Social ConventionsShoes should be removed when entering Muslim homes and institutions and visitors should not pass in front of a person at prayer or touch the Koran, the Muslim holy book. Traditionally, a Bruneian shakes hands lightly, bringing his hands to his chest. However, any physical contact between members of opposite sexes is avoided. Non-Muslims should not be found in the company of a Muslim member of the opposite sex in private: sexual contact, or even compromising behavior, between non-Muslims and Muslims is punishable by deportation. There are many honorific titles in Brunei:
Awang (abbreviated to Awg), for instance, is equivalent to 'Ms' or 'Mrs'.
Adat (customary law) governs many occasions and ceremonies.
Food may be served without cutlery: eat using the right hand only. Avoid giving or receiving with the left hand or pointing the soles of one’s feet towards companions. Gifts (particularly food) should only be passed with the right hand, although it is acceptable to use the left hand under the right wrist for support. It is also considered impolite to point with the index finger (the right thumb should be used instead) or to beckon someone with your fingers (the whole hand should be waved instead, with the palm facing downwards). The right fist should never be smacked into the left palm, and children (or adults) should not be patted on the head. It is widely regarded as discourteous to refuse refreshment when it is offered by a host, or to eat or drink in public places, especially during Ramadan when Muslims are fasting.
Visitors should note that there are severe penalties for all drug offences, and that the legal system in Brunei is partly based on Shariah law and can, occasionally, apply to non-Muslims, including visitors. Dress is informal except for special occasions. Women should ensure that their head, knees and arms are covered.
International Travel:Getting There by AirThe national airline is
Royal Brunei Airlines (BI) (website:
www.bruneiair.com).
Departure TaxBr$5 for flights to Kota Kinabalu and Kuching; Br$12 for all other destinations. This is payable in local currency in cash, at the airport check-in desk.
Main AirportsBandar Seri Begawan (BWN) is 11km (7 miles) south of the city.
To/from the airport: Taxi services are available to the city with surcharges after 2200. Lower rates are charged by taxis leaving from the airport car park.
Facilities: Bank, bureaux de change, car hire, duty-free shops, post office, restaurants and shops.
Getting There by WaterMain ports: Muara and
Kuala Belait are the entry points for sea cargo.
There are passenger services between Singapore and Muara port.
Ships and
water taxis run a service between Bandar Seri Begawan and the Malay city of Luaban (Sabah).
Getting There by RoadThere are access roads into Brunei from Sarawak at various locations, although some are unpaved.
OverviewThe following goods may be imported into Brunei by travelers aged over 17 years without incurring customs duty:
• 200 cigarettes or 250g tobacco products.
• 2 1l bottles of liquor plus 12 cans of beer (by non-Muslims for personal consumption only, provided declared at customs upon arrival).
• 60ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette.
Internal Travel:Getting Around By AirThere are no internal air services.
Getting Around by WaterThere are
water taxi services to Kampong Ayer, with stations at Jalan Kianggeh and Jalan McArthur. Water taxis are the most common form of transport in Kampong Ayer, Brunei’s renowned water village. Fares are negotiable. Regular water taxi and boat services also ply between Bandar Seri Begawan and Bangar (in Temburong), and also service Limbang (in Sarawak), Labuan and some towns in the Malaysian state of Sabah.
Getting Around by RoadTraffic drives on the left. The best-developed road network is in the Brunei-Muara district, including a coastal highway which runs from Muara to Jerudong and then on to Tutong.
Bus: Services operate to Seria (91km/57 miles) from Bandar Seri Begawan, Kuala Belait (16km/10 miles) from Seria, Tutong (48km/30 miles) from Bandar Seri Begawan and Muara (27km/17 miles) from Bandar Seri Begawan. There is a bus station located at the multi-story car park on Jalan Cator in the town center. The city bus system is well maintained and inexpensive. There are six bus routes in Bandar Seri Begawan, operating from 0630 until 1800.
Car hire: Self-drive or chauffeur-driven cars are available at the airport and major hotels. It is important to specify whether an air-conditioned car is required.
Documentation: An International Driving Permit is required to hire a car. A temporary license to drive in Brunei is available on presentation of a valid driving license from the visitor’s country of origin.
Getting Around Towns and CitiesTaxis are available in Bandar Seri Begawan, in the multi-story car park at Jalan Cator. There are also airport taxis and taxis in most hotels and shopping centers. Fares are usually metered; if not, they should be agreed before the journey. There is a 50% surcharge after 2300 for airport taxi services. Tipping is not necessary.
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