Brunei Fast Facts

Brunei is located in the South China Sea on the island of Borneo, bordering Malaysia. The strictly Islamic country is considered to be very rich, but not yet developed for tourism. See Andyeducation for education in Brunei.

Fast facts to know

• German citizens can enter Brunei without a visa for 90 days.
• Brunei is generally considered a very safe travel destination.
• Public bus system is a bit chaotic.
• Country heavily influenced by Islam.
• Very strict anti-smoking laws.
• Official name Brunei Darussalam.
• Darussalam means something like place of peace.
• Wealth is based on oil production.
• Tourism still in the development stage.
• Densely populated coastal area, hardly developed regions in the east.
• In addition to Malay, English and Chinese are also very common.
• Has a high-quality health system and 9 years of compulsory schooling.

Exciting cities in Brunei

• Bandar Seri Begawan
• Kuala Belait
• Kampong Ayer stilt village
• Kampong Parit Museum Village
• Seaside town of Jerudong

History of Brunei

• In 1521, the Spanish seafarer Juan Sebastián Elcano was the first European to reach Brunei.
• Beginning trade with Europe.
• A period of decay followed, accelerated by domestic disputes over the succession to the throne, expansion of European colonial powers and increase in piracy.
• In 1842 the Sultan of Brunei ceded Sarawak territory to British Army officer Sir James Brooke.
• He assumes the title of rajas (king) and expands the territory at the expense of the sultan.
• In 1888 the remaining sultanate became a British protectorate and now belonged to British North Borneo.
• 1929 Discovery of oil in Seria.
• 1941 – 1945 occupied by the Japanese army.
• 1959 first written constitution of the country.
• Responsibility for defense and foreign affairs remains with Great Britain.
• Huge oil production makes Brunei a welfare state without taxes and social security contributions, with free education and health care.
• 1962 Putsch attempted.
• 1984 Independence from Great Britain.

Climate & travel weather in Brunei

• Uniform, warm and always humid tropical rainforest climate.
• Average temperature is 27°C.
• No real drying time.
• Most rain falls in the period from November to March (northwest monsoon).
• High humidity.
• Recommended travel time:
  • March to September (outside the monsoon).

Ideas for trips in Brunei

• Omar All Saifuddien Mosque.
• Royal Regalia Building with the ruler’s treasury.
• Kampong Ayer water village.
• Go on a river safari.
• Sultan’s Palace in Bandar Seri Begwan.
• Malaysian water houses on the banks of the Brunei River.
• Labi Long House, a village built under the roof of a single house.
• Royal barge in the lake in front of the Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Bandar.
• Jerudong Park amusement park.

Eating & drinking in Brunei

• Typical South Asian cuisine with Arabic, Indian, Chinese and English influences.
• Rice is an important basis for many dishes.
• Rich in tropical and exotic fruits such as papaya, banana, pineapple, orange and coconut.
• Seafood likes to be processed.
• Many dishes are very spicy.
• Typical dishes:
  • Bak Kut Teh (spicy soup).
  • Murtabak (pancakes stuffed with meat).
  • Daging Masak Lada Hitam (spicy beef curry).
  • Kurma (chicken curry).
  • Beriani (chicken, beef and lamb curry).
  • Rujak Brunei (spicy fruit salad).
  • Getuk Lindri (Coconut and Sweet Potato Cake).
  • Kue Mangkok (cake).

Particularly scenic

• Lake Tasek Merumbun.
• Sungai Liang Forest Recreation Park.
• Ulu Temburong National Park.
• Wasai Wong Kadir Waterfall.
• Merimbun Heritage Park (for bird lovers).
• Pantai Seri Kenangan (most beautiful beach).