In oil-rich Brunei, the holidaymaker gets to taste the luxury life. According to countryaah, Brunei is one of the smallest but most prosperous countries in the world and located in southeastern Asia. The kingdom in the north of Borneo has been enriched primarily by oil and gas reserves, which has made it possible to create a fairly modern environment.
Sports cars and Michelin restaurants
Brunei’s prosperity is evident everywhere. The splendor can be seen from 5-star hotels to sports cars and Michelin-starred restaurants.
Most of the luster and glamor is concentrated in the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, where the Sultan family, which has ruled for more than 600 years, also lives.
However, Brunei should not be considered a counterpart to Dubai, and in many places Brunei seems like any small town in Southeast Asia. Brunei is also a deeply Islamic state.
January is the hottest month in Brunei
The climate in Brunei is subtropical and the temperature varies between 14 and 33 degrees. January is the hottest month. The rainy season is largely during the Finnish summer, when temperatures are around twenty degrees. At the same time, the humidity is quite high.
However, there is no official tourist season in Brunei and the streets are almost always half empty.
Peaceful beach life
Excellent beaches are an integral part of Brunei. Best of all, most of them are typically empty and without traders.
There is also a children’s playground on many beaches. The most popular of all is Serasa Beach. It is only a 10-minute drive from the center of the capital and offers everything from diving to sailing, water skiing and windsurfing.
Women need to be careful about revealing beach attire, as Brunei’s religious culture is quite old-fashioned.
FLIGHTS, ACCOMMODATION AND MOVEMENT IN BRUNE
Flying to Brunei
In addition to the largest airlines Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia, Singapore Airlines, Royal Brunei and Thai Airways also fly to Brunei which is short for BN by abbreviationfinder.
From Finland to Brunei is reached via two stops. Travel time varies from 15 hours to 40 hours, depending on the timing of connecting flights.
Quality accommodation in Brunei
Those who value quality accommodation can easily find what they are looking for among the luxury hotels in Brunei. However, in addition to luxury, there is also accommodation suitable for those traveling on a lower budget.
Excursion to the rainforests of Borneo
Getting around in a small country is easy, and in addition to the capital, the tourist should also explore other areas.
The Borneo rainforest surrounding the Brunei has plenty to see for the whole family. Overnight tent trips to the deepest part of the rainforest are available with the help of a local guide. In the early evening, the rainforest comes to life with the singing of birds and the cries of monkeys. Excursions take you high into the woods along suspension bridges.
BRUNEI DESTINATIONS
Gold and royal abundance
There are several excesses in the use of money in Brunei, and especially in its capital. A good example of these is the Palace of the Sultan of Brunei, Istana Nurul Iman, which is the largest Residence in the world. It is built on an artificial hill to guarantee the Sultan the most lavish views possible.
The residents of the palace will certainly have difficulty choosing between the 1788 rooms and 257 bathrooms of the palace. The building has a representation room for up to 5,000 people. The palace is open to outsiders only during the annual Hari Raya Aidilfitri festival, when 110,000 people arrive in the area.
Another noteworthy object is the architectural work of art of the Mosque of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien, located on the waterways that cross the city. The mix of local and Italian architecture alone is striking, but all the attention is given to the giant dome of the mosque, completely lined with gold.
Jerudong Park is ideal for families
It is somewhat ironic that in small Brunei you will find the largest amusement park in Southeast Asia. This is especially so because only a handful of people visit there every day.
For those traveling with a family, the location is great as there is little to queue at Jerudong Park and in addition the entrance fee is only in the order of a few euros. There is a fountain featuring roller coasters, Disney-inspired performances, carousels, car tracks and music by Michael Jackson.
Local culture in Kampung Ayering
Brunei’s local culture is charmingly featured in the water-built city of Kampung Ayering.
Exploring the area is one of Brunei’s highlights. In a city built on water, a pile of wooden walkways lead to colorful shops, homes and schools. The locals are very hospitable and often invite the traveler to their homes.
Brunei’s diversity is also met through food culture. Locals love eating out and a variety of food. The foreign workforce has also contributed to the diversification of food culture. The local specialty is the rather heavy Nasi Katok, which is a simple combination of rice and curry-flavored meat.