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Brunei

This structure represents some of the recent history of the country.

Welcome to the oil rich country of Brunei where the Sultan is one of the last autocratic monarch billionaires in the world.

I will admit to my ignorance. I didn’t know that the island of Borneo is the third largest in the world. I also didn’t know that the island is divided into three countries. Indonesia occupies the southern area. The northern part of the island is an extension of Malaysia with the country of Brunei using 1% of the western coastline.

Hours before we were scheduled to arrive in Brunei, evidence of the mass oil industrial complex doted the waterway.

After docking we proceeded to a bus for the start of an 8 hour excursion.

First stop, the Maritime Museum. The remains of a sunken ship was found several years ago off the coast of Burnei. The treasures that were found were estimated to date to the 1600s. They provided an insight into the extent of commerce that took place in this port area. Items included those from today’s countries of China, India, Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia.

This is primarily a Muslim country that has adopted Sharia Law. While very strict, our guide assured us that the Sultan does not generally administer it. So let’s meet the Sultan.

This museum is devoted to the Sultan
A portrait of the Sultan

Please enjoy his majesty’s holdings.

The coach used for his coronation.
A picture of the Sultan’s palace that is three times the size of Varseilles with 1800 rooms.
The Sultan’s Mosque.

Now let’s take a look at another lifestyle. The Water Village has been a vibrant community settled within the city of Bander Seri Begawan. Approximately, 13,000 people live over the Brunei River.

Port on the city side
One of the houses in the Water Village.
Walking the wooden planked street to visit an owner at his house and share a meal.
The feast
Our host.
Fire Station.

We ended our day with a visit to a local market.

I found the people in this small country to be warm and welcoming and would not hesitate to visit again.

Cheers and good night Joey

5 thoughts on “Brunei”

  1. Bandar Seri Begawan. The Sultan of Brunei. Places and names I have thought about since grad school but never visited. Interesting juxtaposition – money, oil, local culture – cool water village. How was the feast? What were some of the dishes?

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  2. Bandar Seri Begawan.  The Sultan of Brunei.  Places and names I have thought about going to/seeing since grad school but never visited.  Interesting juxtaposition – money (3 times the size of Versailles?) and oil rigs with local culture. Cool water village.  How was the feast?  What were some of the dishes?

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      1. From my ship to yours–we are in the Azores today. Not as exotic as your excursion, but very interesting nevertheless. The water village looked good. Not so sure about the Sultan of Brunei! You are stopping at some fascinating places, Cathy! Enjoying your blog.

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