Brunei | Asia

Brunei is situated on the northern coast of the island of Borneo, surrounded by the Malaysian state of Sarawak and the South China Sea. It is divided into two non-contiguous territories by the Limbang district of Malaysia and is defined by its massive offshore crude oil and natural gas fields, with Bandar Seri Begawan serving as the capital city.

History & Culture

Brunei gained full independence from the United Kingdom on January 1, 1984. Major political eras include the Bruneian Empire (15th–17th centuries), the British protectorate period (1888–1984), and the post-independence absolute monarchy under the Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB) philosophy. The primary religious affiliation is Sunni Islam (78.8%). The most significant national holiday is National Day (February 23). Social etiquette is governed by Islamic values and Malay tradition; conservative dress is required, and it is illegal to consume or sell alcohol publicly.

Language & Communication

The official language is Standard Malay. English proficiency is High, as it is the medium of instruction for most subjects from the fourth year of primary school and the primary language for business and law. The dominant local dialect is Brunei Malay, which is used for informal communication.

Population & Economy

The population is approximately 463,000, with 79% residing in urban areas, primarily in the Brunei-Muara District. Top export commodities are crude petroleum, natural gas, and refined petroleum products. GDP per capita is approximately $33,400 USD. The economy is almost entirely driven by the hydrocarbon sector, which accounts for over 90% of government revenue.

Visa & Entry Policy

Citizens of the US, UK, and most EU countries can enter Brunei visa-free for periods ranging from 30 to 90 days. All travelers must complete an E-Arrival Card registration online before entry. There is no standard E-Visa required for these nationalities. Entry is strictly regulated regarding the importation of alcohol (non-Muslims may bring a limited amount for private consumption).

Currency & Payment Systems

The currency is the Brunei Dollar (BND), which is pegged to and interchangeable with the Singapore Dollar (SGD) at par. Card culture is well-established in the capital, with Visa and Mastercard accepted in malls and hotels. Cash is required for markets, taxis, and water villages (Kampong Ayer). ATMs are widely available in Bandar Seri Begawan and regional hubs like Kuala Belait.

National Transport Grid

Inter-city travel is primarily conducted via private car or the public minibus network. There is no rail system. Domestic flights are non-existent due to the country’s small size. The Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Bridge connects the capital directly to the Temburong exclave, reducing transit time from two hours to under 30 minutes.

Digital Infrastructure

The primary mobile network provider is Unified National Networks (UNN), which provides infrastructure for retail providers Datastream Digital (DST), Imagine, and Progresif. 4G coverage exceeds 95% of the population, and 5G is available in urban centers.

Climate & Seasonality

Brunei has a tropical rainforest climate with high humidity year-round. There are two monsoon seasons: the northeast monsoon (November to March) and the southwest monsoon (May to September). The heaviest rainfall occurs from October to January.

Health & Safety

Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory if arriving from an infected country. Malaria risk is low, but Dengue fever is present. Tap water is generally safe to drink in urban areas, though bottled water is common. The emergency number for Ambulance is 991, Police is 993, and Fire is 995.

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

Brunei-Muara District: Hub: Bandar Seri Begawan.

Belait District (Oil & Gas Hub): Hub: Kuala Belait.

Temburong District (Nature & Rainforest): Hub: Bangar.

Local Cost Index

1L Water: 1.00 BND ($0.75 USD)

1 Domestic Beer: N/A (Sale of alcohol is prohibited).

1 Sim Card (10GB Data Plan): 25.00 BND ($18.60 USD)

Facts & Legends

According to the epic poem Syair Awang Semaun, the name "Brunei" originated when a group of 14 brothers discovered the Brunei River and exclaimed "Baru nah!" (roughly translating to "Now we found it!"). The capital is home to Kampong Ayer, the world's largest water village, which has been inhabited for over 1,300 years and was once nicknamed the "Venice of the East" by European explorers.