Bandar Seri Begawan Warnings Or Dangers

When you are at Bandar Seri Begawan, you will come across road side stores especially at the Pasar Malam (night market) during the weekend. When it comes to hygeine, Brunei's standard is very high so you do not need to worry about trying the local food and drinks of the roadside food stores. Perhaps your only worries are that some food may be too spicy for you, and you will grow fat enjoying the food and drinks here :) Remember, alcohol is restricted in Brunei.

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Brunei is a strict Islamic country so you need to respect the Islamic culture and rules when you are there, especially the followings:

- No drinking of alcohol is allowed in the public. Night entertainment is very limited so be prepared.
- Dress appropriately when on the streets, especially if you are going to visit the mosques.
- Some places do not allow photography e.g. Brunei Museum and inner chambers of the Royal Regalia Museum.
- Mosques are not opened to the public during Friday due to prayers. Always check the opening days and hours of the places before you go.
- You have to take off your shoes when entering mosques and the Royal Regalia Museum.

As for safety, Bandar Seri Begawan and the rest of Brunei are very safe, in fact Brunei is one of the safest countries in the world.

Have some durian... it's delicious. You can buy some at Tamu Kianggeh - the open market - located on the banks of the Kainggeh River, and which is open all day long.

Beware... durians are very smelly, so it's necessary to eat your durian at the market as in most places (and all hotels) you are not allowed to keep them.

The taste is like nothing you've ever tasted before... very delicate and yet it stays in your mouth for hours. I must have it again...

If you are a non-swimmer, you may be worried at the boats that seemed to speed without any speed limit.

You do not see the locals wearing a life jacket. So if you are worried, go only on boats that have life jackets, wear them and request the boat to go slow.

It is a way of life but as a traveller, safety always come first. Your family is expecting you to get home soon.

Brunei is located in the equatorial forest zone. It is hot and humid all year round.

However, when the sky suddenly darken with ominous clouds, be prepared for a sudden downpour that cool the hot ground. But if you are caught in the open without an umbrella, you need to scamper for shelter.

It can sometimes rain cats and dogs. But sudden heavy rain comes quickly and goes off quickly too. So just wait and enjoy the raindrops.

Brunei's highways are going through a slow process of upgrades. The roads are generally good, but on the long lonely stretches of single carriageway roads, accidents are bound to happen - as was the case here. I saw this accident ahead in the distance. A car was stuck behind a truck and scooted out from behind it to try to overtake it before the oncoming traffic arrived. The result was carnage and a long delay on he bus I was I was sitting on.

Accidents happen everywhere but they are certainly more common on roads like this. Be careful if you are planning to drive.

Brunei's highways are going through a slow process of upgrades. The roads are generally good, but on the long lonely stretches of single carriageway roads, accidents are bound to happen - as was the case here. I saw this accident ahead in the distance. A car was stuck behind a truck and scooted out from behind it to try to overtake it before the oncoming traffic arrived. The result was carnage and a long delay on he bus I was I was sitting on.

Accidents happen everywhere but they are certainly more common on roads like this. Be careful if you are planning to drive.

Do you kind of look like an oil executive or a contractor? Even if the resemblance is vague, chances are you'll be mistaken for one in Bandar Seri Begawan. The first time it happened to me, I wasn't quite sure what was going on. I was strolling down Jalan Sultan when I man fell in beside me and began to speak:

"Hello, I am from Bangladesh. I graduated in chemical engineering. I also have extensive experience in electrical wiring and I am fluent, both written and spoken, in English, Bengali, Arabic..."

When he finished, I asked him if he had seen the Bangladesh Vs. Australia test cricket match. He blinked for a moment and then continued rattling off his qualifications, despite my assurances that I was a humble tourist. He only gave up when I entered the bus station. I guess most oil executives don't take the bus.

The same thing happened just a couple of hours later when I was approached by a gentleman from Qatar and then early in the evening when a Filipino fellow tried the same trick (if any of the of the three of you are reading this, I would have given the job to the Bangladeshi applicant).

It's not threatening in any way but it is a hassle. If all else fails, head for the nearest bus stop!