Brunei Travel Guide

Full Name

Negara Brunei Darussalam

Former Name

None

Capital City

Bandar Seri Begawan

Government Type

constitutional sultanate

Area Size

total: 5,770 sq km

Time Zone

UTC/GMT +8 hours

Climate

Temperate equatorial climate year round, characterized by temperatures ranging between 23 to 32 degrees Celsius, and an average annual rainfall of 320 cm. There is no distinct rainy season, though the period from November to March tends to bring heavier rains.

Geography

Brunei Darussalam lies on the northwest coast of Borneo island Where it faces the South China Sea. With a land area of 5,765 square kilometres, it shares a common border with Sarawak, an east Malaysian state, which divides Brunei Darussalam into two, The eastern part is the Temburong District while the western portion consists of Brunei-Muara, Tutong and Belait districts.

Languages

Malay (official), English, Chinese

Culture

Brunei's culture mainly derived from the Old Malay World, a territory which covered the Malay Archipelago. Brunei’s culture is therefore deeply rooted in its Malay origins, which are reflected in the nation’s language, architecture, ceremonies, and customs governing daily life. Though various foreign civilisations have played a role in forming Brunei’s rich history, the traditions of the Old Malay World have left an indelible mark on the culture of modern Brunei.

History

The Sultanate of Brunei's influence peaked between the 15th and 17th centuries when its control extended over coastal areas of northwest Borneo and the southern Philippines. Brunei subsequently entered a period of decline brought on by internal strife over royal succession, colonial expansion of European powers, and piracy. In 1888, Brunei became a British protectorate; independence was achieved in 1984. The same family has ruled Brunei for over six centuries. Brunei benefits from extensive petroleum and natural gas fields, the source of one of the highest per capita GDPs in the developing world.

Travel Information

The national airline is Royal Brunei Airlines (BI). Bandar Seri Begawan airport (BWN) is 11km south of the city. Taxi services are available to the city with surcharges after 2200. Lower rates are charged by taxis leaving from the airport car park. Airport facilities are Bank, bureaux de change, car hire, duty-free shops, post office, restaurants and shops. Departure Tax Br$5 for flights to Kota Kinabalu and Kuching; Br$12 for all other destinations. This is payable in local currency in cash, at the airport check-in desk. Main ports: Muara and Kuala Belait are the entry points for sea cargo. There are passenger services between Singapore and Muara port. Ships and water taxis run a service between Bandar Seri Begawan and the Malay city of Luaban (Sabah). There are access roads into Brunei from Sarawak at various locations, although some are unpaved.

Accommodation

There is a wide choice of hotels, guesthouses and serviced apartments in the capital and throughout the country. Hotel accommodation in Brunei Darussalam caters to all types of visitors, from luxury to business to tourist class.

Visa Requirements

Visas are required for nationals of the EU, Australia, Canada and USA. Exceptions for the following: -nationals of the United Kingdom holding full British passports, and nationals of Austria, Germany, Ireland and The Netherlands for stays of up to 30 days; -nationals of Australia are advised to obtain visas before arrival although it is possible to obtain one at Brunei International Airport for a stay of up to 30 days (a visa is required in advance for longer stays); -nationals of Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden for up to 14 days; -nationals of the USA for up to 90 days for social and business visits. Diplomatic and official visitors require a visa and ordinary passport holders also need a visa if travelling on official business. -nationals of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania and Malta do require visas. Passport valid for at least six months from date of departure required by all nationals of countries referred to above. Travellers must be entitled to return to home country. A return ticket is necessary for visa-free trips. All visitors must possess sufficient funds to support themselves whilst in the country and a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers aged one year and over who have visited infected or endemic areas within the previous six days. Nationals not referred to above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements. Nationals of Israel may not be granted entry to Brunei. Apply to Consulate or consular section at embassy or high commission.

Getting Around

There are water taxi services to Kampong Ayer, with stations at Jalan Kianggeh and Jalan McArthur. Water taxis are the most common form of transport in Kampong Ayer, Brunei’s renowned water village. Fares are negotiable. Regular water taxi and boat services also ply between Bandar Seri Begawan and Bangar (in Temburong), and also service Limbang (in Sarawak), Labuan and some towns in the Malaysian state of Sabah. Traffic drives on the left. The best-developed road network is in the Brunei-Muara district, including a coastal highway which runs from Muara to Jerudong and then on to Tutong. Bus services operate to Seria (91km) from Bandar Seri Begawan, Kuala Belait (16km) from Seria, Tutong (48km) from Bandar Seri Begawan and Muara (27km) from Bandar Seri Begawan. There is a bus station located at the multi-storey car park on Jalan Cator in the town centre. The city bus system is well maintained and inexpensive. There are six bus routes in Bandar Seri Begawan, operating from 0630 until 1800. Self-drive or chauffeur-driven cars are available at the airport and major hotels. It is important to specify whether an air-conditioned car is required. An International Driving Permit is required to hire a car. A temporary licence to drive in Brunei is available on presentation of a valid driving licence from the visitor’s country of origin. Taxis are available in Bandar Seri Begawan, in the multi-storey car park at Jalan Cator. There are also airport taxis and taxis in most hotels and shopping centres. Fares are usually metered; if not, they should be agreed before the journey. There is a 50% surcharge after 2300 for airport taxi services. Tipping is not necessary.

Health & Safety

Brunei is free from malaria and other tropical diseases, is outside the typhoon belt, has no volcanoes, and is not prone to earthquakes or other major natural disasters. The country also enjoys government stability and economic prosperity, resulting in a very low crime rate.

National Holidays

1 Jan - New Year’s Day. 20 Jan - Hijriah (Islamic New Year). 18 Feb - Chinese New Year. 23 Feb - National Day. 31 Mar - Maulud (Birth of the Prophet). 31 May - Anniversary of Royal Brunei Malay Regiment. 15 Jul - Sultan's Birthday. 10 Aug - Israk Mikraj (Ascension of the Prophet). 13 Sep - Start of Ramadan. 29 Sep - Anniversary of the Revelation of the Quran. 13 Oct - Hari Raya Aidilfitri (End of Ramadan). 20 Dec - Hari Raya Aidiladha (Feast of the Sacrifice). 25 Dec - Christmas Day.

Currency

Brunei Dollar (BND)

Electricity

220/240v AC

Working Hours

Banking Hours from 9.00am to 4.00pm and 9.00am to 11.00am on Saturdays. Government offices hours from 7.45am to 12.15pm and from 1.30pm to 4.30pm (Monday to Thursday and Saturday). General offices hours from 8.00am to 5.00pm on weekdays and from 8.00am to 12.00pm on Saturdays. Most shopping centres are open daily from 10am to 9.30pm.

Emergency Numbers

991(ambulance)