Live Your Best Lives
Brunei is a country that I only know about because of Wu Zun!
Brunei Darussalam, also known as the Brunei Islamic State; abbreviated as Brunei, is an absolute monarchy.
Brunei is located in southeastern Asia, in the northwest of Kalimantan Island, bordering the South China Sea to the north, and the Malaysian state of Sarawak on the east, south and west. It is divided into two unconnected east and west parts by Limbang in Sarawak.
The coastline is about 162 kilometers long, with 33 islands and a total area of 5,765 square kilometers. It has a tropical rainforest climate.
Brunei's economy relies primarily on crude oil and natural gas, which contribute 50% of its GDP. In Southeast Asia, its oil reserves and production rank second only to Indonesia. Brunei is one of Asia's wealthiest countries.
Brunei was the third country on my Southeast Asia trip, so the entry point was from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei.
I took an AirAsia flight and bought the ticket a week in advance. Generally, tickets from Kuala Lumpur to Bandar Seri Begawan are very cheap, and the price does not fluctuate much as time approaches.
(The backpack is 80L, and I still chose not to buy luggage and bring it directly on the plane. This saves money all the way, but it is not recommended to do so)
The return flight was to Bali, Indonesia. I originally wanted to transfer in Kuala Lumpur, but the cost did not save much, so I took a Brunei Airlines flight.
It is recommended to buy return tickets in advance as prices fluctuate greatly.
Before departure, I wasn't sure if Brunei would issue a visa on arrival. When I left Kuala Lumpur, airport staff checked my flight ticket from Brunei and found no other issues.
Upon arrival in Brunei, the entire visa on arrival process was simple and quick. I simply submitted my passport to customs, and after it was stamped, I entered the country directly. There was no need to check my outbound ticket or ask any questions.
Visa on arrival fee: 15 Brunei dollars Duration of stay: 14 days
Brunei dollars are temporarily exchanged directly with Malaysian ringgit at Kuala Lumpur Airport. The exchange rate is a bit low, so it is not recommended to exchange it at the airport. You can make an appointment in advance at the People's Bank of China in China to exchange it.
The only ATM in Brunei that accepts UnionPay cards for withdrawals is HSBC.
I bought a SIM card at the airport arrivals hall for 10 Brunei dollars, valid for 7 days, and with 1GB of data. The internet was pretty fast, and there was free wifi at the big shopping mall in Bandar Seri Begawan.
Before leaving, I found the most reputable youth hostel online: Pusat Belia Youth Centre Hostel. However, they didn't accept online reservations and were open Monday through Friday. Since it was a weekend, I couldn't reach a staff member directly. I found accommodations on Airbnb, but couldn't find it on the map. Finally, with the help of a helpful British hostel owner, I found KHSoon Resthouse Brunei. There was a room for three of us, sharing it for just over 100 RMB per night. Later, through Airbnb, I contacted a couple and was offered a bed in the living room for around 90 RMB.
It is recommended that you book accommodation in advance on Airbnb when visiting Brunei. The price will be cheaper and the landlord will also give you some travel advice.
To get to the city center from the airport, you can take a bus on the left side of the arrival hall exit. It takes about 30 minutes and costs 1 Brunei dollar to reach the city center. The bus runs once an hour.
If you take a taxi, it takes about 15 minutes and costs 25 Brunei dollars to reach the city center.
Bandar Seri Begawan is not big, and all mosques and attractions can be reached on foot, but you can also take a bus, which costs about 1 Brunei dollar, or take a taxi, which is relatively expensive.
1. The religion in Brunei is relatively pure, with Muslims making up the vast majority of the population, so there is basically no religious conflict.
2.Alcohol is prohibited in Brunei, so there are no bars and no places selling cigarettes.
3. Spitting and smoking are prohibited in Brunei. Violators will be fined between 50 and 500 Brunei dollars.
4. The left hand is considered unclean. Use the right hand when receiving or delivering items. Do not use the index finger when hailing people or taxis. Use the entire palm.
5. In public places, it is considered impolite to eat while walking.
6. When visiting a mosque or a Malay home, you must take off your shoes before entering to show respect and cleanliness. Do not walk in front of believers who are praying. Non-Muslims are not allowed to step on the carpet used for prayer in the mosque.
Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei, is located in northern Borneo, on the coastal plains southwest of Brunei Bay, on the banks of the Brunei River. It has a population of approximately 60,000, primarily Malay and Chinese. It remains the world's largest floating village, earning it the nickname "Venice of the East." Formerly known as Brunei City, Bandar Seri Begawan was renamed in 1970. Bandar Seri Begawan is a national cultural and educational center. With the rapid development of Brunei's oil economy, it has become a modern city.
The first day after arrival was mainly spent looking for accommodation and resting. Bandar Seri Begawan is not big. After checking in, I went out for a stroll to feel the blue sky and white clouds and the local customs and culture.
Brunei is scorching hot in September, and you'll rarely see people on the streets. For good food, try the small alleys, which tend to be Malay.
1. Air Water Village
As the Brunei River flows past Bandar Seri Begawan, it forms a wide bend. Within this expanse lies a 2.6-square-kilometer floating village, known as Air Water Village. It's one of the largest traditional floating villages in the world. Italian traveler Antonio Pagatta, who accompanied Magellan on his voyages, dubbed it the "Venice of the East."
Home to approximately 32,000 people, most of them maintain a traditional lifestyle. If you're feeling lonely and isolated while traveling in Brunei due to the tranquility, you can explore the floating villages and experience the daily lives of the residents in their homes. Life here is full of fun, and after more than five centuries of existence, the floating cities still retain their traditional charm.
In addition to residential houses, the village also has public institutions such as schools, mosques, post offices, fire stations, clinics, village committees, etc., forming a very unique water community.
Getting there: You can take a local boat from the pier for around 2 Brunei dollars to the floating village. You can get off at any stop, but you need to arrange this with the boatman in advance. You can also take a boat for around 30 Brunei dollars, which takes about an hour and takes you along the river to visit the proboscis monkeys in the floating village.
2. Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
The Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in Southeast Asia. Completed in 1958 to commemorate the achievements of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien during the 17 years since the founding of the nation, it is not only one of the most striking and beautiful mosques in Southeast Asia, but also a symbol of Brunei's people's devout Islamic faith and a landmark of the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. The building stands tall and majestic, its massive golden dome and hollow, milky-white minaret adding to its grandeur. It is said that the entire dome is inlaid with 3.3 million gold sheets.
3. Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque
The Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque is Brunei's largest royal mosque. Built in the 1990s by the 29th Sultan of Brunei, it boasts a roof crowned by 29 golden domes made from 45 kilograms of gold. Located along Hassanal Bolkiah Boulevard in Bandar Seri Begawan, it was built with a substantial personal donation from the current Sultan of Brunei and officially opened in July 1994, during the Sultan's birthday.
4. Jiadong Night Market
Transportation: Take a boat to Al Saud. After exploring the village, walk from the pier to the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, which takes about 5 minutes. The distance from the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque to the Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque is quite far, so I walked there in about 30 minutes. From there, it's about a 10-minute walk to the Katong Night Market. Alternatively, you can take a local taxi for this route.
1. Royal Palace of Brunei
The Royal Palace of Brunei, also known as Istana Nurul Iman, is the largest and most modern palace still in use in the world. It serves as the residence of the 29th Sultan of Brunei. The palace is closed to the public on weekdays, opening only for three days during Eid al-Fitr. Bruneians and tourists are welcome to visit the palace and have the opportunity to shake hands with the King, who also presents a gift to each visitor. The palace is practically built of gold; the dome alone is covered in 45 kilograms of gold foil, earning it the nickname "Golden Onion." The interior is said to be even more magnificent.
Transportation: Take a bus from the city center, which costs 1 Brunei dollar and takes about 30 minutes. For the return trip, wait for the bus across the street.
Note: Because the palace is not open to the public, you can view it from the entrance or go to the river on the right to see the palace's "Golden Onion Dome"
2. Sultan Memorial Hall
The Sultan Memorial Hall, a Brunei Royal Ceremonial Exhibition Hall located in the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan, was built in 1992. The memorial hall is the largest private accommodation in the world and was built to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Sultan's accession to the throne.
The Sultan Memorial Hall is open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM Saturday to Thursday, and from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM Friday. Shoes must be removed upon entry, and photography is strictly prohibited except in the lobby. Admission is free.
3. Palm Garden Hotel and Fitness Zone (Wu Zun's hotel and gym)
Since Wu Zun knew about Brunei, I had to try my luck at their hotel, but I didn't meet him in person. The hotel is a bit out of the way, but you can find it using your phone's navigation, and you can also book hotel accommodation on domestic websites.
We moved into our Airbnb and spent the rest of the day wandering around the city, stumbling upon some spectacular unknown events and watching a fashion show.
Ulu Temburong National Park, located in eastern Taiwan, covers 500 square kilometers and is blanketed in lush tropical rainforest. Take a water taxi from the city's pier, traversing winding waterways and dense mangroves to the small town of Banga. From there, transfer to the Temburong River and board a long motorboat upstream into the park. Delve deep into the pristine rainforest of Ulu Temburong National Park. Rafting on the Temburong River, you'll experience the surging waves and picturesque scenery along the banks. Beyond the blue sky, all you'll see are vibrant shades of green, rich and lush. For a different perspective on the rainforest, ascend the 60-meter-high Rainforest Suspension Bridge and gaze out upon the endless, dreamlike, and poetic rainforest, with its overlapping peaks and shimmering clouds. This 60-meter-long bridge is the park's main attraction. While resembling carpenter's scaffolding, it offers breathtaking views.
Registration fee: 115 Brunei dollars (Airbnb hosts help you register directly, travel agencies charge around 130 Brunei dollars)
The fee includes: 1. Full boat fare and car fare; 2. Two meals; 3. Local guide fee; 4. National Forest Park entrance fee.
Activities: 1. Ride a long motorboat upstream; 2. Climb 1,026 steps; 3. Ride a high-altitude suspension bridge; 4. Climb over 500 steel suspension steps; 5. Hike in the primeval forest; 6. Wild fish massage; 7. Rafting.
The Imperial Hotel is a luxurious retreat and one of the largest resorts in the world, covering a total area of over 180 hectares (445 acres). It features a championship golf course designed by renowned golf architect Jack Nicklaus, from which guests can enjoy beautiful views of the South China Sea.
The highly acclaimed Empire Brunei is a truly exceptional luxury hotel, boasting a magnificent and one-of-a-kind design. Brunei's only beach resort is a masterpiece of contemporary architecture, exuding grandeur and unparalleled country club facilities. Elegant, opulent décor and tasteful design are the focal points of the resort. Nestled at the gateway to one of Southeast Asia's oldest rainforests, The Empire offers a truly unique sanctuary, boasting an adjacent 18-hole championship golf course designed by renowned golf architect Jack Nicklaus, offering stunning views of the South China Sea.
Transportation: Since the Brunei Empire Hotel is a bit far, you can take a taxi, but it's quite expensive. I chose to take a bus from the city bus terminal to the entrance of the Empire Hotel. I got off the bus and asked the driver for the return time, but since the bus runs so infrequently, the time is uncertain.
Note: The Imperial Hotel is free to visit, and the hotel doorman is very friendly and will enthusiastically answer any questions you have.
Every trip begins for no apparent reason, and every journey ends with a thrill. The meaning of travel is to embark on a journey alone to a strange place, emptying yourself and then filling yourself up. It all started with Wu Zun's knowledge of this "rich" country hidden in Southeast Asia, and ended with him becoming "obsessed" with Brunei's own charm. There are no tourists here, nothing! A genuine sense of life awaits you!
