brunei
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The Sultanate of Brunei is a pint-sized and fabulously wealthy oil-rich sultanate - thanks to natural gas and petroleum resources with a population of less than 500,000 people. The same family has ruled Brunei for over six centuries.
The backbone of Brunei's economy is oil and gas and the Sultan of Brunei is, famously, one of the richest people in the world with an estimated personal wealth of around 40 billion dollars. Brunei is officially an Islamic state, with many large beautiful mosques across the country. Brunei's climate is semi-tropical. Brunei's sole airport of significance is Brunei International Airport. The airport itself is small but clean and functional. The official language of Brunei is Malay, but due to its British colonial past, English is widely spoken and understood in urban areas. Brunei offers some great diving. In addition to coral and fish, Brunei is home to several shipwrecks and many species of nudibranch - one of the best places in S.E. Asia for macro photography. The local currency is the Brunei Dollar (B$) , As of January 2010 $1 BND = 2.421 MYR = 0.449 GBP = 0.512 EUR = 0.705 USD Bruneians love to eat out and there are many excellent restaurants in Brunei serving a wide variety of cuisines, thanks to the large number of foreign workers in the country. Brunei is a dry country: alcohol is not sold anywhere in the country and consumption of alcohol in public is prohibited by law. At all costs, do not insult or speak badly of the Royal family. The international code for Brunei is 673. A Full-day city tour should include the Royal Palace, Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque,Kampong Ayer, Royal Regalia Museum and other attractions within city limits; Follow it with a snorkling adventure. |
Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
It is open to visitors when it is not being used for prayers. (Opening times are posted by the gate). The Mosque is very welcoming and you will be given a robe upon entry. Remove your shoes before entering and be respectfully quiet inside as there may be some people there meditating and praying. Consider visiting other mosques too. The mosque is visible from around the centre of the city, but the entrance is located on Jalan McArthur, just south of Jalan Elizabeth Dua. |
Kampong Ayer
The water village. Best visited by taxi boat. It's a beautiful sight to see hundreds of houses seemingly floating on water. The water village people are very friendly and many open up their homes to visitors year-round. Water taxis can be found by walking along the Brunei river or the main market in Bandar Seri Begawan and waving one down. Try to negotiate the price down. Even though the water taxis are not wheelchair- friendly, their drivers are very willing to lend a hand and even team up and carry a person in a wheelchair on board. |
Royal Regalia Museum
Bangunan Alat Kebesaran Diraja, allows you a glimpse into the life of the Sultan of Brunei. near the city center displays the royal accessories utilized during the coronation, and gifts received by the Sultan from all dignitaries around the world, and civilians alike. Definitely worth checking out. The entrance is on Jalan Sultan, next to the Brunei History Centre, between Jalan Stoney and Jalan James Pearce. Here visitors can glimpse the Sultan’s full royal regalia, including the crown and royal chariot, along with a vast collection of opulent treasures. |
Snorkeling
An exciting way to enjoy the underwater world. With beautiful coral, colorful fish and the unique life of underwater the experience will be unforgettable. The tour will bring you to a snorkeling point with tropical fish. The tour is well equipped by safety snorkeling gear involves life jacket, fin, snorkel, glass masker and snorkeling guide. For the more experience divers, Brunei has some excellent unspoilt scuba diving sites, with beautiful coral gardens teeming with a rich diversity of corals and fish. |