Brunei

Brunei Darussalam occupies roughly 5,765 km² on the island of Borneo, bordered on all sides by the Malaysian state of Sarawak and opening onto the South China Sea. The capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, serves as the political, cultural, and commercial heart of the country. Malay is the official language, with English widely used in business and education. The currency is the Brunei dollar, which trades at parity with the Singapore dollar. Islam is the state religion and shapes public life in visible, everyday ways.

Many nationalities — including citizens of ASEAN member states, the United Kingdom, the United States, and much of the European Union — can enter Brunei visa-free for short stays. Travellers should verify their specific entitlement through the official Immigration and National Registration Department, as conditions vary by passport. No widely established eVisa platform currently exists; most entry permissions are granted on arrival.

The Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan, completed in 1958, is among the most photographed buildings in Southeast Asia, its golden dome reflected in a surrounding lagoon. Ulu Temburong National Park offers one of Borneo's most intact primary rainforest canopies, accessible by longboat. The Royal Regalia Museum holds ceremonial artefacts from the Sultan's 1968 coronation. Kampong Ayer, a centuries-old water village built on stilts above the Brunei River, is home to tens of thousands of residents and represents a living piece of maritime heritage.

Brunei has a tropical rainforest climate with high humidity and rainfall distributed throughout the year. Temperatures remain consistently warm, ranging from around 23°C at night to 32°C during the day, with little seasonal variation. The wettest months generally fall between October and January, influenced by the northeast monsoon. There is no distinct dry season, though February to April tends to see somewhat lower rainfall. Lightweight, breathable clothing and a compact rain jacket are practical necessities year-round.

• The Sultan has reigned continuously since 1967.
• Brunei banned public alcohol sales in 1991.
• Citizens pay no personal income tax.
• Kampong Ayer houses roughly 30,000 people on water.
• Brunei is one of Borneo's smallest but wealthiest states.

• bdnsw.gov.bn — Department of Immigration and National Registration, visa and entry information
• bruneitourism.com — official national tourism authority
• bdmoa.gov.bn — Ministry of Foreign Affairs for travel advisories and consular services
• met.gov.bn — Brunei Meteorological Department, weather forecasts and climate data