Brunei
The information below is provided by Lonely Planet readers and is not verified by Lonely Planet. For the official lowdown, contact your nearest embassy or check out our Travel Links.
Visas, Embassies & Border Crossings
Thai visitors to Brunei are allowed to enter & remain in the country for up to 14 days without having to apply for a visa. I've just arrived in Brunei this afternoon to visit my sister, but was detained for an hour by an immigration officer. The reason was, my B$300 (USD170) pocket money was not enough for a 3 day stay in Brunei although accommodation & food would be supplied by my Bruneian brother-in-law. A similar situation happened to my collegues who came to Brunei last year and wished to travel in Brunei for a week.
Nur Viratan, Thailand (Feb 03)
Multiple Entry: Anyone who needs a visa for Brunei must be aware that if they leave on a day trip to Labuan or to visit Miri they must have a re-entry visa in their passport. A valid visa to stay in Brunei for a few weeks won't suffice as you still won't be allowed back in, so if you are going to be leaving and returning a multiple entry visa is advisable.
Bridget Craig, UK (May 99)
Travel Tips
If changing money to use before coming to Brunei, remember that Singapore dollars are interchangeable with Brunei dollars. However, it's much easier to change Singapore dollars into other currencies than Brunei dollars (and the rates usually are much fairer), so if you have money left over, it's better to have it in S$.
Rusty Cartmill, USA (Jan 03)
At the capital in Brunei (BSB), in the same building as the post office, there is now a tourist information centre. They can give some good information about the city.
Sander Mulder, Netherlands (Feb 02)
Moving About
Taxi meters are still used by most drivers in Bandar Seri Begawan. Let them know you expect zone prices before you get in the cab - they are much cheaper than meter prices. Also, you can travel to most places (except to and from Jerudong Park Playground at night) by air-conditioned buses. No schedules or stops - just stand on the roadside and hail one. The cost is $1 per trip no matter how far you go.
Libby, Brunei (Nov 99)
From 1 September 1999, Royal Brunei Airlines have terminated services to Miri, Labuan and Mulu (all these destinations are in Malaysian-Borneo). For travellers going to Mulu Caves, they can go via Miri and take either a longboat along the Baram River or a domestic Malaysian Airlines flight. Alternatively, go across the border to Limbang and take a domestic flight. Limbang is 45 minutes by boat from Brunei.
Miri is easily accessible by connecting bus services from Brunei. The journey from Bandar Seri Begawan will take three to four hours.
As for Labuan, there are ferry services from Serasa ferry terminal in Brunei. The journey takes 45 minutes to one hour.
Charles Lim, Brunei (Sep 99)
Borneo Airways have decided to stop services from Brunei to Mulu, Mira and Labuan, effective 1 September 99. It seems the 19-seater Dorniers they have been flying are running far from capacity. The only way from Brunei to Mulu now appears to be overland to Miri and then flying Malaysian Air. You could also take a long, expensive, yet interesting series of boats from Miri.
Gerry Mott, UK (Aug 99)
Scams & Warnings
The haze that shrouded Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and Indonesia two years ago is back. The haze is caused by plantation and forest fires in Kalimantan and Sumatra. Up until now the PSI index is still below the hazardous level (in Singapore and Malaysia at least), but there is definitely a strong and irritating burning smell in the air. Concerned parties should check out the following Web site: www.gov.sg/metsin/home.html
Thng Hui Hong, Singapore (Aug 99)
Gems, Highlights & Attractions
Ulu Temburong National Park: a trip up the 'Canopy Walkway' at dawn is a must for all bird-watching enthusiasts and those who wish to experience the beauty of the rainforest. The mist-shrouded trees and valleys slowly clear to unveil the sights and sounds of honking hornbills, metallic blue birds, neon green birds, fluorescent yellow birds, scarlet birds etc. If it's birds you're after, you name it and you'll have it! So, make sure you bring along a pair of binoculars. Satisfaction guaranteed.
Jeffery, Brunei (Jan 00)
An adventerous journey is to follow the historic Headhunters' Trail from Limbang to Mulu. This involves longboat travel, local bus and several hours easy trekking through beautiful jungle in the national park. You stay overnight at either a local longhouse or in the national park hostel. You can arrange it all cheaply through the national park HQ at Mulu. Private tour operators can also arrange the trip but at much higher prices. You can use this route either to or from the park. Four people is the optimum number to keep longboat prices down if you are arranging the trip through Park HQ. Expect some hopping in and out of the longboat at low river stretches unless you are visiting during the rainy season.
There are ferries every half hour or so to Brunei from Limbang; they take 30 minutes and cost RM15 or 10 Brunei dollars.
Libby, Brunei (Nov 99)
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