Brunei Darussalam🇧🇳
Brunei Darussalam, usually shorted to Brunei, is a small yet wealthy Southeast Asian country, located on the island of Borneo which it shares with Malaysia and Indonesia. Known for its rich culture and beautiful mosques, such as Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, its grand royal palace, Istana Nurul Iman, and its stunning natural beauty consisting of pristine rainforests such as Ulu Temburong National Park. Brunei is a tranquil country with an uniquely historic blend of Malay and Islamic traditions that exists alongside very modern elements.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Don’t disrespect the monarchy: Brunei is an absolute monarchy and any criticism of the sultan or the royal family is strictly prohibited.
- Avoid public displays of affection: Such behavior can be considered inappropriate, especially between people of the opposite sex.
- Don't Carry a lot of cash: It's best to carry just enough cash for each day’s expenses. Credit cards are widely used.
- Don't Engage in illegal activities: The penalties for drug use and smuggling are severe and may include the death penalty.
- Avoid conflict: It is illegal to insult or provoke other people, as well as adopt a disrespectful attitude to the religion of the country.
- Don't Ignore religious customs: Brunei is predominantly Muslim country, and travelers should respect local customs and behavior, particularly during the month of Ramadan.
- Avoid controversial discussions: Conversations about politics and religion should be avoided, they can offend and cause misunderstandings.
- Don't drink alcohol publicly: Alcohol is banned and so are activities that go with it like pub crawls and hang outs in bars.
- Don't Dress inappropriately: Women are expected to dress modestly, with clothing covering the shoulders and knees.
- Avoid publicize intimate lives: Homosexual actions and relationships are illegal in Brunei. These can lead to imprisonment or even corporal punishment.
Overall
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Crime 🔫
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Brunei has a very low crime rate due to strict laws and regulations. Petty crimes like theft do occur, but they are rare and generally not towards tourists. Although, as ever, vigilance and securing personal belongings is advised. Major cities in Bruneisuch as Bandar Seri Begawan, are generally safe and well-secured.
Terrorism 💣
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Brunei has no notable history of terrorism and remains a peaceful and secure country. The government has a strong grip on national security and has strict laws against terrorism and related activities. There have been no significant terror incidents reported in many years.
War ⚔️
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Brunei has strong relations with its neighbours and is not involved in any ongoing conflicts or wars, maintaining a peaceful and secure environment. The country has not been involved in any wars or military conflicts for many years.
Natural Disasters 🌊
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Brunei is relatively safe from extreme natural disasters. It is not on any major tectonic fault lines and is therefore less likely to experience earthquakes. However, it does experience heavy monsoon rainfall that can result in local flooding, particularly between November and February.
Medical Care 🏥
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Medical care in Brunei is generally very good. The healthcare system is well-maintained and healthcare facilities are widely available, equipped with modern medical technologies. The medical professionals are well-trained, mostly fluent in English. However, for major surgeries, evacuations could be required.
Tap Water Quality 💧
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Tap water in Brunei is generally safe to drink. However, many locals prefer to drink bottled water and tourists are advised to do the same as a precautionary measure. It's advisable for visitors to check with their accommodations for local advisories.
Disease Burden 🤒
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Brunei has good health standards and disease such as malaria, Ebola and Zika virus are largely unheard of. However, dengue fever can be a risk, particularly during the rainy season.
Corruption 💸
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Brunei has strict and comprehensive anti-corruption measures in place, and the prosecution of corruption is a high priority for the government. However, perceived problems associated with nepotism and lack of transparency prevail.
Safety for Women ♀️
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Brunei is generally very safe for women, with few reports of harassment or other safety issues. Street harassment is not common and women can travel alone freely. However, they should still exercise caution, particularly at night.
Safety for Queer People 👬
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Brunei has implemented laws against homosexuality, which can make the country feel unwelcoming for LGBTQ+ travelers. Best advice is to be discrete while travelling in Brunei. Public displays of affection may draw negative attention.
Censorship 📺
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Censorship in Brunei is quite prevalent. There are laws pertaining to public comment and expression that can be used to ban output that is politically, socially or religiously sensitive. Imported and broadcasted media are subject to censorship and the internet is also monitored.
Public Transportation 🚌
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Public transportation in Brunei is generally reliable and safe to use, with low incidences of accidents or malfeasance. Public buses are available and taxis are safe, though not always readily available. Renting a car is a popular option.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
Brunei is generally considered safe for travel. Crime rate is low and violent crime is rare but visitors should be aware of petty crime like pickpocketing. The country has stringent laws against crimes, corruption, and terrorism which contributes to the overall safety. Visitors should respect local customs and norms, particularly the conservative dress codes. The healthcare system is good and the tap water is generally safe to drink. However, caution should be practiced to prevent dengue fever especially during the rainy season.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
Brunei hosts numerous foreign embassies and missions, including those from the United States, United Kingdom, People’s Republic of China, Japan, and Australia. Most embassies are located in or near the capital city, Bandar Seri Begawan.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
Before travel to Brunei, vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Tetanus and Diphtheria are recommended. Certain travelers may also need vaccines for Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies, and Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR).
🐍 Dangerous Animals
Brunei is home to a range of wildlife that could pose a risk, such as crocodiles, jellyfish, and various insect species. Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever and Zika virus are a risk, so taking precautions against mosquito bites is essential.
🛂 Visa Requirements
Visa requirements for Brunei vary depending on the traveler's nationality. Many countries do not require a visa for stays of up to 14 or 30 days. It's advisable to check specific requirements prior to traveling.
💲 Currency
The official currency of Brunei is the Brunei Dollar (BND). Credit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are readily available in urban areas.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Credit card acceptance in Brunei is high. Most major international credit cards are accepted, particularly in urban areas, hotels and shopping centers.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
Brunei offers opportunities for work and travel, and can be especially rewarding for those interested in fields such as oil and gas industry, education and healthcare. However, obtaining a work visa requires sponsorship from a local employer.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
Traveling cost in Brunei can vary depending on the lifestyle and preferences of the traveler. Accommodations, dining, and attractions are generally affordable compared to Western standards. However, luxury accommodations and dining can be quite expensive.