Asia

Brunei

Quick facts

  • Full name: Nation of Brunei, the Abode of Peace
  • Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan
  • Largest city: Bandar Seri Begawan
  • Official language: Malay
  • Area: 5,765 km2
  • Population: 417,200 (2015)
  • Currency: Brunei Dollar (BND) 1 (BND) = 100 cent
  • Foreign tourists: 220 thousand (2016)
  • Travel risks and hazards: Dangerous animals.

The unusual title gives to Brunei, the Abode of Peace is given to a country in Asia with a higher standard of living and longer life expectancy than its neighbors. The economy of Brunei blew up with the discovery of oil. In 2015 the country ranked 10th in the world for GDP per capita and provides free healthcare and education for all of its citizens.

Traveling info

All tourists traveling to Brunei must have a passport. Entry requirements vary depending on tourists nationality. Some tourists may enter the country without the requirements of a visa for a period of time ranging from 14 up to 90 days. This involves mostly EU countries and the US. Other nations must obtain a visa however there are two types. Citizens of Australia, China, and Saudi Arabia may obtain a visa on arrival which may last 14 or 30 days depending on nationality. The other type of visa must be obtained prior to travel in an embassy or a consulate and concerns all of Africa and some other nations. (Nation list in sources). Tourists who wish to drive in Brunei must have their national driving permit along with an international driving permit. Beware that an international driving permit does not substitute for the original driving permit and is only a translation of it. An IDP may only be obtained in the tourists country of origin. IDP is only valid in Brunei for a stay of 90 days. After exceeding that period a Brunoise driving permit should be obtained.

Traveling hazards

Brunei has an extensive network of roads comparable to most western countries’ and they are well maintained. Traffic moves on the left side of the road. Drivers must obey traffic rules at all times and should take extra caution when approaching traffic signals. In urban areas, several deadly accidents have occurred in recent years when local drivers drove through red lights. The Royal Brunei Police Force routinely sets up checkpoints and traffic stops, particularly at night. These checkpoints are normally set up for one of two reasons for routine license and registration checks or search for contraband like drugs and alcohol. In case you are stopped, be prepared to show an identification card and vehicle registration. In addition to registration, you should always have your insurance policy in the car. In case of an accident, you will need all three.

Environmental hazards

The only dangerous mammals in Brunei are the sun bears. Despite the small size, these animals are fierce when approached and will most certainly attack. Apart from mammals, most dangerous animals in Brunei are made up of reptiles. The saltwater crocodiles are the largest reptiles living on earth. These giant beasts can be seen both on land and in the salty waters of Brunei. Many people fall victim of these creatures yearly around Asia and Oceania. Designated beaches are generally free from these creatures, however, safety cannot be guaranteed around brackish marshes, river estuaries, and unguarded beaches. There are several species of venomous snakes in Brunei including pitvipers, King cobra and coral snakes. Although there are more non-venomous snakes than there are venomous ones, tourists should avoid any encountered snake as an untrained eye won’t be able to tell a venomous snake apart from a venomous one. Although there are no recorded shark attacks in Brunei, there are numerous attacks reported in surrounding countries meaning such incidents cannot be ruled out.
There are numerous natural hazards endangering Brunei and its population. Earthquakes in Brunei can be severe and exceed magnitudes of 6 and almost reaching magnitudes of 8. The most recent dangerous earthquake happened 3 years ago and reached a magnitude of 6.1. Wildfires, however, are most frequently occurring and causing most damage overall in the country.

Health hazards

There is no risk of yellow fever in Brunei. The government of Brunei requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Apart from yellow fever vaccination, there are no other required vaccines, there are however several vaccinations which are recommended to ensure a safe trip. These are the routine vaccines aka MMR vaccines, typhoid, hepatitis A and B, Japanese encephalitis and rabies vaccinations. Thanks to the oil deposits in the country Brunei has the finances to provide excellent and free healthcare to its citizens. Expats, however, are expected to pay for their services. There are also numerous private clinics however services provided by these come at quite an expense. Expats should consider purchasing medical insurance in order to cover their potential medical expenses.
In case of an emergency dial 991.

Crime

Crimes against expatriates are generally uncommon. Most crimes are non-violent crimes of opportunity such as petty theft, residential or vehicle burglary. Violent crimes are rare, but they do occur. Many crimes carry severe penalties, including jail, fines, caning, or, in the case of foreigners, deportation. Brunei does have the death penalty but has not carried out an execution for decades. Penalties for drug offenses and violent crimes are severe and can include the death penalty. Corporal punishment is prescribed for rape, vandalism, and other crimes. Being in the company of prostitutes or just talking to them is greatly frowned upon and carries legal consequences. There is no threat of terrorism in Brunei.

Summary

Brunei is certainly a place to visit, its earned title of Abode of Peace, was achieved by the safety of its inhabitants and tourists from crime, cleanliness of the country and its development. Despite increasing numbers, there is a refreshing lack of tourists. Those who want to enjoy Brunei culture yet unspoiled by tourist influence should hurry as yearly more visitors arrive to experience the life on the island. Remember that planning your trip with Travset.com will give you the quickest information about nearest emergency services and will also help you purchase indispensable travel insurance for the trip of your lifetime. Please feel free to comment and share the experiences of your travels with Travset.com.

Sources

(Visa)
http://www.mofat.gov.bn/general-information
(Vaccinations)
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/brunei