Brunei has a GDP/Cap approximately equal to that of the US with the petroleum sector making up more than half of this GDP. Gas prices are extremely low at about 42 cents/liter (1.62 USD/Gallon) and Diesel is even cheaper at 26 cents/liter (98 Cents/Gallon). Sunni Islam makes up 67% of the population followed by Buddhism and Christianity.
Being there during Ramadan was particularly interesting with the days being very quiet. If your looking for food there is a huge food market, but you will have to wait until about 6:30 to eat in public unless you bring the food home and eat in your hotel. Sales of alcohol are also illegal and you must only consume alcohol within your hotel. All of these laws and customs make Brunei somewhat boring, however the city of Bandar Seri Begawan is extremely well groomed, safe, and nice looking.
(Food market)
Every day they shoot off the canons to signal that everyone can eat. When we went into this empty park to run on the grassy field, we thought these trucks were coming to arrest us. We were in luck and the police just smiled and said hello as we goofed around in the grass.
Go on a boat tour down the river!
This is a must do and one of the few tourist attractions. Simply walk over to the river and hire one of the guys with boats. They will take you to see the Proboscis monkeys and around the town.
(Proboscis monkey with the giant nose!)
(Saying hi to the daughters of the boat driver)
The worlds largest water village, Kampong Ayer
about 39,000 people live in this water village which consists of houses, schools, mosques, and much more built on stilts above the Brunei River. Water taxi's are used as a quick way to get around.
looks a bit tame for wild will! who are you traveling with these days....also try to make it home before the 19th! :)
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