Our Stop-over in Brunei

May 2008

Only had 24 hours in Brunei and stayed at the Sheraton Utama - found it was very comfortable and good location. Walked from the Sheraton into the city (not far) and down to the waterfront. No sooner arrived at the water%26#39;s edge and an open boat pulled up in front of us and driver tried to get us to go on a tour with him to see the Water Village and the Probiscus Monkeys. He gave us the option of just doing one or the other as well. Anyway, we had limited time and thought %26#39;what the heck!%26#39;. Negotiated a total price of BI$50 (2 passengers). Had only taken Singapore dollars into Brunei and the boat driver (private resident of Brunei) accepted them no problems.

He gave us a very informative trip through the Water Village and took us up river to see the Probiscus Monkeys (only about 20 mins up the river). Saw Monkeys and were very happy. The driver spoke fairly good English and was very nice and very friendly and very helpful. We were on the water for about one and a half hours in total. It was lovely and cool while the boat was travelling along, so overall was a very pleasant trip and we were more than happy with the price. We may have got %26#39;ripped off%26#39; with the price - don%26#39;t know how much we should have paid, just know that it was a lot cheaper doing it that way than going on an organised group tour. As we only had limited time we saw everything that a group tour would see in half the time. The driver dropped us back at some markets that were not far from our hotel (mainly food stalls). Suggest wearing long sleeve shirt and take a hat. You will need sunscreen on your face especially, as the boat is open and even though it%26#39;s cool travelling along, we did get a little sunburnt on our face

Our Stop-over in Brunei

Thanks! We%26#39;ll be in Brunei for a few days in October and your report is helpful.

Jane

Our Stop-over in Brunei

$50.00 might be a bit expensive but I would say if you managed to negotiate half of it might be ok....

Most monkey can be seen on land. Even behind the hotel you stay in. (if you are lucky). If anyone of you need any assistant during the visit here, please do not hessitate to contact me. I will try to help.

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