Jul 10, 2016 07:16 PM
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The Sultanate of Brunei is a mad old place, and no mistake. Firstly, (and most significantly for an Irishman) it is strictly Islam, and alcohol is not served anywhere.(You can bring in a bottle yourself, but it needs to be declared.) Having a crazy time in Brunei consists of playing pool in a coffee bar.
Or you could go to Jerudong Park. This is a huge amusement park which was built by the Sultam of Brunei as a gift to the people - entry and all rides are absolutely free. There is usually about 10 people in the entire(huge) park, so you get all the rollercoasters to yourself!
The Sultan has also built loads of five star hotels, which are all hugely over-staffed, and therefore excellent in terms of service. Ours - the Jerudong Park Hotel - cost 30 dollars per night, and we had a gorgeous courtyard swimming pool all to ourselves(two friends accompanied me).
It was intensely hot - about 45 degrees, as Brunei virtually sits on the Equator.
Everywhere we went we were stared at - a 10 year old schoolboy fell off his bike because he was looking behind him(at us) so much. It felt liberating to realize that "strange complexion" is all relative to what part of the world one is in. But then travel broadens the mind, doesn't it!?
Brunei is considered as very rich nation due to its petroleum and gold reserves. The Population is very less as compared to other neighboring countries. People of wealthy nad very much adherent to Islam.
There's really very little to see, but it was a perfectly chill out point for us, as we were between visits to Singapore and Bali.
One tip - avoid taxis like the plague - a 10 minute ride costs about 55 dollars! If staying in a hotel, get a shuttle bus to pick you up - it will normally cost a tenner.
Thanks
