Brunei Destination Guide
From 3 April 2019 the full sharia penal code (law) takes effect in Brunei. It applies to Muslims, non-Muslims and foreigners even when on Brunei registered aircraft and vessels. Under this code some offences can attract physical punishment while others attract executions. Offences that attract the death penalty include blasphemy, sodomy, adultery, rape and murder. (Source: Smart Traveller, 5 April 2019)
The safety and wellbeing of our customers is very important – please ensure you understand this advice before booking travel to the region or with Royal Brunei Airlines.
Tiny Brunei is a sovereign state located on the South China Sea, bordering East Malaysia on the northern part of the island of Borneo. The country itself is actually divided into two parts, with the strip of land in between forming part of the district of Limbang, which belongs to the Malaysian state of Sarawak. From 3 April 2019 the full sharia panel code (law) takes effect in Brunei. It applies to Muslims, non-Muslim and foreigners even when on Brunei registered aircraft and vessels.
Perhaps the most headline-grabbing thing about Brunei is not its postcard attractions, but its royal family. Although the current Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah is a rather sombre character, not all of his family follow suit.
Some members of the royal family are famous for their lavish lifestyles – if you want to feel extravagant yourself, look no further than Brunei's most exclusive resort, the Empire Hotel.
Despite being in a similar position in terms of wealth to Dubai, Brunei isn't generally a country that likes to show off in public. This Muslim country prefers to keep things simple, which is reflected in its capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. This is where your flight to Brunei will likely arrive.
Stop by beautiful Bangar
The sights in Bandar include the two main mosques; the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, at the centre of an artificial lagoon and with a 44-metre minaret making it the tallest building in the city; and the Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, which is on the somewhat grandiose side.
Brunei Museum is also worth a visit to appreciate the beautiful Islamic Art Gallery, as well as an intricate model of the Dome of the Rock, made entirely out of mother of pearl and abalone. Picturesque Kampong Ayer water villages and a boat trip to Bangar town are some of the other local highlights.
Brush with Bruneian nature
What Brunei lacks in size, it makes up for in its natural attractions. The major part of any visitor's Brunei holidays are likely to be spent in one of the country's stunning nature reserves and national parks, the most famous being Ulu Temburong National Park.
Ironically, Brunei has been able to keep its stunning rainforests pristine due to being located on top of abundant oil fields, the source of its staggering wealth. Brunei tours take visitors to the treetop canopy walk, which can be reached via longboat.
