Menu
Located on the northeastern coast of the island of Borneo, Brunei Darussalam, or Brunei as it’s commonly known, is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. With its rich culture, jaw-dropping architectural marvels, and untouched rainforests, Brunei offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition. But where is Brunei exactly and, as a conscious traveler, why should it be on your travel radar? Let’s delve deeper into the country of Brunei in this post!
Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
Brunei is a tiny sovereign nation located in Southeast Asia. It shares the island of Borneo with Malaysia and Indonesia, sitting snugly on the north coast. The South China Sea kisses its northern boundary, providing Brunei with picturesque coastal views.
Brunei covers an area of approximately 5,765 square kilometers (2,226 square miles). To give a perspective, this means that it is slightly smaller than the state of Delaware in the USA.
Despite its size, Brunei packs an array of landscapes, from dense rainforests to bustling urban centers, all within its borders.
Brunei is a country that is fairly off the beaten path and doesn’t see that many visitors. However, when you visit the marvels of Malaysian Borneo like Bako National Park, Semenggoh Nature Reserve, and Mount Kinabalu, you can decide to cross from Sarawak to Sabah overland passing through Brunei instead of taking a flight.
It’s a great place to spend a few days, get to know the culture, and visit the amazing natural parks there as well, like Ulu Temburong National Park.
Here are 8 reasons to visit Brunei!
Brunei boasts a profound history and culture rooted in its Malay origins and Islamic heritage. The Bruneian way of life is beautifully reflective of these rich traditions. Visit the Royal Regalia Museum, and you’ll be immersed in the history and ceremonies associated with the sultanate.
Brunei’s skyline is adorned with the silhouettes of towering minarets and glittering golden domes. The Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, with its 29 golden domes, stands as an epitome of Brunei’s architectural grandeur and religious devotion.
Meanwhile, the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is a picture of tranquility and reverence. Visiting these mosques is not merely a visual delight. As a conscious and slow traveler, you’ll be immersed with great insight into the deep-rooted Islamic faith that molds Bruneian life.
Brunei’s Ulu Temburong National Park is a haven for nature lovers. With its canopy walks, gushing waterfalls, and diverse wildlife, it offers a pure, untarnished experience of the Borneo rainforests.
Ulu Temburong is Brunei’s first national park and covers about 50,000 hectares of the Temburong district. It’s a pristine rainforest area with very limited human interference. The park is a great spot for ecotourism and allows for exploration without tourist crowds.
The monarchy is the pulse of Brunei. Under the reign of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the 29th member of the world’s oldest reigning monarchy, the nation has seen tremendous growth while maintaining its traditions.
The opulence of the sultanate is best witnessed in the Istana Nurul Iman, the royal palace. With 1,788 rooms, it is a symbol of Brunei’s wealth and fortune and architectural expertise.
Bruneians are known for their warmth and hospitality. Visitors often recount heartwarming tales of locals going out of their way to assist or share a slice of their daily life.
From sharing tales of folklore over a good cup of coffee or tea to guiding you through hidden trails, the local folks of Brunei will make sure that every traveler feels at home.
Brunei’s commitment to harmony and order has made it one of the safest countries in the world. The streets are clean, and crime rates are notably low, allowing you to explore with ease and comfort.
The serene ambiance that is punctuated only by the melodic call to prayer is a refreshing respite from the clamor of mainstream tourist hubs like Bangkok or Singapore.
To witness Brunei in its full splendor, time your visit around its cultural events.
Festivals like Hari Raya Aidilfitri after Ramadan provide deep insights into Bruneian traditions and are a visual treat with colorful processions, feasts, and traditional performances.
From the grandeur of the royal processions to the communal spirit of open houses, these events are a deep dive into Bruneian ethos and will make you love and understand Bruneian culture even more!
While Brunei is a wonderful country to spend a few days in, it’s essential to be aware of several cultural, legal, and social aspects to ensure a respectful and hassle-free visit. Here are some things to keep in mind!
Brunei follows strict Sharia laws, which means the sale and public consumption of alcohol is prohibited. However, non-Muslim visitors can bring in a limited quantity for private consumption.
Check the rules around importing alcohol before your trip, as they change regularly.
Reflecting its Islamic values, modest clothing is appreciated in Brunei. While there’s no strict dress code, it’s advisable to wear clothing that covers the shoulders and knees, especially when visiting religious sites.
Brunei is known for its significant oil and natural gas reserves, which have made it one of the wealthiest nations per capita in the world. The vast energy reserves have ensured the country’s prosperity for decades.
Brunei’s citizens also benefit from no personal income tax, free education, and subsidized healthcare, all funded by the country’s vast energy wealth.
Aside from its wealthy status, Brunei is also famous for having the world’s largest stilted village, Kampong Ayer. It’s a collection of around 40 small villages built on stilts in the Brunei River, with a history dating back over 1,000 years.
Malay is the official language, but English is widely spoken, especially in business and by the younger generation.
Due to its historical ties with the United Kingdom, English education is emphasized in schools, and many Bruneians are bilingual in Malay and English.
In addition, most official signs, documents, and public information are available in both Malay and English. As a tourist visiting Brunei, you will generally find it easy to communicate in English, particularly in urban areas and tourist destinations.
Brunei lives by Sharia law and Islamic principles and teachings. As a result of this, public celebrations of non-Islamic religious festivals, including Christmas, are restricted. The government’s stance is that such public celebrations could lead its Muslim population astray from Islamic teachings.
However, it’s crucial to note that non-Muslims in Brunei are still allowed to celebrate Christmas privately within their communities and homes. The restrictions are primarily on the public display and promotion of Christmas.
Brunei has a conservative stance on LGBTQ rights, and its laws and policies reflect this.
Homosexual acts, both between men and women, are illegal. The Sharia law provisions have introduced severe punishments, including fines, imprisonment, whipping, and even the death penalty for certain homosexual acts.
The conservative nature of Bruneian society, combined with the state’s policies, means that many LGBTQ individuals in Brunei remain closeted or discreet about their identities.
If you are a traveler who identifies as LGBTQ, you should exercise caution and discretion while in Brunei.
While dating isn’t illegal, couples should behave modestly in public. Public displays of affection, such as holding hands or hugging, can be frowned upon, especially for unmarried couples. This is especially the case for Muslim women with non-related men.
Unmarried couples living together can face legal consequences. Cohabitation outside of marriage is not accepted in Bruneian society and this can sometimes also become a hassle when you want to book a hotel room as a couple.
If you are traveling as a couple and can’t prove that you are married, chances are that you will have to book two separate hotel rooms.
Reaching Brunei is straightforward. The Brunei International Airport in the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, connects it to major Asian cities like Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
Moreover, there are well-maintained road links with parts of Malaysian Borneo. Border passing is relatively easy overland but be sure to possess all the needed documents to enter Brunei according to your nationality.
As a Belgian, you can enter Brunei for up to 90 days visa-free but this is not the case for all nationalities.
There you go! I hope you enjoyed this post about where Brunei is and eight reasons to visit this off-the-beaten-path country on Borneo Island.
Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions or drop me a message through my contact page.
Also, don’t forget to check out my resources page with my favorite booking platforms and tips to start planning your trip. Additionally, have a look at my favorite travel gear if you want to pack more consciously!
ENJOY!
Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links. If you click on them, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Hi! I am Annelies and this is Travelers & Dreamers, a blog about conscious travel which means traveling in a more mindful way, with a positive impact on the world and yourself!
On this website, I cover different topics like slow travel, plant-based food guides, responsible travel, sustainable packing, eco-travel, and more!
Latest Posts
15 Best Things to Do in Nong Khiaw, Laos (2024)
Santa Rita, Salento: All You Need to Know
Do you want to receive my latest finds on conscious and sustainable travel directly to your inbox? Subscribe here!
© COPYRIGHT TRAVELERS&DREAMERS, 2023.