BRU WHATT?? WHEREEE???

As an international student studying here in the UEA, the most common question I would get from everyone was what my name was followed by where I'm from. Being from a small country like Brunei, the most common reply I would get is "what? where's that?" or "I didn't even know that place existed..." I'm here to tell you exactly where Brunei is, the hidden treasures that can be found in Brunei and what it's like living in a small country like Brunei. 

Brunei on the Map

Brunei Darussalam (pronounced as bruu-nai-dah-ru-sa-lam), meaning the Abode of Peace, is a small nation located on the Island of Borneo in South East Asia. Brunei has a rough area of 5,765 square kilometers of land with an estimated population of 434,076 as of October 2018, 0.05% of the population of London. Brunei is divided into 4 main districts which are Brunei-Muara, Tutong, Belait and Temburong, and these different districts are accessible via land or water transport. The capital city of Brunei Darussalam is Bandar Seri Begawan which is home to the infamous, Kampong Ayer (Water Village). This village is accessible for all locals and tourists with motor boats that cost less than BND 5 (roughly less than £3) for a single ride. 

Motor Boats in Kampong Ayer Brunei

Kampong Ayer Brunei

Besides that, an Ecopark located in the middle of the capital of Brunei was launched in October 2017. This is also accessible to all locals and tourists anytime of the day. This is such a beautiful place to be surrounded by nature in the morning, and it's just so astonishing at night with all the bright and colourful lights filling the entire park. 

Ecopark Brunei in the Morning/Afternoon

Ecopark Brunei at Night 

If you're looking for a relaxing place to go for a holiday then Brunei is for you!! Empire Hotel and Country Club is located close to the beach which allows many different activities to take place here. Not only is it a 5 star hotel, it offers many many different activities, not only for guest but visitors as well. You can go kayaking for BND 5/45 mins (which is roughly £2.50) and even swimming for BND 10 for the entire day (approximately £5). You can even go strolling on the beach and watch the sunset which I can say for myself, is so beautiful and relaxing. 

The view from a hotel room at Empire hotel 

Empire Hotel in Brunei

Besides that, the different beaches in Brunei offers ATV activities for just BND10/30 mins (approximately £5) and you can roam around the beach freely with these. I can vouch for this when i say, it is so amazing to be riding on these ATV when the sun is about to set. Truly beautiful. 

ATV in Pantai Tungku, Brunei

But let's not forget, one of the best things about Brunei is the FOODDDD!! Brunei has wide range of food ranging from local delicacies to other worldwide food such as Korean food, Japanese food, Indian food, Thai Food and many many more. The best thing besides it's taste is that they're really really inexpensive. You can get a plate of rice with chicken, egg and sambal (chilli) for typically £2 and sometimes even £0.50 depending on where u get it from. 

Chop Jing Chew Buns - filled with Butter, kaya and Peanuts
(cost less than £1 each)

Saphira Cake House, Brunei- different variance of local delicacies 
(cost less than £2 for a few pieces)

Nasi Lemak - rice with chicken, egg and sambal (chilli)
(typically cost less than £2 but some can cost £0.50)

There are many other amazing things about Brunei but I hope what I have mentioned above will give a little more insight on where and what Brunei has to offer. I can vouch for it when I say Brunei is definitely a beautiful place that is worth the visit. 

- Jie Chie Yong (Brunei and Singapore International Ambassador)