Brunei for travelers: visa, facts, and must-see attractions

Often, when planning a trip to Southeast Asia, we think of Thailand, Vietnam, or Singapore. But there is a place that remains in the shadows, offering a unique and leisurely experience. This is Brunei. If you are looking for a destination where there are no crowds of tourists, where there is an atmosphere of calm and respect for culture, you should take a closer look at the world map. Brunei is located in the north of the island of Kalimantan (Borneo), and it is one of the most prosperous and safe states in the region.

What to see in Brunei on your own? This question is asked by many independent travelers. And the answer to it is an immersion in the world of magnificent Islamic architecture, untouched tropical forests, and distinctive culture. The capital of Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan, will amaze you with its golden domes, while beyond its borders, you will find water villages and a rich ecosystem. Brunei today is a harmonious combination of deep faith and modern comforts, bestowed by natural resources.

When planning your route, wondering «what to see in Brunei», make a list that you can explore slowly and thoughtfully. This country is not for ticking off, but for measured exploration.

1.  Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque — the business card of the capital of Brunei
   This is, without exaggeration, one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. Its marble minaret and golden dome are visible from many points of the city. It stands in the center of an artificial lagoon on the water, surrounded by gardens. It looks especially impressive in the rays of the sunset and evening lighting. Visiting the mosque is a must for any visitor. It is not just a building, but a symbol of faith and wealth of the nation, demonstrating what kind of country Brunei is — devout and prosperous.
2. Kampong Ayer — a water village on stilts
   Once this 'Venice of the East' even amazed Magellan. The capital of Brunei literally stands on the water: dozens of blocks of houses on stilts, connected by bridges. There are schools, mosques, fire stations, and police stations here. Take a water taxi to see this unique side of life in Brunei. It is a living testimony to how traditional ways of life are preserved in the modern world.
3. Sultan's Palace — Istana Nurul Iman
   The official residence of the King of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, is the largest royal residence in the world. It is closed to ordinary tourists, but its appearance, visible from the river, impresses with its scale. Access to the palace is opened for a few days a year at the end of Ramadan, when thousands of locals and guests come to congratulate the sultan. This is a direct reflection of the form of government in Brunei — an absolute monarchy, where the sultan enjoys immense respect.
4. National Park Ulu Temburong
   If you want to see what lies beyond the cities of Brunei, go here. This 'Green Jewel' is called with a bit of a cliché, but it is justified. It is an untouched tropical forest, part of which is a reserve 'Belung'. Climbing the cable car to the top of the forest canopy, you find yourself at a height of 50 meters above the ground and can observe the life of the jungle from a bird's eye view. This is the perfect answer to the question 'what to see in Brunei on your own' for nature lovers.

To understand the essence of this country, it is not enough to just look at the sights of Brunei. You need to dig deeper. These facts will help you form a more complete picture of what the country of Brunei is really like.

One of the few absolute monarchies in the world.
The form of government in Brunei is an absolute monarchy. This means that Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has full executive and legislative power. He is not only the head of state but also the prime minister. At the same time, the state of Brunei is considered very stable, and the sultan enjoys the support of the population thanks to a generous social policy.

A standard of living comparable to the oil monarchies of the Persian Gulf.
Thanks to huge reserves of oil and gas, Brunei's economy is one of the most stable in the region. The GDP per capita is very high, which often allows it to be compared with giants such as Qatar. Like Qatar, Brunei made its fortune on natural resources and is now investing in the future.

Free education and healthcare for citizens.
Thanks to oil revenues, Brunei can afford one of the most generous social systems in the world. Citizens do not pay for education in schools and universities, and medical services are also provided free of charge. This is a foundation of well-being that is felt in everyday life.

Prohibition on the sale and consumption of alcohol.
Brunei is a strict Muslim country. There is a prohibition law here. The import of alcohol for personal use is also prohibited. This is an important point for tourists, which creates a special, sober and calm atmosphere in public places.

The capital is named after the founding father.
The capital of Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan, was not always called that. It received its current name in 1970 in honor of the father of the current sultan, Omar Ali Saifuddien, who is considered the architect of modern Brunei.

Huge natural gas reserves.
Brunei is a major exporter of liquefied natural gas, mainly to Japan and South Korea. The oil and gas sector forms the backbone of Brunei's economy and accounts for more than 90% of export revenues. The gas liquefaction plant in Brunei is one of the largest in the world.

Dense tropical forests cover most of the country.
Despite its small area (about 5.7 thousand sq. km), about 70% of its territory is covered with primary tropical forests. The government actively protects them from logging, creating national parks and reserves.

The sultan was once the richest man in the world.
In the 1990s, the king of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, topped the list of the richest people on the planet. His fortune, made on Brunei oil, was estimated at tens of billions of dollars. He is known for his collection of luxury cars and palaces.

A small but strategically important state.
Brunei is located in the South China Sea, through which the world's most important trade routes pass. Although Brunei is a microstate, its voice in regional organizations, such as ASEAN, carries weight thanks to economic stability.

A multinational population.
The population of Brunei is about 450 thousand people. However, it is very diverse: about 66% are Malays, about 10% are Chinese, and the rest are indigenous peoples of Kalimantan. This creates an interesting cultural mix.

A flag with deep symbolism.
The flag of Brunei is a yellow cloth with black and white diagonal stripes and a coat of arms in the center. The yellow color is traditional for Malay monarchies, the black and white stripes symbolize the chief ministers, and the coat of arms depicts a crescent (Islam), an umbrella (monarchy), hands (government care), and wings (justice).

Brunei consists of two parts.
If you look at Brunei on a map, you will see that it is divided into two parts by the Malaysian state of Sarawak. The western part is larger and more populous, the eastern part (Temburong district) is less developed but has stunning nature.

Active development not related to oil.
Understanding that Brunei's oil reserves are not eternal, the government is developing other sectors. Work in Brunei today is not only in the oil and gas sector but also in tourism, financial services, and high-tech agriculture (for example, the production of halal products).

One of the safest corners of the planet.
The crime rate in the country is extremely low. You can safely walk the streets of cities even at night. This makes Brunei attractive for family travelers.

Brunei is washed by the South China Sea.
Brunei Sea is the South China Sea. Although the country is not famous for beach holidays, like its neighbors, there are several clean and uncrowded beaches, for example, in the Muara area or on Selorong Island.