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Affluent Brunei  

Sandip Hor visits a wonderland that’s filled with contentment and more

Brunei is a tiny but serene and peaceful nation, one where religion and opulence blend harmoniously. Since the 14th century, Muslim rulers (known as sultans) have ruled the region; and until the discovery of oil in 1929, Brunei functioned as an ordinary seaport.

However, the wealth generated from the sale of its petroleum products soon transformed Brunei into being one of the richest nations in the world.

In the late 19th century, Brunei became a protectorate of the British government, which meant that its sultan managed all internal issues while the colonial power supervised external relationships.

In 1984, the British ceased all such arrangements by granting full independence to Brunei and handing over power to Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.

He is the 29th Sultan of Brunei and has sat on the throne since 1968, a year after his father relinquished it. The ruler’s current wealth (estimated to be around US$ 30 billion) and his binge spending have generated gossip in the media worldwide.

It’s said that he owns countless luxury cars and private jets – some crafted with gold – and an opulent home that’s the world’s largest residential royal abode, according to Guinness World Records.

Brunei’s affluence is enjoyed by its 450,000 people who do not pay taxes – and they enjoy free education, healthcare and subsidised housing. Showcasing a unique blend of welfare and opulence, tradition and modernity, Brunei rewards all those who visit with a chance to savour its cuisine, culture, architecture and pristine natural surroundings.

WHERE TO STAY Brunei has plenty of accommodation choices, most of which are located in the capital Bandar Seri Begawan. The Brunei Hotel offers a comfortable stay at reasonable rates.

WHAT TO EAT The country is teeming with a wide selection of eateries to satisfy all foodies. Not to be missed is the sago-based ambuyat, which is uniquely Bruneian, at the Aminah Arif Restaurant.

Other favourites include roti kuning at the Chop Jing Chew cafe and delicious Indian food at Riwaz, which is an in-house restaurant at the Radisson Hotel in the capital. And Gadong Night Market is the place to go for tasty street food.

WHERE TO SHOP Brunei is a land of treasures with plenty of interesting gifts to fill your bags. These include shopping malls, local bazaars and night markets. Gadong is the destination’s premium shopping quarter.

WHERE TO GO The country is divided into four districts. Bandar Seri Begawan in the Brunei-Muara District is the political and commercial capital, and home to the international airport as well as the site of most of the key iconic attractions.

There are two mosques – the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque built in 1958 and the Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque built in 1994. Both are architectural wonders and have their domes made of 24-carat gold. The dome of the Sultan’s palace is also made of pure gold.

Some of the other attractions to visit in the capital are the Royal Regalia Museum, Maritime Museum, Islamic Calligraphy and Art Study Centre, and Brunei Energy Hub.

For nature lovers, a trip to the pristine rainforests in the Temburong District is recommended. The bonus of journeying to this neck of the woods is to travel along the newly built 30 kilometre long bridge across the sea.

Another option for getting closer to nature is to take a leisurely cruise along the mangrove lined Brunei River, which flows through the capital. This trip is a mandatory activity for visitors, particularly to spot proboscis monkeys in the edging forests, crocodiles in the flowing water and a closer glimpse of Kampong Ayer.

This famous water village in Brunei comprises neighbourhoods of traditional houses, schools and mosques built on stilts above the riverbed.