The small sultanate of Brunei almost looks like a geographic comma plunked between Sarawak and Sabah. It certainly forms a conceptual one, because unless you're a petroleum engineer, when folks ask 'Why go to Brunei?' the answer is usually the travelling equivalent of a pause: transfer or stopover.
But there's more here than passport queues. This quiet darussalam (Arabic for 'abode of peace') has the largest oilfields in Southeast Asia, and because oil generates money, Brunei hasn't turned its rainforests into palm plantations. Old-growth greenery abounds, especially in verdant Ulu Temburong National Park. Because booze is banned, the citizens of the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB), are mad for food and shopping.
This tranquil (sometimes somnolent) nation is the realisation of a particular vision: a strict, socially controlled religious state where happiness is found in pious worship and mass consumption. Visit and judge the results for yourself.
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People and Region
The culture of Brunei is very similar to the Malay cultures. The culture is also influenced by the demographic makeup of the country: two-thirds of the population are Malay, and the remainder consists of Chinese, Indians and indigenous Malays such as Dayaks, Dusuns and Kedazans.
As a Sharia country, the sale and public consumption of alcohol is banned. Foreigners and non-Muslims are allowed to bring in 12 cans of beer and two bottles of other alcohol (e.g., wine or spirits, there being no distinction made for alcohol content). This limit used to apply to every entry; in 2007, however, this was changed to one limit every 48 hours. After the introduction of prohibition in the early 1990s, all pubs and nightclubs were forced to close at 11:30 pm.
Among religions in Brunei, Sunni Islam is predominant. 67% of the population is Islamic. However, other religions also have a considerable foothold in Brunei. 13% of the population is Buddhist and another 10% is Christian.The remaining 10% subscribe to various religions, including indigenous religions.
Islam is the state religion of Brunei, but freedom of religion is guaranteed. The right to practice privately is given to a plethora of religions. Furthermore, some non-Islamic holidays, such as Christmas, are recognized.However, these rights are limited: religious education is controlled, even in private schools, and any non-Islamic religious materials being distributed are subject to confiscation.
The state madh'hab of Islam is Shafi'i. Most of Brunei's Muslim population subscribe to the Shafi'i school as well, and Shafi'i is a major source of law for the country.However, with the Sultan's permission, lawmakers may also consult the other three Sunni schools of fiqh.
Place
Brunei or Negara Brunei Darussalam is just a small country but it is rich because of its oil reserves. It is a peaceful Muslim country.
I could share with you its top tourist attractions.There a lot of them but on this post, I will be sharing the most popular ones in random order. On next posts, I could probably talk about other tourist spots in Brunei.
- Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque – This mosque is located at Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital city of Brunei, and is considered as the major landmark of the country. This is a magnificent mosque especially at night when it ‘glows in the dark’. It has 28 domes as symbol of the 28th Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III.
- James ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque – This is the largest mosque in Brunei and it hase 29 golden domes. It is also locally known as the Kiarong Mosque, built to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of His majesty the Sultan’s reign.
- Royal Regalia Building – You can see the full regalia of Sultan, including the crown and royal chariot, together with the massive collection of treasure. You can bring your camera and take photos in the entrance area only.
- Kampong Ayer (Water Village) – An prehistoric village built on stilts above the Brunei River immersed in cultural and historical heritage. It is known to be the largest water village in the world and some people refer it as the ‘Venice of the East’. Means of transportation consist of water taxis and plank walkways.
- Brunei Museum – Exhibitions comprise antique cannons and daggers, Borneo ethnographic displays and treasures unearthed from shipwrecks off Brunei’s coasts. Just next to the Brunei Museum is the Malay Technology Museum, which features how things like boat-making, fishing, metalworking, and goldsmithing were done in ancient times
- Istana Nurul Iman – It is official the residence of the sultan of Brunei. The palace is situated on a luxuriant, riverside trail of hills on the banks of the Brunei River south of Bandar Seri Begawan, a few miles outside the city center. Istana Nurul Iman, which means Palace of the Light of Faith, is said to be the world’s largest residential palace of any type. The palace is only open to public during Hari Raya season in Brunei.
- Ulu Temburong National Park – It is the first national park in Brunei that is protected since 1991. There many adventures you can do in the area including the most exciting activity on the Canopy Walkway where you can see the green forest from over 60 meters above the ridge of the mountain. This walkway, built with steel towers supporting the cable way
- The Empire Hotel and Country club – This is one of most beatuiful places you should visit in Brunei. The Empire Hotel and Country Club was constructed for six years and was opened on 16 October 2000. It’s Emperor Suite—with private elevator, swimming pool, steam room, sauna, movie theatre, and grand piano—was voted Voted “The World’s Leading Presidential Suite” by the World Travel Awards 2003 & 2004. Visitors can enjoy taking photos at the lobby of the hotel and others areas that are open to public.
- Oil and Gas Discovery Center – It showcases the captivating world of science and engineering as it applies to the petroleum industry. It’s aim was to create an education center for visitors to understand and appreciate the oil and gas industry which has been the strong supporter of Brunei Darussalam’s economy.
- Billionth Barrel Monument – The monument was built in 1991 to commemorate the production of the billionth barrel of oil produced in the onshore oil field in Seria. The monument is located near the first well discovered in Seria Oil Field. In the same place where the monument is located, you can also see the nodding donkeys, the instruments that are used to pump oil.
like to explore to see nature ?visit this website for more http://www.bruneitourism.travel/experiencebrunei-nature.php
Food
It’s important to know that Brunei doesn’t have many “authentic” foods that are ONLY native to the country. Rather, it has adopted many flavorful dishes from neighboring countries (like Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia) and put their own twist on it. In addition, touches of Chinese and Indian cuisines are also commonly seen in Bruneian cuisine.
Fish, chicken and rice are staple foods that you’ll find on every menu in Brunei. Pork is not commonly eaten, due to Brunei being a Muslim country and they have certain restrictions on eating pork. Most local dishes are very spicy, given that Brunei is home to a huge varieties of spices.
Without further adieu, below is my list of the Top foods to try in Brunei! I hope you enjoy:)
- Ayam Penyet is a classic Indonesian dish. It is fried chicken that is smashed down to give it a softer texture, and marinated with peppers and herbs. It’s always served spicy, alongside a salad with cucumber, lettuce, tomato and lemon. This dish can be found in any local Bruneian restaurant, as well as other ethnic restaurants around Brunei. If you like spicy chicken, then you’re in for a real treat!
- Ketupat . This is a kind of dumpling that is made of rice. It’s commonly found in the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. The rice is packed inside a special wooven palm leaf pouch (yes, an actual leaf from a tree) and boiled. When the rice is cooking, the grains expand to fill up the pouch while the rice is compressed tightly. This unique method of cooking rice has been around this region for centuries, you can almost imagine caveman eating it. I recommend you to try it because it’s not only cheap and delicious, but it’s a great way to get an authentic taste of Bruneian cuisine!
- Ambuyat. This dish is actually native to Brunei. It is derived from the interior trunk of the sago palm tree. Let me warn you that it’s not that tasty, but worth eating for the experience itself. The texture is like a sticky, slimy goo that is served in a set with many side dishes. Honestly, it is pretty bland and tasteless, but it is known as a local delicacy for Bruneians. There are several dipping sauces that you can choose from (spicy or sweet), which actually gives it some flavor. Try it, and let me know what you think of it
- Roti is a delicious baked flatbread made from wholemeal flour. It originated in India and it’s commonly found in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh. The best part about Roti is that no two pieces taste the same! Every household/restaurant has their own recipe, to go along with the variety of meats and vegetables that they cook inside the bread. It’s most notable characteristic is that it is unleavened- meaning that the baked dough has created a foaming texture when it is cooked. My favorite is vegetable Roti dipped in spicy sauce. Roti is very cheap and delicious, so you gotta try it if you see it on the menu!
- Curry and Rice. As I am sure that you are all aware, curry is a SouthEast Asian dish that incorporates spices/herbs with fresh (or dried) chillies. It is usually prepared as a liquid sauce, that you mix with rice and chicken (or another type of meat). There are many different varieties of curry that you can order, most of them being spicy and golden-yellow in color. Most curries are actually very healthy and is considered as one of the most flavorful dishes in the world. The mouth-watering flavor of curry can be enjoyed alongside any meal!
- Kuih Bahulu is traditionally bruneian food, it will be served during the Hari Raya and Chinese New Year. The moulds were made from cast-iron with a lid, of which lighted charcoal will be on it. Baking is done by putting the mould over charcoal. Thank goodness for the oven, otherwise the younger generation will not be introduced to these food.
- Kuih kosui is a saucer shaped rice cake flavored with pandan (screwpine leaves) juice. A lot of pandan is used to bring out the aroma of this kuih. A good kuih kosui is rich in pandan aroma and have a springy and soft texture. It is best eaten with freshly grated coconut
I hope you enjoy the many foods that Brunei has to offer!
Clothe
Brunei has a distinctive Asian and Islamic culture that is clearly manifested in the country’s traditional arts and crafts. The handicrafts and traditional cloth of Brunei are among the most popular materials that capture the eyes of artists and tourists from different countries.
The textiles of Brunei are a notable man-made craft that come in silver and gold colors.
Here are some of the traditional cloth and handicrafts found in Brunei:
- Silverwork
Silver-crafting is very popular in Brunei Darussalam, an art that has existed for many centuries. According to the country’s history, silver-crafting originated in Kampung Pandai Mas which is translated as “Goldsmith’s Village”. Another village is the Kampong Ayer or “Water Village” where gold, brass, bronze, copper, cloth-weaving, woodworking, cannon and weapon-making are part of the tradition.
- Weaving
Weaving or Tenunan is a tradition in Brunei and other Southeast Asian counties. Bruneians have a more intricate and fine design; the weave uses expensive threads. Beautifully woven cloths are used for traditional clothing during special occasions such as weddings. There are now hundreds of popular Bruneian designs of woven cloth.Some woven cloth is exported to other countries.
Among the popular traditional cloth designs are:
- · Kain Sipugut
- · Kain Bertabur
- · Kain Arab Gagati
- · Kain Sukmaindera
- · Kain Tenunan Beragu Bertabur
- · Kain Jongrasat
Most of these traditional Brunei cloth designs are inspired by the Borneo tribes and nomadic hunters who live in the harbor.
- Kris
The Kris is a unique ancient weapon of the Malays. The weapon has a wavy razor-sharp blade. It is the favorite weapon of both royals and commoners. It was also used in teaching pancak silat which is the Malay’s art of self-defense.
- Songkok
The Songkok is a famous cap that became a symbol. It is a headgear that is worn by the male Bruneians in the early times. To the Bruneians, headdresses are worn as they reflect the person’s status in life. The Songkok was worn by the men in both formal and informal gatherings. Today, the Songkok is seldom worn, but there are still men who use the cap
during ceremonial events.
Among the best-buy handicrafts and traditional cloth in Brunei are the jong sarat threaded textile, uniquely-designed baskets, and the kris dagger.
If you want to get hold of these artistic handicrafts and cloths, you can find lots of shops around Bandar Seri Begawan, Seria and various shops in Kuala Belait. When you like shopping at night, you can find the best Bruneian goods in Tamu where you can also find traditional clothes and antiques.
