Brunei Darussalam has one of the highest standards of living in the world. The country distinguishes itself as an "Abode of Peace" because of the goodwill of its citizens and the lushness of the kingdom. If you want to get to know the country more, keep reading. Here are some of the things that will welcome you here.
1. Due to its geographical make-up, Brunei nestles trails, peaks and streams that are attractive to nature enthusiasts. The country boasts of a sundry of hiking paths, recreation parks, rivers and mangrove.
One amazing place to marvel at is the Temburong district, which has an abundant foliage of flora and fauna. It is a land off the main district and it gives a countryside atmosphere to tourists, whi can be transported from the jetty by a speedboat, informally called as "flying coffins" because of the way drivers operate the boats. Along the journey, you'll see Proboscis monkeys inhabiting the mangrove.
2. In addition to the Brunei wilderness, the mosques in this country are also fascinating sights to behold. Being a Muslim nation, mosques are everywhere and some of the mosques that will truly endear you are Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque and Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque. The former was named after the late father of Sultan Bolkiah (it particularly, stands out beautifully in the evening because of its radiant shine), and the latter is regarded as the largest in the country and won't go unnoticed because of its golden domes and four tiled minarets.
3. For just $1, tourists can buy this a prominent dish in Brunei known as Nasi Katok, made of fragrant rice (nasi), fried chicken (ayam) and a special sauce (sambal). Its name was hailed from the Malay language Nasi which means rice and Katok which means Knock. Its story began with a Chinese old man selling rice and chicken sets until late evening. Customers would usually knock on his door even past sleeping time to buy the food. Today, hundreds of stalls could be found in the country selling different chicken and sauce variations. The special sauce or sambal is made from pureed chillies, garlic, ginger and lemon grass.
4. Constructed in 1994 as one of the projects of Prince Jefri Bolkiah, the Jerudong Park Playground is vigorous and flamboyant, especially, during weekend nights. There are rides, food stalls, parks, and a souvenir store. Huge stars--like the late like Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston--have held their musical concerts here.
5. Traffic in Brunei is quite stress-free because of its wide roads and good infrastructure. The country follows a left-hand drive system and all roads signs are internally approved. Random checkpoints are done by the Royal Brunei Police Force to inspect license, registration and possible contrabands.
6. According to latest report by the (OSAC) US Department of State Bureau of Diplomatic Security, crime rate in Brunei is low and crimes committed against foreigners are unusual. There is a very low incidence of terrorism or cultural violence in the country.
7. If you want to go fancy and stay in one of the country's best accommodations, Brunei is home to The Empire Hotel and Country Club. Launched in 2010, this place earned the Best Golf Resort in Asia Pacific award by Asian Golf Monthly 2011. The hotel is massive and magnificent with its luxurious interior and exterior designs. It has stylish rooms, suites, grand villas and lots of luxurious club amenities.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
