Do’s and Dont’s
October 21, 2010 by admin
Filed under Visitor Info
Bruneians are generally very tolerant and will understand that visitors are not familiar with all of their customs and Islamic traditions. Nonetheless, keeping these few things in mind will go far in showing the Bruneian people that you respect and appreciate their culture, enriching your experience:
- Tourists should observe the local dress code and dress modestly. Clothing comfortable for hot weather is acceptable, except when visiting places of worship or for social and business functions.
- Bruneians shake hands by lightly touching the hands and then bringing the hand to the chest. Some people do not to shake hands with members of the opposite sex.
- You should not point with your finger; instead, use the thumb of your right hand with the four fingers folded beneath it.
- When visiting a mosque, all visitors should remove their shoes. Women should cover their heads and not have their knees or arms exposed. You should not pass in front of a person in prayer or touch the Koran.
- Gifts (particularly food) should only be passed with the right hand, although it is acceptable to use the left hand to support the right wrist.
- It is polite to accept even just a little food and drink when offered. When refusing anything offered, it is polite to touch the plate lightly with the right hand.
- During the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan, Muslims do not take food from sunrise to sundown. It would be inconsiderate to eat or drink in their presence during this period.
- In deference to the Muslim majority, alcohol is not sold in Brunei, but private consumption by non-Muslims is allowed. Non-Muslim tourists are allowed a generous duty-free allowance of 2 bottles of alcohol (wine, spirits, etc) and 12 cans of beer per entry, and may consume alcohol with sensible discretion in hotels and some restaurants.
Health
October 21, 2010 by admin
Filed under Visitor Info
Brunei is free from malaria and other tropical diseases, and the nation’s healthcare system ranks among the best in Asia. The Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital in the capital is equipped with highly modern medical facilities, and a number of private clinics operate within other districts.
| NAME | ADDRESS | CONTACT NUMBER |
| Amir’s Clinic | 1st Floor, Unit 5 PAP Hajah Norain Shopping Complex, Bandar Seri Begawan | 222 8002 |
| Borneo Clinic | Simpang 27, 1 Bangunan PIF, Jalan Gadong, Bandar Seri Begawan | 242 4301 |
| CY Lim Clinic | Unit 16, Block J, Ground Floor, Abdul Razak Complex, Gadong | 244 9488 |
| Dr Haji Asri Clinic | No. 2, Simpang 161, Jalan Pasir Berakas | 242 2788 |
| Dr Lim Medical Clinic | 1st Floor, Block D, Complex Abdul Razak, Gadong | 242 2788 |
| Dr Prema Clinic | Unit D, Bangunan Pengiran Haji Mohd Daud, Bandar Seri Begawan | 242 1727 |
| El-Shifa Clinic | No. 6, 1st Floor, Block B, Abdul Razak Complex, Gadong | 242 8715 |
| Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC) | Jerudong | 261 1433 |
| Jerudong Park Polo Medical Centre | Jerudong | 261 0717 |
| JP Sports Medical Centre | Jerudong | 261 0692 |
| Lee Clinic & Dispensary | Unit C-1, Ground Floor, Abdul Razak Complex, Bandar Seri Begawan | 242 8428 |
| Lim’s Clinic & Dispensary | 2.26 Level 2, Block C, Bangunan Yayasan SHHB, Bandar Seri Begawan | 222 2181 |
| Luke Tan Clinic | 47A, 1st Floor, Jalan Bunga Melor, Kuala Belait | 322 5601 |
| Riverview Medical Centre | Riverview Hotel, Km. 1, Jalan Gadong, Bandar Seri Begawan | 223 8018 ext 8816 |
| Th’ng Medical Centre | 77, 1st Floor, Jalan Bunga Melor, Seria | 322 3524 |
| TK Chan Clinic | Unit 9, Ground Floor, Block C, Kiarong Complex, Bandar Seri Begawan | 242 2141 |
| Yong Clinic & Dispensary | Block 1, Room 1, PAP Hajah Norain Complex, Bandar Seri Begawan | 222 0284 |
Business Hours
October 21, 2010 by admin
Filed under Visitor Info
Government offices are open Monday to Thursday as well as Saturday from 7:45am to 12:15pm and from 1:30pm to 4:30pm. They are closed on Fridays and Sundays.
Private offices are generally open from 8am to 5pm on weekdays and from 8am to 12pm on Saturdays.
Banks typically operate from 9am to 3pm on weekdays and 9am to 11am on Saturdays.
Most shopping centres are open daily from 10am to 9.30pm.
Visitors should note that during Ramadan, the Islamic holy month, most offices and businesses will operate on abbreviated daily schedules.
Language
October 21, 2010 by admin
Filed under Visitor Info
Bahasa Melayu (Malay) is the official language, but English is widely spoken. Mandarin, Chinese dialects and native languages of Borneo are also spoken by segments of the population.
Any small effort to demonstrate your enthusiasm for learning Brunei’s culture will be most appreciated by the Bruneians, who have a deep respect for their centuries-rich Malay culture. While no Bruneian expects a visitor to have mastered the Malay language and most speak at least conversational English, a few useful words and phrases will help make your stay even more enjoyable.
| ENGLISH | MALAY |
| Good morning | Selamat Pagi |
| Good afternoon | Selamat Petang |
| Good night | Selamat Malam |
| Thank you | Terimah Kasih |
| You’re welcome | Sama-sama |
| What is your name? | Siapa Nama Awda? |
| My name is … | Nama saya … |
| Excuse me | Maafkan saya |
| Yes | Ya |
| No | Tidak |
| How much? | Berapa? |
| Where is the toilet? | Di mana tandas? |
| I want to go … | Saya mahu pergi ke … |
| Turn right | Belok ke kanan |
| Turn left | Belok ke kiri |
| Go straight | Jalan terus |
Money and Banking
October 21, 2010 by admin
Filed under Visitor Info
The local currency is the Brunei Dollar (BND). Dollar notes are available in $1, $5, $10, $50, $100, 500 and $1,000 denominations, while coins are in 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cent denominations. The Brunei Dollar is pegged to the value of the Singapore Dollar and both currencies can be used in Brunei.
USD1.00 = BND1.65 approx.
EUR1.00 = BND2.10 approx.
For latest rates, please check : www.onebrunei.com
Banking Hours
Banks are generally open from 9am to 4pm on weekdays and 9am to 11am on Saturdays. Most banks are government-approved to handle traveller’s cheques and currency exchange, and most offer ATMs on international networks.
Credit Cards
All major credit cards (Visa, American Express, MasterCard, Diner’s Club) are accepted widely throughout Brunei.
Banks
| NAME | ADDRESS | CONTACT NUMBER |
| Baiduri Bank | Jalan Pemancha, Bandar Seri Begawan | +673 223 3233 |
| Citibank N.A. | Jalan Sultan, Bandar Seri Begawan | +673 224 3983 |
| Islamic Development Bank of Brunei Berhad (IDBB) | Ground Floor, Setia Kenangan Complex, Kiulap | +673 223 2547 |
| Hongkong Shanghai Banking Corp (HSBC) | Jalan Sultan, Bandar Seri Begawan | +673 224 2305 |
| Islamic Bank of Brunei (IBB) | Jalan Pemancha, Bandar Seri Begawan | +673 223 5686 |
| Malaysian Banking Berhad | Jalan Pemancha, Bandar Seri Begawan | +673 224 2494 |
| Overseas Union Bank (OUB) | RBA Plaza, Jalan Sultan, Bandar Seri Begawan | +673 222 5477 |
| Sime Bank Berhad | Unit G-02, Komplex Yayasan SHHB Complex | +673 222 2516 |
| Standard Chartered Bank | Jalan Sultan, Bandar Seri Begawan | +673 224 2386 |
Tour Agencies
October 18, 2010 by admin
Filed under Visitor Info
Package tours can be one of the most entertaining, informative and hassle-free ways to explore Brunei Darussalam. There are many licensed travel agents in Brunei, most offering package tours ranging from 3-hour coach tours of the capital, to multi-day tours including everything from rainforest excursions to Jerudong Park and Bandar’s urban shopping scene. Any of these agencies will be happy to get you on your way to discovering Brunei’s unexpected attractions.
| AGENCY | CONTACT NUMBER | E-MAIL ADDRESS | WEBSITE |
| Bonasia Holiday | Tel: 223 0116 | bonasia@brunet.bn | www.bonasiaholidays.com |
| Fax: 223 0400 | |||
| GoodMILES | Tel: 233 1082 | mail@goodmilesbrunei.com | www.goodmilesbrunei.com |
| Fax: 233 1753 | |||
| MegaBorneo TourPlanner | Tel: 222 4026 | megaborneo@brunet.bn | www.megaborneo.com |
| Fax: 222 4028 | |||
| Sunshine Borneo Tours & Travel | Tel: 244 6509 | sales@exploreborneo.com | www.exploreborneo.com |
| Fax: 244 1790 | |||
| Anthony Tours& Travel Agencies | Tel: 222 7969 | antours@brunet.bn | www.anthonytours.com |
| Fax: 222 7889 | |||
| Freme Travel Services | Tel: 223 4277 | fremebsb@brunet.bn | www.freme.com |
| Fax: 223 4284 | |||
| Mas Sugara Travel Services | Tel: 242 3963 | inbound@massugara.com | www.massugara.com |
| Fax: 242 3971 | |||
| Pan Bright Travel Services | Tel: 224 0980 | inbound@panbright.com | www.panbright.com |
| Fax: 224 0979 | |||
| Intrepid Tours | Tel: 222 1685 | tours@bruneibay.net | www.bruneibay.net/intrepidtours |
| Fax: 222 1687 | |||
| Mona Florafauna Tours | Tel: 223 0761 | mft@brunet.bn | |
| Fax: 223 0763 | |||
| Scuba-Tech International | Tel: 241 8888 | info@scubatechintl.com | www.scubatechintl.com |
| Fax: 265 2376 | |||
| Century Travel Centre | Tel: 222 1747 | century@brunet.bn | www.centurytravelcentre.com |
| Fax: 222 7747 | |||
| D.D.L Tour Operators | Tel: 234 3946 | ddltours@brunet.bn | |
| Fax: 234 3947 | |||
| Pronine Marketing | Tel: 239 0300 | eyien.lim@srisentosa.com | www.srisentosa.com |
| Fax: 239 0308 | |||
| Tabimart | Tel: 242 0913 | tabimart@gmail.com | |
| Fax: 242 0911 | |||
| Travel Trade Agencies | Tel: 223 3543 | tta@brunet.bn | www.theway.jp/brunei |
| Fax: 223 7861 | |||
| Southern Cross Travel Agencies | Tel: 245 4719 | southern@brunet.bn | www.onebrunei.com |
| Fax: 245 4724 | |||
| Ilufah Leisure Tours |
Tel: 873 8511
|
ilufah_aq@brudirect.com | www.ilufahaquarium.com/tours.html |
| Fax: 223 3524 |
Places To Stay
October 18, 2010 by admin
Filed under Visitor Info
There is a wide choice of hotels, guesthouses and serviced apartments in the capital and throughout the country. Hotel accommodation in Brunei Darussalam caters to all types of visitors, from luxury to business to tourist class. From the impeccable elegance of the “7-star” Empire Hotel & Country Club or the business refinement and efficiency of the Sheraton Utama, to a number of mid-range and budget hotels and guesthouses throughout the nation, visitors will be greeted with friendly service and Brunei’s trademark hospitality.
| LUXURY RESORT ACCOMMODATION | |||
| NAME |
CONTACT NUMBER
|
WEBSITE | E-MAIL ADDRESS |
|
Empire Hotel & Country Club
|
T : 2418888
|
www.theempirehotel.com | sales@theempirehotel.com |
|
F : 2418999
|
|||
| BUSINESS AND TOURIST CLASS ACCOMMODATION | |||
| NAME |
CONTACT NUMBER
|
WEBSITE | E-MAIL ADDRESS |
|
Sheraton Utama Hotel
|
T : 2244272
|
www.sheraton.com/utama | sheraton@brunet.bn |
|
F : 2221579
/ 2228653 |
|||
| The Rizqun International Hotel | T : 2423000 | www.rizquninternational.com | |
| F : 2428000 | |||
| The Centrepoint |
T : 2430430
|
www.arhbrunei.com | |
| F : 2430200 | |||
|
Orchid Garden Hotel
|
T : 2335544
|
www.orchidgardenbrunei.com | ogh@brunet.bn |
|
F : 2335444
|
|||
| Riverview Hotel |
T : 2238238
|
www.mybruneihotels.com/riverview-hotel | rivview@brunet.bn |
|
F : 2237999
|
|||
| Brunei Hotel |
T : 2242372
|
www.bruneihotel.com.bn | bruhot@brunet.bn |
|
F : 2226196
|
|||
| Terrace Hotel |
T : 2243554
|
www.terracebrunei.com | terrahtl@brunet.bn |
|
F : 2227302
|
|||
| Jubilee Hotel |
T : 2228070
|
www.jubileehotelbrunei.com | info@jubileehotelbrunei.com |
|
F : 2228080
|
|||
|
Grand City Hotel
|
T : 2452188
|
www.bruneibay.net/bruneihotels/grandcity.html | grandcity@brunet.bn |
|
F : 2452100
|
|||
| Traders Inn |
T : 2442828
|
www.mybruneihotels.com/traders-hotel | tradersinn@brunet.bn |
| LR Asma Hotel |
T : 2612218
|
www.bruneibay.net/bruneihotels/asma.html | lrasmahotel@brunet.bn |
|
F : 2612117
|
|||
|
The Holiday Lodge
|
T : 2611618
|
www.theholidaylodge.com | sales@theholidaylodge.com |
|
F : 2611419
|
|||
| Goodview Hotel |
T : 2612168
|
www.mybruneihotels.com/goodview-hotel | rivview@brunet.bn |
|
F : 2610168
|
|||
| Plaza Sutera Biru | T : 3347268 | www.psb.com.bn | info@psb.com.bn |
| F : 3347269 | |||
| Palm Garden Hotel | T : 2233488 | palmgarden@brunet.bn | |
| F : 2234448 | |||
| Capital Hotel |
T : 2223561
|
www.mybruneihotels.com/capital-hotel | |
|
F : 2228789
|
|||
|
Apek Utama Hotel
|
T : 2220808
|
||
|
F : 2226166
|
|||
| SERVICED APARTMENTS | |||
| NAME |
CONTACT NUMBER
|
WEBSITE | E-MAIL ADDRESS |
|
D’Anggerek Service Apartment
|
T : 2345222
|
www.danggerek.com | inquiry@danggerek.com |
|
F : 2345333
|
|||
|
Abd Razak Hotel Apartments
|
T : 2241536
|
www.arhbrunei.com | arp@arhbrunei.com |
|
F : 2242301
|
|||
|
Le Gallery Suites Hotel
|
T : 8613548
|
edchua1969@yahoo.com | |
|
Komplex Mohammad Yussof Service Apartment
|
T : 2235532
|
othman6959@hotmail.com | |
|
F : 2235528
|
|||
| GUESTHOUSES | |||
| NAME |
CONTACT NUMBER
|
WEBSITE | E-MAIL ADDRESS |
| Nazira Guesthouse |
T : 2612053
|
www.marimari.com/hotel/brunei/nazira | hmarzuqi@brunet.bn |
|
F : 2612201
|
|||
|
K.H Soon Services And Rest House
|
T : 2222052
|
http://khsoon-resthouse.tripod.com | |
|
F : 2337264
|
|||
| Seameo Voctech Intn’l House |
T : 2447992
|
www.voctech.org.bn/2004/vih.htm | voctech@brunet.bn |
|
F : 2445072
|
|||
|
Pusat Belia (Youth Hostel)
|
T : 2223936
/ 2222900 |
www.bruneiyouth.org.bn | jbsbelia@brunet.bn |
| F : 2229423 | |||
| ACCOMMODATION OUTSIDE BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN | |||
| NAME |
CONTACT NUMBER
|
WEBSITE | E-MAIL ADDRESS |
|
Halim Plaza Hotel
(Tutong) |
T : 4260688
/ 4260688 |
www.onebrunei.com | halim_plaza_hotel@hotmail.com |
|
F : 4222668
|
|||
| Riviera Hotel (Belait) |
T : 3335252
|
www.rivierakb.com | riviera_htl@brunet.bn |
|
F : 3331052
|
|||
|
The Swiss Hotel Apartment
(Belait) |
T : 3331668
|
www.onebrunei.com | swisshotel@brunet.bn |
|
F : 3331638
|
|||
|
Sea View Hotel
(Belait) |
T : 3332651
|
seaviewhotel@brunet.bn | |
|
F : 3342770
/ 3331950 |
|||
| Sentosa Hotel (Belait) |
T : 3331345
|
www.bruneisentosahotel.com | enquiry@bruneisentosahotel.com |
|
F : 3331129
|
|||
|
Hotel Koperasi Seria
(Belait) |
T : 3227592
/ 3227859 |
||
|
F : 3227604
|
|||
|
Lukut Intan Guesthouse
(Temburong) |
T : 5221078
/ 8896162 |
||
Boat
October 18, 2010 by admin
Filed under Getting Around
Water Taxis
Water taxis are the most common means of getting to Kampong Ayer and can be hailed from numerous ‘docking ports’ along the banks of the Brunei River. Regular water taxis also run to Temburong district as well as the Malaysian towns of Limbang, Lawas, Sundar and Labuan.
Ferry Services
Car and passenger ferry services to the Malaysian island of Labuan depart from Serasa Terminal in Muara. The journey ordinarily takes one and a half hours.
| SCHEDULED FERRY SERVICES | ||
| Departure from Brunei | To | Time |
| Seri Anna | Labuan | 07.30am |
| Suria | Labuan | 08.30am |
| Mutiara Laut II | Labuan | 09.00am |
| Beng Seng Speedboat | Sundar | 10.15am |
| Utama Lawas | Lawas | 11.30am |
| Rajawali | Labuan | 01.00pm |
| Duta Muhibbah | Labuan | 01.00pm |
| Seri Labuan 3 | Labuan | 03.30pm |
| Duta Muhibbah 2 | Labuan | 04.40pm |
| Arrival to Brunei | From | Time |
| Beng Seng Speedboat | Sundar | 09.15am |
| Utama Lawas | Lawas | 09.30am |
| Rajawali | Labuan | 09.45am |
| Duta Muhibbah | Labuan | 09.45am |
| Seri Labuan 3 | Labuan | 01.30pm |
| Duta Muhibbah 3 | Labuan | 02.30pm |
| Suria | Labuan | 04.00pm |
| Mutiara Laut | Labuan | 05.00pm |
| Seri Anna | Labuan | 05.30pm |
Air
October 18, 2010 by admin
Filed under Getting Around
Airlines
Royal Brunei Airlines flies to 20 major cities in Asia-Pacific, South Asia, the Middle East and Europe via London and Frankfurt. Brunei International Airport is connected to destinations worldwide with service by Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Philippines Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, and Dragonair on a code share basis.
| AIRLINE RESERVATIONS INFORMATION | |
| Royal Brunei Airlines | 673 224 2222, 224 0505 |
| Philippines Airlines | 673 224 4075, 224 4076, 223 6014 |
| Malaysia Airlines | 673 222 4141 / 2, 222 3074 |
| Thai Airways | 673 224 2991, 224 2992 |
| Singapore Airlines | 673 224 4901, 224 4902, 224 2903 |
Ground
October 18, 2010 by admin
Filed under Getting Around
Many of Brunei’s attractions lie within walking distance of each other in the heart of the capital city, Bandar Seri Begawan. A comprehensive public bus system serves the capital and other destinations.
Taxis
Metered taxis are available at most hotels, shopping centres and the airport. In the capital, taxis are located at the Jalan Cator car park.
| METERED TAXI FARE | |
| Rates | |
| The 1st kilometre or less from 6am to 9pm | B$3.00 |
| The 1st kilometre or less from 9pm to 6am | B$4.50 |
| Additional 200 metres or less | B$0.20 |
| Every minute of waiting | B$0.20 |
| AIRPORT TAXI SERVICE FARE | ||
| Place | Fare from 6am to 11pm | Fare from 11pm to 6am |
| D’Anggerek Service Apartment | B$10.00 | B$15.00 |
| Orchid Garden Hotel | B$10.00 | B$15.00 |
| International Convention Centre | B$10.00 | B$15.00 |
| Tiong Hin Superstore | B$12.00 | B$18.00 |
| Sungai Buloh Hostel | B$19.00 | B$29.00 |
| Muara Town | B$25.00 | B$38.00 |
| Serasa Ferry Terminal | B$26.00 | B$39.00 |
| Serasa Beach | B$28.00 | B$42.00 |
| Seri Lambak Complex | B$13.00 | B$20.00 |
| Terrace Hotel | B$15.00 | B$23.00 |
| Sheraton Utama Hotel | B$15.00 | B$23.00 |
| Capital Hotel | B$16.00 | B$24.00 |
| Jubilee Hotel | B$16.00 | B$24.00 |
| Brunei Hotel | B$16.00 | B$24.00 |
| Yayasan SHHB Complex | B$16.00 | B$24.00 |
| Crowne Princess Hotel | B$18.00 | B$27.00 |
| Complex Mohammad Yussof | B$18.00 | B$27.00 |
| Abdul Razak Hotel Apartment | B$18.00 | B$27.00 |
| Riverview Hotel | B$12.00 | B$18.00 |
| Gadong Centrepoint | B$13.00 | B$20.00 |
| Traders Inn | B$14.00 | B$21.00 |
| SEAMEO VOCTECH International House | B$15.00 | B$23.00 |
| Goodview Hotel | B$25.00 | B$38.00 |
| Holiday Lodge | B$25.00 | B$38.00 |
| Asma Hotel | B$25.00 | B$38.00 |
| Nazira Guesthouse | B$25.00 | B$38.00 |
| Jerudong Park Playground | B$25.00 | B$38.00 |
| Kuala Lurah (Checkpoint to Limbang) | B$30.00 | B$45.00 |
| The Empire Hotel and Country Club | B$25.00 | B$38.00 |
| Tutong Town | B$40.00 | B$60.00 |
| Seaview Hotel, Kuala Belait | B$75.00 | B$113.00 |
| Sentosa Hotel, Kuala Belait | B$75.00 | B$113.00 |
| Sungai Tujuh (Checkpoint to Miri) | B$80.00 | B$120.00 |
Car Rentals
Self-drive or chauffeur-driven cars are available for hire from major hotels and the airport.
| NAME | CONTACT NUMBER |
| 1. Avis Rent-A-Car | +673 242 6345 / 244 2284 / 244 6380 / 242 4921 |
| 2. Branch – Sheraton Utama Hotel | +673 222 7100 |
| 3. Azizah Car Rental | +673 222 9388 / 785 9888 / 881 8880 |
| 4. Booklink | +673 244 6380 |
| 5. Budget-U-Drive | +673 234 5573 / 4 |
| 6. Ellis and Sukma Car Rental | +673 242 7238 / 242 3777 / 875 0285 |
| 7. Hani Car Rental | +673 261 1666 / 883 7845 |
| 8. Hertz Rent-A-Car | +673 245 2244 |
| 9. L&W Automobile Rental & Services Sdn Bhd | +673 875 2783 |
| 10. Qawi Enterprise (Rent-A-Car) | +673 265 5550 / 1 / 2 |
| 11. Sabli Development & Eng. Co. | +673 239 1122 / 877 9421 |
Buses
There are six bus routes serving Bandar Seri Begawan, with buses running every 15 to 20 minutes. Fares start from B$1.00. Buses to other major towns such as Seria and Kuala Belait depart from the bus terminal located at the Jalan Cator car park in downtown Bandar.