In this blog, I would like to write about one trip destination, which is not popular among tourists. However, this place would create an unforgettable experience because of its uncovering beauty, warm communication atmosphere, rich history, and culture. This place is Brunei Darussalam. Yes, you get it right, I am going to talk about travel to Brunei. As this country is not so known, I would like to give detailed information about the topics as, how to travel to Brunei? Is it safe to travel to Brunei?; What to do in Brunei? ,etc. In my opinion, it would be interesting for you. So, if you agree with me, let's start. Initially, we will start with where Brunei is? This small country is situated on the northern coast of the island of Borneo in South-East Asia. This independent Islamic oil-rich country's official name is Brunei Darussalam, which means - people's abode. The answer to the question of what is the capital of Brunei is Bandar Seri Begawan. The capital of Brunei lies along the Brunei River. Hassanal Bolkiah is the Sultan of Brunei and the monarchial head of the state of Brunei. The national Brunei flag consists of a yellow background and two diagonal stripes, black and white, and a red and yellow coat of arms in the center. The Brunei flag's yellow field represents the Sultan of Brunei, who holds an honorary commission in the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force and Royal Navy. The official Brunei religion is Islam. Although most Brunei people are Muslim, there are Christians and Buddhists under the Brunei religion. People also concern about how to travel to Brunei. At first, you should be informed about Brunei airports and Brunei airlines. Brunei Airports is an essential international gateway to this small country. When we wondering where is Brunei, we should consider that this is the only state entirely on the island of Borneo. After a short discussion of facts about Brunei Darussalam, let's begin to enumerate the reasons which may motivate you to go to this tiny equatorial country.
1. The location of Brunei
The first advantage of travel to Brunei is its location next to Malaysian Borneo. You can use buses to get Miri to Bandar Seri Bagawan within two hours. Also, there is a significant opportunity to take the ferry from Bandar Seri Begawan to duty-free Labuan.
2. People
In Brunei, the hospitality of people can be considered an essential push factor in terms of travel. The welcoming nature, helpful, humble, dignified personality would simplify your holiday in a foreign country. Another indicator of the warmth of Brunei people is that you will meet the suggestion of hotels about free Brunei airlines pickups and drive guests around the city.
3. Local cuisine
The cuisine is among the stimulating characteristics of this country. Brunei's cuisine is a combination of Indian, Malaysia, Singaporean, Chinese, and Indonesian food. You can try Malay-style fried rice and noodles mixed with Indonesian spicy Rendang in the restaurants of the capital of Brunei. An essential plus is that you will not have any problems finding halal or non-halal dining rooms. Among the delicious meals, you can choose Assam pedas, rending, nasi katok, chicken laksa meehoon, kolo mee, roti, ayam penyet, and nasi goring. Also, there is ambugat, which is a local dish. This food made from sago palm is considered unique.
4. Safety
Obviously, there is a primary question in your mind during travel - Is it safe to travel to Brunei? Feel confident! Because the destination is very peaceful and safe for travelers. The level of criminal cases is low. Therefore you can proceed with your exploration of the city, even at night. Furthermore, you will not be disturbed by drunk and disorderly people. The reason why is that use of alcohol is restricted to everyone. So, tourists who plan their travel to this place and concern about the question of is it safe to travel to Brunei freely and confidently plan their trip.
5. Hygiene
One of the important issues that peope concern about is hygiene, especially in the period of Covid-19. Do you know, Brunei is an immaculate country, despite the common problem of Southeast is litter? The government makes an effort to keep the country clean and litter-free. According to tourists' information, you will not see any rubbish or feel any bad smell. It is important to know how to travel to Brunei, especially for families with children, and arrange their next trip through this country.
6. Relaxed atmosphere
If you are tired of work and your routine life problems, I advise you to investigate where is Brunei and travel via Brunei airlines. Because of the relaxed atmosphere, there will help you to rest. You will not meet people going in a rush to work, competing for seats in buses other public transportations. The main reason for that is the richness of Brunei people, so the population is calm and happy. They have no trouble with taxes or any homeless people. So, you can choose Brunei to forget all the negative things in the world for a while.
7. Shopping
If you are a shopaholic, you should visit Brunei. As nightlife is not so convenient in Brunei, you can worry about what to do in Brunei. However, you can have a joyful time in various shopping centers. Markets, malls, shopping centers will help you to do convenient shopping. According to information from touristic sites, you should not miss the shopping scene at Gadong, which is situated 5 kilometers away from the capital of Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan.
8. Authentic Culture
Another reason that you won't be regret to be in Brunei is its authentic culture. The attractions in Brunei exist to preserve its miraculous tradition and culture because the country's economy does not depend on tourism, and most of the attractions and museums are free. The underlying reason here is the considerable investments financed by the Sultan of Brunei. To get a broader awareness of Brunei's culture, you don't need to have long trips to the state's inner and distant villages, which make the country different among other Asian countries. Numerous museums and dining at local restaurants will create an excellent opportunity for visitors to observe the culture.
9. Natural wonders
Natural outstanding wonders can be the leading reason to travel to this tropical country. The most famous of them are beaches in Muara and the Ulu Temburong National Park. This national park is the first natural park in the country. Another attraction in Brunei is the proboscis monkey, which is a large-nosed monkey. They are endemic in Borneo. You can explore them if you take part in the river cruise through the Brunei River.
10. Kampong Ayer
Have you ever heard about Kampong Ayer? I think you would admire if you see. It is a prominent water village in the destination. Kampong Ayer has several names, and it is a national heritage of Brunei. This village is situated across the Brunei River in Bandar Seri Begawan, which is the answer to what is the capital of Brunei. It has its schools, libraries, and mosques. If you take a water taxi trip, you can see the Sultan's Palace, crocodiles in the river. So, if you think about what to do in Brunei, now, you know the answer.
11. Being far from touristy
It is obvious and undeniable that most of the people are bored with the crowded touristic centers. However, Brunei gives you a chance to get away from such kinds of destinations and have a peaceful travel experience. But Brunei is not among these destinations. The country is one of the least visited. You can explore Bandar Seri Begawan on foot or visit every outstanding place regardless of the crowd originating from tourists. You can take great photos freely. On the other hand, nowadays, being far from touristy places will be a great plus during a pandemic.
12. Rainforests
You can discover and enjoy the beauty of rainforests in Brunei. More than 80 % of the land of Brunei is virgin and untouched. Another great thing is that most of the jungle remains in the same condition.
13. Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque can be a beautiful answer to what to do in Brunei, especially for Muslim visitors. If you wish to visit Brunei, you should know that it is free of charge. You should arrange the time if you want to see the inside.
14. Royal Regalia Museum
As mentioned above, the culture of this country is exciting. I would also like to make a point about the museums, especially the Royal Regalia Museum. Royal Regalia Museum maintains in itself gifts given to the Sultan over the years by distinctive states. There are vehicles, ceremony attire, and videos from the day among them. It is an excellent place for both to have an exciting time and enlarge your worldview. In conclusion, I would like to say that we can extend the list of the reasons travel to Brunei, so make your plan with your family or friends, and just travel!