Overview
Brunei is a country in Asia according to computergees. Although tiny with a small population, Brunei enjoys one of the highest standards of living in the world thanks to significant oil and gas reserves. Brunei, a vast forested state on Borneo’s north coast, offers visitors the splendor of Islamic architecture and royal traditions. The Mosque of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien is particularly impressive with its gleaming golden dome. The country only gained independence in 1984, but has one of the oldest monarchies in the world. At the head of the last surviving Malay royal family is the Sultan of Brunei, whose family tree dates back more than 600 years and who is one of the richest men on earth. Strict laws relating to alcohol, pornography and prostitution, among other things, have always applied in the predominantly Islamic country. But in 2014, an archaic era began with the gradual introduction of Sharia law alongside Brunei’s criminal law. Since April 2019, same-sex love and adultery have been punishable by death by stoning. Theft is punished with amputations. These laws also apply to non-Muslims and minors. In practice, however, according to Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the death penalty has been suspended for two decades, which also applies to homosexuals.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
Royal Brunei Airlines (BI), Brunei’s national carrier, offers non-stop flights to Brunei Darussalam from London; Feeder flights from Germany, Austria and Switzerland with the respective national airlines and with British Airways (BA). Thai Airways (TG) also fly from Europe in cooperation with Royal Brunei Airlines (BI) via Bangkok and Singapore Airlines (SQ) via Singapore to Brunei Darussalam.
Flight times
Frankfurt/M. – Brunei Darussalam: 16 hrs 10 mins; Vienna – Brunei Darussalam: 17 hrs 10 mins; Zurich – Brunei Darussalam: 17 hours 15 minutes (each with stopovers).
Departure fee
Approximately €3.30 (B$5) for flights to Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines; approx. €8 (B$12) for all other destinations.
Arrival by car
By land, entry from Malaysia is possible at border crossings near the towns of Miri and Limbang. The borders are open from 06.00-00.00. Long-distance bus: The bus company PHLS offers express connections between Miri (Malaysia) and Bandar Seri Begawan. There are also daily bus services between Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia) and Bandar Seri Begawan. Toll: The Sungau Belait Bridge in the northwest of the country is subject to a toll. Documents: The national driver’s license is valid for 3 months in conjunction with the international driver’s license.
Arrival by train
There is no cross-border rail service to Brunei.
Arrival by ship
The main ports in the country are Bandar Seri Begawan, Kuala Belait and Muara.
Cruise ships
Hapag Lloyd Cruises call at Muara in Brunei Darussalam on their cruise around the world departing from Hamburg.
Ferry provider
PKL JAYA ferries operate between Muara and Labuan (Malaysia).
Transportation
Traveling by plane
There is no domestic air traffic.
Traveling by car/bus
The road network has a length of approx. 3,500 km and is best developed in the Brunei-Muara district. A coastal road runs from Muara via Jerudong, Tutong and Kuala Belait to the Sarawak (Malaysia) border. One of the few roads in the Temburong district enclosed by Sarawak leads east from Bangar to Labu Estate.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Left
Condition of the roads
The roads are mostly in good condition.
Road classification
Brunei Darussalam’s road network consists of two-lane highways, denoted by a white highway on a blue background, and single-lane rural roads.
Car rental
Rental cars are also available with a driver on request at the airport and through larger hotels.
Taxi
Taxis can be found at the airport and in the cities at hotels and shopping malls. Flat rates are common for the purple CTS taxis. The yellow taxis are metered. Taxis can be called by phone or booked through the Dart app.
Coach
Bus services exist from Bandar Seri Begawan to Tutong, Seria, Kuala Belait in the west and Muara in the east of the city.
Regulations
Traffic regulations: – Alcohol limit: 0.0 ‰. Consumption of alcohol in public is strictly forbidden. Speed limits: – in built-up areas: 50 km/h; – on rural roads: 80 km/h; – on motorways: 100 km/h.
Roadside Assistance
The ADAC foreign emergency call offers ADAC members and holders of ADAC foreign health and accident insurance comprehensive assistance in the event of vehicle breakdowns, traffic accidents, loss of documents and money, and medical emergencies. The emergency number is available around the clock; in the event of damage to the vehicle: Tel. +49 (0)89 22 22 22, in the event of illness: +49 (0)89 76 76 76. In the event of accidents or breakdowns with the rental car, the rental company should always be contacted first.
Documentation
The national driver’s license is valid in conjunction with the international driver’s license for stays of up to 3 months.
Traveling in the city
To explore Bandar Seri Begawan, travelers have a choice of buses operating from 06:00-20:00, water taxis and regular taxis. Most sights are also easily accessible on foot.
Traveling by ship
Liners and water taxis are important modes of transportation nationwide. Water taxis operate between Bandar Seri Begawan and the stilted village of Kampong Ayer near the capital, as well as to Temburong District.
