Embodying a historical legacy of glitz and glamour and a wealth of cultural heritage, not to mention its unspoilt natural beauty, Brunei is like a breath of fresh air for travelers looking for something different, and even magical, in their search for the idyllic holiday destination.
Brunei
Embedded between the east Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, on the northern shores of the island of Borneo, Brunei Darussalam is a charming, tiny country that has been fondly labelled ‘The Abode of Peace’, as well as ‘the Kingdom of Unexpected Treasures’. With a convenient flight schedule offered by Royal Brunei Airlines, its national carrier, Brunei serves as a convenient hub to other Borneo destinations and Southeast Asian countries, including Sarawak and Sabah of Malaysia, and many more.
Based on the wealth derived from some of the largest subterranean oil fields in Southeast Asia, Brunei has managed to preserve most of its abundant above-ground resources. The country boasts some of the most intact primary rainforests in Borneo, and is a major tourist attraction for those who seek a peaceful and unpolluted refuge in an increasingly eco-conscious world.
In the process of modernization, Brunei has retained its Malay heritage and Islam as the state religion. Instead of the fast-faced hustle and bustle of a concrete jungle that typifies city life, you will find people living a relaxed, worry-free life that is very much in touch with nature and its rhythms.
Whether you are headed for Brunei for its elegant mosques and heritage water village, or for its unspoiled national park and fantastic dives, you will find friendly locals who live in harmony with strong family bonds, and a healthy respect for king and country.
You will only have truly visited Brunei if you have checked out these landmarks. Being the crown jewel of Brunei’s green landscapes, Ulu Temburong National Park is home to a variety of unique species as well as Borneo’s longhouse communities and their ancient culture.
Explore Islamic culture by wandering at the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. The glittering dome, luminous glass windows and gleaming Italian marble will leave you with a spiritual and uplifting feeling like no other.
Brunei is also famous for some of the best wreck diving experiences to wander amongst not only the pure and untouched coral reefs and magnificent sea life, but also various photogenic ship wrecks. Brunei Patches is a great option for you!
Spicy, sweet, or savoury – whatever your palate – the rich diversity of Bruneian cuisine is certain to titillate your taste buds and leave you pining for more! Brunei’s signature dish – Ambuyat – is a thick, white, starch-like mixture with a tenacious consistency made by adding hot water to sago. It is served with a spicy sauce, typically with an assortment of side dishes of meat, fish and vegetables.
If you like fried chicken, nasi katok is another must-try dish. It takes the form of white rice, a piece of chicken and sambal wrapped up in brown paper.
Desserts ranging from kueh koci, seri muka to keh batik and the selerut are the best options to round off your culinary adventure in Brunei.
Brunei is the place where you will retrieve your innate curiosity and nature connection. Having set foot on this convenient hub, why not just follow your heart and satiate your wanderlust by visiting a couple more cities along the way? Sarawak and Sabah of Malaysia are also brimming with gems waiting for you to discover.
Sabah
As the second largest state in Malaysia, Sabah is well known for its bio-diversity, unique cultures, fun adventures, pristine beaches, and fantastic cuisines. From Rafflesia, the world’s largest flower, to Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Southeast Asia, Sabah keeps serving up surprises.
Being remotely located from human habitation, the Danum Valley Conservation Area is a naturalist’s paradise. The enchanted forest serves as a natural home for an unimaginable number of plants and wildlife species, including some which are endangered. Guided trails, bird watching and night drives are among the activities offered to visitors seeking to explore the wonders of this area.
Have you got stars in your eyes? Check out the 50-plus public places in Sabah via their official tourist website, where you can enjoy stargazing and be hypnotized by picturesque mystical view of the skyline at night time.
When it comes to diving, Sipadan Island ticks all the boxes. Well known for its unusually large numbers of green and hawksbill turtles, it is not unusual for a diver to see more than 20 turtles on each dive. With more than 3,000 species of fish and hundreds of coral species, Sipadan have been classified in this richest of ecosystems.
Bak kut teh (translated as pork bone tea in Chinese) is a Sabah delicacy topping Hong Kong foodies’ charts. Stewed with pork ribs and a mixture of fragrant herbs and spices, the unique aroma of the nourishing dish has a place in many people’s hearts.
Hainanese chicken rice, a comfort food for Hongkongers, is also popular amongst the Sabahans. This deceptively simple dish requires the balance between the tenderness of the chicken as well as the jelly-like fat, and has to be served with perfectly cooked fragrant rice.
Sarawak
Sarawak, the largest Malaysian state, has an equatorial climate with lush tropical rainforests, an abundance of animal and plant species, and a wealth of natural wonders, such as the cave system at Gunung Mulu National Park and the Rejang River, the longest in Malaysia. Try a full-day bike tour or a river cruise at Kuching, the state capital, to soak up the tropical vibes.
Famous for the world’s largest natural chamber and the longest cave in Southeast Asia, Gunung Mulu features four show caves, a bat observatory, the rainforest canopy skywalk and the challenging Mulu Summit climb. If you are looking for caves suitable for beginners, check out the caving tours in southwest Sarawak.
Miri Sibuti Coral Reef National Park is a premier diving destination, as the abundance of pristine patch reefs and hundreds of thousands of sea creatures can be seen once you submerge your head underwater. With around 40 dive sites available, diving is easy and convenient within the City of Miri.
Make sure you hit the Sarawak food trail on your way! Labelled “The Breakfast of Gods” by celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain, the Sarawak laksa is cooked with shrimp-based broth and thickened with coconut milk, a delicacy that is certain to set your palette alight.
Oyster omelettes always have a special place in every Hongkonger’s heart, and this crispier, thinner version from Sarawak has to be recommended to every one of you. Made up of mainly two ingredients – egg and baby oysters, the magic lies in the perfect contrast between the crispiness of the edge and bottom and the softness of the interior. Make sure you take a bite when served hot!
Tours to the above destinations are operated by the following agencies: Wing On Travel, Sunflower Travel, EGL Tours, China Travel Service, Morning Star Travel, Pleasure Travel, South Coast Holidays as well as Sky E Travel.
Royal Brunei Airlines offers convenient flight schedules between Hong Kong and Brunei. They fly three times weekly this month, on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. As for July and August, they will be flying four times weekly, with an additional flight on Thursday.
For more information, please visit: www.flyRB.com
