Preface
As I disembarked from the aeroplane for my adventure into Brunei Darussalam, I realized I was in for a special trip experience. This little country on the islet of Borneo may go unnoticed by many trippers, but it has a captivating combination of artistic gestures, architectural masterpieces, and food escapades that make it worth discovering.
First prints
Brunei incontinently introduces itself as a nation of contrasts. It’s one of the world’s few surviving absolute monarchies, with some of the world’s most austere laws encyclopedically, and it’s one of the richest countries per capita. The very instant I set foot there, I suffered from the fabulous Bruneian hospitality when a authentic family spontaneously took care of my restaurant bill — a gesture which established the tenor for the rest of my visit.
Banners and decorations in commemoration of the Sultan’s 78th birthday covered the main streets, demonstrating Bruneians’ profound esteem for their king, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah — among the world’s wealthiest individuations in encyclopedic terms and owner of perhaps the globe’s largest collection of cars.
Local Transportation: The Dart App Experience
Getting around Brunei presented its own unique challenges. The country doesn’t have Uber, relying instead on a local app called Dart for taxi services. While convenient in theory, the reality was quite different:
| Transportation Method | Cost | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Dart App Taxi | 5-6 BND (₹320-400) for short rides | App frequently crashes, difficult to locate drivers |
| Hotel Shuttle | 5 BND to city center, 20 BND to airport | Reliable but limited schedule |
| Water Taxi | 20 BND for 30-minute tour | Cash only, limited English from drivers |
| Walking | Free | Feasible for shorter distances, limited pedestrian infrastructure |
Culinary Adventures with a Original Food Blogger
One of the gems of my tour was experiencing Bruneian cuisine with Karen, an original foodie blogger(@VenturingFoodie on Instagram). She graciously devoted her holidays to taking me around some genuine original beaneries.
Breakfast at Jing Chew
Our first destination was Restaurant Jing Chew, a favorite among locals for breakfast. The menu had vibrant-colored buns and chuck options
| Food Item | Description | Price (BND) |
|---|---|---|
| Roti Kahwin | “Married bread” with butter and kaya (coconut custard) | ~1.40 |
| Roti Kuning | Yellow bread with butter and kaya | ~1.40 |
| Teh Tarik | Pulled milk tea, similar to Indian chai | ~1.50 |
| Teh Tarik India | Indian-style pulled tea with more milk | ~1.50 |
The experience reminded me of having Bun Maska( chuck with fanfare) and chai in India, although the inclusion of kaya custard provided a clear Southeast Asian touch. It was interesting to find this shared culinary practice across societies.
Original polls at Karen’s Favorite Spot
Then we attempted Koithio — flat stir-fried polls with bean sprouts, funk, and egg. Although polls are not usually my preferred food, the dish was more tasty than expected, particularly when served with Sambal, the original chili sauce that provides a delicious kick to anything.
The slush was accompanied by Milo, a chocolate malt drink that triggered nonage memories, however then it’s a chief beverage for individuals of any epoch.
Cooling Down with Dessert
In order to outsmart the tropical heat, we attempted ABC( Ais Batu Kacang), a common shaved ice cate
installed all over Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei
| component | Description |
|---|---|
| Shaved Ice | Base of the cate |
| Colored Jellies | Green, pink, and black( lawn jelly) types |
| Red sap | Sweet sap added to the ice |
| Coconut Milk | Added over the mixture |
| Sugar saccharinity | sometimes prepared with win sugar |
The dessert reminded me of the” chuski” (flavored ice treats) we have in India, but with more sophisticated elaborate condiments and blend-swings. It’s wonderful how many societies have their own version of icy treats to fight hot rainfall!
Architectural wonders Kirks of Brunei
The Brunei skyline is ruled by stunning kirks, each more heart-wrenching than the previous. I went to two big bones
| Mosque | Features | Visitor Information |
|---|---|---|
| Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque | additional ornate interiors, fully air-conditioned, gold polls | Designated visiting hours fornon-Muslims |
| Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque( Blue Mosque) | Blue surface, gold polls, spacious interiors | Open to callers 2- 330 PM, registry fornon-Muslims |
Both kirks have gold-plated polls, which reflect the country’s prosperity and commitment to Islam. As a non-Muslim caller, I was required to register my information but was ate to make prints and show respect for the armature from designated areas.
Kampong Ayer The Venice of the East
One of Brunei’s most captivating lodestones is Kampong Ayer, a series of more than 40 water townlets in which more than 40,000 individuals reside in homes constructed upon stilts that rise above the water. In existence for more than 1,000 times, this” Venice of the East” presents a glimpse into an unusual life.
I employed a water hack for 20 BND( roughly ₹ 1,280) for a 30- nanosecond experience( even though it held for only around 22 twinkles). In spite of communication barriers with my boatman who only had limited English words(\” many beautiful” and” many houses” being his favorites), I was qualified enough to witness this amazing community.
Kampong Ayer structure
What impressed me most was how complete this water village is it’s not just houses but an entire functioning community
| installation | Purpose |
|---|---|
| seminaries | Multiple educational institutions throughout the vill |
| Fire Stations | Two stations specifically for handling fires in rustic structures over water |
| Police Station | Law enforcement devoted to water vill residers |
| Kirks | Multiple places of deification within the vill |
| Tourism Gallery & Museum | Highlighting Kampong Ayer’s history and culture |
| Guest Houses | accommodation for visitors( approximately 70 BND per night) |
state-of-the-art facilities such as air exertion in residences demonstrate that living on water does not equate to incinerating comfort. Having basic services implies residers rarely have to venture to the landmass.
The water is inhabited by crocodiles, which contributes to an air of danger. The elevated water level on my visit meant these vampires weren’t a visible threat, yet locals told me they are a serious concern.
Cultural compliances
Brunei’s nature as a strict Islamic monarchy inflects daily life in fascinating ways:
- 1 The weekend is on Friday and Sunday( Saturday being a working day), corresponding to Islamic prayer days
- 2. The Islamic New Year is a public holiday
- 3.photographs of the Sultan and his lady are seen in almost all restaurants and businesses
- 4.In spite of strict Islamic laws, there is a tiny church( St. Andrews) for the about 7- 8 Christian population( largely ethnical Chinese)
- 5.Christmas must be celebrated privately and not publicly
The nation is surprisingly diverse with many Indians occupying the service assiduity job positions and people who live in the area regularly communicating in a variety of languages such as Malay, Chinese, and English.
Final studies
Brunei provides a holiday experience like no other in Southeast Asia. It blends unprecedented prosperity with conservative values, strict religious adherence with surprising tolerance, and ultra modern facilities with ancient customs.
Although not inescapably on top tripper’s pail lists, it’s definitely worth a visit for those seeking out unusual societies and places which have not been overpriced. The authenticity of local hospitality, interesting armature, and the novel experience of visiting water townlets render it a special place to be remembered by brave trippers “.
still, make a many days in Brunei entry in your calendar you’ll be rewarded with gests and perceptivity that many other trippers can boast, If you are organizing a trip to Borneo or Southeast Asia.