Brunei is a tiny nation of only 375,000 citizens on the island of Borneo, which this city-state shares with Malaysia and Indonesia. Brunei is cut into two slices; the Temburong district to the east is separated from the rest of Brunei, and surrounded by Malaysia.
Brunei has some of the largest oil fields in all of Southeast Asia, making it home to one of the wealthiest rulers on the planet. The Sultan of Brunei has assets of around US$ 40 billion and lives in a 1,700-room palace with a garage for 110 cars. His family has ruled Brunei for over 600 years. Travelers to Brunei can glimpse his palace from the road, but the best views are from the water. The Bruneian Empire was founded in the 7th century, and during the rule of Emperor Bolkiah it reached as far away as the Philippines.
In Brunei, Malay, Chinese and English are the main languages. About two-thirds of the population is Muslim, and alcohol is banned by law. Ten percent of the people are Christian and the remainder are Buddhist and Animist.
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With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
Browse a month-by-month breakdown of suggested itineraries, seasonal activities, climate considerations and festivals.
The best time to visit Brunei is from February to April, when it is dry and not too hot.
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Brunei may not be the most exciting destination with no bars or nightlife, but for a short visit it offers plenty to do and see and its people are amongst Asia’s friendliest.
With more than 40,000 residents and just moments from Bornean rainforest, Kampong Ayer in Brunei is less of a water village and more of a city on stilts.
Brunei isn’t a large country, and using the capital as your travel base allows visitors to see the best of the nation’s hotels, nature, and diving.