Brunei Darussalam
This small country on the northwest tip of Borneo island is an Islamic sultanate with high standard of living among another countries in Southeast Asia. Reigned by the current king, Sultan Hajji Hassanal Bolkiah, the citizens of Brunei enjoy free education, housing, and healthcare. Even the pilgrimages to Mecca are also subsidized. As the oil and natural gas exporter, Brunei has been one of the affluent countries in the world. This condition makes the Brunei citizens very prosperous with the income per capita is much higher than any other citizens in Southeast Asian country. No tax on personal income is imposed to the Brunei citizens. The Sultan of Brunei is reported to be one of the wealthiest person in the world with an estimated personal wealth of 40 billion dollars.
Flanked by Malaysian state of Sarawak around the country and South China Sea, Brunei has marvelous beaches and mountains towards the east. The country is divided into eastern part and western part. More citizens reside in the larger western part including the capital city, Bandar Seri Begawan, than the citizens who live in the countryside and mountainous region in the smaller eastern part. This mountainous region with heavily forested state is available to those who love natural adventure like hiking.
Bruneian culture bound together by the law regulating that no nightlife and alcohol are allowed. One can bring in up to two liters of alcohol or wine plus up to twelve cans of beer every 48 hours. Nevertheless, an alcohol permit must be attained in arriving in Brunei.
The cuisine of Brunei contains Malayan, Indian, and Chinese cookery relying on rice and noodles. The cooking served here is famous for its spicy food. The luxurious hotels also offer western food so that pizzas, hamburgers, pastas, and sandwiches are all available around the country, except alcohol.
In spite of the fact that many people live above averagely income per capita, there is a group of people who settles in the water in Kampong Ayer, a district in Bandar Seri Begawan. Many small villages here are connected at this district by foot bridges extending about 30 kilometers away. This district is a home to 30,000 individuals.
For those who like enjoying the natural preservation in Brunei, they can visit the Ulu Temburong National Park in Batu Apoi Forest that can be accessed by a long boat. Here the tourist will be presented wildlife such as monkeys and exotic birds.
The Brunei Dollar is pegged to Singapore Dollar at 1 : 1. Both currencies are interchangeably used. If someone comes to Brunei from Singapore , he does not have to change his Singaporean currency as his cash will be accepted.
Flanked by Malaysian state of Sarawak around the country and South China Sea, Brunei has marvelous beaches and mountains towards the east. The country is divided into eastern part and western part. More citizens reside in the larger western part including the capital city, Bandar Seri Begawan, than the citizens who live in the countryside and mountainous region in the smaller eastern part. This mountainous region with heavily forested state is available to those who love natural adventure like hiking.
Bruneian culture bound together by the law regulating that no nightlife and alcohol are allowed. One can bring in up to two liters of alcohol or wine plus up to twelve cans of beer every 48 hours. Nevertheless, an alcohol permit must be attained in arriving in Brunei.
The cuisine of Brunei contains Malayan, Indian, and Chinese cookery relying on rice and noodles. The cooking served here is famous for its spicy food. The luxurious hotels also offer western food so that pizzas, hamburgers, pastas, and sandwiches are all available around the country, except alcohol.
In spite of the fact that many people live above averagely income per capita, there is a group of people who settles in the water in Kampong Ayer, a district in Bandar Seri Begawan. Many small villages here are connected at this district by foot bridges extending about 30 kilometers away. This district is a home to 30,000 individuals.
For those who like enjoying the natural preservation in Brunei, they can visit the Ulu Temburong National Park in Batu Apoi Forest that can be accessed by a long boat. Here the tourist will be presented wildlife such as monkeys and exotic birds.
The Brunei Dollar is pegged to Singapore Dollar at 1 : 1. Both currencies are interchangeably used. If someone comes to Brunei from Singapore , he does not have to change his Singaporean currency as his cash will be accepted.
