Information About Brunei for Pakistani Travellers

Brunei Darussalam is a small but important oil rich Islamic country in South East Asia. Pakistan established diplomatic relations with Brunei on 9 February 1984 soon after the latter's independence. Brunei established its High Commission in Islamabad in 1992, while Pakistan set up its High Commission in Bandar Seri Begawan in 1985. Pakistan's relations with Brunei are marked by cordiality, warmth and cooperat ion. The two countries have similarity of views on important regional and international issues.

Official Name

Negara Brunei Darussalam (in Malay — 'Negara Brunei' means 'the state of Brunei', and 'Darussalam' means 'abode of peace'). Brunei Darussalam (in English)

Capital

Bandar Seri Begawan

Geography

It is strategically located on the north-west coast of the island of Borneo. Brunei Darussalam is approximately two to three hours flying distance from most ASEAN countries.

Land area

Brunei Darussalam has a total land area of 5,765 square kilometres with over 161 kilometres of coastline along the South China Sea. The western part of Brunei I)arussalam consists of Brunei Muara, Tutong and Belait districts, while the eastern part is the Temburong District.

Population

Brunei Darussalam's population was 445.900 (2023).

People

Blunei Darussalam has seven ethnics comprising of Malay, Kedayan, Belait, Tutong, Bisaya, Murut, Dusun. Majority of the population are Malays followed by Chinese and people comprising of other minor groups.

Language

Bahasa Melayu (Malay language) is the official language but English is also widely spoken. Various Chinese and Indian dialects are used by the respective communities.

Religion

The official religion is Islam. However, other religions may be practiced in peace and harmony by the persons professing them as stated in the Constitution of Brunei Darussalam.

Government

Brunei Darussalam was a British protectorate state from 1888 to 1983 and achieved its filll sovereignty on January 1, 1984. Brunei Darussalam is governed on the basis of the Constitution of Brunei Darussalam established in 1959.

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, The Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam is the Head of State and Head of Government of Brunei Darussalam. His Majesty who is the 29th Sultan of Brunei is the Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Defence and Minister of Finance. His Majesty is assisted by five constitutional bodies namely the Council of Succession, the Council of Ministers, the Privy Council, the Religious Council and the Legislative Council.

Economy

Brunei Darussalam has a small but wealthy economy comprising of a mixture of foreign and domestic entrepreneurships. It is largely supported by exports of crude oil and natural gas with revenues from the petroleum sector accounting for nearly over half of her Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Currency

The monetary unit of the country is Brunei Dollar and written as BND. It is pegged to the value of the Singapore Dollar and both currencies can be used in Brunei Darussalam and Singapore. 1 US$ = 1.3 B$ and 1 B$ 210 Pak Rs. approx).

Climate

Brunei Darussalam has a tropical equatorial climate with high rainfall and warm temperatures all year round.

Time zone

Brunei Darussalam is eight hours ahead of the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+8) and three hours ahead of PST.

Places of Interest

Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is a mosque in Bandar Seri the capital of, Brunei. It is cjne of the country's two national mosques (the other Jame' Asr Ilassanil Bolkiah Mosque), as well as a national landmark. It is one of the largest and oldest mosques in the country and is named after Omar Ali Saifuddien Ill (1914—1986), the 28th Sultan of Brunei ancl the father of the current monarch Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. The mosque serves as a symbol of the Islamic faith in Brunei.

Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque is a mosque in Kampong Kiarong of Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. It is named after Hassanal Bolkiah, the 29th and current Sultan of Brunei. It is one of the two state mosques (masjid negara), the other Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque.

rhe Royal Regalia Museum is a museum located in the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei. It mainly houses the regalia of the Sultan and the royalty, as well as exhibits related to the commemorations of the Silver and Golden Jubilee celebrations of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah^ts rule of Brunei.

Gadong is a commercial area in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei. It is a popular shopping and dining area in the city as well as in Brunei, with several shops, restaurants and cafes establishing their presence in the area.

Yayasan Shopping Complex is the biggest shopping complex in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. It belongs to the Sultan Ilaji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation, which was founded on 5 October 1992 in conjunction with the Silver Jubilee of the reign of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. The shopping complex has some of the best shops in Bandar Seri Begawan. Located within the complex is the Hua Ho Supermarket as an Anchor tenant of Yayasan SHHB Complex.

rasek Lama Recreational Park is a beautifully constructed park housing a natural waterfall and a lake which are a source of the city's drinking water. Also referred to as the Waterfall Park, it has jungle trails, picnic spots and an observation tower. The Park is a jungle oasis in the midst of the city and a common spot for routine walkers and joggers. It is easy to spot a wide array of flora and fauna in the park such as cheeky macaque monkeys and interesting flowers.

Balai Khazanah Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah is a great museum designed with impressive architecture. It's an Islamic Heritage Museum with nine galleries displaying priceless Islamic artifacts and manuscripts from His Majesty, the Sultan's personal collection.

Muara Beach is approximately 30 minutes by car from Bandar Seri Begawan. The clean stretch of coastline and adjacent parks has several benches for picnics, a jogging trail and a prime position to see Borneo's famous sunset.

Jerudong Park is an amusement park in park Jerudong, Brunei Muara District. It is the largest and most expensive amusement park in Southeast Asia, built and funded by the Bruneian government for $1 billion.

Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Bridge also known as Temburong Bridge spanning 26.3 kilometres across the Brunei Bay which connects the Temburong district to Bandar Seri Begawan, was opened to public on 17 March 2020. It is the longest bridge in Southeast Asia. The bridge shortens the local commuters' travel time to the capital to less than 30 minutes. Before the opening of the bridge, travellers from Temburong were required to take a 45minute boat ride across the bay or drive two hours through Sarawak's Limbang and four border checkpoints before reaching the capital.

Seria Energy Lab (SEL) is a flagship program by Brunei Shell Petroleum in order to support the growth of science literate in the country. At SEL science is brought to life and made accessible. It is a place where the creative minds are intrigued by the science and technology available to enhance our daily lives. It opens up the mind to foresee the possible future and undergo an immersive experience of interactive learning and exploration.