Brunei
 

Looking for comments on travel to Brunei, places to stay there.<BR>I read that alcohol is not available, does anyone have experience with bringing in small amounts?<BR>Thanks.

Same question, though nearly two years later. Any readers out there yet?

Dale &amp; Kathy
Baton ROuge

Sorry...no answer to this question. I had planned to go to Brunei in 1998, but changed my routing...but I'll ask around and see if any friends have been.Happy travels!

I have been to Brunei on business several times, the last time abut 5 years ago. Unless things have changed, a non-Malay or non-Muslim can drink in some hotels. There should not be any issue with you bringing in alcohol, but you might want to check the website for their customs regulations. Take a look at the website for the Brunei embassy in the US, it may have info or a link bruneiembassy.org

I don't think of Brunei as a tourist destination, and would say that there are many more interesting places in SE Asia and on the island itself, like Sabah and Sarawak. There really is not much to do there beyond seeing the outside of the royal palace, some shopping and the amusement park. However, it is kind of a trip just to see a place where everything is pretty much free and the government takes care of everything, thanks to oil money. I did not find even places like Kuwait have that level of services and public amusement. If you are a diver, you can dive off some of the oil platforms where there is a lot of fish life. All in all, however, I would not waste time and money going to Brunei when all of the rest of SE Asia is there. . . .

We're starting our trip this October in Manila. We found we could fly from Manila to Jakarta or fly MNL-BWN-CGK for the same price. So we'll spend a day &amp; a half in Brunei just because.

Dale &amp; Kathy
Baton Rouge

I spent a day in Brunei a couple of years ago - return flight from Kota Kinabalu. Not really enough time but well worth a visit - museums free and excellent (oil money!!). You will have time to visit the 'old part' both sides of the river. Don't miss the new mosque and long-distance sight of the Palace or the Coronation Regalia - and some of the presents sent by all nations. Very near to this is the Royal Assembly Hall (can't remember name) well worth a 'peek' through the windows.

Enjoy

Pat

Have a good trip.

I will try my best to reply all questions.
Alcohol
Allowed to be bring into the country by a non-muslim over the age of 18. The import limit is 2 bottles(e.g.wine) and 12 can of beers per person. Do remember to fill in the import form before you clear Brunei custom. else you will be in trouble! It illegal to drink in open area or public places i.e. drink in your hotel room :(

Hotels
I would recommend
1.Sheraton Hotel -located in the old town. Museum, Coronation Regalia, water village(take a local speed boat cruise) shops and banks are all walking distance.
2. Gadong Centrepoint hotel
Located in the new town &quot;Gadong&quot; where a few new shopping centre is located and is all walking distance. Fast food, coffee shop(coffeebean) and local food is just round the corner. No tourist attaction.
3. Empire hotel
Five stars hotel with it own Movie threathe, golf course, huge swimming poor, sport complex, you name it.It quite pricey compare to the rest but highly recommended due to it unmatched luxury. You money will be well spent. If you planned to relax for a day, this is the idea place to be. Location is a bit far compare to other two above, its approximated 25min drive away from the airport. The Jerudong amusement park is quite close to the Hotel but it only operate during weekend. Saturday evening will be nice.

Travel in Brunei
Bus-Not easy to use at all, not recommended.
Taxi-Not common around the country. Be sure to ask the price before u get on one. No meter taxi available.
Rental car-By far the easiest and best way around brunei. Hertz is a well known car rental available in Brunei, they do provide driver as well if required.

www.brunei.bn
www.brudirect.com
http://www.empire.com.bn/