Brunei, the Abode of Peace

Brunei is one of the countries where it is easiest to move around, albeit without commuter train. Its capital is known as Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB).

From the airport, take the purple bus to BSB for B$1/pax/way. Buses operate from 6:00am to 6:00pm. Buses numbers 11, 23, 24, 36, 38 and 57 are the ones that will pass the airport, but be sure to tell the driver where you’re going else he may take a detour. A taxi ride costs about B$25 from the airport to the center of the city. Airport service charge at departure costs B$12, so make sure you save at least B$12 because they don’t accept US$.

Exchange Rate (April 2011) 1 US Dollar = Brunei Dollar 1.274

Photo: View of SOAS Mosque from Yayasan Complex

Where to stay

We stayed at Terrace Hotel on Jalan Tasek Lama, BSB (www.terracebrunei.com, email terrahtl@brunet.bn) –basic hotel in a good location at a reasonable price (B$65/night). Other hotels: www.radisson.com, www.jubileehotelbrunei.com

For Brunei, I think it’s better to book directly than through a third party.

Places to see

Being a small country, there’s actually nothing much to see in Brunei, but the things that it offers are nonetheless a must-see. The city is super clean, no pollution, there are birds everywhere, and true to its name: peaceful.

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque – the centerpiece

Yayasan Complex – the king’s shopping center, right across the centerpiece

Kampong Ayer – water village, Brunei’s humble beginnings (entry to the museum is free of charge, last admission at 4:30pm)

Istana Nurul Iman – king’s residence (actually hidden by a dense forest, but if you’re curious ask a water taxi to take you to the palace on your Kampong Ayer tour)

More museums: Royal Regalia (located across Terrace Hotel), Handicraft Center, Brunei Museum, Malay Technology Museum (take bus 11 or 39 to visit the rest)

Jerudong Park (bus 55, 57, 58)

Ulu Temburong National Park (day tour costs about B$130/pax with lunch; tours to the beach and to the oil refinery are also available)

On to other destinations in Malaysia…

Eats @ Brunei

Rice meals start at B$1 at hawkers, mostly Malaysian dishes with chili and sweet kicap manis

Cheap flights to Brunei

From Manila www.cebupacificair.com

From Kuala Lumpur www.airasia.com