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Brunei
(NEGARA BRUNEI DARUSSALAM) |
Brunei was formerly a British protectorate
and independence was achieved in 1984. The same
family has ruled Brunei for over six centuries.
Brunei benefits from extensive petroleum and natural
gas fields, the source of one of the highest per
capita GDPs in the developing world. There is almost
no unemployment rate and no one is below the poverty
line.
Brunei is a little slice of Islamic heaven. Alcohol
is virtually unobtainable, there's no nightlife
to speak of, and the political culture encourages
quiet acquiescence to the edicts of the sultan.
The folk of Brunei are amply rewarded for their
conformist ways with free healthcare, free education,
free sporting centres, cheap loans and high, tax-free
wages. The capital of Brunei is Bandar Seri Begawan
and the climate ranges between 23 and 32 oC year
round.
POPULATION
Population of the country is 372,361 (July 2005
est.) with a population growth rate of 1.9% (2005
est.).
ETHNIC GROUPS
Malay 67%, Chinese 15%, Tribal (Predominantly Iban)
6%, others (Filipino, Thai, Nepali etc) 12%
LANGUAGE
Bahasa Melayu (Malay) is the official language,
but English is the language of business and is widely
spoken at all levels. Mandarin, Chinese dialects
and native Borneo languages are also spoken by segments
of the population.
RELIGION
Muslim (official) 67%, Buddhist 13%, Christian 10%,
indigenous beliefs and other 10%
CURRENCY
The local currency used is Bruneian dollar (BND).
Brunei Dollar = 100 cents.
Most banks handle travelers’
cheques and currency exchange. Major credit cards
are generally accepted by major establishments.
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers
are advised to take travelers’ cheques in
US Dollars or Pounds Sterling. Hotels and many department
stores will also cash travelers’ cheques.
VISA AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
All visitors to Brunei need a visa to enter the
country, with the exception of the citizens of the
following countries:
• Canada, Denmark, France,
Italy, Japan, South Korea, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg,
The Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland,
Sweden, The Republic of Maldives, Norway, Oman,
Indonesia, Thailand, The Philippines - Length
of stay not exceeding 14 days
• Nationals of Australia are advised to
obtain visas before arrival although it may be
possible to obtain one at Brunei International
Airport for a stay of maximum 14 days (a visa
is required for longer stays)
• Germany, Malaysia, Singapore, United Kingdom,
New Zealand - Length of stay not exceeding 30
days
• United States - Length of stay not exceeding
90 days
Nationals of Israel may not be granted
entry to Brunei
Tourist visas are valid for 14 days starting from
the day you enter the country, and it is valid for
three months. Tourist visas can be extended upon
your arrival in Brunei. Submit your visa application
form, along with two standard passport photos, your
passport (valid for six months from date of departure)
and visa fee of B$15 (single entry). Visas can be
processed within 1-3 working days.
A return ticket is necessary for
visa-free trips. All visitors must possess sufficient
funds to support themselves whilst in the country.
For more information
on visa application and procedures, inquire directly
with the Bruneian embassies and Consulates located
in / near your country http://www.mfa.gov.bn/aboutus/overseasmissions.htm
AIRPORT TAX
Any passengers departing Brunei on international
flights will need to pay a departure tax of B$5
for flights to Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore or
The Philippines and B$12 for all other destinations.
ELECTRICITY
The voltage in Brunei is 220-240V, 50 Hz. Plugs
are either round or square three-pin.
TAP WATER
Tap water is safe to drink in the Capital except
during the monsoon months (November - December).
It is still advisable to boil the tap water before
consumption.
VACCINATIONS
No inoculations or vaccinations are required unless
coming from or passing through an infected area
(e.g. yellow fever vaccination certificate is required
from travelers aged one year and over who have visited
infected or endemic areas within the previous six
days). It is advisable to check for updated health
recommendations before your departure to Brunei.
CLIMATE
Very hot, humid tropical climate most of the year.
Heavy rainfall in the monsoon season, November to
December. Average temperature is 28°C (82°F).
TIME
GMT +8
CLOTHING
Tourists are required to observe the local dress
code and should understand that revealing clothes
are considered immodest and therefore socially unacceptable.
Sources:
CIA
world fact book, August 2005
tourismbrunei.com
Immigration
and National Registration Department
Brunei
Travel Guide
Brunei
Postal services
Brunei
Country Guide
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