I’m in Brunei Darussalam, my 97th U.N. Country. It has surprised me with its quietness, cleanliness and the way the people live their lives without a nightlife, alcohol and cigarettes. A small, oil rich country country, with a population of about 410,000, Brunei is a tropical Southeast Asian nation on the island of Borneo which is divided among three countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, and the independent Sultanate of Brunei. I’ve been to Malaysia and I will be heading to Indonesia after Brunei and Singapore.
The country is an absolute monarchy, where the Sultan runs the country and serves as both head of state and head of government, leading a society with a culture and legal system that incorporates both English common law and Islamic law.
Yes, the sultan is praised, admired and in control of the country’s finances and economy which is heavily based on its vast oil and natural gas resources. And, with that control, there are no taxes, education and health care are free, and prices are low for fuel and food — including beef raised on ranches the sultan owns in Australia.
Also, unlike the authoritarianism of a country like Turkmenistan, where locals don’t seem visible on the streets and tourists are not allowed to roam on their own, Brunei is different.As a U.S. passport holder, I was not required to even obtain a visa.
To emphasize, “His majesty takes full credit for his people’s happiness. He is, after all, monarch, prime minister, defense minister, finance minister, supreme commander of the armed forces, supreme head of Islam, chief of the Brunei police, head of the petroleum unit and head of broadcasting services. He only grudgingly allowed the legislative council to reconvene two years ago after a 20-year hiatus, and he rewrote the constitution to declare: ‘His majesty the sultan can do no wrong in either his personal or any official capacity,’” according to facts and details.com compiled from a number of publications.
Most of Brunei was destroyed during World War II when the Allies, primarily Australian forces, bombed and fought to liberate the region from Japanese occupation, which had begun in 1941.
Come join me for a wonderful half day private tour in the capital and largest city of Bandar Seri Begawan where I saw pretty much most of the city’s highlights during my brief stay at the Brunei Hotel.
The first stop of my private tour in the largest and capital city Bandar Seri Begawan of Brunei was the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. Built in 1958 and named after the 28th Sultan Of Brunei. The mosque features a main gold-leaf mosaic dome, Italian marble floors, chandeliers from England, and is set in a picturesque lagoon, making it a significant national symbol and tourist attraction. (Sept. 16, 2025)The Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, built in 1958 capital city Bandar Seri Begawan, was named after the 28th Sultan Of Brunei. (Sept. 16, 2025)The Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is a grand, iconic state mosque in the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan was built in 1958 and named after the 28th Sultan, Al-Marhum Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien. The mosque features gold-leaf mosaic domes that’s set in a picturesque lagoon. (Sept. 16, 2025)The Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is a grand, iconic state mosque in the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan was built in 1958 and named after the 28th Sultan, Al-Marhum Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien. The mosque features gold-leaf mosaic domes that’s set in a picturesque lagoon. (Sept. 16, 2025)The front entrance of the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital city of Brunei. (Sept. 16, 2025)Inside the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital city of Brunei. (Sept. 16, 2025)Non-Muslims like myself must wear a robe to enter the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital city of Brunei. Along with the robe, shoes must be removed for all before entering the mosque. (Sept. 16, 2025)The mimbar, inside the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan, is where the imam preaches. It is usually a raised platform, often with steps and sometimes a small enclosed structure or dome, from which the imam delivers the sermon, or khutbah, to the congregation. (Sept. 16, 2025)My tour guide, Fendy opening the car door for me during my half day private tour of sites in the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei. Because people don’t steal and gas is incredibly inexpensive, he can leave the car running so that it is cool to enter. (Sept. 16, 2025)Me at our next stop was the Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei is named after Hassanal Bolkiah the 29th Sultan of Brunei. It is the largest mosque in the nation, spanning 20 acres or 8.1 hectares was given as a gift by the Sultan. The mosque was formally opened July 14, 1994, which happened to be the Sultan’s 48th birthday, after construction started in 1988. (Sept. 16, 2025)The Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan is named after Hassanal Bolkiah the 29th Sultan of Brunei. It is the largest mosque in the nation, spanning 20 acres or 8.1 hectares was given as a gift by the Sultan. The mosque was formally opened July 14, 1994, which happened to be the Sultan’s 48th birthday, after construction started in 1988. (Sept. 16, 2025)The ablution area for men at the entrance way of the Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan. It features water taps, small washing stations, patterned flooring, and soft lighting for ritual purification before prayer. The women have a similar ablution across the way. (Sept. 16, 2025)Inside the Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan. (Sept. 16, 2025)The marble stairs, with 29 steps, honors the current 29th Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah inside the Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan. (Sept. 16, 2025)The beautiful dome stained glass above the marble staircase inside the Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan. (Sept. 16, 2025)The five water fountains by the marble staircase inside the Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan symbolizes both the five daily prayers and the five pillars of Islam. (Sept. 16, 2025)My thoughtful and knowledgeable guide, Fendy, explaining the importance of prayer in the Muslim religion, known as Solat, as the second of the Five Pillars of Islam, an obligatory act of worship performed five times a day facing Mecca. (Sept. 16, 2025)The air-conditioned interior of the Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan was designed with imported materials from across the world, including Persian carpets, Norway marble, Philippine hardwood and Austrian chandelier crystals. (Sept. 16, 2025)The 24-carat gold-plated tiles and black marble stones of the Mihrab and dome above the male prayer hall inside the Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan. (Sept. 16, 2025)The beautiful wood carved wood doors where the Sultan and his family enter the Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan. (Sept. 16, 2025)An exterior side view of the Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan with its 29 golden domes and four minarets is named after Hassanal Bolkiah the 29th Sultan of Brunei. (Sept. 16, 2025)The minarets of the Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan is named after Hassanal Bolkiah the 29th Sultan of Brunei. (Sept. 16, 2025)A close-up of one of the four minarets of the Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan is named after Hassanal Bolkiah the 29th Sultan of Brunei. (Sept. 16, 2025)A close-up of one of the four minarets of the Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan is named after Hassanal Bolkiah the 29th Sultan of Brunei. (Sept. 16, 2025)The Teng Yun Temple is the primary Chinese temple in Bandar Seri Begawan, located across the street from the Kianggeh Market, which we stopped for a visit. The temple was founded by Hokkien immigrants in 1918, the current temple building dates to the 1960s and serves as a significant cultural and religious center for the Chinese community in Brunei. (Sept. 16, 2025)We made a quick stop at the Kianggeh Market a traditional public marketplace in Bandar Seri Begawan for locals where a wide variety of locally sourced goods including tropical fruits and fresh fish, and imported products. (Sept. 16, 2025)The Kianggeh Market, a traditional public marketplace, in Bandar Seri Begawan for locals where a wide variety of locally sourced goods including tropical fruits and fresh fish along with and imported products. (Sept. 16, 2025)The Kianggeh Market, a traditional public marketplace, in Bandar Seri Begawan for locals where a wide variety of locally sourced goods including tropical fruits and fresh fish along with and imported products. (Sept. 16, 2025)The Kianggeh Market, a traditional public marketplace, in Bandar Seri Begawan for locals where a wide variety of locally sourced goods including tropical fruits and fresh fish along with and imported products. (Sept. 16, 2025)Being a Muslim-majority country, Brunei follows a religious dress code that encourages Muslim women to wear the tudong, a traditional head covering, and many women do. However, some Muslim women do not, and there is no official pressure on non-Muslim women to do so. I was also surprised to see many women working at the Kianggeh Market, a traditional public marketplace, in Bandar Seri Begawan. (Sept. 16, 2025)The Sultan of Brunei’s 79th birthday was on July 15, 2025 and the country celebrated the occasion with decorations like this still present in the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan. (Sept. 16, 2025)The Royal Regalia Museum in Bandar Seri Begawan is the home of the Sultan of Brunei’s heirlooms and regalia including exhibits of His Majesty’s Silver and Golden Jubilee celebrations. The museum officially opened Sept. 30, 1992 to mark 25 years of His Majesty the Sultan’s accession to the throne. (Sept. 16, 2025)The Royal Regalia Museum in Bandar Seri Begawan is the home of the Sultan of Brunei’s heirlooms and regalia including exhibits of His Majesty’s Silver and Golden Jubilee celebrations. The museum officially opened Sept. 30, 1992 to mark 25 years of His Majesty the Sultan’s accession to the throne. (Sept. 16, 2025)Inside the crescent-shaped interior of the Royal Regalia Museum in Bandar Seri Begawan where the coronation chariot is the centerpiece of the museum. The chariot was used in the 1968 coronation procession to carry the Sultan through the streets of Brunei. The exhibit serves to highlight and preserve the legacy of the Sultan and the ongoing lineage of Brunei’s absolute monarchy. (Sept. 16,2025)Another view inside the crescent-shaped interior of the Royal Regalia Museum in Bandar Seri Begawan with the 1968 coronation chariot and a display of regalia and weapons carried by the royal entourage. (Sept. 16, 2025)The 1968 coronation chariot inside the crescent-shaped interior of the Royal Regalia Museum in Bandar Seri Begawan. The chariot was used in the 1968 coronation procession to carry the Sultan through the streets of Brunei. (Sept. 16, 2025)Me standing by the 1968 coronation chariot inside the crescent-shaped interior of the Royal Regalia Museum in Bandar Seri Begawan. And, as required in the mosques, shoes cannot be worn inside the museum. (Sept. 16, 2025)The first male born sultans of Brunei genealogy inside the Royal Regalia Museum in Bandar Seri Begawan. (Sept. 16, 2025)Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah is the 29th and current Sultan of Brunei. The full title of the Sultan is: His Majesty The Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam (Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam). He is the eldest son of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III and Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit and the 29th sultan to ascend to the Bruneian throne, following the abdication of his father in 1967. The sultan has been ranked among the wealthiest individuals in the world. As of 2023, Hassanal Bolkiah is said to have a net worth of $50 billion. He is the world’s longest-reigning current monarch and the longest-serving current head of state. (Sept. 16, 2025)The emblem of the Sultan of Brunei inside the Royal Regalia Museum in Bandar Seri Begawan. The crown is designed after the brocade turbans of past sultans, while the crescent is a symbol of Islam, and the parasol and wings signify the monarchy and protection of justice, tranquility, prosperity, and peace. (Sept. 16, 2025)A father and sons portrait at the Royal Regalia Museum in Bandar Seri Begawan of the current Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah (left) with his father Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III and his brother, Prince Mohamed Bolkiah. (Sept. 16, 2025)A Royal family portrait inside the Royal Regalia Museum in Bandar Seri Begawan. (Sept. 16, 2025)A portrait of the 29th sultan inside the Royal Regalia Museum in Bandar Seri Begawan who married his first cousin and first wife, Pengiran Anak Saleha at Istana Darul Hana on July 29, 1965. They have six children together, but the sultan has 12 children: five princes and seven princesses. He has married and divorced two other wives. Under Muslim law, a man is allowed to have up to four wives. Pengiran Anak Saleha remains his wife and is the mother of Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah, the heir apparent and the successor to the throne. She is known as the Raja Isteri (Queen Consort). (Sept. 16, 2025)A portrait gallery of the Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah inside the Royal Regalia Museum in Bandar Seri Begawan. He also serves as the Prime Minister of Brunei since its independence from the United Kingdom in 1984. He is among the world’s few remaining absolute monarchs. (Sept. 16, 2025)Looking down from the second floor at the Silver Jubilee Chariot displayed inside the Royal Regalia Museum in Bandar Seri Begawan showcasing the gilded chariot in celebration of the Sultan of Brunei’s Silver Jubilee on Oct. 5, 1992. The traditional procession around the city marked the sultan’s 25 years since his accession to the throne, with a great deal of pomp and ceremony. (Sept. 16, 2025)Looking down from the second floor at the Silver Jubilee Chariot displayed inside the Royal Regalia Museum in Bandar Seri Begawan showcasing the gilded chariot in celebration of the Sultan of Brunei’s Silver Jubilee on Oct. 5, 1992. The traditional procession around the city marked the sultan’s 25 years since his accession to the throne, with a great deal of pomp and ceremony. (Sept. 16, 2025)Looking down from the second floor at the Silver Jubilee Chariot displayed inside the Royal Regalia Museum in Bandar Seri Begawan showcasing the gilded chariot in celebration of the Sultan of Brunei’s Silver Jubilee on Oct. 5, 1992. The traditional procession around the city marked the sultan’s 25 years since his accession to the throne, with a great deal of pomp and ceremony. (Sept. 16, 2025)The Silver Jubilee Chariot on display inside the Royal Regalia Museum in Bandar Seri Begawan is the chariot used during the Sultan of Brunei’s 1992 silver-jubilee procession, along with the regalia and weapons carried by the royal entourage. (Sept. 16, 2025)The Silver Jubilee Chariot on display inside the Royal Regalia Museum in Bandar Seri Begawan is the chariot used during the Sultan of Brunei’s 1992 silver-jubilee procession, along with the regalia and weapons carried by the royal entourage. (Sept. 16, 2025)A close-up of the Silver Jubilee Chariot on display inside the Royal Regalia Museum in Bandar Seri Begawan is the chariot used during the Sultan of Brunei’s 1992 silver-jubilee procession, along with the regalia and weapons carried by the royal entourage. (Sept. 16, 2025)The Silver Jubilee Chariot on display inside the Royal Regalia Museum in Bandar Seri Begawan is the chariot used during the Sultan of Brunei’s 1992 silver-jubilee procession, along with the regalia and weapons carried by the royal entourage. (Sept. 16, 2025)The Silver Jubilee Chariot on display inside the Royal Regalia Museum in Bandar Seri Begawan is the chariot used during the Sultan of Brunei’s 1992 silver-jubilee procession, along with the regalia and weapons carried by the royal entourage. (Sept. 16, 2025)The entrance to the Silver Jubilee Gallery on the ground floor of the Royal Regalia Museum in Bandar Seri Begawan. (Sept. 16, 2025)An intricate and quite stunning miniature replica of the Throne Room inside the Istana Nurul Iman palace where the royal family lives can be seen in the the Silver Jubilee Gallery on the ground floor of the Royal Regalia Museum in Bandar Seri Begawan. This is where the sultan welcomed head of states and dignitaries at his official residence on the occasion of his Silver Jubliee anniversary. The I2 crystal chandeliers, the columned walls on the foreground are made of gold leaf mosiacs following the actual columns of the throne room. (Sept. 16, 2025)Dresses on display in the Silver Jubilee Gallery of the Royal Regalia Museum in Bandar Seri Begawan worn by the Sultan’s two consorts. Queen Saleha’s costume is decorated with gold and diamonds, while the Sultan’s then second wife, Pengiran Isteri Hajah Mariam’s costume was decorated with gold and pearls. (Sept. 16, 2025)The parking lot of the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassan Bolkiah Complex also known as the Yayasan Shopping Complex is just as clean as the remainder of the city of Bandar Seri Begawan. Also, love the uniformity of all the cars parked in reverse into the parking space. (Sept. 16, 2025)Entering the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassan Bolkiah Complex also known as the Yayasan Shopping Complex, is a shopping and commercial hub in Bandar Seri Begawan, officially opened in 1996 by the Sultan. (Sept. 16, 2025)The Yayasan Food Court at the Yayasan Shopping Complex in Bandar Seri Begawan, officially opened in 1996 by the Sultan. (Sept. 16, 2025)A selection of traditional food which includes beef, fish, rice and vegetables at the Yayasan Food Court inside the Yayasan Shopping Complex in Bandar Seri Begawan. (Sept. 16, 2025)My incredible guide, Fendy, delivering my lunch at the Yayasan Food Court inside the Yayasan Shopping Complex in Bandar Seri Begawan. (Sept. 16, 2025)Me with what I consider a lot of food that was quite tasty and well seasoned at the Yayasan Food Court inside the Yayasan Shopping Complex in Bandar Seri Begawan. From left: beef, soy beans with red sauce, chicken with turmeric cause and green pumpkin and white rice. (Sept. 16, 2025)Decorations along the streets from the Sultan of Brunei’s 79th birthday on July 15th in Bandar Seri Begawan. (Sept. 16, 2025)On my boat ride around Brunei’s Water Village or Kampong Ayer over the Brunei River in the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan is considered the world’s largest water settlement, featuring stilted houses. Although people still live in the area, it is facing challenges like diminishing population, waste management, and the impact of a modern lifestyle on traditional practices. (Sept. 16, 2025)Brunei’s Water Village or Kampong Ayer in the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan is considered the world’s largest water settlement, featuring stilted houses and a functioning community with amenities like shops, mosques, and schools accessible by water taxi and boardwalks. Although people still live in the area, it has and continues to face a diminished population with many of the houses unoccupied. (Sept. 16, 2025)Brunei’s Water Village or Kampong Ayer in the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan is considered the world’s largest water settlement, featuring stilted houses and a functioning community with amenities like shops, mosques, and schools accessible by water taxi and boardwalks. Although people still live in the area, it has and continues to face a diminished population with many of the houses unoccupied. (Sept. 16, 2025)A water taxi providing transportation from one of the many Jetis at Brunei’s Water Village or Kampong Ayer in Bandar Seri Begawan is considered the world’s largest water settlement, featuring stilted houses. As a major historical and cultural heritage of Brunei, there has been increasing concern on the survival of Kampong Ayer in modern times. This is factored by the emigration and relocation of the inhabitants to land. (Sept. 16, 2025)The numbered jetties at the Brunei’s Water Village or Kampong Ayer are piers or docks used for both public and private access to the houses built on stilts. These jetties are an important part of the village, acting as a landing area for water taxis. The numbered jetties help people find their way through the complex layout of the village. (Sept. 16, 2025)The numbered jetties at the Brunei’s Water Village or Kampong Ayer are piers or docks used for both public and private access to the houses built on stilts. These jetties are an important part of the village, acting as a landing area for water taxis. The numbered jetties help people find their way through the complex layout of the village. (Sept. 16, 2025)The fire department in Brunei’s Water Village or Kampong Ayer in Bandar Seri Begawan is considered the world’s largest water settlement, featuring stilted houses. (Sept. 16, 2025)The fire department in Brunei’s Water Village or Kampong Ayer in Bandar Seri Begawan is considered the world’s largest water settlement, featuring stilted houses. (Sept. 16, 2025)The stilted houses of Brunei’s Water Village or Kampong Ayer in Bandar Seri Begawan. (Sept. 16, 2025)The stilted houses and jeti of Brunei’s Water Village or Kampong Ayer in Bandar Seri Begawan. (Sept. 16, 2025)The stilted houses and jeti of Brunei’s Water Village or Kampong Ayer in Bandar Seri Begawan. (Sept. 16, 2025)The stilted houses and jeti of Brunei’s Water Village or Kampong Ayer in Bandar Seri Begawan. (Sept. 16, 2025)The waste management group that cleans the water every two hours along Brunei’s Water Village or Kampong Ayer in Bandar Seri Begawan. (Sept. 16, 2025)Arriving at the stilted home of our boat driver’s family in Brunei’s Water Village or Kampong Ayer in Bandar Seri Begawan along the Brunei River. (Sept. 16, 2025)The front porch area of our boatman’s silted house in Brunei’s Water Village or Kampong Ayer in Bandar Seri Begawan. (Sept. 16, 2025)The air conditioned living room area of our boatman’s stilted house in Brunei’s Water Village or Kampong Ayer in Bandar Seri Begawan. (Sept. 16, 2025)The dining room area of our boatman’s stilted house in Brunei’s Water Village or Kampong Ayer in Bandar Seri Begawan. (Sept. 16, 2025)The dining room area of our boatman’s stilted house in Brunei’s Water Village or Kampong Ayer in Bandar Seri Begawan. (Sept. 16, 2025)The kitchen area of our boatman’s stilted house in Brunei’s Water Village or Kampong Ayer in Bandar Seri Begawan. (Sept. 16, 2025)A family portrait of our boatman’s family including his parents, siblings and their families. Although 8 to 12 family members have lived in the bedroom stilted house in the Water Village or Kampong Ayer in Bandar Seri Begawan, only four live there now, the boatman, his wife and their two children. With the Sultan offering some 2,000 homes a year on land, many have chosen to leave the Water Village. (Sept. 16, 2025)My guide, Fendy, waiting on our boatman to pull up to the dock stairs so we can board and head back to the shoreline of Bandar Seri Begawan. (Sept. 16, 2025)Heading back to the shoreline of Bandar Seri Begawan from the Water Village or Kampong Ayer over the Brunei River with views of the first cable-stayed bridge, the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha Bridge, commonly known as Sungai Kebun Bridge. Named after Queen Saleha, the queen consort of the current Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah it is the country’s first cable-stayed bridge and its tower is the tallest structure in the country. (Sept. 16, 2025)Heading back to the shoreline of Bandar Seri Begawan from the Water Village or Kampong Ayer over the Brunei River with views of the first cable-stayed bridge, the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha Bridge, commonly known as Sungai Kebun Bridge. Named after Queen Saleha, the queen consort of the current Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah it is the country’s first cable-stayed bridge and its tower is the tallest structure in the country. (Sept. 16, 2025)The last stop of the tour was at the front gate of the Istana Nurul Iman, the official residence of the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, and the seat of the Brunei government in the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan. Unfortunately my invitation to tour the palace was lost in the mail. (Sept. 16, 2025)Me at the front gate of the Istana Nurul Iman palace, the official residence of the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, and the seat of the Brunei government in the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan. (Sept. 16, 2025)A photo of the Istana Nurul Iman palace, the official residence of the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, and the seat of the Brunei government from the Royal Regalia Museum in Bandar Seri Begawan. The palace is said to contain 1,788 rooms, which includes 257 bathrooms, a banquet hall that can be expanded to accommodate up to 5,000 guests, and a mosque accommodating 1,500 people. The palace also includes a 110-car garage, an air conditioned stable for the Sultan’s 200 polo ponies, and five swimming pools. (Sept. 16, 2025)
For my second and last full day in Brunei, before heading to Singapore, I just took a leisurely walk around the downtown area of Bandar Seri Begawan where my hotel, the Brunei Hotel is located. Decided to have a restful day while also getting some writing done.
Although I had no idea what to expect from this country, I did enjoy the peacefulness and sense of safety I felt while staying here. I did findit odd that most of the capital city’s main attractions revolve around the Sultan and that he is literally an absolute monarch serving as head of all the country’s leadership roles as well as being the head of the Islamic faith in Brunei. I don’t know what it’s like to live in a country that is basically ruled by one person, but unchecked authority based on royal lineage feels too much like dictatorship to me.
And, even though it was a short stay, and more than enough time to visit the city, I’m glad I spent this time in Brunei.
The Brunei Hotel where I stayed while in the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan. (Sept. 17, 2025)My room inside the Brunei Hotel where I stayed while in the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan. (Sept. 17, 2025)My room inside the Brunei Hotel where I stayed while in the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan. (Sept. 16, 2025)My bathroom inside the Brunei Hotel where I stayed while in the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan. (Sept. 17, 2025)The views of the Brunei River from my room inside the Brunei Hotel where I stayed while in the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan. (Sept. 17, 2025)The views of the Brunei River from my room inside the Brunei Hotel where I stayed while in the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan. (Sept. 17, 2025)Took a walk around the downtown area of Brunei is Bandar Seri Begawan, the country’s capital and largest city. (Sept. 17, 2025)Took a walk around the downtown area of Brunei is Bandar Seri Begawan, the country’s capital and largest city. (Sept. 17, 2025)Took a walk around the downtown area of Brunei is Bandar Seri Begawan, the country’s capital and largest city. (Sept. 17, 2025)Took a walk around the downtown area of Brunei is Bandar Seri Begawan, the country’s capital and largest city. (Sept. 17, 2025)The shopping center in the downtown area of Brunei is Bandar Seri Begawan, the country’s capital and largest city. (Sept. 17, 2025)The shopping center in the downtown area of Brunei is Bandar Seri Begawan, the country’s capital and largest city. (Sept. 17, 2025)Arriving at the Brunei International Airport for my direct flight to Singapore. I pre-arranged a pickup service from the airport through m hote, the Hotel Brunei and they also arranged my transportation back to the airport. (Sept. 18, 2025)
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