Brunei Darussalam Vacations

Islam is the most widely practiced religion in Brunei. The Sultan of Brunei is the country's religious and political leader. Buddhism is the second most practiced religion, followed by Christianity.

Brunei follows strict Sharia laws that impose a ban on the sale of alcohol. However, non-Muslims over the age of 17 have duty-free allowance. Tourists can drink liquor in hotel rooms and private residences.

The country's traditional arts and crafts reflect a fusion of Islamic and Asian culture. Gold and silver threaded cotton fabric called jong sarat is considered by locals as the finest of all textiles available in Brunei. The material is often worn for special occasions such as state functions and weddings. Some handicrafts sellers also embellish jong sarat design on tissue boxes, bags, clutches, and jewelry boxes.

Brunei's artwork can be glimpsed in its mosques, which feature colourful collections of paintings and intricate mosaics. At the Ash-Shaliheen Mosque, a Moroccan-styled structure, the walls have a beautiful mosaic of hand-made tiles. The architectural features of the country's mosques reveal interesting details. For example, Masjid Al-Muhtadee Billal in Kampong Ayer resembles a pyramid on stilts while Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is built in a modern Islamic style, and features marble minarets and a gold dome.

The country's customs skew conservative. People dress conservatively, and women keep their legs and most of their arms covered in public. Bruneians greet each other by lightly touching the hands and then bringing the hand to the chest. 

Brunei is hot, humid, and rainy throughout the year, and there isn't a perfect time to visit the country. March is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 82°F, while January is the coldest, at 79°F. October is the wettest month, receiving an average of 290mm of rain. March to late October witness higher temperatures, while late October to January is marginally cooler but also the wettest months of the year. National Day (23 February) and the Sultan's birthday (15 July) are celebrated with parades, fireworks, and cultural performances.

If you don't mind the heat, you could explore Brunei on foot; most places of interest are within 20-25 minutes from one another. Car rentals are a good option if you plan to stay for a few days. Water taxis take you across the river and help avoid road traffic. You can catch one at a riverside prime location. 

Brunei is one of the safest countries in the world. You can walk around the capital city at night without having to watch your back.

Being a Muslim-majority country, Brunei follows a strict dress code that involves women wearing a hijab and not showing any skin. Female travellers are not expected to follow suit. But at mosques and religious buildings, all women are expected to cover their head, so remember to pack a shawl or scarf.

Most of the sightseeing in the country is limited to Bandar Seri Begawan, so it makes sense to book accommodation in the city. From here, you can get to the famous water village of Kampong Ayer by taxi or foot. Kampong Ayer has stilt homes that local boats ferry you to and fro. Cruises are a popular way to explore the village - you can see the homes and also proboscis monkeys further down the river.

Brunei is a budget-friendly destination. Hotels start from $25 Bruneian dollars (BND) or about $18 USD, and private hotels from $40 BND. Meals are also on the cheaper side. There are multiple options to get around this fairly small country.

You can catch a bus at the main bus terminal in the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan. It is the most cost-effective way to get around Brunei. The bus routes go all around the district and connect the capital city to rural areas. However, buses are best if you have time on your hands to explore places more leisurely and aren't packing many attractions in one day.

Taxis and rideshares are a comfortable way to travel. The main terminal for taxis is located at the bus terminal. Dart is the local ridesharing service and works like Uber.

Bruneian cuisine is influenced by East Asian cuisine. Primary staples are rice and noodles, with fish, chicken, and beef served as the staple carbohydrate. Coconut milk and chilli are common ingredients to flavour dishes. The food is halal and pork is avoided.

The national dish is Ambuyat, a flavourless sago dipped in a sauce called cacah. It is served with vegetables or other dishes such as fried fish, cow's lungs, beef stew, and other mains. Nasi Katok, a delicious dish of fried chicken and rice, is sold throughout the country at restaurants, markets, and fast food stands. It is available 24/7 and the cheapest meal you can buy.

Satay or meat on a stick is a common street food. The meat ranges from chicken and lamb to beef and rabbit, and served with classic peanut sauce. Pulut panggang is a popular dish consisting of steamed glutinous rice and a spicy sambal filling served wrapped in a banana leaf. It is common at hawker stalls and street markets. Try all during your Brunei vacation.