The capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan is the only town in Brunei of any size.  There are approximately 600,000 people that make this city their home. They are friendly and easy going, so visitors shouldn’t encounter any problems with the populace.

Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque is one of the most magnificent modern mosques that can be found in the East. Built in 1958 near the Brunei River, it boasts its own artificial lagoon. The mosque is huge with a golden dome atop and the inside has walls of the finest Italian marble along with thick carpeting and there is even an elevator. Tourists are often awestruck by this fabulous piece of architecture.

Kampung Ayer is located near the Brunei River as well. Here you will find a collection of 28 water villages of ancient origin. The villages are built upon stilts and approximately 30,000 people call this home. It is a mix of both the ancient and modern and tourists should not miss a visit to this fascinating relic.

If travelers are interested in history and culture, the city has some great museums to explore. The Brunei Museum has traditional exhibits and the Malay Technology Museum sports exhibits on the architecture of the water villages and the technologies utilized by the citizens who once lived in them.

If you want to visit the magnificent palace of the Sultan you can do so if you visit Brunei at the end of Ramadan’s fasting month. It is only then that the Istana Nurul Iman is open for public viewing.

Dining options in Bandar are limited to local eateries or kedai makan found in Bandar’s downtown. Chinese cuisine is quite popular in Brunei so many Chinese restaurants are easily found. For a true Brunei dining experience try the hawker centers found near the Brunei River. They serve delicious steamboats, grilled fresh fish, whole roasted chickens, noodles and satay. The prices are quite reasonable if you are trying to stay on a budget.

If you enjoy nightlife, then Bandar Seri Begawan is not the place to find it. The streets roll up in the capital city by 9pm. But if you are looking for history, culture and beauty, Bandar Seri Begawan will not disappoint.

Brunei is a tiny sultanate whose wealth can be measured in oil. It can be found on the NW coast of Borneo. The sultan is a rich man indeed and the country is a reflection of his astonishing wealth. Statistically the population of Brunei boasts the highest income per capita worldwide, and is a society that is not only subsidized but tax-free as well.

Travelers need to be aware that accommodations in Brunei are astronomical and the only alternative is the youth hostel Pusat Belia which can become quite crowded at times. The accommodations in the mid-price range are said to be not be worth the price, so expect to pay some big bucks when you are looking for a place to hang your hat.

Besides basking in the luxury of Brunei, there are a few things that tourists will enjoy during their holiday. Jerudong Park Playground is one of the attractions that are not to be missed when visiting Brunei.

The park is open from 5:00 PM until 12 midnight and is only open Wednesday through Friday as well as Sundays. It was in 1994 that the sultan commissioned the park to be a gift to the people of Brunei. It was free to enter until the year 2000, but when things began to change, the locals began to lose interest. Visitors to the Park will see many of the rides are not in service, languishing until they are re-insured or waiting for parts to arrive. If you have nothing to do on one of the evenings that the Park is open, you may find it a unique experience to roam the huge grounds that are almost deserted.

Near the Park is the Empire Hotel where tourists can have dinner or tea and feel as if they are royalty as they luxuriate in the lavish surroundings. While there you can get a peek at the palace of the sultan.

A tranquil retreat is Tasek Merimbun also referred to as Merimbun Heritage Park. Here you will find the largest lake in Brunei with trails for walking or hiking. There are also two islands where visitors can engage the local boatman to transport them there. The most fascinating aspect of Tasek Merimbun is its black water, which is the only lake like it in Borneo.

Ulu Temburong National Park is worth a trip, but with permit regulations and procedures you are advised to go with a tour rather than see it on your own. It is a beautiful place where you can walk through the jungle along a walkway in the canopy which will give the visitor a birds-eye view of the rainforest below.

So if you decide to visit Brunei, be sure to bring plenty of cash and credit cards to enjoy the luxury and history that is so much a part of this land. You won’t be sorry you visited, but you may be a little poorer for doing so.