Brunei Hotels & Resorts

The landscape of Brunei is mainly equatorial jungle cut by rivers, and most human activity is restricted to the coastal areas and estuaries. Brunei's customs and beliefs are very similar to those of Peninsular Malaysia. Islam is the official religion but there is also Buddhism, Christianity and other religions. The official language is Malay, but English is widely spoken. Tourist sights in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei's neat, clean and modern capital city, include the minaret crowning the golden-domed Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque and the Royal Regalia museum, giving a glimpse of the opulence of the Brunei Monarchy, as well as a number of other interesting museums and impressive Mosques. The Istana Nurul Iman, the Sultan's residence as well as the seat of government, is considered the world's largest residential palace with 1788 rooms. It can be viewed from outside, but for three days during the festivities following the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, the palace is open to the public (subject to confirmation from the Sultan's office). Kampong Ayer, a centuries-old collection of 28 water villages built on stilts in the Brunei River, is reputed to be the largest collection of stilt habitations in the world and is a definite highlight of a trip to Brunei. The Jerudong area is Brunei's recreational park, complete with polo stadium, luxurious stables, a golf course, trapshooting, croquet facilities and a massive amusement park. Outside the capital, there are a number of easily accessible forest reserves and nature parks. Nature lovers can also enjoy an overnight stay in a pristine rainforest when visiting the Ulu Temburong National Park, only two hours from the capital. Mysterious lakes with receding water lines, traditional Malay and Borneo natives' villages and longhouses, waterfalls, mangrove forests and an oil and gas museum complete the tourism offerings packed into this small country. There are also many beaches along the 161 kilometres of sandy coastline fronting the South China Sea. Brunei is known for some of the best golf facilities in South-East Asia, with three 18- hole championship courses. Less known is that Brunei's offshore waters offer some surprisingly good diving sites, with many shipwrecks and pristine coral reefs. Malaysian, Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Italian and western food can be found in many restaurants and hotels. The sale of alcohol is prohibited, but private consumption is allowed for non Muslims who can import (per trip) up to two bottles of wine or spirits and twelve cans of beer.

Where to stay
Accommodation is not readily available outside the main towns. Hotels in Bandar Seri Begawan range from international standard business hotels to middle range tourist class hotels and inns plus serviced apartments. Only 15 minutes from the capital, The Empire Hotel & Country Club is one of the country's top resorts, with palatial rooms and suites, swimming pools and lagoons, restaurants, a cinema, bowling alley, theatre, marine centre and Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course.

Getting around
Transport includes buses, hire cars or taxis. The public bus system is cheap and reliable in and around the capital. Hiring a car is the best option for exploring the hinterland.

Shopping
Brunei is known for its handcrafted silverware, brassware, bronzeware, fine handwoven sarongs, baskets and mats of pandan leaves. Shopping centres in Bandar Seri Begawan, Seria and Kuala Belait offer local products as well as imported items. The Tamu markets in Bandar Seri Begawan are definitely worth a visit.

Currency
The Brunei dollar is divided into 100 cents, on a par with the Singapore dollar. Tipping is optional.

Climate
The temperature In Brunei remains uniform throughout the year ranging from 23˚C to 32˚C with no distinct wet season. Humidity is high and light clothing is suitable to wear all year round you attire should be modest, especially when visiting places of worship.

Entry requirements
A visa is required for some countries. International vaccination certificates for cholera and yellow fever are required if coming from infected areas.