Brunei: A Quick Glance
Brunei is located on the northern shore of the Island of Borneo, which it shares with the Indonesian provinces of West, East, South and Central Kalimantan and the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak; bordered by the South China Sea to the north with a coastline of 161 km.The official language is Bahasa Melayu (Malay) but English is widely spoken. Mandarin, other Chinese dialects and native languages of Borneo are also spoken by segments of the population.
Brunei has adopted the national philosophy of Malay Islamic Monarchy; a system that encompasses strong Malay cultural influence, stressing the importance of Islam and 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.
Getting to Brunei
Airlines: Royal Brunei Airlines is the national airline. The Brunei International Airport is connected to destinations worldwide with services by Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Malaysian Airlines, Philippines Airlines and Dragonair on a code share basis as well as low cost airlines such as Air Asia and MAS Wings.
Ferry Services: Ferry services to the Malaysian island of Labuan depart from Serasa Terminal in Muara. The journey ordinarily takes around one and a half hours.
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.
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.Austria, Germany, Ireland, Malaysia, Oman, Singapore, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and New Zealand: 30 days entry with no visa.
USA: 90 days entry with no visa
Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Maldives, the Netherlands, Norway, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Thailand: 14 days entry with no visa.
Australia: Visas granted on arrival for visits not exceeding 30 days.
All other nationals entering Brunei must obtain visas from any Brunei Darussalam diplomatic mission abroad.
A 72 hour transit visa on arrival is available to all nationalities except for Israeli passport holders.
Please consult with Brunei diplomatic missions abroad for the latest updates and changes.
Customs: Arriving passengers over 17 years of age are eligible to bring in the following items for personal consumption / use:
Perfume - 60ml
Eau de toilette - 250ml
Alcohol: A non-Muslim over 17 years of age may bring in two bottles of liquor (about 2 litres) and 12 cans of beer @330ml for personal consumption, which must be declared to customs upon arrival.
In deference to the Muslim majority, alcohol is not sold in Brunei but private consumption by non-Muslims is allowed. Non-Muslim tourists are given a duty-free allowance and are permitted to consume alcohol with sensible discretion.
Getting Around
Many of Brunei's attractions lie within walking distance of each other in the heart of the capital city, Bandar Seri Begawan. A public bus system serves the capital and other destinations.Taxis: Taxis are available at most hotels and the airport. In the capital, taxis are located at the Jalan Cator car park. (A note from the Committee: One way prices range between B$15 to B$30 depending on the distance between the locations.)
Car Hire: Self-drive or chauffeur-driven cars are available for hire from major hotels and the airport.
Buses: There are 6 bus routes serving Bandar Seri Begawan, with buses running every 15 to 20 minutes. Fares start from $1.00 (A note from the Committee: This might not the most reliable mode of transportation if you do not have a lot of time.)
Water Taxis: Water taxis are the most common means of getting to Kampong Ayer and can be hailed from numerous "docking ports" along the banks of the Brunei River. Regular water taxis also run to Temburong district. (A note from the Committee: Tours are available to allow you to an experience to ride a water taxi.)
Money & Banking
The local currency is the Brunei Dollar. Dollar notes are available in $1, $5, $10, $50, $100, $500 and $1000 denominations while coins are in 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent denominations. The Brunei Dollar is pegged to the value of the Singapore Dollar and both currencies can be used.
Banking Hours: Banks are generally open from 9am to 4pm on weekdays and 9am to 11am on Saturdays. Most banks are government-approved to handle traveller's cheques and currency exchange and most offer ATMs on international networks.
Money Changers: Money changers are available in Bandar Seri Begawan and in the Gadong area.
Credit Cards: All major credit cards [Visa, American Express, MasterCard, Diner's Club] are accepted widely throughout Brunei. (A note from the Commitee: Small shops and market areas would be on a cash basis.)
DOs & 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 hands to the chest. It is customary not to shake hands with members of the opposite sex unless other extended first.
- 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 from of a person in prayer or touch the Qur'an.
- Gifts (particularly food) should not 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.
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