Welcome to the kingdom of unexpected treasures! The last remnants of an empire that once included all of Borneo and the southwest Philippines, Brunei is now one of the smallest countries on earth two tiny slivers of land lodged in the northern coast of Sarawak. This tiny country is blessed with some of the largest oil fields in Southeast Asia and, perhaps not surprisingly, one of the wealthiest rulers on earth. Brunei has been able to spare most of its aboveground resources, and the country boasts some of the most intact primary rainforest in all of Borneo.
Facts & Figures NATIONAL IDENTITY / OFFICIAL NAME Negara Brunei Darussalam (The Country of Brunei, Abode of Peace). FLAG AND CREST The Brunei flag has four colours - a yellow backdrop, with two wide strips of white and black cutting diagonally across and the state crest in red right in the middle. The national flag of Brunei was first used in 1906 when Brunei signed an agreement with Britain. The colours on the flag represented the signatories to the agreement - yellow for the Sultan, white for the Pengiran Bendahara and black for Pengiran Pemancha.
Facts & Figures Continuation... The National Crest, added to the centre of the flag in 1959, consists of; the Bendera (flag). the Payung Ubor-Ubor (royal umbrella). the Sayap (wing) which signifies justice, tranquility, prosperity and peace. the Tangan (hand) which represents the government's pledge to promote welfare, peace and prosperity. the Bulan (crescent) which symbolises Islam, the national religion of Brunei Darussalam. The Arabic characters inscribed on the crescent reads "Always in service with God's guidance" while the words on the scroll mean "Brunei, the abode of peace". CAPITAL CITY Bandar Seri Begawan. GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION Brunei Darussalam is situated in the south-eastern region of Asia, on the Island of Borneo, between longitudes 114'04" and 114'23" East and latitudes 4'00" and 5'05" North. Brunei, although occupying less than 1% of Borneo's land area, is the only sovereign country on the island, which it shares with the Indonesian provinces of West, East, South and Central Kalimantan and the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak.
Facts & Figures Continuation... CLIMATE Located close to the equator, Brunei Darussalam enjoys moderate equatorial climate throughout the year with temperatures ranging from 23 o C to 32 o C. Rainfall occurs heaviest in September to January and May to July with March and April being the warmest months. Annual rainfall averages 320cm. Humidity is high throughout the year at an estimate of 79 percent. LAND AREA 5,675 sq. km (with a coastline of about 161 km along the South China Sea). POPULATION 390,000 (2007 Key Indicator). DENSITY 68 persons/sq. km. POPULATION BY RACIAL GROUP Malays: 259,600 Chinese: 43,100 Others: 87,300
Facts & Figures Continuation... NATIONAL LANGUAGE With the Malays forming the biggest ethnic group in Brunei Darussalam, Malay or Bahasa Melayu is the national and official language of the country; yet at the same time, English is widely spoken and understood particularly in the business community. Various indigenous groups such as the Dusun, Murut and Iban speak in their respective dialects while the Chinese speak Mandarin, Hokkien and Cantonese while being equally conversant in Malay. OFFICIAL RELIGIONS The official religion is Islam, with the majority of the population being Muslim. Other religious beliefs such as Christianity and Buddhism are practiced freely by other ethnic group. NATIONAL PHILOSOPHY Since gaining independence from the British in 1984, Brunei has adopted the national philosophy of the Malay Islamic Monarchy (Melayu Islam Beraja), a system that encompasses strong Malay cultural influences, stressing the importance of Islam in daily life and governance, and respect for the monarchy as represented by His Majesty The Sultan. It is a philosophy of tolerance, which allows other cultures to follow individual traditions and to practice other religions.
Facts & Figures Continuation... ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS 4 Districts: Brunei-Muara (housing the capital city), Tutong, Belait, and Temburong HEAD OF STATE His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam. His Majesty is the 29th ruler of his line, which began with Sultan Muhammad in 1405. SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT Independent sovereign constitutional Sultanate, with His Majesty The Sultan as the supreme executive authority. His Majesty is advised by an appointed Council of Cabinet Ministers, Religious Council, Privy Council, a Council of Succession and a Legislative Council.
Facts & Figures Continuation... ECONOMY With a total GDP of around US$6.5 billion and a per capita GDP of around US$18.3 thousand (2002), Brunei's resource-rich (oil & natural gas) economy affords its population high living standards, resulting in positive social indicators such as high literacy rates, longer life expectancy, and low unemployment and crime rates. The government provides for all medical services and subsidizes rice and housing. Government, construction, services, retail and some light manufacturing are the other major sectors in Brunei's economy. The government is currently working towards economic diversification in which tourism plays an important role as well as encouraging foreign investment and developing education and human resources. These measures are designed to prepare the nation for the challenges of the future when the oil and gas reserves will have been depleted and new sources of income will be needed to maintain the current high standards of living enjoyed by Bruneians. TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE With over 2,500 rooms spread among 30 establishments ranging from guesthouses to the super luxurious "7-star" Empire Hotel and Country Club, and with a dozen or so active inbound tour operators, Brunei has a well-established, yet underutilized tourism infrastructure attracting an increasing number of regional and international visitors.
Facts & Figures Continuation... INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORT LINKAGES Brunei enjoys a convenient location at the heart of Southeast Asia and is well-connected to destinations worldwide. Air: Royal Brunei Airlines, the nation s flagship carrier, flies non-stop or direct to most major Asia-Pacific destinations and the Middle East, as well as to Europe via London and Frankfurt. Meanwhile, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Dragonair and Philippines Airlines serve Bandar Seri Begawan and offer onestop connections to the rest of the world through their hubs in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong and Manila. Sea: Ferries link Brunei with the Malaysian island of Labuan off the coast of Sabah, and to the Malaysian towns of Limbang and Lawas in Sarawak. Road: An extensive overland road network also connects Brunei to Sarawak and Sabah, while the Indonesian province of Kalimantan can be reached by road, air or boat via Sarawak or Sabah.
Facts & Figures Continuation... HEALTH, SAFETY AND SECURITY 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.
Districts > BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN Vibrant, yet peaceful. Both modern and timeless. A fusion of majestic opulence and traditional respect. Bandar Seri Begawan is the centre of Brunei s commerce, finance and government. In many ways, it is also the heart of Brunei s cultural landscape, housing some of the nation s most revered landmarks. The city s breathtaking Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is a stunning tribute to the nation s deep-rooted faith, while the truly Bruneian Kampong Ayer water village offers a glimpse of the nation s quaint Asian charm. Beneath Bandar Seri Begawan s lavish adornments, gold towers, sparkling fountains and colourful mosaic tiles, lies a city steeped in quiet respect, grounded in Islamic tradition, and exuding a sense of peace that makes it one of Asia s most distinctive capital cities.
Districts > BRUNEI-MUARA Contemporary luxuries abound. Rustic surprises await. Though small in size, Brunei-Muara is of great importance to the nation as the district housing Brunei s capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. As such, it is usually the first stop of any visitor to Brunei and one of the most memorable. Outside the capital lie some of the nation s most world-renowned attractions. The golden spires adorning Istana Nurul Iman, home of the nation s revered monarch, His Majesty The Sultan, form a striking backdrop for a spectacular Bruneian sunset. The lavish residence has achieved legendary status as the largest palace in the world and features a unique blend of contemporary and traditional Islamic architecture. But there is nothing traditional or expected about Brunei Muara s other famous attraction, Jerudong Park Playground, the state-of-the-art amusement park that was once the playground of royalty.
Districts > TUTONG Sparsely populated. Ethnically diverse. A different side of Brunei. While only a half-hour drive from the urban centre of Bandar Seri Begawan, Tutong offers a glimpse of the diverse cultures and unique lifestyles of rural Brunei, making it one of the nation s most distinctive districts. Tutong is abundant in natural beauty, from the white sands and rocky outcroppings of Pantai Seri Kenangan beach all the way inland to the scenic and somewhat mysterious feel of Tasek Merimbun, a serpentine lake surrounded by swamps and 15th century burial grounds. But the true draw of Tutong is its people. Local colour abounds at the Ruma Budaya cultural village, showcasing the five ethnic Bornean groups that make up the district s diverse population.
Districts > KUALA BELAIT Birthplace of the nation's wealth. Home of the oil industry. Brunei's economic heartland. Behind the glitter of Brunei s legendary wealth lies the district of Kuala Belait, seat of the nation s oil and gas industry, producing the country s main export commodity. While the economy today is slowly diversifying to include manufacturing, services and tourism, the real gold of Brunei flows deep below the ground in Belait. To see where it all began, visit the town of Seria to see rows of the affectionately-named nodding donkeys which pump the lifeblood of Brunei s economy from the oil-rich earth of Belait. Seria s Oil & Gas Discovery Centre provides an up-close view of the inner workings of the nation s main industry, and the visually striking Billionth Barrel Monument immortalizes the industry s accomplishments through contemporary architectural forms.
Districts > TEMBURONG The call of a proboscis monkey. The thrill of a speedboat cutting through jungle waters. Unspoiled. Untamed. Unbelievable. Early European explorers told tales of the exotic wonders found on the island of Borneo. Rare orchids with blooms as large as dinner plates. Elusive monkeys with long, curved noses. Rivers that snake through uncharted forests. And green, verdant shades never before seen. This is Temburong, and all it beholds the adventurous traveller today. Temburong is a living tribute to Brunei s dedication to preserving one of the world s most diverse ecosystems. The Ulu Temburong National Park offers visitors a peek at a world untouched by man, from above or below the forest canopy. The simple culture of the Bornean longhouse community can also be seen a complete and unforgettable Borneo experience.
Language Bahasa Melayu (Malay) is the official language, but English is widely spoken. Mandarin, Chinese dialects and native languages of Borneo are also spoken by segments of the population. Any small effort to demonstrate your enthusiasm for learning Brunei s culture will be most appreciated by the Bruneians, who have a deep respect for their centuries-rich Malay culture. While no Bruneian expects a visitor to have mastered the Malay language and most speak at least conversational English, a few useful words and phrases will help make your stay even more enjoyable. ENGLISH MALAY ENGLISH MALAY Good morning Selamat Pagi Yes Ya Good afternoon Selamat Petang No Tidak Good night Selamat Malam How much? Berapa? Thank you Terima Kasih Where is the toilet? Di mana tandas? You're welcome Sama-sama I want to go... What is your name? Saya mahu pergi ke... Siapa Nama Awda? Turn right Belok ke kanan My name is... Nama saya... Turn left Belok ke kiri Excuse me Maafkan saya Go straight Jalan terus
Do s and Don ts Bruneians are generally very tolerant and will understand that visitors are not familiar with all of their customs and Islamic traditions. Nonetheless, keeping these few things in mind will go far in showing the Bruneian people that you respect and appreciate their culture, enriching your experience: > > > > > Tourists should observe the local dress code and dress modestly. Clothing comfortable for hot weather is acceptable, except when visiting places of worship or for social and business functions. Bruneians shake hands by lightly touching the hands and then bringing the hand to the chest. Some people do not to shake hands with members of the opposite sex. You should not point with your finger; instead, use the thumb of your right hand with the four fingers folded beneath it. When visiting a mosque, all visitors should remove their shoes. Women should cover their heads and not have their knees or arms exposed. You should not pass in front of a person in prayer or touch the Koran. When visiting a mosque, all visitors should remove their shoes. Women should cover their heads and not have their knees or arms exposed. You should not pass in front of a person in prayer or touch the Koran.
Do s and Don ts Continuation... > > > > Gifts (particularly food) should only be passed with the right hand, although it is acceptable to use the left hand to support the right wrist. It is polite to accept even just a little food and drink when offered. When refusing anything offered, it is polite to touch the plate lightly with the right hand. During the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan, Muslims do not take food from sunrise to sundown. It would be inconsiderate to eat or drink in their presence during this period. In deference to the Muslim majority, alcohol is not sold in Brunei, but private consumption by non-muslims is allowed. Non-Muslim tourists are allowed a generous duty-free allowance of 2 bottles of alcohol (wine, spirits, etc) and 12 cans of beer per entry, and may consume alcohol with sensible discretion in hotels and some restaurants.
Entry Formalities Visas The government of Brunei Darussalam requires all visitors to have a valid passport and onward tickets or sufficient funds to support themselves while in the country. Visa requirements vary by nationality: 90 days entry with no visa Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Slovakia, United Kingdom and United State of America 30 days entry with no visa Iceland, Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Singapore, South Korea, United Arab Emirates and Ukraine Visas granted on arrival for visits not exceeding 30 days Australia and Kuwait
Entry Formalities Continuation... Visas 30 Days for Diplomatic and Official Passport only Iran 14 days entry with no visa Canada, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Indonesia, Laos, The Principality of Liechtenstein, Maldives, Peru, Philippines, Switzerland, Thailand, and Vietnam Visas granted on arrival for visits not exceeding 14 days Bahrain, Qatar and Taiwan 14 Days for Diplomatic and Official Passport only Cambodia, Pakistan, Myanmar and Russia 14 Days for Diplomatic, Official Passport and Service Passport only Tajikistan
Entry Formalities Continuation... Visas 14 Days for Diplomatic, Official Passport and Visa on Arrival only / for genuine tourists handled by Travel Agents while for "Business Visit" need Sponsors or "Counterpart" in Brunei Darussalam China A 72-hour transit visa issued on arrival is available to all nationalities except for Israeli passport holders. All other nationals entering Brunei must obtain visas from any Brunei Darussalam diplomatic mission abroad. Customs Arriving passengers over 17 years of age are eligible to bring in the following items for personal consumption/use: Cigarettes Tobacco Perfume Eau de toilette 200 sticks 60 grams 60 ml 250 ml
Entry Formalities Continuation... Cigarettes Passengers will be charged duty on cigarettes of $0.25 tax per stick, equal to $5 per pack of 20 sticks of cigarette, and $50 for one carton of 10 packs. Other tobacco products Effective 1st November 2010, import duty on other tobacco products has increased significantly. Passengers will be charged duty for the import of tobacco products. Alcohol A non-muslim over 17-years of age may bring in two bottles of liquor (about 2 litres) and 12 cans of beer for personal consumption, which must be declared to customs upon arrival. Inoculation Yellow fever inoculation are required for visitors over one year of age coming from infected areas. Malaria, cholera and small pox have been eliminated from Brunei Darussalam and the inoculation is not needed. Smoking Smoking is prohibited in both air-conditioned and non airconditioned areas. It also banned in specific areas places, including public areas, government buildings, hospital, recreational, airport building, educational centers, restaurants and on public transport.
For more information, visit: (about Brunei) www.bruneitourism.travel (about AZ B2N)