Brunei Favorites

  Clock Tower at Brunei's center
by DSwede
 
  • Clock Tower at Brunei's center
      Clock Tower at Brunei's center
    by DSwede
  • Bandar Seri Begawan main street
      Bandar Seri Begawan main street
    by balhannah
  • Driving in Bandar Seri Begawan
      Driving in Bandar Seri Begawan
    by balhannah
  • The ghost town at night
      The ghost town at night
    by stevemt
  • The cafe
      The cafe
    by stevemt
 
Great Prices, Great Rooms
hotels.com We Know Hotels Inside And Out. Click or call now: 1-800-914-6835
Save on Air + Hotel ? Book a Getaway Today!
hotels.com Vacations The One Stop Shop for Your Next Trip. Click or call now: 1-800-764-6835

Sponsored Links

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

History - Brunei 28th Sultan (1950-1967)

by SLLiew

The 28th King of Brunei was Sultan Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien III. The Sultan was the younger brother of the 27th Sultan.The Sultan used the Kingdom new found oil to develop Brunei. One of the Brunei's famous mosques was built during his reign. So the Sultan has been fondly remembered as "Architect of Modern Brunei". The Sultan is allso made an important decision of refusing to join the Federation of Malaysia in 1963.The Sultan voluntarily abdicated in 1967 in favor of his eldest son.The full name of his majestic was Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Kairi Waddien and to honor his majesty contributions, Brunei Town was renamed Bandar Seri Begawan. His majesty passed away in 1986.

Tip Photo
Where is the oil?

by SLLiew

Brunei produces around 20,000 barrels of oil per day, being the third largest producer of oil in Southeast Asia and 7th largest exporter of liquified natural gas in the world. The major oil and gas companies are Brunei Shell Petroleum and various groups and the Brunei government.We saw many oil storage facilities along the coast at Seria. But the actual extraction are off shore, in the continental shelf off the coast of Brunei.If you are lucky, you can take a helicopter flight or a fast boat to view these off shore sites.

Tip Photo
Brunei 29th King - Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah

by SLLiew

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah ascended the throne on October 5, 1967 following the voluntary abdication of his father. He was the eldest son. His majesty was as coronated as the 29th Sultan in 1968.In 1984, Brunei obtained frull independence from the British and joined the UN at the same year. His majesty can be seen often on television at international summits like Asean, Asia-Pacific and OIC. Official website: http://www.brunei.gov.bn/government/index.htm

Tip Photo
Free this...Free that

by SLLiew

Local Bruneians enjoy free medical services and education. There is no personal income tax. With only over 370,000 citizens to share this Kingdom's oil and gas resources! Consider moving to Brunei? OK but no alcohol.There is an international school for primary and secondary for expatriates - though not free.

Tip Photo
Benevolent ruler

by CliffClaven

The current ruler of Brunei, the 29th in a line of succession going back more than six centuries, is - are you ready? - is Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam. He took over when his father abdicated in 1967 and although much of the power in the country is in his hands - apart from being Sultan, he is also Prime Minister, Defence Minister and Finance Minister - he is a benevolent ruler, who has spent his country's oil wealth on providing excellent welfare facilities for his citizens. Succession seems to be fairly safe, since the Sultan has ten children: four princes and six princesses. I wonder if they are allowed to drive the Sultan?s famous collection of expensive sports cars?

Tip Photo
I'm going well on Shell, Shell, Shell

by CliffClaven

You won't be in Brunei for very long before realising that Shell is the big company in this part of the world. The first oilwell in Brunei was dug as long ago as 1899. Royal Dutch Shell arrived on the scene in 1913 and quickly saw off all its competitors. The big expansion came in the 1960s and 1970s, when advances in technology allowed Brunei Shell Petroleum to exploit offshore oil and gas fields. Liquefied natural gas is now one of Brunei's major exports, with Japan and South Korea the leading customers.

Tip Photo
Royal wedding

by CliffClaven

The big event of 2004 in Brunei was the wedding of the Crown Prince to a commoner. The Prince, who studied diplomacy and international relations at Oxford University to prepare him for his royal duties in service of the country, married Miss Sarah Salleh in a lavish ceremony. The couple drove through the streets of the capital in a gold open-top Rolls Royce, with family and guests following in a fleet of 100 limousines (photo courtesy infofoto Brunei).

Tip Photo
Fascinating Malay culture

by asitrav

I love the mosques, they are beautiful. Apart from the SOAS Mosque in the city centre, the Jame 'Asr Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque is stunning too. I admire Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah personality too. Get to know him more in the Royal Regalia. Nothing in particular, perhaps getting to know more of the royal families in the Royal Regalia. One of the best museum that I've been to so far.

Highlights

by iwent

Brunei Darussalam means 'Abode of Peace', indeed 'heaven' compared to most other Asian cities where heavy traffic and air pollution spoil part of the pleasureThe Omar Ali Saiffudien Mosque was one of the highlight for me. Its gold dome glitters in the bright sun. The pillars seem like corkscrews, winding up to heaven.Best time to visit Brunei:avoid the wet season, from September to January.It is not a good idea to visit Brunei during Ramadan, when all Muslims must fast between dawn and dusk for a month. Ramadan is a moveable feast, check if you visit falls in this periodVISASMost foreigners do not require visas and are given 14 days in most cases. Americans can get 90 days and Brits, Malaysians and Singaporeans can have 30 days. Residents of Finland, Denmark, Spain, Ireland and Israel should check with the nearest Brunei consulate, as there is no visa waiver for these...

Embassies in Brunei

by Rice_Paper

If you are curious or would like up-to-date information, it's best to contact your country's embassy in Brunei. Here's a link to some of them. http://www.brunet.bn/homepage/tourism/formiss/formiss.htm

Tip Photo
Related Brunei Favorites Tips

Top 3 Hotels in Brunei

Empire Hotel And Country Club  Bandar Seri Begawan

 10 Reviews and 292 Opinions  Hotel staff even does not know how to apologize but accuse me even it was hotels mistake. Hotel... 

 Hotels in Bandar Seri Begawan

Sea View Hotel  Kuala Belait

 2 Opinions

 Hotels in Kuala Belait

Sheraton Utama  Bandar Seri Begawan

 5 Reviews and 127 Opinions  Radisson has taken over management of hotel..... 

 Hotels in Bandar Seri Begawan

25 Hotels in Brunei
 
Explore the World
Travel Destinations
Travel Highlights

The Place

Reviews and photos of Brunei attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Brunei sightseeing.

Experience Brunei
Favorites: Cities in Brunei
  1. Bandar Seri Begawan Favorites
  2. Kampong Jerudong Favorites
  3. Kuala Belait Favorites
  4. Kampong Serasa Favorites

More Cities in Brunei

 

Popular Regions in Brunei

Brunei and Muara Favorites  Temburong Favorites  Tutong Favorites 

More Regions in Brunei

Questions and Answers

xsdnyd profile photo

Q:  I am thinking of going to Brunei from 6th April till the 9th, is it enough time to stay in Brunei? What kind of activities are... 

GrumpyDiver profile photo

A: I'm not sure where you are from, but Brunei is most definitely a "dry" country. Non-muslims are allowed to bring in very limited quantities of alcohol (or they were... 

Read 16 Replies

postQuestion_button

Click here for best deals for Brunei Darussalam

Save up to 50% off Hotels Everyday
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
Plenty of choices
agoda.com Save up to 75%, Don't miss! Live support, Instant confirmation.
Save money, Book now !
Booking.com Excellent choice, Low rates
Great Prices, Great Rooms
hotels.com We Know Hotels Inside And Out. Click or call now: 1-800-914-6835

Sponsored Links