This information has been compiled for your reference in good faith but please use this only as a general guide. We advise you to check with relevant authorities with regard to the latest requirement for passport, visa, travel advisory, entry restrictions, health requirements, local currency etc as these are subjected to change with without prior notice and our information given below may not be as updated.

Best time to go : There is no good or bad season to visit Brunei. You are likely to encounter warm, humid weather and at least some precipitation whenever you come, so whether you are coming for the shopping, the rain forest or the beach, its good idea to bring along lightweight rain gear.Northeast monsoon December to March ; Southwest monsoon June to September.

The rainforests of Brunei are home to some of the world’s rarest wildlife species.Although only a small country, Brunei has managed to conserve 70% of its rainforests despite the pressures of development.

Visa : New Zealand passport holders do not require a Visa to enter Brunei. Entry Stamp for 30 days is given free of charge on arrival. Please ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the expected date of departure of Brunei.

Brunei has the largest residential palace in the world. The Istana Nurul Iman is the formal residence of Brunei’s Sultan. It also serves as the seat of the country’s government.

Currency :The value of the Brunei dollars (which is divided into 100 cent) is on par with Singapore dollars.Denomination of currency notes or coins in circulation - $1, $5, $10, $20, $25, $50, $100, $500, $1000 and $10,000.There is no restriction on the import or export of money. Banks, hotels and many department stores will readily cash traveller’s cheques and other commercial banks operate teller machines.  Hotels, big stores and few restaurants accept major credit cards.Singapore Bank notes are commonly acceptable in Brunei (but not the coins).

Brunei has an entire settlement supported by stilts on a river. Often called as the "Venice of the East", the Kampong Ayer is a historical settlement on the Brunei River.

Health : Brunei does not have any particular health risk but general hygienic conditions are not the same as in New Zealand. There are a few precautions recommended – avoid eating food exposed to natural elements, ensure that mineral water bottle is properly sealed when you buy it, cover arms and legs in the evening to avoid mosquito bites. Carry your general medication with you and consult your doctor well in advance to prepare for the trip.

The Sultan of Brunei is the world’s second longest reigning current monarch. Hassanal Bolkiah, the current reigning Monarch of Brunei, ascended the throne on October 5, 1967.

Food and Drinks : Mineral water is recommended but please ensure that it’s properly sealed before you buy it. The cuisine of Brunei is heavily influenced by its neighbouring countries like Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, as well as India, China, Thailand and Japan. Being a predominately Islamic country, food is halal and pork is avoided. Alcohol is also banned in Brunei. Food in Brunei is often spicy and meals are usually accompanied by either rice or noodles.

Brunei has a monument celebrating the billionth barrel of oil produced. Oil is vital to the economy of Brunei.

Public Transport: Brunei's public transport system consist of travel by buses, water taxis and renting a car. There are very limited bus routes and it is not much extensive. Water taxi are traditional boats used to travel between the city and water villages like Kampong Ayer. Local taxi can be booked through local tour operator.
 

Safety & security : Like in any other part of the world, a few precautions need to be taken to avoid any problems. Please do not leave your bags unattended at any times. Please use safe deposit in your hotel room or Reception to keep your money or valuables including passport. When you leave the room, it is recommended that you lock your suitcase. It is also recommended to carry a copy of your passport including the visa page.

Police advise individuals against hiking alone in the forest, including at well-known recreation areas. It’s easy to get lost when visiting the rainforest. Use recognised and well-known guides, and stay on the footpaths.

Traffic will not always stop at red lights or pedestrian crossings. Speeding and non use of seatbelts is common. Road conditions are generally good but you should take extra care while driving through heavy rain as road surfaces are uneven.

The name Brunei was derived from two words meaning "that's it!”. According to history, when first landing on Brunei, Awang Alak Betatar, the man who later founded the Sultanate of Brunei, exclaimed: “Baru nah” which means "that's it!”

Clothing : Brunei offers a tropical climate and therefore lightweight cottons and linens are acceptable all year.  Brunei is an Islamic country and as such, strict dress codes are in place.  Tourists are advised to try to abide by the dress code, therefore women should have their arms and shoulders and knees covered.  Muslim women wear a head scarf in public places and in government offices, but this is not necessary for visitors.  Short shorts, mini skirts and tank tops are not really accepted.  If visitors are not dressed properly, they may be denied access to mosques and other religious or sacred areas.  (Head coverings are available for women to borrow when entering mosques).

Brunei is considered to be the most observant Islamic nation in Southeast Asia.There are plenty of beautiful mosques.

Language : Official language of Brunei is Malay but English is widely spoken. The local dialect, Melayu Brunei (Brunei Malay), is the most widely spoken language. It is spoken by about 266,000 people. About 84% of its words are cognate with Standard Malay, while 94% are reported to be cognate with Kedayan.

The Sultan of Brunei is the absolute monarch of the nation. He serves as the Prime Minister, Defence Minister, and Finance Minister of the country.

Gratuities: Most of the restaurants include service charge in the bills, hence you do not need to tip the waiters. Hotel Bell Boys, guides and your driver would expect some gratuities. Tipping is not mandatory but it is highly appreciated by the people who serve you.  We suggest following tips - local guides:  NZD 6 to 10 per service, drivers NZD 4 to 6 per service, waiter NZD 2 to 4 per service.

Airport tax : There is a, airport tax of RM 45 pp payable directly on international departure. Domestic taxes are included in the air tickets issued by our local operators.

The literacy rate in Brunei is estimated at 92.7% of the population.

Internet : Brunei's Internet service is monopolized by Telekom Brunei. ADSL speeds were ranging from 512 kbit/s to the maximum speed of 1 Mbit/s through ADSL2+ broadband. 1 Mbit/s was introduced in 2006. There have 3 types of internet use for Brunei: DST.com, Progressif cellular & Tel Bru. There are many places in Brunei for you to get a free internet. Such as Café, Cyber, Tel Bru Network (30 Minutes / day only) by registering your information and fill in contact number follow by a Brunei SIM card.

Telephone : Dialing Code for Brunei: +673. It is advisable for you to buy a new SIM card for your easier to keep in touch with people at home.

Time Difference : Brunei is 4 hours behind New Zealand from April to September and 5 hours from October to March.

Photography :When taking a photograph of locals, it is customary to ask for permission.

Brunei is a part of Borneo Island which is the third largest island on earth, only behind Greenland and New Guinea.

Electricity : Voltage supply in Brunei is 240 volts and square 3-pin plugs are used. Please visit this website for more information on plugs : http://kropla.com/electric2.htm

General : Brunei is not a country that tops international travel charts. It’s a tightly regulated country that has had its own share of international blunders in the past. However, if you look beneath the surface, you will find a rich and beautiful nation with a lot to offer to those who love cultural and wildlife exploration. It is not a country that gets a lot of travelers, so in a way, you will get to explore the untouched habitats that are still far away from being commercialized. All you have to do is find out when to visit Brunei, and you’re good to go!

Islam is the official religion of Brunei Darussalam as stated in the Brunei Constitution, with His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan as the head of the Islamic faith in the country. Thus Islam plays a central role in the life of every Muslim in Brunei Darussalam. Other faiths practiced in the State include Christianity and Buddhism

Bandar Seri Begawan

The City of Bander Seri Begawan is the Capital of Brunei with an area of about 16 sq. km spreading on the northern banks of the Brunei River.The beautiful Mosques, museums, and the famed Water Village of Brunei (Kampong Ayer) are located here. Here you can see the country’s most generous mosque - Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque.

Muara

Muara which is only about 41 km to the north east of Bandar Seri Begawan is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Brunei. Here is the chief deep-water port of the country located.Famous Muara beach provides the most spectacular sunsets in the region.

Seria

Seria is the hub of oil and gas industry. It is a tiny city in Brunei Darussalam’s Belait District that is about 100 km from the capital. The main tourist attractions in Seria are the Seria Mosque, Oil and Gas Discovery Center, Billionth Barrel Monument, Sungei Seria estuary.

Kuala Belait

Kuala Belait is located in the southwest of the country and it is the second most populous urban center in Brunei. This city is known as the Belait District’s administrative center and is bordered by the South China Sea to the north. Kuala Belait derived its name from Belait River. The city was originally a small fishing village populated by fishermen. The major tourist attractions are Jubilee, Kuala Belait Boat Club, Tudong Saji Market, and Istana Mangelella residence of the Sultan of Brunei.