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Brunei

     Though the Sultanate of Brunei is a very small country with a population of around 400,000, it is well known for its extreme wealth of both natural resources and great tourist attractions. However, a tourist visit to Brunei is something that you will need to do your research for, and make sure that you are fully prepared for a visit to this country. The tiny nation, located in the north of Borneo, provides tourists a place to visit which is one of the tidiest and safest destinations in the world. However, relatively few people actually make it to Brunei for more than the briefest of stopovers as many use it as a stopover route on the way to other countries in Asia and Oceania. Because of this, Brunei is a significant economic and transport hub.

     Brunei has a Malay majority in its ethnic makeup and very strong Islamic traditions. The culture of this tiny country largely revolves around Islam and travelers should take this into consideration before they go. Due to the deeply entrenched traditions in the country, alcohol, for example, is illegal though tourists do have a certain allowance which they are allowed to bring into the country for their own consumption. The law is strict and highly enforced with dire consequences for those who break it, so travelers need to be aware and familiar with the rules of the land before they go.

     Brunei has been ruled by the same family for 600 years, completely uninterrupted. As a result of this stability and the great abundance of natural resources, the country enjoys some of the highest standards of living anywhere in the world. Tourists will no doubt be impressed, if not amazed, at the efficiency of this model country, which has unrivalled healthcare, education and housing. Its inhabitants are all well off, thanks to the oil industry which the Sultan is the sole beneficiary of.

     Brunei is located on the northern tip of the island of Borneo and divided into two parts which are not connected. The vast majority of the population reside in the western half which is also home to the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. Only fifteen-thousand people live in the mountainous, rural areas of the eastern side of the country. Travelers who enjoy exotic nature will be undoubtedly drawn to the fascinating natural beauty of the rainforest areas, which are some of the most pristine in the world.

     The capital city itself also has its own, impressive share of attractions and it has no shortage of architectural sights to enjoy. The Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien mosque is one of the most impressive architectural gems to visit. The Sultan’s palace and the traditional water-side villages are also worth a visit. The Sultan’s palace, complete with 1,700 rooms, is the largest palace in the world which is still in use. This extravagant and splendid place will definitely be something that tourists won’t be forgetting in a hurry. Brunei is also known for its stunning beaches, unspoiled and complete with fine, white sands.

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