Brunei is one of those nations that can easily ignite interest before a visitor even touches down there. This small, rich, peaceful and absolute monarchy has a well-known reputation which leads make visitors wonder how it is actually like to live there. Taking into consideration the fact that Brunei is a country where laws of Islam exist; strict laws that regulate consumption and conduct of people; it becomes a much more attractive travel itinerary.
The trip from Jakarta is unexpectedly short for the travelers. The flight lasts approximately for 2.5 hours. The state is placed on the island of Borneo which is surrounded by Malaysia almost entirely. It takes just a couple of hours to travel from one part of the country to another.
Nonetheless, the size of the state is not the only curious thing about it. The meaning of the state is derived from the low density of its population.
Taking Off From Jakarta to Brunei With Royal Brunei Airlines
The trip begins in Jakarta with the Royal Brunei Airlines. For those unfamiliar with the airline, the flight gives the first impression of Brunei, which is not a popular choice among travelers when it comes to visiting Southeast Asia.
Brunei has a population estimated at around 500,000, many of whom reside in its capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. The situation is significantly different than what can be seen in the big cities like Jakarta, Bangkok, or Manila.
However, many of the travelers will arrive with preconceived ideas about Brunei that they could get from reading numerous comments online. Some people claim that the country is boring, that there are no activities, and that tourists are not welcomed properly. Some others compare the country to the much more repressive states. Rather than believing what others say, it is better to see things for ourselves and decide whether the things mentioned match Brunei.
Visitng this country demonstrates how the reviews that existed so far differ from the things that someone sees visiting Brunei.
Initial Thoughts on Bandar Seri Begawan
The immigration experience is quite effective once arriving at the Brunei International Airport. The arrival hall is not very large compared to many of the crowded international airports across Southeast Asia, but flights from cities like Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Melbourne, Hong Kong, and Tokyo still arrive at this terminal.
One of the first things to notice here is the language. For travelers, it is rather easy to communicate since Malay and English are both found everywhere. It is worth noting that the Malay language used by Brunei is very similar to the language spoken in Malaysia, making it easier for those coming to Brunei after their visits to Malaysia.
The tranquility of the country becomes immediately striking in the outside world. Unlike other capital cities, there are no congested streets in the country. The traffic is low, roads seem to be clear and everything looks very quiet.
For a traveler coming from a major city in Southeast Asia, this may be quite a surprise.
Navigating Brunei as a Tourist
Transportation becomes tricky if one does not have his or her own car while visiting Brunei. The country has a ride-hailing application, named Dart
Nevertheless, it can be tricky for international visitors to register for the application. Should the process fail, travelers will have to depend on airport taxis or request hotels and businesses to arrange for them transportation.
Normal taxis are not very frequently seen on the streets of Bandar Seri Begawan. During the journey, the number of taxi drivers in the entire country turned out to be surprisingly minimal. This explains why standing by the street and waiting for a taxi to appear is not always a good idea.
Hence, for those who plan a Brunei itinerary, prearranging transportation will make things much easier for them.
Why Is Brunei So Rich?
The reason behind Brunei’s riches is quite simple: petroleum and gas.
Brunei has a lot of oil and gas resources and, due to its small population, its riches are shared among fewer people than in a bigger country.
Thanks to this wealth, the government gives a lot of benefits to its people, such as free education and health services.
Nevertheless, it can be tricky for international visitors to register for the application. Should the process fail, travelers will have to depend on airport taxis or request hotels and businesses to arrange for them transportation.
Normal taxis are not very frequently seen on the streets of Bandar Seri Begawan. During the journey, the number of taxi drivers in the entire country turned out to be surprisingly minimal. This explains why standing by the street and waiting for a taxi to appear is not always a good idea.
Hence, for those who plan a Brunei itinerary, prearranging transportation will make things much easier for them.
This does not indicate that the country lacks sightseeing opportunities entirely. Brunei presents a different type of journey. Its beauty lies in the fact that evening activities and bustling entertainment areas are not its attraction because architecture, mosques, museums, parks, local cuisine, and social phenomena are of greater interest.
How Strict Is Sharia Law in Brunei?
One of the most controversial topics attracting international media attention is Sharia law in practice in Brunei.
The Republic of Brunei introduced the last stage of Sharia Penal Law in 2019. This kind of legal code does apply mostly to Muslims although, under certain conditions, some provisions can apply to non-Muslims.
This set of laws imposes strict penalties for some crimes, such as theft, adultery, and alcohol-related crimes. The mention of some laws has provoked international outrage.
Nevertheless, it is vital to understand that there is a difference between what the law says and what a tourist can see.
The initial experience of exploring Bandar Seri Begawan was not as constrained as one might expect based on what is reported in various international news agencies about Brunei. There was no feeling of being observed all the time, and nothing spoiling sightseeing.
However, it is important to be aware of and respect the local laws. The legal system of a particular country is not suspended just because certain punishments are applied rarely. A tourist is a temporary visitor, and it is important to know the rules of the country where the visit is planned.
Visiting the Mosques of Brunei with No/Non-Islamic Background
Visiting a mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan is one of the most unforgettable experiences one can have in the town.
Mosques of Brunei are among the most recognized landmarks of the nation combining classical Islamic architecture and extraordinary richness of the country. Golden domes, well-kept palaces and beautiful super entrances make a great impression.
Non-Muslim individuals can visit only a limited number of mosques during non-prayer hours, as long as they are dressed appropriately and follow the guidelines.
Visitors in shorts must cover their legs, and they must remove their shoes where indicated.
The atmosphere can be quite serene inside. However, during prayer time, no non-Muslim person is allowed inside some areas of certain mosques. It is essential to abide by these rules.
Visiting for the first time gives visitors an insight that reading about Islamic law means nothing compared to the experience.
Visiting the Royal Regalia Museum
Another attraction in Bandar Seri Begawan is the Royal Regalia Museum, which tells a story about Brunei’s monarchy.
While some parts of the museum may have restrictions on camera use, the lobby allows visitors to get acquainted with the exhibits. Many of the displayed items presented to the Sultan by foreign governments and individuals.
The museum includes objects related to the coronation of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah in 1968. One of the most impressive exhibits is a big ceremonial cart directly connected to the royal history of the country.
A visit does not need to take all those hours; in half an hour to an hour, any traveler interested in Brunei’s politics can already learn enough about the political system, the royal family, and ceremonies.
A palace is called the world’s biggest residential palace and is linked with the royal family.
According to sources, this palace cost about 1.4 billion dollars to build and has about 1788 rooms.
These numbers seem difficult to comprehend from the street.
The tourists cannot simply go inside the palace’s territory. Security must be understood since it is a royal residence; the palace is hidden from the streets.
But nevertheless, looking at the entrance and surroundings gives one an idea of the scale of the Brunei monarchy.
The palace enjoys a unique connection to Brunei’s yearly royal festivities, during which the general populace can partake of occasions related to the Sultan.
Brunei: An Absolute Monarchy
One of the few absolute monarchies left in the world is Brunei.
The Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has considerable power when it concerns state affairs, making Brunei distinct from those constitutional monarchies where the political power is exercised by elected body and persons.
The monarch’s influence reaches all areas of government, but also the army’s activities, judicial system, and political system of the nation.
Amongst the remaining monarchies, there are very few states still practicing an absolute form of monarchy today, and therefore Brunei is relatively unique.
One of the factors attracting people to the country is the fact that it is one of the few places which still retain an absolute monarchy unlike some of the countries in the region.
Warnings regarding Crocodiles by the River
Among the other surprising discoveries made in the vicinity of the river is the presence of notices cautioning travelers about crocodiles.
Brunei rivers are not only picturesque places, but dangerous ones since certain places have a risk of wild animals, meaning that calm-looking waters shouldn’t be taken for granted, and travelers should not think they are safe for swimming.
Rivers provide an impressive view of several parts of the royal palace. In some spots, it is possible to see the roof of the palace and its adjacent buildings.
Thanks to the local taxi driver, who can provide more information on the way, the trip becomes more than just a ride.
Why the Number of Tourists in Brunei is So Low?
Brunei has significantly fewer international tourists compared to other Southeast Asian destinations.
For instance, every year Thailand receives tens of millions of tourists. Brunei does not get even close to that number.
This difference makes itself felt immediately.
There are no constant crowds near the main sites. Touristic streets are far from being crowded, with no souvenir shops or massive crowds of people trying to shoot the landmarks.
Those who would rather stay away from mass tourism can take advantage of it. For instance, travelers looking for nightlife, shopping centers, seaside resorts, and a lively social life may find this country relatively quiet.
The country suits more those travelers who like to explore things at a slow pace and to enjoy and observe local culture than those who are looking for an entertainment journey.
Tasting Nasi Katok – one of the local dishes of Brunei
Food is another means to point out similarities of Brunei and Malaysia cuisine.
An interesting local dish is called nasi katok – it consists of rice, chicken, and sauce. It is simple, yet many experts recognize it as one of the most famous local comfort foods.
The dish is connected with late-night food eating and the idea of people knocking at doors to place their orders. This meaning explains the origins of the term katok.
The dish can be enjoyed with two types of sauces, sweet and spicy. The sweet sauce provides a mellow flavor and goes well with fried chicken.
The chicken can also be delicious and delicate at the same time, and does not stick with oil.
People who want to discover what to eat in Brunei can start with nasi katok because it is cheap, easy to find, nutritious, and widely used among the people of the region.
Brunei Cuisine has a lot of Malaysian Feelings
Anyone who is familiar with Malaysian cuisine will be able to relate to food in Brunei.
Food names such as cendol, ABC, and other famous dishes are widely found in the country. There is nothing new about it as Brunei is quite close to Malaysia geographically and belongs to the cultural sphere of Malays.
When it comes to terminology, food, and other romantic things in life, tourists can always find many similarities with Malaysia.
At the same time, Brunei still has its own food culture that can be reflected in various dishes like nasi katok mentioned above.
Interestingly, some food courts in Brunei can remain completely empty despite being opened at the given time as it happens in the rest of the capital city.
Are Bruneians Welcoming to Tourists?
If there’s one area where reality beats Internet reports, it’s the people.
While I was preparing for the trip, the negative feedback was hinting that I could encounter negative people. Nevertheless, the real experience was quite divergent.
The local people I met along my way had been polite and helpful.
The taxi driver was particularly helpful since he kept telling me different information about the country while driving.
The hotel staff was very helpful when I was having trouble arranging a ride.
Even small things such as drivers stopping for pedestrians gave me the impression of a polite society.
Of course, one person’s experience cannot reflect to the whole country. Nevertheless, the perceptions of Bruneians I encountered during my trip were much more positive than what the Internet described.
To know whether Brunei is boring or not relies heavily on one’s expectations from the place being visited.
For instance, if one requires nightclubs, busy places, a variety of forms of entertainment, and a vibrant nightlife, this person may feel disappointed with the capital of this tiny nation.
Conversely, the same traveler may find this same place peaceful.
There is no noise, traffic, or large masses of people, which makes the atmosphere here unique and relaxing.
It is also worth noting that walking in the clean city, visiting a mosque, going to a royal museum, and enjoying local food can be successful specifically owing to the absence of the pressure to hurry to see sights.
Thus, Brunei is a great exemplification of the lesson that not every interesting place is busy and crowded.
Sunset Watching in Bandar Seri Begawan
The capital’s ambiance changes as nightfall approaches.
The public spaces begin to fill up with locals after a day when the city seemed deserted. People cast their gaze to beautiful places like families, youth, vendors, and others.
The striking sunset adds to the impression made by the palm trees and the beautiful mosques.
It is probably during these peaceful moments that the nature of Brunei can be understood best.
Brunei is not rich in attractions. Its strength lies in quiet environment and the chance to observe.
Utilizing the eSIM When Traveling to Brunei
When traveling abroad, being connected is increasingly important for travelers.
Rather than buying a regular SIM card in the airport, travelers nowadays can use an eSIM for their mobile phones, provided the phone has eSIM functionality. Since an eSIM can be downloaded and installed before leaving, mobile connectivity will be available immediately after arriving in Brunei.
This means that travelers can skip the hassle of looking for a local telecommunications service provider as soon as they arrive.
In addition, eSIM technology is very convenient for travelers who make stops in several countries during a long trip, as there is no need to replace the SIM card every time the destination changes.
Before leaving for Brunei, however, it is important to check whether the phone is compatible with eSIM and to download it accordingly.
Is Brunei a Safe Place for Tourists?
The experience on the first day gave a very strong feeling of safety.
The capital city was orderly, neat, and peaceful, with little crime or violent behavior noticeable. The calm environment also meant that strolling around in this peaceful town was less stressful than walking in other big cities.
Yet, to feel safe does not mean to ignore local laws.
All visitors still need to follow religious traditions, adhere to appropriate dress codes while visiting religious places, avoid forbidden actions, and understand the laws of the country before getting there.
Brunei is Different from Other Countries of the Region
Brunei is not like the other Southeast Asian countries for many different reasons.
It is very rich compared to its population; heavily depending on oil and gas; ruled by an absolute monarch; is mostly Muslim; and has a very low population density.
Brunei’s capital is quiet instead of noisy. There aren’t many tourists. There are public places that are very neat and tidy. Transport can be quite complicated for those visitors who do not use local taxi companies. However, the environment in which one travels can be quite pleasant.
The proximity to Malaysia makes some things quite familiar to the travelers. At a close geographical distance there are some similarities in terms of language and food. However, the political system and the religion make Brunei a very distinctive entity.
It is a combination that gives a special charm to the country to visit it.
On Conclusion for the Visit to Brunei as a Non-Muslim Tourist
By the end of the first day, there were fewer negative assumptions about Brunei and its people.
For some people, it could very well be the case that this is exactly the reason to go there.
Brunei provides a unique thing which is hard to find nowadays: space, serenity, cleanliness, and slow pace of life. Its mosques are amazing, its royal culture is very interesting, and it is the oil wealth that has helped form a special modern society. Its legal and political system is something out of the ordinary and should be understood instead of being judged based on what some individual might read on the Internet.
Most importantly, visiting Brunei as a non-Muslim does not necessarily result in the horrifying experience that the one gets from reading some headlines. A decent traveler would be able to visit all key tourist spots, meet local residents, eat traditional dishes and enjoy the capital of the country without feeling restricted on where he/she is permitted to go.
After one day of spending time there, one can come to conclusion that Brunei is surprisingly good. The country might seem to be quiet, however this does not need to imply that it is boring.
