Brunei Stopover

Hi we are spending four days in Brunei beginning of April 2006 hopefully staying at The Empire and would like any tips/ideas for must do trips etc. We like animals but would guess its too far to visit the Orang utans but what about probiscus monkeys?

Any ideas on what vaccinations are needed

Brunei Stopover

I highly recommend you to take a tour to Ulu Temburong National Park. Suggested tour opeerators are Sunshine Borneo Tours and Freme Travel. Included in the tour is a 45 mins boat ride to Bangar, where there are high chances of spotting proboscis monkeys and crocodiles in their natural habitat (mangrove swamp). The canopy walkway available there may not be as long as those in Malaysia but provide significant view of the canopy, especially during early morning.

If you wish to visit the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, be reminded that taxis are rather scarce in Brunei. There is no railway in Brunei and the bus service is inefficient.

A visit to the water village (Venice of the East) is a must. I also recommend the Royal Regalia and the SOAS mosque, which both are located in the city centre.

Please be noted that nightlife does not exist in Brunei as Brunei is a rather strict Islamic country

Brunei Stopover

The Empire Hotel and Country Club is a very good hotel but is quite far away from everything else. It is after all a resort.

Try The Centrepoint in Gadong as it is in the heart of one of Brunei%26#39;s busiest areas. Staying there, you will get to see many of the locals and their lifestyle.

Cross over a tiny bridge to visit Gadong%26#39;s Night Market. Pick up a few phrases such as %26#39;Brapa ni?%26#39; pronounced %26#39;brupper knee%26#39; which means %26#39;How much is this?%26#39;. BND$1 = SGD$1. To say %26#39;thank you%26#39; in Brunei is %26#39;ma kasih%26#39; pronounced %26#39;ma ca-sea-h%26#39;

Perhaps the next day you could take a short taxi ride to the capital where you will see a more aged side of Brunei. There%26#39;s the Kampong Ayer, as previously suggested and the markets along the Brunei River. 10 mins away from the capital is the Brunei National Museum and Brunei Tenchnological Museum which is a good way to see Brunei%26#39;s culture.

Ask the previously suggested tour operators if they could take you to Tasek Merimbun (Merimbun Lake) in Tutong, about 30-40 mins away from The Empire Hotel or how about a bit of hiking at Bukit Shahbandar (Book-it Shah-bun-dar)?

Please be adventurous and try the local cuisines in restaurants such as Aneka Rasa or Mamih Restaurant in Qiulap (Key-you-lupp).

If your looking for local handicrafts I would suggest the small arcade shop (2nd level) found in The Mall at Gadong, a block away from Centrepoint Hotel. Its called Ridah Enterprise.

Hmm I tghink some of these posters mqy hav a biz here..I dont!I am an expat here.Do stay at the empire.They have a shuttle bus that can take you around for free,the hotel is amazing and over the top,well worth staying there.Its also near a bizarre fun park called Jerudong park.While many rides ar not open anymore,its an amazing place to visit.Its open after 5. Golf is cheap as chips,play either at the empire or the Jerudong park course,but early as it gets got.

Food here is good and you wont get sick.Escapade sushi in gadong is good and cheap,or try the popular for indian...or any other indian all good.Fratinis is an italian restarant in town which overlloks the river and village,go there for dinner before sunset.6 ish.You can see the monkeys and can book one of the boat men for around 50 to see the proboscis monkeys.Go in the morning is better when there is a low tide and you may see otters and gators too.

Bring beer and wine with you,for you own private consumption.The empire allow you to drink it at the hotel.2 wines and 2 doz beer.

you dont need any vacination at all.I have 2 kid here and we have never been sick apart from a cold.