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Brunei: it's really not as boring as it seems

4/5/2015

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#np All these thoughts locked inside. -All American Rejects.

So a lot have been asking me, why do you go Brunei? What do you even do there? it's so boring, yada3. TRUE. I do not deny any of that. It's safe, it's boring, it's peaceful. It's a package. But there are places you can go to.
First on the list!


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1. Royal Regalia
Well, it's hard to miss, it's a super big building and inside it are royal exhibits. It's function is pretty much like a museum. But there is museum in Brunei, just not sure where it is. . 

And one thing i notice about it's the food. NOT local food, but the food that came from different places, Italian, Korean, Japanese Cuisine. They are not as localised as what we have here in KK. So if you guys are food lovers, should try out those cuisines. Thai food is not in but you guys should definitely give that a shot as well!

2) Japanese Cuisine
Kaizen Sushi is highly recommended, a bit costly BUT so  worth it.
The Kaizen i went to is around city area, apparently the quality differs depending on the area but since I've never tried the other branches I can't say for sure that is true. 

Escapade is a more localised eatery, and you can find it almost anywhere, it's like franchise in Brunei. Kinda like Sushi King in KK.
3) Italian Cuisine
Well I went for an all-you-can-eat buffet (Pasta and Pizza) at Capers for only B$14.90. But tbh the quality kinda fluctuates or may be cause they were just damn packed when I was there, sungkai time. Bad timing much?
4) Korean Cuisine
I remembered one of my friend brought me to this place, Silla 2 years ago, it's awesome! It has a very "zen" feel to it. there's a man-made bridge and under it a "supposed" stream with Koi fish ( i think they had) I'm sorry for the lack of picture for this =/ But generally Korean Food in Brunei are pretty good cause well, they're really managed by Koreans. But one downside to pork lovers is that the eateries there are usually "halal". Well, it is a Muslim country after all.

5) Temburong
It's one of the distrrict in brunei. People usually go there for the canopy walks and plants. FOREST. yea, it's great for nature lovers. UNFORTUNATELY, I have never been there :( BOO!
Why? Cause it's quite a distant from the city. Plus, to get to Temburong you have to cross Malaysian borders (Limbang). 
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The one in green, I'm usually at the yellow area, that's the town area.
6) Empire Hotel
It's probably the poshest Hotel in the whole of Brunei. And it has fantastic view of the sea. Go during sunset! super romantic! :D  Tons of place to take pictures :) 
credits to Sim for the pictures
7) Pizza Hut!
No, you did not see wrong. order their Honey Garlic Chicken. It's damn good!!! And advisable to go on a Tuesday, cause you get a 50% off for each Pizza.

8) Palace
It's especially open during Hari Raya, whereby citizens and tourist are welcome to eat (it's free) and kids get green pau~ oh! and everyone get's a box of goodies, chocs/sweets~
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9) Mosque and Kg.Ayer
You can actually visit the mosque, but it's better you ask tour and locals about this since that one time I visited these 2 places were ages ago and I followed tour. No, I dont know why my parents signed us up for a tour in Brunei when we were already staying in Brunei.

10) Ice Cream
Jollibee- Just cause they have B$0.50 ice cream, and I think in just 11 days I've eaten thrice cause it's just so good and cheap
Dairy Queen- But it's a personal favorite not sure if I'm suppose to put it in a guide.
But it's ice cream, no one should say no to it.

Try cause you can't find these 2 franchises in KK.
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11) Brunei Food
Nasi Katok considered as Brunei's local food, a Brunei version of Malaysia's nasi lemak. 
If you're interested in more local food Brunei has to offer especially in the month of Ramadhan, feel free to check out this post : Ramadhan Bazaar

12) Jerudong Park 
20 years ago it is probably the largest theme park in Borneo or SEA, and the best part was, it's free. Was. Now due to the lack of maintenance, I'm not sure how many games are still up and running and entrance fee cost around B$20.

So I wrote this post 2 years ago, 03/08/2013 so I don't know how valid those information are, as in whether the shops are still there, the prices are still the same. Though I'd assume not much has changed cause if there's one thing I know about Brunei is, change happens at a VERY VERY SLOW pace.

A senior however did visit Brunei not too long ago, and she agreed to let me use some of the details and information she's gotten on her trip just recently! Thanks Irene Yuin :) 

~ Take the early morning flight and if weather permit, Mount Kinabalu is visible at your right side.
~ Brunei is clean & tidy.
~ Petrol cost B$ 53 cents per litre.
~ Diesel cost B$ 31 cents per litre.
~ Shopping Centre close very early around 8-9 pm at night. Although some of the shops still open, but most of the shops are close.
~ Currency exchange RM 2.70 = B$ 1
~ Only foreigners take the bus.
~ Tours are not available on Wednesday & Friday
~ The mosque is not open for non-Muslim visit on Thursday, Fridays and Muslim Festivals
~Guests may get wet if it rains during the boat cruise.
~Friday prayer time everything is close/stops 
~Tax free country, hence the chocolates and imported products are super cheap (cars included)
check out some of the places she's been here.

I'm pretty sure there are more places to go if you know locals and where to search. 
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