Shopping
Overview
Popular souvenirs include handcrafted silver, brass and bronze items such as pitchers, gongs, caskets, trays, spoons, bracelets and napkin rings. Handwoven sarongs, baskets and mats made from pandan leaves are also popular. The Tamu Night Market in Bandar Seri Begawan is open from early morning to late at night and offers all kinds of food and antiques at bargain prices. Shop hours: Mon-Sat 0800-2100. Shopping centers are usually open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Culinary
Overview
The hotel restaurants offer Malay, Chinese, European and Indian dishes. The local cuisine is related to that of Malay, offers lots of fresh fish and rice and is often heavily spiced. Beverages: Alcohol is prohibited.
- Topmbadirectory: Offers information about politics, geography, and known people in Brunei.
Accommodation
Hotels
There are several large hotels in the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, ranging from international luxury hotels to simple guesthouses. Apartment hotels are available. There is hardly any accommodation available outside of the larger cities. There are also hotels in Kuala Belait.
Culture
Religion
Predominantly Muslim (Sunni) (67%). There are Buddhist (13%), Confucian, Taoist and Christian (10%) minorities.
Social Rules of Conduct
When entering an Islamic house or building, one takes off one’s shoes. When visiting a mosque, women should ensure that their heads, cleavage, knees and arms are always covered. There are many titles in Brunei, Awang (abbreviated Awg) means “Lord” and Dayang (Dyg) “Woman”. Only the right hand is used to give or receive objects. Men and women do not shake hands. Contacts between Muslims and non-Muslims of different sexes are strictly forbidden. You shouldn’t stroke children’s heads and generally never touch people’s heads. Never point at anyone or anything with your index finger, only use the thumb of your right hand with the four remaining fingers drawn up and pressed to the palm. To hail a taxi or to call someone you know, you wave your whole hand, but your palm must be facing down. It is impolite to refuse a soft drink. Eating, drinking and smoking in public during the daytime during Ramadan is also prohibited for non-Muslims. Homosexuality and adultery could possibly be punished with the death penalty. Dress may be casual except for special occasions. Tipping: Hotels and restaurants charge 10% for service. you wave with your whole hand, but the palm must face down. It is impolite to refuse a soft drink. Eating, drinking and smoking in public during the daytime during Ramadan is also prohibited for non-Muslims. Homosexuality and adultery could possibly be punished with the death penalty. Dress may be casual except for special occasions. Tipping: Hotels and restaurants charge 10% for service. you wave with your whole hand, but the palm must face down. It is impolite to refuse a soft drink. Eating, drinking and smoking in public during the daytime during Ramadan is also prohibited for non-Muslims. Homosexuality and adultery could possibly be punished with the death penalty. Dress may be casual except for special occasions. Tipping: Hotels and restaurants charge 10% for service. be punished with the death penalty. Dress may be casual except for special occasions. Tipping: Hotels and restaurants charge 10% for service. be punished with the death penalty. Dress may be casual except for special occasions. Tipping: Hotels and restaurants charge 10% for service.
Climate
Best travel time
Tropically hot and humid year-round, particularly heavy rains during the monsoon (December – March).
Country data
Phone prefix
+673
Area (sq km)
5765
Population
437,479 (Source: homosociety)
Population density (per square km)
75
Population statistics year
2020
Main emergency number
991
