4 Interesting Things I Discovered in Brunei Darussalam: A Tiny Nation of Intrigue and 'Black Gold' on the World's Oldest Island!

There’s no doubt about it, Brunei is one of the richest countries on the planet. A little smaller than the US state of Delaware, it has the 10th highest GDP in the world. It is also an interesting destination and worth investigating if you’re Borneo bound. 

These are the four interesting things I discovered during my short working trip to one of the East ASEAN Growth Area (EAGA) countries with untapped treasures. 

1) Black Gold

This tiny country located on the north western coast of Borneo island is better known for its abundant reserves of oil and gas together with its downstream activities in the industry. Being a small British protectorate it's prospects for the future changed overnight with the discovery of oil in 1929. I understand that oil was discovered near the Seria River and since then Brunei has produced over six billion barrels of crude oil! At present they produce about 200,000 barrels a day. 

The good times have rolled ever since, particularly after the former British protectorate gained its independence in January 1984. As a rich oil producing country, the people of Brunei are bestowed many benefits such as not having to pay income tax whilst enjoying free education and healthcare. 

2) Hudud Law

Since it’s independence Brunei has practiced an Islamic Monarchy represented by His Majesty ‘The Sultan’.  

Brunei is officially Islamic country practicing Sunni Islam ruled by it's all powerful Sultan who also holds the Prime Minister's, Finance and Defense portfolios. It practices Islamic Hudud laws where the principle form of punishment is by way of caning. The punishment for homosexuality is being stoned to death although this has yet to be meted out. 

Jame’ Asr Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan

A most memorable aspect of my visit to Brunei was stopping by this mosque. The sheer elegance and opulence of its architecture and decorations simply took my breath away. 

3) The People and the Surroundings 

I consider myself to be very fortunate to be able to visit this tiny country. For me, gold may well be the colour of Brunei but, so, too, is green. Driving around the capital city I can see so much green everywhere. 

When I first landed in Brunei, what greeted was a small quant and clean city much unlike a robust bustling international city like Singapore. Brunei for me is about the contrasting  convenience of the modern world with the sense of serenity found only in nature. Being a small and affluent nation has made it possible for Brunei to develop its infrastructure and roads, importing foreign goods and services, whilst continuing to preserve its natural resources and heritage. 

The hospitality of the Bruneian people made me feel so much welcome in this 'city of gold'. Not only was I offered airport transfers and accommodation in a luxurious hotel in the city but was also given a city tour in the short period of time I was there despite my hectic schedule. 

What is more, with a population of less than 500,000 people, Bruneians are a fairly tolerant people and are easy to make friends with.

Delegations from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines

4) The Water Village - Kampung Ayer

A water boat ride along Kampung Ayer (or Water Village) is the best way to get acquainted with Brunei’s history and heritage. 

As long as I can remember, their traditional dance Adai Adai had captured my imagination. Many years ago when I was still actively dancing, I  used to do this dance  during the Sabah Fest in 1994 together with some other traditional dances as well. 

Adai-Adai is a traditional Brunei Malay dance that originated from Kampung Ayer. It depicts life in Brunei’s water villages where fishing was the main livelihood of the people back then.

Although there has been a recent trend to move towards dry land and modern buildings, a significant percentage of the Bandar population still lives in this village area. The villagers usually park their car at the available parking lots and just return home in boats. This is a routine life for most of them. To drive to the village it would take about 40 minutes by road. 

The long wait for a bridge, however will be ending soon when a new bridge will be opened to the public by October 10th this year. This will undoubtedly help the villagers to have a faster and more convenient access to the city.

I'm happy to share some pictures I took during my short visit to Brunei for your reading pleasures. 

I believe there is still a lot more to discover in Brunei and would probably do that on my next visit. My next destination will take me to Labuan. Till my next experience - LABUAN Island: The East Malaysia Pearl of the Orient.

Cheers!

(@madeve is currently the presiding Chairperson for the Socio-Cultural and Education Pillar, BIMP-EAGA Business Council, Sabah Chapter. The views expressed here are the author’s own and do not represent that of her present and past affiliations)