Reporting back..............

Why I opted to visit Brunei is a question I was not surprisingly asked again and again when I planned my trip.

I spent two days in Brunei which was just the right amount of time for me to see and do what I intended. The country doesn`t have much to offer in terms of sights but being off the beaten track, exploring a new destination without touts, tourist scams or the usual overpriced tourist traps was priceless.

I visited the two Mosques in BSB, both were stunning in terms of architecture. I also visited the Royal Regalia building which has an interesting display on the country it`s history and their diplomatic ties with various nations.

By far the highlight of my trip was a day trip to the water village (Kampong Ayer) and rainforest by speed boat. Unlike other wather villages I`ve seen, Kampong Ayer was authentic and wasn`t commercialized. I`ve read that this is the largest water village in Asia. Heading on a speed boat through the rain forest was an adventure, saw Probosics Monkeys and various species of birds too.

All in all, I wouldn`t encourage any to go out of their way to visit Brunei, but if a short two day visit ties nicely into your travel plans....GO! I`m glad I did.

Glad to hear you enjoyed it.

Brunei is a oncer, just to satisfy curiosity.

I'm with Kathie about Kuching. It's one of the most interesting but lesser-known cities in South-east Asia. We went back recently for the 3rd time as a base to do things we didn't get around to the other times.

I would also recommend Sandakan. It's one of those places you go to on a whim, or from interest in war history, but there's so much else. Orangutans, if you're that way inclined, and proboscis monkeys, but also really good fishing and quite a substantial displaced population living on tidal flats and offshore floating colonies.