Brunei Darussalam is an Islamic Sultanate blessed with a royal heritage of 600 years. The Sultanate of Brunei on the northwest corner of the island of Borneo is embraced and at one point even split in two by the Malaysian state of Sarawak. This tiny Islamic state is especially known for the legendary wealth of its Sultan, and for being one of the richest countries in Southeast Asia, with a very high standard of living. The undoubted highlight is its superb Islamic Art Gallery where, among the riches on display are beautifully illuminated antique Korans from India, Iran, Egypt and Turkey, exquisite prayer mats, and quirkier items like a pair of ungainly wooden slippers. In the inevitable Oil and Gas Gallery, exhibits, graphics and captions recount the story of Brunei's oil reserves, from the drilling of the first well in 1928, to current extraction and refining techniques. Also interesting, though tantalizingly sketchy, is the Muslim Life Gallery, whose dioramas allow glimpses of social traditions, such as the sweetening of a new-born baby's mouth with honey or dates, and the disposal of its placenta in a bayung, a palm-leaf basket which is either hung on a tree or floated downriver.

It is divided into four districts : Brunei-muara, Tutong, Belait and Temburong. The capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, is in the Brunei-Muara district and this is the main centre of population and administration. Some 70% of the land is covered by tropical rain forest . Brunei is a Malay Islamic Monarchy with a 600 year recorded history, which has given rise to well-established traditions and a unique cultural identity. The state is ruled, in accordance with traditional Islamic values, by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu 'izzadin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam.

Asia Travel Information

Entrance Fees In Tourists Places in US$

I. Entrance Fees In Tourists Places (Rangoon) in US$ 1. Shwedagon Pagoda $5 2. National Museum $5 3. People's Park $3 4. Gem Museum $5 5. Ngar Htut Kyi Pagoda $2 6.

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Visa Information For Tourists

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General Information For Tourists

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