Brunei
Capital city description
The capital city of Brunei is Bandar Seri Begawan . One of the main distinctions of this city is its port. It is located in the sultanate of Brunei, nestled on the island of Borneo as a tourist attraction that stands out the charm of its flea markets.
It has a small coastal strip towards the South China Sea, and its only neighbor is Malaysia.
Climate
Brunei has a mainly tropical rainforest type of climate (Köppen climate classification Af). The climate is hot and humid, with ample rainfall for much of the year. At high altitudes, the weather is humid subtropical, with heavy rain.
- Dry season: February to April
- Wet season: October to January
- Summer: March to September (severely hot)
Languages spoken
The official language of the state of Brunei is called Bahasa Melayu or Standard Malay.
Another language in Brunei is Arabic. Arabic is the language of the Muslims’ holy book, the Koran. Being the state’s official religion, all followers of the Islamic faith have to learn some degree of Arabic to understand the messages contained in the Koran.
Fun/Fascinating Facts
- Brunei Darussalam means "abode of peace," which is primarily true given the country's higher standard of living and longer life expectancy (average is 75.93 years as of 2020) than many of their neighbors in Southeast Asia.
- Brunei is considered to be the most observant Islamic nation in Southeast Asia. Majestic mosques dot the country. Visitors are welcome inside of mosques outside of prayer times and with proper dress.
- Bruneians don't shake hands with the opposite sex.
- The Sultan of Brunei is the supreme monarch of the nation. He serves as the Prime Minister, Defence Minister, and Finance Minister of the country.
- Citizens in Brunei sustain free education and medical services from the government.
Unique Customs/Traditions
- The daily menu in Brunei is consists of rice and curries of vegetables, fish, shellfish, and fruits. Curries of water buffalo, chicken, and beef are consumed on special occasions, while Game birds and animals (especially mouse deer, barking deer, and sambar) are eaten in rural areas.
- Pork products are forbidden to Muslims. There is a wide range of open-air markets and restaurants in the main towns. A popular local drink is iced unripe coconut milk. Coffee is widely consumed; alcoholic beverages are forbidden to Muslims.
- In Brunei, pointing a finger is impolite; instead, use the thumb of your right hand with the four fingers folded beneath it.
- When visiting a mosque, you should always take off your shoes first, and you should not cross in front of a person at prayer or touch the Koran. Women should cover their heads and not have their knees or arms exposed.
- 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.
Popular universities
| Name | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| Universiti Brunei Darussalam | Universiti Brunei Darussalam (University of Brunei Darussalam) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the rural setting of Gadong, Brunei-Muara. Established in 1985 and officially recognized by the Kementerian Pendidikan, Negara Brunei Darussalam (Ministry of Education of Brunei Darussalam). Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees in several areas of study. Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) also provides academic and non-academic facilities and services to students, including a library, study abroad and exchange programs, and administrative services. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. | |
| Universiti Teknologi Brunei (Brunei University of Technology) | Universiti Teknologi Brunei (Brunei University of Technology) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the rural setting of the small city of Gadong, Brunei-Muara. Established in 1982 and officially recognized by the Kementerian Pendidikan. Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e., certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor degrees, master degrees in several areas of study. UTB also provides academic and non-academic facilities and services to students, including a library and administrative services. | |
| Politeknik Brunei (Brunei Polytechnic) | Politeknik Brunei (Brunei Polytechnic) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei-Muara. Established in 2012 and officially recognized by the Kementerian Pendidikan, Negara Brunei Darussalam (Ministry of Education of Brunei Darussalam). Politeknik Brunei (PB) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees in several .areas of study. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. Politeknik Brunei (PB) also provides academic and non-academic facilities and services to students, including a library, sports facilities, and administrative services. | |
| Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University) | Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Gadong Brunei-Muara. Founded in 2007 and officially recognized by the Kementerian Pendidikan, Negara Brunei Darussalam (Ministry of Education of Brunei Darussalam). Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e., certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University) also provides academic and non-academic facilities and services to students, including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and scholarships, study abroad, and exchange programs well as administrative services. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. | |
Festivals & Events
The Sultan’s Birthday, July 15
Date: July 15
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s birthday is one of the most important days of the year. This special day considers the streets of Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital city, decorated in yellow, black, and red, and many images of the Sultan hung from buildings. The day is a public holiday and draws in tourists globally and from the neighboring countries wishing to see the Sultana and experience cultural performances. There are many cultural events and shows that people can attend.
National Day
Date: February 23
National Day in Brunei is celebrated on February 23 annually and commemorates when Brunei attained independence from the United Kingdom in 1984. Though Brunei gained independence in January of that year, the official celebration is held every February 23.
First Day of Hijra
Date: September
The First Day of Hijrah, known in Brunei as ‘Awal Tahun Hijrah,’ is meaningful for Muslims worldwide. It is marked as two significant events that occurred in the History of Islam. Firstly, it was the day that the Prophet Muhammad migrated from Holy Mecca to Medinah in the year 662 ‘masihi.’ Secondly, it was the holy day where Muslims did their Sunat Prayers in mosques worldwide. The First Day of Hijrah marked the start of the Hijrah year for the Muslims.
May 31
Date: Royal Brunei Armed Forces Day
Royal Brunei Armed Forces Day (Hari Ulang Tahun Angkatan Bersenjata Diraja Brunei) is a public holiday in Brunei Darussalam. This public holiday marks the formation of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces on 31 May 1961.
Royal Brunei, Armed Forces Day, recognizes and pays tribute to the services of the land, air, and navy forces. Around the country, the festival is celebrated with military parades, artillery shows, parachuting displays, and exhibitions by various armed forces units.
Attractions / Top Sights
Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
When to visit: January to May
When to visit: https://mosqpedia.org/en/mosque/347
Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is an Islamic mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei. The mosque is named after Omar Ali Saifuddien III, the 28th Sultan of Brunei, who initiated its construction. It is often regarded as one of the most attractive mosques in the Asia Pacific. It is a place of worship for the Muslim community, an important historical site, and a famous tourist attraction of Brunei.
The mosque serves as a symbol of the Islamic faith in Brunei and dominates the skyline of Bandar Seri Begawan. The building was completed in 1958 and is an example of modern Islamic architecture.
Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
When to visit: January to May
When to visit: https://cushtravel.com/jame-asr-hassanil-bolkiah-mosque-indescribable-unequalled-unreal/
Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque in Brunei’s largest mosque and an important tourist and religious attraction. Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque is very distinct with its sea-blue roof, intricately designed minarets, sparkling fountains, and shimmering golden domes visible from several parts of the city. Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque in Brunei, established in 1994 to commemorate the sultan’s 25th anniversary as Brunei’s Supreme Leader, the splendor of this golden mosque reminds people of India’s great Taj Mahal.
Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, also known as Kiarong Mosque, is located in Kampong Kiarong, a few kilometers from the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan. Bandar Seri Begawan is home to several national landmarks, and clearly, this mosque is one of the magnificent.
Kampong Ayer
When to visit: January to May
When to visit: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/brunei-darussalam/bandar-seri-begawan/attractions/kampong-ayer/a/poi-sig/1211580/355847
Kampong Ayer is one of the largest water settlements in Southeast Asia. Kampong Ayer is home to around 30,000 people, consisting of 42 adjacent stilt villages built along both banks of the Sungai Brunei (Brunei River).
A hundred ago, half of Brunei's Malay population lived here. Still, life is changing along the river, and many old wooden homes are falling into decay, while smart new, government-built stilt homes appear on concrete plinths among the wooden boardwalks.
The Istana Nurul Iman
When to visit: June
When to visit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Istana_Nurul_Iman
The Istana Nurul Iman (The Light of Faith Palace) is the official residence of the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, and the seat of the Brunei government. The Istana Nurul Iman is officially the world's largest house. It has almost 1,800 rooms. The Sultan's palace lies a short drive from Bandar Seri Begawan's city center. The palace is often at the center of state events and royal hospitality.
Damuan Park - Taman Persiaran
When to visit: January to May
When to visit: https://www.zeotrip.com/attraction/brunei/bandar-seri-begawan/damuan-park/
Damuan Park also known as Taman Persiaran is a famous local park in Bandar Seri Begawan. The park is famous for its unique ambiance, quiet, relaxing, and peaceful place—the banks of the Brunei River cradle Damuan Park.
The park is home to an ornamental garden filled with different floras and faunas that are open for anyone to enjoy; a fun playground for kids; a fitness running track; and a cafe that serves delectable local goodies. Clean and less crowded than other parks.
Maura beach
When to visit: June to September
Maura beach is one of the most popular beaches in Brunei Darussalam. The Maura recreational park/beach is a favorite weekend retreat, quiet esplanade that invites leisure strolls. It is a perfect destination for a family outing and event hosting such as the annual "Pesta Santai" in connection with his Majesty's birthday celebration, the ANZAC commemoration in April, school camping activities, private functions, and beach cleaning activities by schools, public, and NGOs.
Tasek Merimbun
When to visit: January to May
When to visit: https://www.holidify.com/places/brunei/tasek-merimbun-sightseeing-1255608.html
Tasek Merimbun, located in Tutong District, is home to many bird species, including the Great Argus, the Black Crowned Night Heron, and the Crested Serpent Eagle. The S-shaped lake, surrounded by the 7,800-hectare Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park, is also uniquely dark in color, caused by a phenomenon known as ‘tannin,’ due to the leaves falling into the water. The park is also notable, as it was considered the 11th ASEAN Heritage Park in 1984.
Ulu Temburong National Park
When to visit: January to May
When to visit: https://borneoadventure.com/destinations/ulu-temburong/
Ulu Temburong National Park is perhaps Brunei’s best tourist attraction and the first national park opened in 1991 in Temburong District. The park covers approximately 50,000 hectares of pristine rainforest.
The park is accessed via longboat, and the journey to the park is part of the whole Temburong travel experience. A series of forest trails and plank walkways allow visitors to get the most out of the park.