Brunei Holiday
Brunei is renowned for its wealth and extremely high standard of living - and the many sights on view for the visitor are equally lavish.
Brunei may be geographically small, but this oil-rich sultanate lying on the north-west coast of Borneo is anything but a forgotten backwater.
Famous for its stupendous wealth, Brunei's 350,000 people enjoy one of the highest per capita incomes anywhere on earth.
But if this sounds like it is too good to be true, why not go and see for yourself?
Oil is the simple reason behind Brunei's spectacular economic boom during the course of the 20th century.
However, while oil has transformed Brunei from an insignificant sultanate on the other side of the world to one of the most vibrant and wealthiest in the world, it has also seen a swift rise in the cost of living.
Visitors will find Brunei considerably more expensive than Malaysia or Singapore, with hotel prices in the capital of Bandar Seri Begawan almost double those in nearby Kota Kinabalu or Miri.
Nevertheless, expense should not put visitors off coming to experience the heady fusion of majestic opulence with tradition respect.
Indeed, the capital should be the starting point for any tourist to Brunei. Bandar Seri Begawan is the centre of Brunei's cultural landscape, playing host to some of the nation's most revered landmarks.
The breathtaking Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is an awe-inspiring tribute to the power of faith, while the truly Bruneian Kampong Ayer water village offers a glimpse of the nation’s quaint Asian charm.
The golden spires adorning Istana Nurul Iman, home of the The Sultan, form a striking backdrop for a spectacular Bruneian sunset.
The lavish residence is the largest palace in the world, featuring a unique blend of contemporary and traditional Islamic architecture that has earned it a legendary status.
However, there is a common misconception that Brunei is an extremely conservative society.
Visitors to Brunei should endeavour to see the Tasik Merimbun, also known as Merimbun Heritage Park. Located 27km inland from Tutong, it is a pretty, tranquil spot surrounded by forest filled with monkeys and birds. Wooden walkways lead around Brunei's largest lake to picnic pavilions.
The Ulu Temburong National Park is another ecological marvel, offering visitors the chance to see rare orchids with huge blooms, playful monkeys and rivers snaking through uncharted forests, experienced from above or below the forest canopy.
Brunei lies 440km north of the equator, thus enjoying a tropical climate. Hot and humid conditions, with temperatures in the high 20s are common throughout the year. However, the wet season usually runs from November to February, so visit outside these months if you want to avoid the rain.
Brunei is not a typical holiday destination, in that the products of its wealth are the main attraction. The Sultan of the tiny country most certainly intends to enjoy his luxury, building some of the most opulent buildings on earth that simply have to be seen to be appreciated.
Nearly 70 per cent of Brunei's population consist of Malays and indigenes from the larger ethnic groups; while the rest are Chinese, Indians, smaller indigenous tribes and expats. This cosmopolitan dynamic ensures a friendly and international flavour that adds another dimension to Brunei's appeal.
