Brunei Darussalam - Abode Of Peace  

Welcome To The Abode Of Peace

Tourist Information

Tourist Information

Food & Drink :
European food is served in hotel restaurants, along with Malaysian, Chinese and Indian dishes. Local food is similar to Malay cuisine with fresh fish and rice, often quite spicy. Drink: Alcohol is prohibited.

Shopping :
Special purchases include handworked silverware, brassware and bronzeware such as jugs, trays, gongs, boxes, napkin rings, spoons and bracelets; and fine handwoven sarongs, baskets and mats of pandan leaves. Shopping centres at Bandar Seri Begawan, Seria and Kuala Belait offer local products and imported items. The 'Tamu' Night Market in Bandar Seri Begawan is open from early morning to late at night and sells many fruits, spices, poultry and vegetables, as well as antiques. Food is available there at the lowest prices in town. Shopping hours: 0800-2100 Monday to Saturday.

Social Conventions :
Shoes should be removed when entering Muslim homes and institutions and visitors should not pass in front of a person at prayer or touch the Koran, the Muslim holy book. Traditionally, a Bruneian shakes hands lightly, bringing his hands to his chest. However, any physical contact between members of opposite sexes is avoided. Non-Muslims should not be found in the company of a Muslim member of the opposite sex in private: sexual contact, or even compromising behaviour, between non-Muslims and Muslims is punishable by deportation. There are many honorific titles in Brunei: Awang (abbreviated to Awg), for instance, is generally used in the same way as the English 'Mr'; Dayang (Dyg) is equivalent to 'Ms' or 'Mrs'. Food may be served without cutlery: eat using the right hand only. Avoid giving or receiving with the left hand or pointing the soles of the feet towards companions. Gifts (particularly food) should only be passed with the right hand, although it is acceptable to use the left hand under the right wrist for support. It is also considered impolite to point with the index finger (the right thumb should be used instead) or to beckon someone with your fingers (the whole hand should be waved instead, with the palm facing downwards). The right fist should never be smacked into the left palm, and children (or adults) should not be patted on the head. It is widely regarded as discourteous to refuse refreshment when it is offered by a host, or to eat or drink in public places, especially during Ramadan when Muslims are fasting. Dress is informal except for special occasions. Women should ensure that their head, knees and arms are covered. Tipping: Most hotels and restaurants add 10% to the bill.











A man reads his Koran in the Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque. The majority of the population are Malays, but the minority Chinese dominate the economy. Malay and English are the official languages; Islam is the official religion, but there are Buddhist and Christian minorities also. When visiting a mosque, do not walk in front of people in prayer or reading the Koran.
Point mouse on picture for more information




[Index]
[Brunei]
[Legends]
[Tourist Info]
[Links]
[Downloads]
[Sitemap]
[Aims]
[Policy]
[About Me]
Email [email protected] with questions or comments regarding this site.
Copyright �2001 psychotic-kick productions. All rights reserved.

March 25, 2001