Brunei Darussalam - Asian Kingdom of Peace
Rainforest, Coral Reefs, Mangrove Covered Islands and - Night Golf
Despite its unspoiled nature and traditional culture, which leads many people to think it is fixated on its past, Brunei is very much of the 21st century and a centre of contemporary sophistication in Asia.
The modern traveller will find that Brunei caters for every modern need. There are world class golf courses, sporting facilities, fashionable malls, spas and luxury hotels, theme parks and exhibition venues,plus restaurants offering delicious food from local delicacies to sophisticated international fare.
The excellent traffic infrastructure means that visitors can be rushed from pristine nature in the depths of the rain forest to an airport just two hours away. The comforts of modern life are never far away even if the feeling is that one is hundreds of miles from other habitations. It is possible to spend the day exploring and yet be back at the hotel for a spot of pampering in the spa before a superb dinner.
Shoppers can be spoilt for choice in Brunei with most visitors heading for the Yavasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex or The Mall, Brunei's largest shopping complexes. A variety of up-market shops, fashionable boutiques, food outlets and cybercafes can be found here.
Golfers can unwind on the majestic 18-hole championship golf course at The Empire Country Club designed by Jack Nicklaus, considered one of Asia's best. Here Night Golf is played as a way to beat the tropical heat. Also in this area is the Royal Brunei Gold & Country Club which caters to an exclusive clientèle, and the Royal Brunei Airlines Golf Club one of the more challenging courses.
If this is all too tame, then Jerudong Park Playground and Gardens in the city is a state-of-the-art theme park which was once the private playground of the Royal Family. There are adventurous rides for all the family but without the long queues normally found in theme parks.
Brunei's culture is deeply rooted in its Malay origins which are reflected in the language, architecture and customs of daily life. Islam is at the heart of Brunei and the mosques in the country are unparalleled. Chief among them is the Jame' Asr Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque, considered by many to be the greatest example of Islamic architecture in S.E. Asia. Impressive also is the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque built in 1950 by the present Sultan's father.
In deference to the Muslim majority, alcohol is not sold in Brunei but non-Muslims are permitted to consume alcohol in private from their duty-free allowance. Certain hotel restaurants and lounges also serve alcohol to visitors.
Accommodations lists and further details can be found at Brunei Tourism.
