Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!
The expat community of Brunei was recently rattled by the sudden deportation of one of their own.
Most expats in Brunei either work in the oil industry or are teachers. One could make the argument that oil workers or English teachers are a dime a dozen here.
This man was neither. He held arguably the most prestigious hospitality job in the entire nation, and had held it for a long time. In other words, this wasn’t taken lightly.
The reason for his deportation? He dressed up as the Sultan of Brunei for Halloween.
I’ve been struggling with how to begin describing my experiences in Brunei, and I think that anecdote sums it up. I’m still trying to make sense of my time in Brunei. I found it dismaying and heartwarming. I found kindness and optimism amidst an increasingly dark regime.
Why did I end up in Brunei? This tiny Southeast Asian country, entirely contained on the island of Borneo, isn’t featured on most backpackers’ itineraries. But I have friend from home living here, whom I’ll call Allison, and she invited me to come visit. Allison and her husband, whom I’ll call Colin, have been living here for the past few years and have two children.
Due to the deportation of the prominent expat, I won’t be revealing their identities further than this. Just in case this wrong people discover this post.
Strict Islamic Society
While Southeast Asia has a few countries with a majority Muslim population, Brunei governs by a very strict form of Islam.
Every business in the country shuts down from 12:00 to 2:00 PM on Friday, the holy day. Every building in the country must be within “hearing distance” of a mosque for the call to prayer. Public school has a heavily religious component; some schools require children to change into white uniforms for religious instruction. All Muslim women are expected to wear the hijab, and it’s worn by young girls as well, which is unusual.
Most famously, the sale and consumption of alcohol is prohibited in Brunei, though foreigners may import up to two liters of spirits or wine and up to twelve cans of beer every 48 hours.
As you’d expect, Brunei is a difficult place to be gay. Acts of male homosexuality are illegal in Brunei and can be punished with up to 10 years in prison, though there are no laws against acts of female homosexuality. LGBT presence and culture are nonexistent. IÂ met a well-known Bruneian who is assumed to be gay by most expats, but Bruneians don’t have a clue.
I actually broke a Bruneian law myself when Colin gave me a ride to a school. “The fact that we’re not married and I’m driving you alone in a car makes this illegal,” Colin told me. “But they won’t do anything about it.”
Believe it or not, bacon can actually be found in some grocery stores — but it’s kept in a private room in the back for non-halal meat, where it’s wrapped up so Bruneians won’t see it.
In fact, Allison told me that if you bring bacon into the country, the customs officials will recoil and wave you through so they don’t have to touch it. “You could smuggle in kilos of cocaine underneath a pile of bacon and they wouldn’t notice,” she laughed.
The Sultan is All-Powerful
The Sultan of Brunei is one of the world’s richest men and an all-powerful figure within the country. Though he’s beloved by most of his subjects, unlimited power and a country rich in oil has led to a life of excess, whether it’s ceremonial chariots pulled by dozens of men or his more than 500 luxury cars. And some would say it’s led to megalomania as well.
Remember how Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding, though scheduled with military precision to the minute, was delayed? It was because of the Sultan of Brunei, who arrived fashionably late.
At the Royal Regalia Museum in Bandar Seri Begawan, you’ll find the chariots in question, as well as tribal canoes, crystal ships, a vase from the Queen of England, and other gifts for the man who has everything.
Increasingly Fundamentalist
In October it was decided that sharia law would be implemented in Brunei starting in April. This will supposedly only apply to Muslims (and with so many expats and guest workers, only about two-thirds of Brunei’s population is Muslim). There won’t be changes in many of the restrictions, as the country is already quite strict, but brutal punishments like public flogging, stoning and even amputation of limbs could take place.
“It is because of our need that Allah the Almighty, in all his generosity, has created laws for us, so that we can utilize them to obtain justice,” the Sultan said.
Some people think that this is because the Sultan is becoming increasingly god-fearing as he grows older. Like many a Saudi prince, the Sultan of Brunei had a reputation as an international playboy in his youth before returning home and adopting a more devout lifestyle.
One Bruneian whom I would describe as far more liberal than the typical citizen had something surprising to say about the implementation of sharia law: “The Sultan wouldn’t be doing this if we weren’t doing something wrong.”
No Free Speech
There is no free speech in Brunei, and the media is controlled by the government, including Brunei’s two major newspapers, The Brunei Times and the Borneo Bulletin. I was interviewed for both publications after I spoke to students about our writing and journalism careers at Jerudong International School (JIS).
I later met with a foreign-born Brunei journalist who bemoaned the state of journalism in the country. Basically, he told me, the journalists sit around in their office and wait for the government to call them. The newspapers are collections of press releases, and the overall quality of the journalism is low.
Bruneian journalists don’t want free speech, he told me, and pointed to instances in other countries that the introduction of free speech led to demonstrations and protests. That’s a small price to pay, I told him. He shook his head.
Truthfully, the journalist said, most Brunei journalists don’t want free speech because it means they’ll have to start doing real work.
Expat Life
So how do you get by when living in such a strict country? For many Brunei expats, they call the “milkman,” a Chinese booze dealer within the country.
You want alcohol? You text your milkman, he’ll tell you what he has in stock, you tell him what you’d like, and he’ll have it delivered to you discreetly. He’s like a drug dealer, only for alcohol.
But that’s for expats’ eyes only — as soon as Bruneians appear in an expat’s home, any and all alcohol is hidden away. Colin and Allison have a bar in their home, and when it came time for one of their children’s birthday parties, they hid the alcohol and covered the bar with a blanket.
There is a constant wariness that comes with living in Brunei. At any moment, a Bruneian could report your less-than-holy actions. While it’s technically legal to have alcohol in a private home, the corruption of Bruneians is a far more blurred line.
So the expats band together — the teachers, the oil workers, the others, ensconced in their circle of trust. They bond over the difficulties of living in such a strict culture as they imbibe the forbidden libations, a quiet rebellion that will never see the light of day.
For that reason, I understand how it would be possible to develop a drinking problem in a dry country.
It’s All a Facade
Whether you’re walking through downtown Bandar Seri Begawan or driving along the highways, Brunei looks like it’s stuck in the 90s. Billboards are ancient. Letters are falling off signs. There is no sense of aesthetics. Despite the amount of money the country has, it’s not being spent on making it look good.
The Empire Hotel, Brunei’s most exclusive resort, is an exception. A dramatic behemoth covered with gold, the hotel proudly wears the fictitious “seven-star” moniker, just like the Burj al Arab in Dubai. Take a look at the fanciest suites — far more opulent than the #2 suite at the Burj al Arab!
I took Colin and Allison and their kids out for afternoon tea. While the tea featured delicious cakes and was excellent value (20 Brunei dollars per person, or $16 USD), the service was perplexing.
“Can I get something for the kids to drink?” Allison asked the waitress. She stared back blankly. “Apple juice?” Allison suggested.
The kids were brought apple juice in fancy V-shaped tumblers that nobody in the western world would dream of giving to a young child. Now, I don’t think that every restaurant should cater to kids with crayons and sippy cups, but isn’t it obvious that you should serve young children drinks in a cup that is least likely to be spilled?
Allison and I had talked a lot about her experiences with kids in Brunei, and the recurring theme that I gleaned from her experiences is that children are largely ignored, even when you try to make special preparations for them in advance.
After an hour or so of exploring the hotel’s grounds, we walked back through the “seven-star” lobby again. Our dirty plates were still waiting to be cleared.
The Value of Visiting Brunei
My week in Brunei was incredible.
I helped shy nine-year-olds practice their English, knowing that they will likely never leave home.
I gave interviews to journalists who have never known freedom of the press.
I explored a poverty-stricken village built on stilts in the morning and visited the British High Commissioner in the afternoon.
I drank, spoke freely, and rode in a car with a man who wasn’t my husband.
What I learned from the people here could fill books — and yet I could never adequately describe a word of it.
But as far as tourist value goes, Brunei doesn’t have much. I don’t see any reason to come here as a tourist unless you just want to say that you’ve been here.
One of the tourist activities where Brunei excels, however, is a visit to the rainforest in Temburon province, where you can walk above the canopy and stay in the jungle overnight. (Ironically, I was so busy meeting people in Brunei that I had no time to do the main iconic activity!)
Beyond that, there’s not much to do, but I recommend taking a tour of the water villages (which you can do from downtown Bandar Seri Begawan), seeing the beautiful Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, visiting the Royal Regalia Museum, and having afternoon tea at the Empire Hotel.
What’s Next?
I’ll be following Brunei in the news once they introduce sharia law and see how it plays out on the world stage — whether they will continue to increase their fundamentalism or pull back in order to placate foreigners. Whether they will tolerate the expats or deport them at the drop of a hat.
I felt uneasy the whole time I was in Brunei and I feel even more uneasy when thinking of it’s future. I don’t think I’m going to like what I see in the future.
Essential Info: Several major airlines fly to Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei, including Air Asia, Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, and the national carrier, Royal Brunei. You can also enter overland from Sarawak in Malaysia.
The Royal Regalia Museum, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, and the Empire Hotel are free to visit. No photos are permitted in the Royal Regalia Museum. You can explore the water villages on foot for free or bargain with a local for a boat ride. Several companies offer varying tours of the rainforest; it’s best to research before arriving.
I stayed with friends while in Brunei – you can find hotels here.
Be sure to get travel insurance before heading to Brunei. I never travel without it and always use World Nomads.
I was lucky enough, or maybe its unfortunate enough to have a stopover in Brunei a few years ago on my way back to Australia, which is why your blog title drew me in.
Brunei is a fascinating place, both boring yet interesting at the same time. As I was there only 24 hours I did not see a lot, but did enjoy what I saw, all in a very short space of time leaving me many hours to kill in a sub standard hotel.
The people however are lovely and friendly and will help you out with a smile.
I am glad I had the opportunity to spend a short time there, would I go back again – probably not, well willingly anyway.
If you have a chance to stopover in Bandar Sari Begawan, do it if you can. Don’t go with great expectations but enjoy the experience.
thanks
Pete
OMG! You went to Brunei! No one goes to Brunei. There is nothing there,.. except oil.
This here is coming from a Bruneien who’s spent 18 years of his life in Brunei. I’m a current student in a western University at the moment(no details for me too since I’d be heartbroken if I can’t go back next year for summer). I’m writing this cause I thought I’d clear up a few things about this beautiful country. It’s not THAT rundown, especially when you compare it to Malaysia *wink*
Your post about strict Islamic Law might be a bit flawed though. Although technically all muslim girls are required to wear a hijab (we call it a tudung in malay), I have numerous friends who are malay/.muslim and don’t. It’s supposed to be but the police either have better things to do or are too lazy. In fact, my first love was a muslim girl. And as far as I know, there never is a law saying women are not allowed to drive with a male in the same car if they aren’t married. I visited home(Brunei) last summer and a bunch of us (males and females) had a blast driving house to hosue during the hari raya aidilfitri celebrations! Maybe I was just friends with all the liberal and cool Bruneien kids who watched all the american programs on tv, but I’ve never had to put away pork or alcohol when they came over. They just didn’t drink or eat it.
yes the sultan is all-powerful and there really is no freedom of speech or freedom of religion. In 2011 he changed the constitution by himself without a vote or anything. He is indeed all powerful. It is true that everybody loves him. Even I do, or at least I did before the whole syaria law thing. After all, cost of living is dirt cheap and oil money lets the average income of the Bruneien be higher than a number of western democracies (I’m thinking canada, US of A, maybe even Britain). And expats, they make a small fortune here. There is no income tax, dinner can be bought with 4 bruneien dollars, gas is 50cents/litre, govt provides free housing, education up to the university level fro its citizens. Of course a lot of poeple love him. All students who get accepted into a UK university after secondary school get a full scholarship there. I personally know about 20 people studying in the UK right now on the Bruneien scholarship. He recently went to the UK last week to visit all the students over christmass break.
On the topic of speech censorship,I had this friend from S America who badmouthed the royal family in a local coffee-shop when she visited. She could not understand why everyone was looking at her with shocked expressions. You are definitely spot on about the journalists hesistant at having to do real work though. The Bruneien stereotype is the extremely EXTREMELY lazy local people sitting around getting paid for doing nothing.
The bit about religious component in schools is true. We call it MIB (Melayu Beraja Islam) and it starts being taught in secondary 1 until secondary 5 (that’s grade/year 7 until 11). It is the islamic doctrine of Brunei and deals heavily with the islamic way to life, corruption within the bereaucracy and traditional malay customs and festivals and food. Religious studies is really only islamic studies. No other religion can be taught in school. You can bible study and sunday school at the christian churches, but not in public or private schools.
Again like most dictatorships, you don’t feel all the lack of freedom at the subjective level. I was the biggest atheist in my school, and I’d speak extremely freely to all, whether they be malay, chinese or indian. You just can’t announce it too loudly I guess. I’d always educate the creationists or try to. And I really tried to de-islamicize the girl I loved. The fondest memories of my life were spent in Brunei and does it break my heart that they’ve introduced syaria law? Yes it does. They talk about stoning for adultery during phase 3 of the law (we are in phase 1 right now). My muslim friend(he’s like a brother to me) got approached by the police for doing magic tricks with a deck of playing cards(in brunei, if you have a deck of cards, it automatically assumed you gamble with them and gambling in islam is haram).
Recently they banned christmass trees from being displayed in commercial buildings and businesses. SO yes it is getting more and more fundamentalist and it breaks my heart. It doesn’t seem like the Brunei I grew up in and loved.
I hope you had a nice time there still though. The attitude there can be summarized as follows: “we are happy where we are, the govt gives us EVERYTHING, from housing to education to healthcare. SO what if we can’t find out and vote on what his majesty the sultan spends the countries money on? we don’t pay taxes! we have it good here and we are very very content. We are happy with the current level of freedom, We can come and go as pleased and we can buy whatever foreign product we want ” This attitude might slowly be changing or change in the future though, with the whole syariah nonsense.
Bruneiens still are some of the friendliest people in the world, we’re just shy and not used to small talk. And the ability for westerners to be both so confident and great at small talk intimidates us quite a bit. We are simple folk. The general populace hasn’t evolved to the point where they care about liberalism and the right to choose but then again, who needs all that when you have all social benefits and on top of that, a hefty salary.
I also hope you had roti canai there, one of the only things I still yearn for everyday I’m not back in Brunei. 😀
hi kate !
i just got a work offer in brunei and i accepted it ! i havent travelled yet but seing some pictures and videos it looked okey to live in ! and by reading ylur post ! am scared now ! :p am confused :s !
say somethin’
I would talk to locals and expats in Brunei if I were you, Zeyn. They will be able to better answer your questions about day-to-day life.
i just stumbled upon this site,my husband has recently been offered a job in Brunei.Which would involve us residing full time in Brunei.I consider myself a global traveler and have resided in many areas,which I have quickly discovered holidaying and residing in a country are completely different.
I have very mixed emotions about everything I have been reading,but I’m swaying towards the Muslim faith.I say this as a hard working and independent women that was born and raised in Canada with a lot of freedom do to my ancestors before me.
In the past several decades it has sadden me how we have chosen to use these freedoms just turn on the tv or read some of the facebook comments which I have not been a part of for quite a long time do to the complete garbage.
Where has our morals gone? Everyone wants to lives these glamorous life’s we have forgotten our values and the power of parenting.Alohol and drugs are destroying our families,now we want to legalize pot REALLY..Our children are going to school and being shot…
Maybe put religion aside and egos and look into our own back yards.Im all for embracing no ideas and thoughts…I haven’t even touched on what our teenage or adolescent girls are wearing has anyone turned on Much Music Videos lately?
Okay I’m not a prude but we as North Americans have lost our moral values and caved to commercial marketing..In saying that most countries we have lived in the youth with the aid social networking are craving the same material things.It seems to be global which has also saddened me..
Thank you all for your insight and comments all very interesting I think if my husband and I reside in Brunei I will go open minded and when in Rome do as the Romans…
Quick note just to the readers I’m not what most know to be what people think of North Americans I’m very fit and take care of myself and i think to dress conservatively should be a problem..My temple is for me and my husbands eyes,there is no need for other men to lust at me or other women to put their assets out there.Everyone is preaching its what’s on your inside that counts,so then why are the women in North American and elsewhere prancing around like prostites…
Just my two sense..
Happy travels wherever your path takes you
I’m visiting Brunei this summer to see some family, do you have any recommendations for being in the country as a woman? My dad and step mum will be there, but I like to be able to wander around alone when we go away
You’ll be fine as a woman on your own. I felt very safe in Brunei, including in the capital of Bandar.
Hmm. Ok. I know this is last years post but.. this is just my two cents. Firstly, I’m Bruneian. It is actually an unspoken rule that EVERYONE, INCLUDING BRUNEIANS, are not allowed to dress up as the Sultan, criticize Him or his government etc.. We love our Sultan and respect him. IMO, IT IS disrespectful dressing up as him at a costume party. But maybe that’s just me. And people keep saying that we’re opressed? Why? Because we don’t have freedom of speech? Because of the implementation of Shariah Law? We’re not. When you have much to be thankful for, you don’t need to criticize or complain about anything. We have no taxes, education and healthcare is free, unless one chooses to go to private schools or hospitals/clinics, groceries etc etc are cheap and are mostly subsidized by His Majesty. Its peaceful here. Crime rates are also very low. There is poverty here in Brunei, and the Sultan has made available financial assistance for them. Nowadays, the public is even more aware of those poverty stricken and making efforts to help them. And the pictures you posted about the water village? Did you know that there are many newly built modern houses there? The water village was devastated by a fire a few years ago and many people living there have moved out or moved to the new houses. And I also know a few people who just does not want to move out of there. Its their home. Now on to The Shariah Law that everyone in the world is making a big deal out of. IT ONLY APPLIES TO MUSLIMS. Seriously, we can’t stress that enough. Non-Muslims can drink alcohol, just as long as its not in public. There are non-halal restaurants that serve pork. There are no nightclubs because its not allowed AND it’s not our culture to party and drink. There are of course Bruneians who drink, eat pork etc. Of course not all Muslims are devout, but not all Christians go to church too right? There are gay/lesbian Christians, right? Do you see my point here? Honetly, I don’t know why non-muslims are so freaked out by the implementation of this law, since it applies only to Muslims. Lastly, TRY to think of it this way. You guys grew up differently and we Bruneians grew up differently. We each have our own culture, traditions and values. It’s just sad that some people don’t even want to try to understand other peoples culture, tradition, religion and way of thinking.
I read the blog and comments with amused interest. I am Bruneian and born muslim but with non-muslim relatives (my mum was a convert). I also grew up with children of expats. So I’m privileged to have insights into different viewpoints. One thing about looking at things from the expat point of view is that expats in Brunei are usually cut themselves off from local culture, though not on purpose generally – most expats come out here with the expectation of immersing themselves in a new culture, but a number of factors have led to this state of affairs. Even expats living here for years would be hard pushed when you ask them about the differences between Bruneian Malay culture and that of peninsular Malaysia for example.
I can confirm a lot of of what this article talks about. But this country is one of contradictions, many of which are not talked about. I have a gay friend who has lived with his partner for years in what he jokingly calls his “in-laws” house. By all accounts, his partner’s parents actually love him very much and show it quite openly but conversely there is significant pressure from the same parents for the couple to stop being gay and live apart. He is not unique, there are other gay couples whom I am not as close to but who seem to be living together quite openly as well. Expats usually don’t pick up on these hidden contradictions.
Take for example the pictures of the dying but culturally important Kampong Ayer (water village) in the article. Outsiders look at the run down houses and think poverty but – more often than not – the family owns several (not one, it’s usually more) houses on dry land, usually through the state subsidised housing scheme. This scheme is also open to non-muslim and non-native citizens by the way. The house in the water village is then left to be run down and rented out on the cheap to foreign workers.
Not to say there isn’t any poverty in Kampong Ayer, there is, just not as much as you would think by just looking at it. Like the Kampong Ayer in Sabah’s capital Kota Kinabalu, ours is where a lot of the illicit drug trade (nearly all of it, meth) comes from. Prostitution exists, government officials would admit it freely if asked, they simply don’t get asked much. We know that its done by women (and men) on tourist visas (mostly from China and neighbouring countries) who get their customers from web chat rooms for straight men and good old grindr (an app) for gay men. Again most expats would miss this.
A gay expat actually mentioned that he finds it very easy to get willing partners in Brunei. I imagine this is especially true for fairer East Asian or Caucasian men, like other Asian countries, fair skin is considered as more attractive here than dark or tanned. The local men tend to be straight-acting (which he attributed to the culture) and gym-fit (which he attributes to there being nothing to do in the country than go to the gym). Back in manchester where he’s originally from, such men would usually not give him a second glance. The only thing was these men would tend not to have face pics and he would have to take a chance on every first meet-up with someone.
Also the article is a small snapshot of a country in flux. It becomes more fascinating when you look at it over time. Just ten years ago the “hijab” was far less common. Skirts were much shorter in the seventies and eighties. As a child, I remembered the family had a dog and my rather strict muslim grandma bought beer during Eid to serve to non-muslim guests. Christmas and Chinese New Year was lavishly celebrated in the public sphere. Now even having christmas decorations up in a commercial property isn’t allowed.
Brunei’s unique quirkiness is reflected in the country’s tastes and habits. Many of her graduates are always on the look out for a decent chippy (hence the masses of UK graduates dining in Mama Wong’s fish and chips). The small diving and beach scene is heavily driven by Australian graduates. Weirdly, there is even a tiny drug sub-culture that is fueled and sustained by graduates from universities in Kuala Lumpur, instead of from those from the West. These observations are unfortunately anecdotal, all coming from a local who is lucky enough to be in many different social circles and cliques but unremarkable enough to fade into the background in such scenes and able to pick out more from the people around me.
It is unfortunate that adventurouskate stuck with the expat community. Bruneians can be hard to break through at first especially Muslim Malays but actually everyone here has had English as the primary language of instruction for science and maths from primary school, even those that seem to not be able to SPEAK English very well can actually understand farily complicated words. Its a matter of self confidence, which deteriorates a lot in the face of a white person (read native speaker). it would have been easy enough to communicate with a Bruneian and get to know at least some of these wierd contradictions.
This country may be small but its very complex. Even after being born here and living here most of my life I still don’t understand much of it.
Very fascinating read. Shahiboy’s account is probably more accurate as most of the replies are either too defensive or too critical.
Much of Asia is filled with contradictions, there is a constant tension be traditionalist v modernist, as respect of elders is often ingrained in Asian culture. Many fear their culture will be subverted or at least diluted while at the same time trying to earn their rice bowl and often have to ‘westernise’.
Often Asian countries tend to be multi-ethnic(exception of probably Korea and Japan) and this can often lead to frictions between communities and what it means to be citizen of a country. Asians often ask themselves is my loyalty to my country(therefore identifying as someone of their country) or to my race and religion.Sadly politicians often inflame tensions by playing the race or religion card. Once you add race and religion(sic Myanmar) into the discussion it becomes an explosive cocktail.
And like most Asian cultures,people get really defensive when frowned up or criticised. Let’s be honest violence occur because most people will never accept there will always be someone else having differing opinions.To each his own!
Yeah, brunei is an one of moslem country and melayu tribe like kampong ayer and some exotic food. Brunei is one of million travel destination in borneo, as recommend me.. yau can find same culture and view in singkawang and sambas (west borneo)
* don’t come to brunei if you can’t have alcohol to enjoy yourself
* don’t work/live in brunei if you can’t live without “Freedom of Speech”
* don’t expect everywhere is the same, wherever you are from
* not every country in this world is 100% happy with its government, including Brunei, so stop saying ‘not everyone in Brunei agrees with the Shariah Law’
* Brunei is a rich COUNTRY, the citizens of Brunei are just as ordinary as the people of the world
* NOT EVERYONE IS RICH IN BRUNEI DARUSSALAM, THIS IS NOT MONACO!!!
* don’t write or comment about Bruneians like you are an expert in Malay Islamic Monarchy culture
* the “poverty” stricken Bruneians will be considered rich in some part of the world
* sorry to say, but mostly, only westerners complaints about living in Brunei
* if you want to know about living in Brunei, don’t just ask your fellow countrymen, ofcourse the restrictions of alcohol, free speech, nightlife etc thats gonna comes into topic
* why don’t ask the Filipinos, British, Aussies, Indonesians, Koreans, Malaysians or Indians that’s been living in Brunei for more than 15yrs
* why don’t ask the Non-Muslim Bruneians how’s living in Brunei for them
* just because Brunei is a strict muslim country, westeners thinks its full of terrorists and extremists!!! how many reported “jihadists” are from America, Australia, UK, EU and some parts in Asia compared to Brunei
* never will you see/hear or watch Brunei or its people say anything bad or disagreement about other countries government, way of living, citizens, laws, flaws etc. ‘maybe’ that’s the impact of freedom of speech or media freedom, it teaches us how to respect others
* Brunei is not built for tourism, if you are looking for shopping and entertainment, then Brunei is not the place, but if you are the kind of traveller that intrested in learning different cultures, trying different food, way of living, architectures, nature… without alcohol, Brunei will sincerely open their arms with politeness, smiles and kindness
* for those who hates Brunei just by googleing the royalties, reading stories that happened in the 90’s, the princes parties… what does it have to do with you? it doesn’t hurt you nor the people of Brunei, who are very taken care of, no one in Brunei is being killed because of that, ofcourse Bruneians are embarrassed and angry, because it was the people’s money that were being used, BY THE SULTAN’S BROTHER, NOT HIS MAJESTY, and why are the media are so interested in His car collections? it’s His money, let him collect whatever he wants, do you expect His Majesty to collect action figures? fridge magnets? flip flops?
* give the humans of Brunei a break, good manners are in their blood
Very very interesting set of comments: hopefully coming together to give a full picture… Comments which can be considered by all readers. Thank you. We are an unmarried middle aged couple of westerners who plan to live in Brunei for six months as part of our travels. After reading these posts I think we risk being mildly bored but hugely educated (awful grammar sorry!) … thank you everyone.
Never knew that there are poverty stricken parts in Brunei of all places!
Hi,
Interesting views –
What I find amusing is that time and time again – ‘western’ journalists/politicians/goverments think they know what is best for people living somewhere else. So arrogant.
(This is in general and not aimed at Kate)
Have you ever thought that Muslims WANT Shariah Law.
I live in the UK and allll the Muslims I know would love to live in Shariah law – but they are trapped in the vicious circle…work, home, sleep..paying the bills and just getting by.
Actually alot who have been earning good money have already moved. 3 members from family have moved to an Islamic country…me, my wife and child are looking to move in about a years time (henice me looking around got me to this page)
Muslims wouldn’t expect UK to become ‘islamic’. But non-muslims really need to understand that we don’t have the same views as them.
‘Freedom of speech’ – is a load of BS.
Doesn’t do anyone any good – wow big deal…I get to moan about something and stir some trouble.
We don’t see that as something of value. Yes…opinions are good. And yes you won’t agree wholeheartedly with everything the Khalifa (leader) says…but isn’t that the same for goverments…
I seem to remember…majority of UK and US population was against terrorising Iraq and Libya…yet the government did it anyway.
You talk about justice as if you have justice.
No. You have bogus paperwork.
US Police force is one of the most disgusting in the World. It is so racist. Look how badly you treat your old veterans.
Homelessness is crazy in the West. And you have a few states where people are dying for water.
Lack of Law and Order – despite your claim of being ‘free’ you have some of the highest suicide records and..
Gun crime
Rape crime
Drug abuse
Corruption in the goverment is soo high.
At least they don’t have these problems here.
No illusion of ‘democracy’ all you have is hypocrisy.
———————–
And if it is so bad living under Islamic law…why live there? Why don’t the expats live their life in ‘the land of the free’.
It is funny because of here in UK you have the government crying that we should respect the land you live in and follow the laws.
You have herds of English people protesting that Muslims should live ‘our’ way of life.
People like Theresa May saying Muslims need to have ‘British Values or leave’.
What about the expats in Brunie? Smuggling in extra alcohol from the milkman.
Come back to the UK..and you can get drunk as much as you want.
Plus there is a shortage of teachers here..why go there.
I think the Sultan you enforce the full Shariah law…why shouldn’t he…if you don’t like it..then leave.
Same goes for UK aswell…if Muslims don’t like it…then leave (which they are). And France is forcing full on secular against Islam war…Muslims are looking to leave.
The hijab usually comes up as a topic – you ever thought…people don’t want to see everyone’s legs and bare skin…personally think it is yuck how women have become slaves to try and become the ‘model’ girl. No wonder there is record amounts of depression.
Anyway…I could go on forever…
To sum it up..
If non-muslims don’t like Shariah law…we don’t care. It is our law…for our countries.
I agree there should never be people.trying to bring Shariah in to the West. As the west is too accustomed to its ways and won’t be able to handle it. Too many safeguards of morals and self respect in Shariah and too dependant on materialistic lifestyle (in my opinion).
The West should never try and intervene in our countries. We like our laws the way they are.
Regards.
This is by far the most accurate post about Brunei. Real truth, bare and boldly written. How I wish this country could do more with the luxury it is poured on, which probably will run out in a few years’ time unless there’s a new exploration of new found O&G. Nonetheless, it has provide a home to the common people who are born and bred here, not to mention the benefits provided for the locals in which made us grateful enough to sustain peace among ourselves. Though there aren’t much to see here, but getting to know a local will make one’s trip to Brunei worthwhile 🙂
Kate is so dauntless for writing this post boldly, but not everything that she had written is true.
I must say, the comments were more informative than the blog post itself. The post was written in a condescending way, very close minded. I hope you wrote this post while being drunk.
Can’t believe I’ve only just seen this post!
I lived in Brunei for 6 years and can’t agree with you more, it’s a very good and insightful look at the country. Luckily I got out before the whole Sharia law thing but I still have friends there, they actually say it’s not really that bad, thankfully!.
I really love this post! Your blog is inspiring!
A great tip for any first time traveler to anywhere………….. Get in touch and befriend as many locals through social-media/forums beforehand. You will not miss much what locals there gravitate to during their leisure time. What’s more you’ll get to see real people’s attitude and culture, real everyday cuisine etc. As you said Bruneians tend to own and drive their own cars, I bet if you knew someone beforehand they’ll gladly give you a ride around town, heck even the whole “small” country. That is the nature of a lot of Bruneians. And if they have a spare room at home, and they feel they know you enough to feel comfortable about it, you may even get to stay at their place for free.
The fact that an earlier comment a person who identifies as a Muslim said being gay is a choice, when in fact it’s not a choice, it’s genetics. that comment alone shows the lack of knowledge and understanding due to a religion.