Brunei's Unique Customs: The Essential Do's And Don'ts

Brunei is a tiny, predominantly Muslim nation with a unique set of laws and customs. Visitors are expected to follow these rules closely, with few exceptions made for tourists. Here are some of the key things to be aware of when visiting Brunei.

Greeting etiquette: Greet with a slight hand touch and then place your hand on your chest. Avoid shaking hands with the opposite sex

Greeting people correctly is an important part of etiquette in Brunei. Bruneians greet each other by lightly touching hands and then bringing their hand to their chest. This is a respectful way to greet someone in Brunei and is considered more polite than a handshake.

When greeting someone of the same sex, it is customary to place your hand on your chest after the initial hand touch. This is a respectful greeting and is often used as a way to show deference to elders. It is also common for people to greet each other this way when they are meeting for the first time.

However, it is considered rude to shake hands with members of the opposite sex in Brunei. This is an important cultural difference to be aware of, especially if you are from a culture where handshakes are common. If you are greeting a woman, it is polite to smile and acknowledge her while maintaining a slight gap between the two of you. This is considered more respectful than a handshake.

It is also worth noting that public displays of romantic affection are considered distasteful in Brunei and should be avoided. This includes holding hands or any other form of physical contact between couples.

Dress code: Dress modestly and cover your head, arms, and legs when visiting mosques

When visiting a mosque in Brunei, it is important to dress modestly and cover your head, arms, and legs. This is a sign of respect for the local culture and traditions, and it will be much appreciated by the Bruneian people. Here are some detailed guidelines to follow:

For women:

• Cover your hair with a headscarf or shawl.
• Avoid wearing anything that is skin-tight or revealing.
• Ensure your sleeves are long enough to cover your wrists.
• Do not wear short skirts or shorts.
• Avoid sleeveless shirts or dresses.
• Opt for long, loose-fitting clothing that covers your arms and legs.
• Larger mosques may provide floor-length robes for visitors, but it is not guaranteed, so it is best to come prepared with your own modest clothing.

For men:

• Avoid wearing sleeveless shirts.
• Do not wear bright-coloured shirts or denim jeans.
• Long or short sleeves are acceptable.

In general, it is advisable to avoid wearing revealing or provocative clothing when visiting mosques in Brunei. It is also important to remove your shoes before entering a mosque and to follow the other cultural norms and rules of the mosque, such as observing silence and refraining from taking photos of people without their consent. Remember to be respectful and mindful of the local culture and traditions, and your visit to a mosque in Brunei will be a memorable and enjoyable experience.

Pointing: Use your thumb to point instead of your forefinger

When visiting Brunei, it is important to be mindful of the local customs and traditions to show respect for the culture and people. One such custom relates to pointing; it is considered rude to point with your forefinger. Instead, it is more respectful to use your thumb, specifically the thumb of your right hand, with the other four fingers folded beneath it. This custom is also practised in Indonesia and by the Malays and Javanese in Southeast Asia.

The reason for this custom is rooted in cultural beliefs about the significance of pointing. In some cultures, pointing is viewed as a direct and aggressive act, which can be interpreted as an accusation or a sign of disrespect. By using the thumb instead of the forefinger, the act of pointing becomes more subtle and less confrontational. This custom also aligns with the Islamic belief in the importance of using the right hand for respectful gestures, as seen in other aspects of Bruneian culture, such as passing gifts with the right hand.

When interacting with locals in Brunei, it is essential to be mindful of this custom to avoid causing offence. Using your thumb to point instead of your forefinger demonstrates your awareness and respect for their cultural traditions. This simple gesture can help foster positive relationships and enhance your experience when visiting the country.

Additionally, it is worth noting that body language and non-verbal communication can be powerful tools for cross-cultural understanding. While pointing with the forefinger may be a common gesture in some cultures, adapting to local customs like this one can help bridge cultural gaps and create a more welcoming environment for both visitors and locals. Being mindful of these nuances can make a significant difference in how one is perceived and received in a foreign country.

In conclusion, when visiting Brunei, it is important to remember to use your thumb to point instead of your forefinger. This simple gesture shows respect for the local culture and can help create a more positive and welcoming atmosphere during your interactions with the locals. Being mindful of such customs demonstrates your willingness to understand and appreciate the unique traditions of the country.

Gifts: Use your right hand to give and receive gifts

When giving or receiving gifts in Brunei, it is customary to use your right hand. This is because Bruneians rarely use their left hand for this purpose. While it is acceptable to use your left hand to support your right wrist, you should try to use your right hand instead. This custom also applies to other situations where objects are passed between two people, and is not exclusive to gifts.

The custom of using the right hand to give and receive gifts is an important one in Brunei, and it is considered rude to use the left hand. This is because the left hand is considered unclean in many cultures, including in Brunei. In general, it is considered more polite to use the right hand for most activities, including eating and greeting people.

It is also important to note that gift-giving customs in Brunei may vary depending on the occasion and the relationship between the giver and receiver. For example, when visiting someone's home, it is common to bring a gift such as food or drinks. It is considered polite to accept even a small amount of food or drink when offered, and it is customary to touch the plate lightly with the right hand when refusing an offer.

Additionally, when giving gifts of food, it is important to consider the dietary restrictions of the recipient. For example, if you are giving a gift to a Muslim during the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan, it would be inappropriate to offer them food or drinks between sunrise and sunset.

Finally, when giving gifts in Brunei, it is important to be mindful of the value and presentation of the gift. Gifts that are considered too extravagant or expensive may be seen as inappropriate or even offensive. It is generally better to give modest gifts that are wrapped simply and without excessive decoration.

Ramadan: Do not eat, drink, or smoke in public during Ramadan

Ramadan is a very special time for Muslims and showing respect during this period will be appreciated. During the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan, Muslims do not eat or drink from sunrise to sunset. It is illegal in Brunei for anyone to eat, drink, or smoke in public during the fasting hours of Ramadan. This applies to both Muslims and non-Muslims, and offenders can face a fine of up to B$4,000 ($2,932 USD) or a one-year prison sentence.

Non-Muslim tourists are allowed to consume alcohol with sensible discretion in hotels and some restaurants. However, during Ramadan, it is best to avoid drinking in public. If you are drinking in your car, ensure that the inside of your car is not visible to people outside.

It is also important to be mindful of your surroundings when eating or drinking in public during Ramadan. Do not consume food or drinks in spaces that are accessible or visible to the general public, as this may offend those who are fasting. Many restaurants will be closed during the day and will only open after sunset. If you are at work, eat in areas separated from those who are fasting.

It is always a good idea to be respectful of the local culture and customs when travelling. Bruneians are generally tolerant and understand that visitors may not be familiar with all Islamic traditions. However, keeping these few things in mind will show the Bruneian people that you respect and appreciate their culture.

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