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Brunei Darussalam
Overview
Country Overview
Brunei is a small coastal state just 443km (277 miles) north of the equator in the northwest corner of Borneo, bounded on all landward sides by Sarawak (Malaysia), which splits Brunei into two parts. The landscape is mainly equatorial jungle cut by rivers. It is a heavily forested state, and most human activity is restricted mainly either to coastal areas or estuaries.
There are beaches with facilities at Kuala Belait, Lumut Beach near Tutong and at Muara.
Tourist sights in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital, include the minaret crowning the golden-domed Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque and the Churchill Memorial, incorporating the Churchill Museum and Aquarium.
Outside the capital, it is possible to travel up river to visit village settlements, such as the Kampong Parit Resort. Kampong Ayer, a water village, is reputed to be the largest collection of stilt habitations in the world.
Local food is similar to Malay cuisine with fresh fish and rice and often quite spicy. Alcohol is prohibited.
General Information
Area: 5765 sq km (2226 sq miles).
Population: 330,700 (official estimate 1999).
Population Density: 57.3 per sq km.
Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan. Population: 50,000 (official estimate 1995).
GEOGRAPHY: Brunei is a small coastal state just 443km (277 miles) north of the equator in the northwest corner of Borneo, bounded on all landward sides by Sarawak (Malaysia), which splits Brunei into two parts. The landscape is mainly equatorial jungle cut by rivers. Most settlements are situated at estuaries. The state is made up of four districts: Brunei-Muara (the capital district), Tutong and Belait (Brunei’s centre of oil and gas exploitation, in the west of the country); and Temburong, the eastern district, which has large areas of virgin rainforest. The islands in Brunei Bay fall within the Brunei-Muara or Temburong districts.
Government: Traditional Islamic monarchy. Gained independence from the UK in 1959. Head of State and Government: Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah since 1967.
Language: Malay is the official language. English is widely used and Chinese dialects are also spoken.
Religion: Most of the Malay population are Sunni Muslims. There are also significant Buddhist, Confucian, Daoist and Christian minorities.
Time: GMT + 8.
Electricity: 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are either round or square three-pin.
Communications:
Telephone
Full IDD is available. Country code: 673. Outgoing international code: 00. Public telephones are available in most post office branches and main shopping areas and there is a private internal service. There are both coin and card operated public telephones in Brunei. Telephone cards can be obtained at post offices or at the Telecom office.
Mobile telephone
GSM 900 network. Main operators include DST Communications Sdn Bhd (website: www.dst-group.com). There is good coverage around main cities and business areas, particularly in the northwest.
Internet
ISPs include BruNet (website: www.brunet.bn). A wireless network supporting ISDN lines is being launched, initially in the Rimba-Gadong area.
Telegram
Facilities are available from the government telecommunications office in Bandar Seri Begawan.
Post
Airmail letters to Europe take two to five days. Registered, recorded and express postal services (‘Speedpost’) are all available. Post office opening hours: Mon-Thurs 0745-1630.
Press
The only independent English-language newspaper is the daily Borneo Bulletin. The Government publishes a Daily News Digest and a fortnightly Brunei Darussalam Newsletter, both in English.
BBC World Service and Voice of America frequencies: From time to time these change.
BBC (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice):
Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov):
Passport/Visa
| | Passport Required? | Visa Required? | Return Ticket Required? | | British | Yes | 2 | Yes | | Australian | Yes | 4 | Yes | | Canadian | Yes | 3 | Yes | | USA | Yes | 1 | Yes | | OtherEU | Yes | 2 | Yes | | Japanese | Yes | 3 | Yes |
Restricted entry: Nationals of Israel and Korea (Dem Rep) may not be granted entry to Brunei.
PASSPORTS: Passport valid for at least six months from date of departure required by all. Travellers must be entitled to return to home country.
VISAS: Required by all except the following:
(a) 1. nationals of the USA for up to 90 days;
(b) 2. nationals of the United Kingdom holding full British passports, and nationals of Germany and Greece for up to 30 days. Nationals of Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden for up to 14 days (nationals of other EU countries do require a visa);
(c) 3. nationals of Canada, Indonesia, Japan, Korea (Rep), Liechtenstein, Maldives, Norway, Oman, Philippines, Switzerland and Thailand for up to 14 days;
(d) nationals of Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and Vietnam for touristic stays of up to 30 days;
(e) 4. nationals of Australia, are advised to obtain visas before arrival although it may be possible to obtain one at Brunei International Airport for a stay of maximum 14 days (a visa is required for longer stays).
Note: 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.
Types of visa and cost: Short Visit: £5.70 (single-entry); £11.40 (multiple-entry). Cost changes frequently and depends on prevailing exchange rate.
Validity: Three months (single-entry). The validity of multiple-entry visas is at the discretion of the Consulate.
Application to: Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy or High Commission); see Contact Addresses section.
Application requirements: (a) Passport valid for six months from date of departure with at least four blank pages. (b) One passport-size photo. (c) Application form. (d) Fee, payable in cash, by bank draft or by postal order. (e) A letter from employer stating purpose of visit if on business. (f) Copy of onward or return ticket. (g) Stamped, self-addressed envelope for postal applications. (h) Confirmed onward or return tickets (copies of flight itinerary or travel agent’s booking confirmation).
Working days required: Three. Applications which need to be referred to Brunei can take up to two months for processing.
Money
Currency: Brunei Dollar (Br$) = 100 cents. Notes are in the denominations Br$10,000, 1000, 500, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in the denominations 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 cents. The Brunei Dollar is officially on a par with the Singapore Dollar.
Currency exchange: Foreign currencies and travellers cheques can be exchanged at any bank.
Credit & debit cards: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are generally accepted by hotels, department stores and major establishments. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services that may be available.
Travellers cheques: To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling. Hotels and many department stores will also cash travellers cheques.
Currency restrictions: The import of local currency is unlimited. The export of local currency is limited to Br$1000 in notes. The Singapore Dollar may be imported and exported up to the equivalent of Br$1000. Indian banknotes may not be imported. Free import of other foreign currencies, subject to declaration. Export of foreign currencies for foreigners is unlimited up to amount imported and declared.
Exchange rate indicators
The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Brunei Dollar against Sterling and the US Dollar:
| Date | May ’02 | Aug ’02 | Nov ’02 | Feb ’03 | | £1.00= | 2.62 | 2.67 | 2.80 | 2.77 | | $1.00= | 1.80 | 1.76 | 1.77 | 1.74 |
Banking hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1500, Sat 0900-1100.
Duty Free
The following goods may be imported into Brunei by travellers aged over 17 years without incurring customs duty:
200 cigarettes or 250g tobacco products; 1l bottle of spirits or 1l bottle of wine (by non-Muslims for personal consumption only, provided declared at customs upon arrival); 60ml of perfume and 250ml eau de toilette.
Prohibited items: Firearms, drugs and pornography. The penalty for trafficking drugs is death: possession of drugs carries a 20-year jail sentence with caning. All medication must be declared.
Public Holidays
Jan 1 2003 New Year’s Day. Feb 1 Chinese New Year. Feb 12 Hari Raya Haji (Feast of the Sacrifice). Feb 23 National Day. Mar 5 Hijriah (Islamic New Year). May 14 Maulud (Birth of the Prophet). May 31 Anniversary of Royal Brunei Malay Regiment. Jul 15 Sultan’s Birthday. Sep 24 Israk Mikraj (Ascension of the Prophet). Oct 27 Start of Ramadan. Nov 26-28 Hari Raya Puasa (End of Ramadan). Dec 25 Christmas. Jan 1 2004 New Year’s Day. Jan 22 Chinese New Year. Feb 2 Hari Raya Haji (Feast of the Sacrifice). Feb 22 Hijriah (Islamic New Year). Feb 23 National Day. May 2 Maulud (Birth of the Prophet). May 31 Anniversary of Royal Brunei Malay Regiment. Jul 15 Sultan’s Birthday. Sep 12 Israk Mikraj (Ascension of the Prophet). Oct 15 Start of Ramadan. Nov 14-16 Hari Raya Puasa (End of Ramadan). Dec 25 Christmas.
Note: Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Hari Raya Puasa, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Restaurants are closed during the day and Muslims are prohibited from smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Hari Raya Puasa itself. Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji may last anything from two to ten days.
Health
| | Special Precautions | Certificate Required | | Yellow Fever | No | 1 | | Cholera | Yes | 2 | | Typhoid and Polio | 3 | N/A | | Malaria | 4 | N/A |
1: 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.
2: Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is no longer a condition of entry to Brunei. However, a cholera outbreak was reported in the Maura Distric in 1999 and precautions are advisable. Up-to-date information should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness. See the Health appendix.
3: Typhoid fever occurs.
4: There is a slight risk of malaria in border areas. No prophylaxis is recommended.
Food & drink: All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and advised, but should be reconstituted with pure water. Avoid all dairy products. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Other risks: Amoebic and bacillary dysentry and hepatitis A and E may occur. Hepatitis B is highly endemic in the region.
Health care: Medical insurance is advised. Medical facilities are of a high standard. The health administration of Brunei reserves the right to vaccinate arrivals not in possession of required certificates and to take any other action deemed necessary to ensure arrivals present no health risk.
Travel - International
AIR: Brunei’s national airline is Royal Brunei Airlines (BI); it flies to Abu Dhabi, Bangkok, Bali, Beijing, Brisbane (four times a week), Calcutta, Darwin (twice a week), Dubai, Frankfurt/M, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Jeddah, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur (daily), Kuching, Kuwait, London (daily), Manila, Perth (three times a week), Singapore, Surabaya and Taipei. Air carriers to Brunei include: Malaysia Airlines, Philippines Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Thai International.
Approximate flight times: From Brunei to London is 17 hours, to Los Angeles is 18 hours 30 minutes including stopover in Hong Kong, to New York is 23 hours 20 minutes including stopover in Hong Kong, to Singapore is 2 hours and to Sydney is 12 hours 40 minutes including stopover in Perth.
International airports: Bandar Seri Begawan (BWN) is 11km (7 miles) south of the city. Airport facilities include a bank, bureaux de change, car hire (Avis, Hertz and National Car Systems), duty-free shops, post office, restaurants and shops. Taxi services are available to the city with surcharges after 2200. Lower rates are charged by taxis leaving from the airport car park.
Departure tax: Br$5 for flights to Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore or Malaysia; Br$12 for all other destinations.
SEA: Ports at 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 Labuan (Sabah).
ROAD: There are access roads into Brunei from Sarawak at various locations, although some are unpaved.
Travel - Internal
AIR: There are no internal air services.
SEA/RIVER: 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), Limbang (in Sarawak), Labuan and some towns in the Malaysian state of Sabah.
ROAD: There are approximately 1800km (1080 miles) of roads in the country; 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. Traffic drives on the left. Bus: Services operate to Seria (91km (57 miles) from Bandar Seri Begawan), Kuala Belait (16km (10 miles) from Seria), Tutong (48km (30 miles) from Bandar Seri Begawan) and Muara (27km (17 miles) from Bandar Seri Begawan). There is a bus station in the town centre and the city bus system is well maintained and inexpensive. Car hire: 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. Documentation: 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.
URBAN: Taxis are available in Bandar Seri Begawan. Fares are usually metered; if not they should be agreed before the journey. There is a 50 per cent surcharge after 2300. Tipping is not necessary.
Accommodation
Accommodation outside the main towns is not readily available. Hotel accommodation in Bandar Seri Begawan ranges from those of international standard to budget accommodation. Contact the High Commisssion of Brunei Darussalam (Consular and Tourist Information Section) for further information (see Contact Addresses section).
Introduction
There are beaches with facilities at Kuala Belait, Lumut Beach near Tutong and at Muara. Brunei is a heavily forested state, and most activity is either on the coast or at the estuaries.
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The principal tourist sights in the capital are: the minaret crowning the golden-domed Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, which stands in the middle of its own artificial lagoon, affording a fine view over the town and stilt village; the Churchill Memorial, incorporating the Churchill Museum and Aquarium; the ancient Tomb of Sultan Bolkiah, the fifth sultan, known as the ‘singing admiral’ for his love of both music and conquest; the Brunei Museum; and the Malay Technology Museum showing traditional crafts. Kampong Ayer is the water village on the outskirts of the capital, reputed to be the largest collection of stilt habitations in the world; visitors can walk freely around the wooden walkways between the houses, which combine traditional architecture with modern facilities such as Internet connections.
EXCURSIONS: Outside the capital within the Brunei-Muara district, Jerudong Theme Park, best reached by road, offers free modern amusements and rides next to a beach. Other beaches can be found at Muara and Serasa, where watersports are popular. Local travel agents offer half-day boat tours to Pulau Selirong, a mangrove island 45 minutes from Muara by boat, where wildlife includes proboscis monkeys, macaques, kingfishers and eagles. Other islands in Brunei Bay offer beaches and watersports.
ELSEWHERE: Tasek Merimbun, Brunei’s largest lake, is in a hill resort in the Tutong District just over an hour’s drive from Bandar Seri Begawan; it offers peaceful picnicking, birdwatching facilities and jungle trails. Many unspoiled jungle areas in other districts are accessible only by boat. There are splendid traditional longhouses in the Temburong district, which contains large tracts of virgin rainforest. Travel agents offer day or overnight tours to the Ulu Temburong National Park with forest canopy trails on wooden walkways; trips can include rafting and swimming. In the Belait district near Kampong Labi, there are more traditional longhouses including Rampayoh. River safaris up the Belait River offer opportunities to visit remote forest communities, longhouses, hot springs and waterfalls. Recreational parks in Belait district include Luagan Lalak, where there is a picnic area and a wooden walkway across the lake. The Billionth Barrel Monument near Kuala Belait is a testament to the continuing importance of oil to Brunei’s economy.
Sport & Activities
Watersports: Swimming, sailing, jet skiing, skindiving and fishing are popular, especially around Brunei Bay and its islands. Encounter Borneo (tel: (2) 226 972; fax (2) 240 765) runs scuba diving training and certification at a five-star accredited centre and a sailing school, water-skiiing and wake boarding courses. Most hotels will have details of activities on offer.
Other: The Mentiri Golf Club has an international standard, 18-hole, par 72 golf course. There are facilities for watching or participating in tennis, polo, football and hockey.
Social Profile
Food & Drink: European food is served in hotel restaurants, along with Malaysian, Chinese and Indian dishes. Local food is similar to Malay cuisine with fresh fish and rice, often quite spicy. Alcohol is prohibited.
Shopping: Special purchases include handworked silverware, brassware and bronzeware such as jugs, trays, gongs, boxes, napkin rings, spoons and bracelets; and fine handwoven sarongs, baskets and mats of pandan leaves. Shopping centres at Bandar Seri Begawan, Seria and Kuala Belait offer local products and imported items. The ‘Tamu’ Night Market in Bandar Seri Begawan is open from early morning to late at night and sells many fruits, spices, poultry and vegetables, as well as antiques. Food is available there at the lowest prices in town. Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0800-2100.
Social Conventions: Shoes should be removed when entering Muslim homes and institutions and visitors should not pass in front of a person at prayer or touch the Koran, the Muslim holy book. Traditionally, a Bruneian shakes hands lightly, bringing his hands to his chest. However, any physical contact between members of opposite sexes is avoided. Non-Muslims should not be found in the company of a Muslim member of the opposite sex in private: sexual contact, or even compromising behaviour, between non-Muslims and Muslims is punishable by deportation. There are many honorific titles in Brunei: Awang (abbreviated to Awg), for instance, is generally used in the same way as the English ‘Mr’; Dayang (Dyg) is equivalent to ‘Ms’ or ‘Mrs’. Food may be served without cutlery: eat using the right hand only. Avoid giving or receiving with the left hand or pointing the soles of one’s feet towards companions. Gifts (particularly food) should only be passed with the right hand, although it is acceptable to use the left hand under the right wrist for support. It is also considered impolite to point with the index finger (the right thumb should be used instead) or to beckon someone with your fingers (the whole hand should be waved instead, with the palm facing downwards). The right fist should never be smacked into the left palm, and children (or adults) should not be patted on the head. It is widely regarded as discourteous to refuse refreshment when it is offered by a host, or to eat or drink in public places, especially during Ramadan when Muslims are fasting. Dress is informal except for special occasions. Women should ensure that their head, knees and arms are covered. Tipping: Most hotels and restaurants add ten per cent to the bill.
Business Profile
Economy: Brunei’s economy depends on its oil and natural gas deposits, which are mostly offshore, and its investments. Although these are not extensive by world standards, Brunei’s small population enjoys a very high standard of living. The Government has made recent efforts to diversify the economy, mainly by providing tax concessions on foreign investment; timber, paper, fertilisers, petrochemicals and glass are the most promising candidates for development in the growing industrial sector. However, these have been fairly limited to date. Some 15 per cent of the land is under cultivation, with rice, cassava and fruit as the main crops. Japan, which takes half of the oil produced by Brunei, is the country’s largest single trading partner, followed by Korea, Singapore, Thailand and Australia. Brunei belongs to the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and subscribes to its major projects, including the plan to establish a free trade zone among member states in around 2010/2015. In 1995, Brunei joined the IMF and World Bank, making available technical and consultative advice from those institutions (it hardly needs their financial support). The Asian financial crisis in 1997 had little effect on Brunei because of the country’s lack of indebtedness. However, it has since become apparent that a substantial proportion of the country’s financial resources, which are under the exclusive control of the royal family, have been dissipated through individual profligacy.
Business: Suits are recommended. Business visits are best made outside the monsoon season (between November and December). The services of a translator will not normally be required as English is widely spoken. Office hours: Mon-Thurs 0745-1215 and 1330-1630, Sat 0900-1200. Government office hours: Mon-Thurs and Sat 0745-1215 and 1330-1630.
Commercial Information: The following organisations can offer advice: Brunei Darussalam International Chamber of Commerce and Industry, PO Box 2285, Bandar Seri Begawan (tel: (2) 226 000) or National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Brunei Darussalam, PO Box 115, Bandar Seri Begawan, BS8670 (tel: (2) 243 321-2; fax: (2) 228 737; e-mail: info@nccibd.com; website: www.bruneichamber.com).
Climate
Very hot, humid tropical climate most of the year. Heavy rainfall in the monsoon season, November to December. Average temperature is 28°C (82ºF).
Required clothing: Lightweight cottons and linens. Waterproofing is advisable all year.
History and Government
History: In ancient times, Brunei was a powerful trading nation controlling most of Borneo and part of the Philippines archipelago, with extensive connections throughout South-East Asia. The country was occupied briefly during the late 16th century by the Spanish, part of whose colonial mission was always the vigorous dissemination of Catholicism: in the previous century Islam had been adopted in Brunei as the principal religion. In the mid-19th century, Brunei came under British influence when the seafarer James Brooke was granted control of the Sarawak region (now part of Malaysia) in return for protection against pirates. The island of Labuan was also ceded to Britain, thereby reducing Brunei to its current borders.
In 1888, Britain declared ‘North Borneo’ to be a British Protectorate, under which the territory was governed by a British resident, with purely nominal powers available to the Sultan. This arrangement continued – apart from a period of Japanese occupation between 1941-1945 – until Brunei’s transition to independence began in 1959. That year, a new Anglo-Brunei agreement was signed under which the UK assumed responsibility for defence and foreign affairs but passed control of all other matters to the Sultan. Three years later, the North Borneo Liberation Army instigated rebellions, during which a state of emergency was declared. As a result, the Sultan assumed the power to rule by decree. Since then, with the benefit of its vast oil wealth, Brunei has undergone steady, if somewhat unequal, development. The country is in many respects comparable to the Gulf sheikhdoms – small, exceedingly wealthy and more or less surrounded by larger, poorer nations.
The government of the country rests in the exclusive hands of His Majesty Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, 29th in the dynasty, 35 years on the throne, and certainly one of the world’s richest individuals. Sultan Bolkiah (for short) took over in 1967 following the abdication of his father, Sultan Omar, who remained chief adviser to the new ruler. Political activity in his realm is kept on a very short leash. After toying with orthodox politics, the Government invoked the concept of Melayu Islam Beraja (Malay Islamic Monarchy) as a state ideology at the end of the 1980s, and Islam has become a steadily stronger influence in the life of the country. Electoral politics have generally been an anathema to the Sultan. Political parties, specifically the National Democratic Party and the National Solidarity Party were allowed to operate openly for a brief period in the 1980s, and again in the mid-1990s, but were ultimately suppressed. The Sultan’s intention to maintain the leading role of the dynasty was reflected by an official announcement in August 1998 that his eldest son, Prince al-Muhtadee Billah, will succeed him as Sultan upon his death or retirement.
Abroad, Brunei pursued a more active foreign policy during the last decade, joining the Non-Aligned Movement and establishing diplomatic relations with China, Vietnam, Iran and Myanmar. A military cooperation agreement was signed with the USA, supplementing that with the UK. Brunei is also involved in the search for a settlement of the awkward and potentially dangerous dispute over the Spratly Islands, the South China Sea archipelago claimed by six countries, including Brunei itself and China. Relations with Malaysia have improved since the resolution of various long-running border disputes. The image of the country has suffered somewhat since 1999 from revelations about the profligate and debauched lifestyle of the Sultan’s brother, Prince Jefri.
Government: Brunei is a traditional Islamic monarchy, with supreme political power vested in the Sultan. He is advised by the Privy Council, the Religious Council, the Council of Cabinet Ministers and the Council of Succession.
Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.
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