has a good mixed of restaurants offering Asian cuisine. This
includes Chinese, Lebanese, Indonesian, Indian, Thai and Japanese
food, as well as speciality outlets for seafood and Nyonya. Many are
family-run enterprises with a comfortable, friendly atmosphere.
Downtown Bandar also has many kedai malam (local eateries), and good
seafood restaurants can be found along Jalan Muara and in Muara
town. Tutong, Seria and Kuala Belait have a good and varied
selection of restaurants.
Chinese cuisine is especially popular in Brunei, and there are many
authentic restaurants. In Gadong, Emperor's Court and Szechuan
Dynasty are renowned, as are Kirin Court at Riverview Hotel and
Phong Mun in downtown Bandar. For seafood connoisseurs why not visit
RMS Portview Seavood Restaurant, next to the Yayasan SHHB Complex
for seafood fare in elegant ambience.
TimeRestaurant Dinning (Western)
The major hotels all have cafes which serve a mixture of Asian and
western meals and sumptuous value for money buffets. Deals
restaurant at the Sheraton Utama specialises in very high quality
fusion cuisine. The Buccaneers in Kuala Belait serves excellent
British fare in a Tudor-Style setting. Fratini's Restaurant at the
Yayasan SHHB Complex, offers authentic Italian food like mamma used
to make.
There are also café-style eateries like Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf and
Coffee Zone in Gadong, Taurean and De Beetle café in Kiulap.
Fast Food
Fast Food has really caught on in Brunei. Pizza Hut, KFC and
McDonalds all have outlets in the city and at Jerudong Park.
Jollibee, Ayamku, Sugar Bun and Express are local equivalents.
Most restaurants open until about 9pm or 10pm and reservations may
be required at weekends, especially in hotels and the larger Chinese
restaurants.
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9. HOW IS THE SHOPPING AND WHAT DO I TIP?
You'll find quality shopping at
air-conditioned plazas. Most of the Bruneians dollars probably went
to the shiny YSHHB Complex. The complex offers a dazzling selection
of goods from watches, sunglasses, Iranian chandeliers and other
essentials. It stays open till late too.
Right across the bridge (through Kampung Ayer) is the huge Yaohan
department store. It stocks a huge range of imported clothes,
electrical goods and books whilst the supermarket in the basement
carries a large amount of imported foodstuffs from all over the
globe. Besides Yaohan, there are also a number of shopping plazas
within close distance such as the Plaza Athirah, Mohamad Yossof and
Badiah. About 5 kilometers northwest of the city center is the next
big shopping center located at Gadong.
There are also many photo-processing, camera and film shops at
Gadong's town center. You should have no problems getting films or
developing services. However, if you have any special film
requirements, do get them before coming to Brunei. |
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