Brunei in Brief - Negara Brunei Darussalam means State of Brunei, “the Abode of Peace”. Brunei is a small Islamic Sultanate on the North West coast of Borneo, with a population of 343,000 and a total land area of 5,765 sq. kilometers. It is an important source of oil and natural gas for the expanding markets of Asia and the Far East.

Brunei History - One called 'Poli' or 'Puni' by sixth century Chinese historians, Brunei's exposure to Islam started as far back as the 5th century. Brunei's empire once extended throughout Borneo, the southern parts of the Philippines and parts of Indonesia. When European influence spread throughout the region, Brunei's territory and power declined. Brunei Darussalam, however, was never a colony.

Travel Information - Malaysian, Singaporean, and British Nationals (with right of abode in UK) are exempted from visas to visits of up to 30 days. Nationals from Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea , Belgium, Sweden, Liechtenstein, Lumbourge, Norway, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the Republic of Maldives, and New Zealand are exempted from visas for 14-day visits.

Entry Formalities - The Government of Brunei Darussalam requires visitors to be in possession of a valid passport.

Communications - The telecommunication system in Brunei Darussalam is on par with the best in Southeast Asia, serving the country with fixed phone and two earth satellite for worldwide IDD, telex and facsimile links. All hotels in Brunei are equipped with these services.

Eating in Brunei - Gadong has a good mixed of restaurants offering Asian cuisine. This includes Chinese, Lebanese, Indonesian, Indian, Thai and Japanese food, as well as speciality outlets for seafood and Nyonya. Many are family-run enterprises with a comfortable, friendly atmosphere.

Getting Around - Many of Brunei's places of interest actually lie within a comfortable stroll of each other in the heart of the capital city, Bandar Seri Begawan. These include the elegant Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, the Royal Regalia Building, the Brunei History Centre and the riverside Yayasan shopping complex. However a comprehensive public transport system accesses these as well as destinations further a field.