Brunei Travel Facts:
Where Is Brunei?
Official Name:
Brunei Darussalam
Brunei is a tiny, independent, oil-rich country wedged between the states of Sarawak and Sabah on the Malaysian side (northeast) of the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia.
Brunei is considered a "developed" nation, and thanks to an abundance of oil, continues to prosper. Public debt in Brunei in 2018 was 2.4 percent of GDP. As of 2018, public dept for the United States was 106% of GDP.
Population
In 2017, the population of Brunei was estimated to be only 428,700 people.
Religion
Islam is the official religion in Brunei. Muslim: 79%; Christian: 9%; Buddhist: 8%; Other: < 5%
Language
The official language of Brunei is Malay, although it differs from the Bahasa Malay spoken in Malaysia. English and Chinese are also spoken in Brunei. English is understood and used widely for business.
Telephone Country Code: 673
Currency in Brunei
The currency used in Brunei is the Brunei dollar (BND).
U.S. Embassy in Brunei
The U.S. embassy in Brunei is located in Bandar Seri Begawan.
Simpang 336-52-16-9
Jalan Duta
Bandar Seri Begawan BC4115, Brunei Darussalam.
Telephone: (673) 238-4616
After hours: (673) 873-0691
Fax: (673) 238-4604
Interesting Brunei Facts:
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| The name Brunei Darussalam means "abode of peace" which is mostly true given the country's higher standard of living and longer life expectancy (average is 77.4 years as of 2019) than many of their neighbors in Southeast Asia. |
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| Much of Shell oil comes from offshore drilling platforms in Brunei. |
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| The 2015 per-capita GDP (PPP) in Brunei was US $79,000 -- ranking them in the top 10 in the world. The U.S. GDP in 2014 was US $59,900. |
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| Brunei is considered to be the most observant Islamic nation in Southeast Asia. Beautiful mosques dot the country. Visitors are welcome inside of mosques outside of prayer times and with proper dress. |
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| Eight days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Japanese attacked and occupied Brunei to secure a source of oil. |
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| Citizens in Brunei receive free education and medical services from the government. |
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| Caning is still a method of punishment for crimes in Brunei. |
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| Brunei has one of the highest car-ownership rates (roughly one car per every 1.5 people in 2017) in the world. |
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| In 2015, Brunei ranked higher on the Human Development Index (31st overall in the index) than all other countries in Southeast Asia aside from Singapore. |
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| Although the Federation of Malaysia -- which includes Brunei's neighbors of Sarawak and Sabah -- was formed in 1963, Brunei did not gain their independence from Great Britain until 1984. |
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| Brunei has one of the highest rates of obesity in Southeast Asia. An estimated 51% of schoolchildren are overweight or obese. |
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| The sale and public consumption of alcohol is illegal in Brunei, although non-Muslims are allowed to bring up to two liters into the country. |
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| The literacy rate in Brunei is estimated at 92.7% of the population. |
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| The Sultan of Brunei holds an honorary commission in the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force and Royal Navy. |
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| The Sultan of Brunei, one of the richest men in the world (at last estimate, his net worth was more than US $20 billion). |
Amazing places in Brunei
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| Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque |
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| Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque Brunei |
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| Kampong Ayer Brunei |
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| Royal Regalia Museum |
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| Tasek Lama Recreational Park |
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| Luagan Park, Belait, Brunei - A pretty picturesque spot on Labia Rd in Brunei |
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| The Empire Hotel & Country Club (Kampong Jerudong BG3122, Brunei Darussalam) |
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| Kota Batu - Brunei Darussalam |
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| Jerudong Park Playground Brunei |
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| Tasek Merimbun Brunei |
Traveling to Brunei
Despite having miles of beautiful coast, most travelers to Brunei only visit the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan (population around 140,000). The roads and infrastructure in Brunei are excellent. Due to an abundance of oil and low fuel prices, local buses and taxis are the most cost-effective means of getting around.
Brunei is typically a short stopover for travelers crossing by bus between the Malaysian Borneo states of Sarawak and Sabah. Nearby duty-free Labuan Island -- part of Sabah -- is an alternative route in and out of Brunei. Miri in Sarawak is the last major town in Borneo before crossing into Brunei.
Visits of 90 days or longer require a travel visa before entering Brunei. Transit visas of 72 hours are available at the border.
Travel in Brunei will be affected during Ramadan. Read about what to expect during Ramadan travel and important considerations for Ramadan.
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