Brunei

In sub-tropical south-east Asia, you can enjoy exotic natural gifts, historic architecture and modern luxury… as well as some fabulous golf.

Brunei is a sovereign state located on the north coast of the island of Borneo in south-east Asia.

Apart from its coastline with the South China Sea, it is completely surrounded by the Malaysian state of Sarawak, and is separated into two unconnected parts by the Sarawak district of Limbang. As well as Sarawak, Brunei shares the island with Indonesia’s provinces and another Malaysian state, Sabah.

Although occupying less than one per cent of Borneo’s land, it is the only sovereign country on the island – the current Sultan of Brunei is the 29th ruler of his line, which began with Sultan Muhammad in 1405.

With a population of 390,000, the culture of Brunei is predominantly Malay. The language is too, but English is widely spoken and is used especially frequently in tourism and business organisations.

Brunei is a small country – its land space is not much bigger than the island of Majorca – but owing to natural gas and petroleum resources, it is relatively rich, affording its population high living standards, low unemployment and low crime rates. The government even provides for all medical services. Brunei also enjoys a useful location on the South China Sea, close to sea routes linking the Indian and Pacific Ocean. Indeed, it has a coastline of about 161km.

Brunei became a British colony in 1888 and gained independence in 1984 – hence the reason English is so widely spoken. Located close to the equator, Brunei enjoys a moderate equatorial climate throughout the year with temperatures ranging from 23˚C to 32˚C.

Rainfall is heaviest in September to January and May to July with March and April the warmest months. Humidity is high – at around 79 per cent. There are no typhoons, earthquakes or severe flooding. Brunei’s terrain is flat at the coast rising into mountains in the east, with the highest point Bukit Pagan at 1,850m.

So, how do you get there? The main airport is Brunei International Airport (BWN), the hub of national carrier Royal Brunei Airlines, who fly there direct from London.

You will land in one of the four districts, Brunei-Muara – which also houses the capital Bandar Seri Begawan. Tutong, Belait, and Temburong are the other areas.

Brunei-Muara is relatively small but as well as being home to the capital city, it is also home to some of the nation’s most key attractions.

The golden spires adorning Istana Nurul Iman, home of the nation’s monarch, The Sultan, form a striking backdrop for a spectacular Bruneian sunset. The lavish residence has achieved legendary status as the largest palace in the world and features a unique blend of contemporary and traditional Islamic architecture. But there is nothing traditional – or expected – about Brunei Muara’s other famous attraction, Jerudong Park Playground, the state-of-the-art amusement park that was once the playground of royalty.

Bandar Seri Begawan itself is vibrant, yet peaceful, modern yet timeless. It is a fusion of majestic opulence and traditional respect.

The centre of Brunei’s commerce, finance and government, it is also the heart of Brunei’s cultural landscape, with some of its most revered landmarks; the city’s breathtaking Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is a stunning tribute to the nation’s deep-rooted faith, while the Bruneian Kampong Ayer water village offers a glimpse of the nation’s quaint Asian charm.

Beneath Bandar Seri Begawan’s lavish adornments – gold towers, sparkling fountains and colourful mosaic tiles – lies a city steeped in quiet respect, grounded in Islamic tradition, and exuding a sense of peace. It is one of Asia’s most distinctive capital cities.

Tutong offers a different side of Brunei; sparsely populated and ethnically diverse, it provides a glimpse of the diverse cultures and unique lifestyles of rural Brunei.

It is only a half-hour drive from Bandar Seri Begawan but exudes natural beauty – from the white sands and rocky outcrops of Pantai Seri Kenangan beach to the scenic and somewhat mysterious feel of Tasek Merimbun, a serpentine lake surrounded by swamps and 15th century burial grounds. Local colour abounds at the Ruma Budaya cultural village, showcasing the five ethnic Bornean groups that make up the district’s diverse population.

Kuala Belait is home of Brunei’s oil and gas industry. To see where it all began, you can visit Seria and see rows of the affectionately-named ‘nodding donkeys’ which pump the lifeblood of Brunei’s economy from the town’s oil-rich earth.

Seria’s Oil & Gas Discovery Centre provides an up-close view of the inner workings of the nation’s main industry, and the striking Billionth Barrel Monument immortalises the industry in modern architecture.

Unspoiled and untamed Temburong has varying attractions: sightings of a proboscis monkey; a thrilling speedboat ride through jungle waters; and exotic, verdant forests full of colour and flora such as rare orchids with blooms as large as dinner plates. It is a living tribute to Brunei’s dedication to preserving a world-renowned, diverse ecosystem.

The Ulu Temburong National Park offers visitors a peek at a world untouched by man, from above or below the forest canopy. The simple culture of the Bornean longhouse community can also be seen; it is a memorable experience.

Visit Brunei and you will savour the wide range of cuisines in this cosmopolitan country. The many excellent restaurants serve a spectrum of different food, thanks to the large number of foreign workers in the country.

A speciality is nasi katok, which is rice and curried beef or chicken. It can be quite spicy but inexpensive. Or you may try ambuyat, a starchy paste made from sago that can be eaten with a savoury sauce.

Brunei is a dry country: alcohol is not sold anywhere and consumption of it in public is prohibited. But, non-Muslim visitors are (with an alcohol permit) allowed to bring in up to two litres plus up to 12 cans of beer every 48 hours; there are duty-free shops just across the border in Malaysia. But you should also try teh tarik, a sweet milk tea, as well as the wide array of coffee (kopi) available in restaurants.

BRUNEI’S GOLFING ATTRACTIONS

The Empire Country Club
One of Brunei’s treasures, it was designed by Jack Nicklaus and is a majestic championship course which has been described as one of Asia’s best. It even offers night golf.Royal Brunei Golf & Country Club Near Jerudong Park, this exclusive club has been described by its designer, Ronald Fream, as the ‘Augusta National of Asia’.

Mentiri Golf Club
Located in the Brunei Muara district, this 18-holer is cradled in lush, landscaped grounds.

Royal Brunei Airline Golf Club
This lake-dominated public course is five minutes from the airport and 20 minutes from the centre of Bandar Seri Begawan.

Panaga Golf Club
Located in Seria district, this is a lushly-maintained public course available for visitors and popular with locals.

QUICK GUIDE

Getting there: Royal Brunei Airlines flies non-stop or direct to most major Asia-Pacific destinations and the Middle East, as well as London and Frankfurt.
Time difference: GMT +8
Web: www.bruneitourism.travel
Telephone: 00 673 238 28 22
Email: info@bruneitourism.travel

WHERE TO STAY…

Borneo has over 2,500 rooms ranging from guesthouses to the super luxurious ‘seven-star’ Empire Hotel & Country Club – where there is also a golf course. Rainforest resort accommodation is available at Ulu-Ulu Resort and the Mangrove Paradise Resort while there are also lots of familiar brands, such as Radisson as well as comfortable hotels, including Brunei Hotel, Palm Garden Hotel, and Orchid Garden.

How To Get There Royal Brunei Airlines operates scheduled services from London’s Heathrow’s Terminal 4 daily to Dubai, throughout Asia and Australia. Find out more here >>>