How to Find Hotels in Brunei, Borneo

Located on the northwest coast of Borneo, Brunei offers both rich safari-style jungles and luxurious cities steeped with Islamic culture. From the budget-minded to overly luxurious, Brunei offers something for every tourist.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A computer with Internet access to make reservations

Discover Brunei

1. Know that oil keeps this country very rich. Brunei's citizens have the highest per capita income on the planet.
2. Expect hot and humid conditions year-round. Rainfall is heaviest between September and January.
3. Keep your eye out for the Sultan. As ruling leader of Brunei, he can sometimes be seen strolling through the Empire Hotel or on the polo grounds, among other places.

Find Transportation to and around Brunei

4. Fly to Kuala Lumpur and then catch a flight to the capital of Bandar Seri Begawan in the district of Brunei-Maura, which serves as a gateway to the country.
5. Catch a water taxi, the most common transport to Kampong Ayer. Numerous docking ports can be found along the banks of the Brunei River.
6. Hail a cab easily at hotels, shopping centers and the airport. In the center of the capital, taxis can be found at the Jalan Cator car park.

Reserve Your Accommodations

7. To book accommodations, contact Brunei Tourism at 011 ([phone] or visit their Web site (see Resources below).
   
8. Experience luxury in Bandar Seri Begawan. The capital offers accommodations for every budget from premium lodging to the more economical guesthouses.
9. Rent a deserted island. Secluded islands around Brunei can be reserved for overnight camping, making for truly unique accommodations.
10. Stay in Jerudong for easy access to Brunei's amusement park and the polo grounds.
11. Consider renting a serviced hotel apartment for more privacy.

Respect Local Beliefs

12. Dress appropriately if you visit a religious site. Wear closed shoes, long trousers and shirts with sleeves. Shoes should be removed when entering a mosque.
13. Bring your own bottle. Due to the Muslim beliefs, alcohol is not sold in Brunei, but visitors may bring in limited alcohol for their own consumption.
14. Honor the religious holidays. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sundown. It is disrespectful to eat or drink in their presence during this Islamic holiday.

Tips & Warnings

• Malay is the official language, but English is widely spoken.
• Most of Brunei's major attractions are within walking distance of the city center of Bandar Seru Begawan.
• Hotel porters should be given B$1 per bag. All other hotel tips are included in the 10 percent service charge.
• All phone numbers include the United States international prefix "011." When calling internationally outside the United States, substitute that "011" with "00." All country codes are within parentheses and begin with a "+" sign.
• Due to Islamic customs, women should dress modestly, keeping their knees and arms covered.
• Several terrorist attacks have occurred in Southeast Asia, prompting travel warnings for the northern part of Borneo.