Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

Brunei, much like Singapore, exudes wealth and development. The city is immaculately clean, with modern roads, sidewalks, and infrastructure. Its prosperity is largely attributed to its reliance on petroleum and natural gas, ranking 11th in the world in 2013 with a GDP per capita of $55,300. This affluence is evident in its ability to import foreign workers for menial jobs, a testament to its economic strength.

Being a strict Muslim country, no one can sell alcohol in Brunei. That means no bars and no nightclubs. The city streets are bare and quiet at night, and few pedestrians walk around. However, non-Muslim tourists can bring alcohol through customs. The Sultan worries about the outside evil influences that are entering his country, and he has toughened and imposed more Sharia law. Now, adulterers can be stoned to death in Brunei.

Brunei boasts a unique attraction—a living community on the Brunei River, reminiscent of its ancestors' lifestyle since the 8th century. This river community, complete with schools, a museum, and floating fire and police departments, is a sight to behold. The residents navigate their daily lives on boats, adding a charming and unique aspect to Brunei's cultural landscape.

Brunei

  • The area of the country spans 2,226 square miles.
  • The currency is the Brunei dollar.
  • Bandar Seri Begawan is the largest city and country capital, where the Sultan lives.
  • In 2011, the population was estimated at 408,786, making Brunei the 175th most populous country in the world.
  • Brunei relies on oil and natural gas as its source of wealth and development.
  • Brunei is an Islamic country that a king rules. Brunei is culturally related to Malays.

Brunei

Downtown Bandar Seri Begawan

Brunei

Department of Customs

Brunei

Fines are posted on the side of the bus

Brunei

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

Brunei

Jame Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque

Brunei

A Buddhist Temple

Brunei

St Andrews Church

Brunei

Yayasan Shopping Complex

Brunei

Yayasan Shopping Complex

Brunei

I am sitting in a boat in the middle of a Mandrake grove, looking for crocodiles

Brunei

Proboscis monkey

Brunei

Proboscis monkey

Brunei

Water Village or Kampong Ayer in Malay

Brunei

The Art Gallery in the Water Village, Kampong Ayer

Brunei

The Police Station in the Water Village, Kampong Ayer