Exploring Brunei: A Fun Vacation Spot?

Brunei is a small, serene nation on the island of Borneo, known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. It is one of the least-visited countries in the world, offering a refreshing lack of mass tourism. With its blend of tradition and modernity, Brunei provides a unique travel experience. The country is home to opulent mosques, such as the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, and the lush Ulu Temburong National Park, earning its nickname as the Green Jewel of Brunei.

Brunei has a reputation for being safe, clean, and welcoming to visitors. It boasts pristine rainforests, making up about 80% of the country's land, and an affordable cultural experience, with many free attractions and cheap water taxis. The food scene is also a highlight, blending Malay, Singaporean, and Indonesian cuisines.

However, it's important to note that Brunei has implemented Sharia law, which has raised concerns about human rights and freedoms. Despite this, some travellers find that there are worthwhile experiences to be had in the country.

Brunei's serene landscapes and rich cultural heritage

Bruneian Serenity: A Rich Cultural Heritage

Brunei, a small country in Southeast Asia, is a place of serene landscapes and a rich cultural heritage. With a total area of 5,765 square kilometres, it is home to a diverse range of natural wonders and cultural attractions. From its lush rainforests and mountainous terrain to its ancient traditions and stunning architecture, Brunei offers a unique and captivating experience for visitors seeking to explore its serene landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

A Land of Natural Beauty

Brunei's landscape is characterised by its vast expanses of tropical rainforests, which cover approximately 72% of the country. These rainforests are home to a diverse range of exotic flora and fauna, including rare clouded leopards and gibbons. The Ulu Temburong National Park, known as the "Green Jewel of Brunei", is a prime example of the country's state-sponsored conservation efforts. With centuries-old trees and canopy walks, it offers visitors breathtaking views of the vast forest and hidden waterfalls.

The country also boasts a coastline along the South China Sea, with golden sand beaches such as Muara Beach, offering serene views of the multi-coloured tropical sunset. Brunei's largest lake, Tasek Merimbun, is another natural wonder, surrounded by thick rainforest and home to a host of wildlife, including a rare type of fruit bat.

A Cultural Mosaic

Brunei has a long and fascinating cultural history, influenced by various periods of animism, Hinduism, and Islam. The official religion of Brunei is Islam, and it plays a central role in the lives of its Muslim residents. The Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) concept, as the national governing philosophy, has guided the country's spiritual and material well-being.

The country is also home to various ethnic groups, including the Malay, Kedayan, Tutong, Belait, Bisaya, Dusun, and Murut communities. Each group contributes to the cultural tapestry of Brunei, with their unique traditions and customs.

Architectural Marvels

Brunei is known for its stunning architecture, with two of the most beautiful mosques in Southeast Asia located in its capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. The Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, named after the nation's 28th Sultan, is an elegant, gold-domed structure with Italian marble floors, British chandeliers, and Saudi Arabian carpets. The adjacent lagoon creates a mirror image of the grand mosque, making it a photographer's dream.

Another architectural masterpiece is the Istana Nurul Iman, the world's largest royal residence, with 1,788 rooms and more than 250 bathrooms. This elegant building blends traditional Malay and contemporary Islamic styles, with vaulted roofs and golden domes surrounded by manicured gardens.

A Journey Through Time

Brunei has a long and illustrious history, with the current Sultan's family line dating back over 600 years. Visitors can explore ancient relics from a shipwreck, stroll around royal tombs, and discover the country's rich history through exhibitions and displays. The Brunei Museum showcases fascinating Islamic craft and artefacts, providing a glimpse into the country's cultural heritage.

Warm Hospitality

Bruneians are known for their warm hospitality and politeness. Visitors often comment on the kindness of the locals, who are eager to welcome them to their country and share their culture. This sense of community is deeply rooted in Bruneian society, making it a safe and welcoming destination for travellers.

In conclusion, Brunei offers a unique blend of serene landscapes and a rich cultural heritage. From its pristine rainforests and golden beaches to its stunning architecture and deep-rooted traditions, Brunei is a destination that leaves a lasting impression on those who explore its natural beauty and cultural richness.

The Ulu Temburong National Park

Ulu Temburong National Park is the first national park established in Brunei, protected since 1991. Covering about 40% of the district in the south, it is located in the Temburong District in eastern Brunei and is within the Batu Apoi Forest Reserve. The park contains unspoiled jungle and is known as the Green Jewel of Brunei, described as "the finest example of the sultanate's successful forest protection policy".

An extensive network of boardwalks, bridges, and stairways, 7 kilometres in length, have been constructed to visit all regions of the park. There is also a canopy-viewing walkway. This walkway, built with steel towers supporting the cable way, rises to a height of 50 metres above the forest floor, overlooking the highest tree canopy and providing vistas of the forests.

The park is an important ecotourism centre in Brunei and hosts the Ulu Ulu Resort, the only accommodation inside the National Park. The resort offers a mix of rooms, including a dormitory, standard, superior, and deluxe rooms. Visitors are required to book a Ulu Temburong National Park tour package in advance to stay at the resort.

The lack of tourists

Brunei is one of the least visited countries in the world. It's so untouched by tourism that one travel writer described having an entire gorgeous mosque to herself for half an hour.

Brunei is also not very accessible. It is a small nation on the island of Borneo, and to get there, you have to pass through Malaysian Borneo. It is also not very easy to get around in. There are very few taxis, and it can be quite a challenge to get one during peak hours. Buses are the cheapest way to travel within the country, but they only run between 6:00 am and 8:00 pm.

The country also has a very conservative culture, which can be off-putting to some travellers. It is a Muslim country, and it's important to dress modestly when visiting. Alcohol is also prohibited in the country.

However, the lack of tourists can also be seen as a positive for some travellers. It means that Brunei is super safe, with ultra-low crime rates. The country is also one of the cleanest in Asia. The government puts a lot of effort into keeping the streets rubbish-free.

The food

Brunei's food scene is heavily influenced by the cuisines of Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, China, and India. The country's most populous ethnicities, Malay, Chinese, and indigenous groups, also play a significant role in shaping Bruneian cuisine.

Let's take a closer look at some of the mouth-watering dishes you can expect to find in Brunei:

Ambuyat

This flavourless, starchy dish is derived from the interior trunk of the sago palm tree and is often referred to as Brunei's national dish. The sticky texture of ambuyat is meant to be swallowed without chewing, and it is typically dipped in a spicy and sour sauce called cacah. It is served with a variety of side dishes, including fried fish, vegetables, beef rendang, and hati buyah (cow's lungs).

Nasi Katok

A simple yet beloved Bruneian dish, nasi katok consists of white rice, sambal (a spicy chilli blend), and a piece of fried chicken. It is a popular fast food option, available at very affordable prices, sometimes even for just BND1 per pack.

Ayam Penyet

Inspired by Indonesian cuisine, ayam penyet is a hearty meal consisting of rice, a chicken leg, and spicy chilli sambal. The chicken is marinated in spices and herbs, and it is usually served with cucumber or cabbage on the side.

Satay

A popular street food in Brunei, satay is grilled skewered meat, typically chicken, lamb, beef, or occasionally rabbit. The aroma of barbecued meat fills the air at market stalls, and the classic peanut sauce dip is a must-have accompaniment.

Roti

Roti is a breakfast favourite in Brunei, with various types available, such as roti kuning (yellow bread) and roti canai (Indian-style flatbread). Roti kuning is filled with cheese, meat, and a sweet mixture of coconut milk, jam, sugar, and butter, while roti canai is served with a dip of your choice—chicken, fish, or lamb.

Kelupis

A traditional snack, kelupis are glutinous rice rolls wrapped in daun nyirik (phyrinium leaves) and steamed. They are commonly served as refreshments during weddings or special occasions. Kelupis can be enjoyed on their own as a sweet treat or with a peanut or curry dip.

Bamboo Chicken

Bamboo chicken is a dish where marinated chicken, along with spices, onions, chillies, and ginger and garlic paste, is stuffed into bamboo poles and cooked over an open fire. This nutritious dish is often served with rice or bread and is also popular in several Indian states.

Kueh

Kueh is a broad term for mini desserts or snacks, including cakes, cookies, dumplings, and pastries. One such popular kueh is the kueh lenggang, a light, pandan-coloured crepe filled with grated coconut and sugar, rolled into a cylinder. Another is the kueh kusui, a dark caramel-coloured cake made with gula anau (a sweetener made from sago or nipah tree sap) and often paired with afternoon tea.

Tapai

A traditional Malay snack, tapai is a lengthy process involving fermenting a mixture of Siam rice, "laru" (yeast starter), and sugar, wrapped in nipah leaves. The result is a mouth-watering sweet and sour rice snack.

These dishes only scratch the surface of Brunei's diverse and flavourful cuisine, which is sure to delight and surprise visitors.

The safety

Brunei is considered one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia, with ultra-low crime rates. Solo travellers report feeling safe in the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, at all times of the day and night. The country's alcohol ban eliminates the drunken and loutish behaviour that is common in cities around the world. However, visitors should still use their common sense and remain vigilant.

Brunei has one of the highest GDPs in the world, and its citizens receive free education, healthcare and pensions, along with access to social housing and cheap loans. There is no personal income tax, sales tax, or VAT. As a result, there is no homelessness in the capital, and crime rates are very low.

However, it's important to note that Brunei fully implemented Sharia law in 2019, which includes brutal punishments such as amputation of a limb for theft, and stoning to death for adultery, abortion, and same-sex relations. While Brunei has not sentenced anyone to the death penalty since the implementation of Sharia law, life is difficult for minorities. There is no freedom of speech, freedom of the press, or freedom of religion, and the country's ruler is unelected and cannot be removed.

Frequently asked questions