Welcome to Brunei Darussalam (Brunei, the Abode of Peace); a destination like no other in Southeast Asia.
The oil rich Sultanate is an aptly named little known gem of a destination, nestled on the northern shores of the island of Borneo and sharing its land borders on all sides with Malaysia. Borneo was once ruled by the Sultan in its entirety in centuries past, along with parts of the southern Philippines.
Brunei offers a delightful combination of attractions providing an authentic travel experience, where tourism reinforces rather than overshadows the local culture and heritage.
Brunei is often referred to as ‘the green heart of Borneo’ for good reason. Over 70 per cent of Brunei is covered by primary rainforest, including Ulu Temburong, one of the world’s oldest and finest primary rainforests. Visitors can take an extensive long boat tour to Ulu Temburong and then climb a unique 30 meter platform for a fantastic view over the rainforest canopy and beyond.
This little slice of paradise is packed with a variety of easy to reach attractions, such as the tiny capital of Bandar Seri Begawan (often referred to as Bandar), probably Southeast Asia’s loveliest capital, a green, airy and well maintained garden city free of the crowds, traffic jams and pollution found in the region’s other capitals.
Bandar Seri Begawan’s unique heritage is no better discovered than on a water taxi tour of Kampong Ayer, the bustling water village dubbed in the 16th century as the Venice of the East. Some 30,000 people still live in wooden houses on stilts, combining an age old traditional lifestyle with the amenities provided by the modern age and the wealth of the country.
Whilst travelling on the water taxi, the driver may also make a quick diversion for a sighting of the rare proboscis monkey, frequently sited not far from Kampong Ayer.
Continue to explore Bandar and visit one of the many attractions like the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien mosque, the opulent Royal Regalia Museum and the impressive Istana Nurul Imam the Sultan’s palace, which is open to citizens and visitors only once a year during the celebrations marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.
Brunei boasts an extensive range of excellent accommodation options, including one of Asia’s most unique and opulent resort facilities, with a world class golf course and a range of daily local activities. There are many facilities including restaurants, coffee shops and shopping areas. The impressive Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah complex in downtown Bandar has many modern shopping and department stores.
Experience the many sport and recreational activities on offer including water sports, white water rafting, diving, rock climbing and mountain biking. For those who wish to relax, there are invigorating health spas and the chance to laze by the pool of your hotel or resort.
Brunei is particularly family friendly; it is safe, quiet and compact, with an excellent infrastructure and stability thanks to its oil and gas derived prosperity. Couples and seniors will also enjoy the opportunity to discover a relatively new untouched destination that provides excellent services and touring options for visitors of all ages.
Brunei is easily accessible for Australian travellers flying Royal Brunei Airlines nonstop service from Melbourne. For other Australian capital cities, flights with Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines connect Brunei with their respective hub cities.
Brunei is a Kingdom of Unexpected Treasurers, so why not come and explore for yourself?
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