Negara Brunei Darussalam, or the shortened form of Brunei, is an independent country consisting of two separate areas, approximately 30 km apart. Both areas are bordered by the South China Sea to the north and by the Malaysian province of Sarawak on all other sides. The capital is Bandar Seri Begawan and other major towns include Muara, Seria which is the town in the hub of the oil and gas industry, Kuala Belait, Pekan Tutong and Bangar.
The official language is Malay however English and Chinese (various dialects) are also spoken. The local currency is the Brunei Dollar (Br$) broken into 100 sen. The Brunei dollar is on par with the Singapore dollar, and may be used interchangeably.
Brunei is known for its oil rich country and exceptionally wealthy Sultan. The country is tax-free and has a subsidised society. Brunei is a chiefly Islamic area that has free education, medical facilities and sporting centres.
The city of Bandar Seri Begawan has an international airport and direct air connections to 10 Asian cities and to Australia. There are express boats between Bandar Seri Begawan and Lawas and Limbang in Sarawak, and the duty-free island of Labuan off Sabah. There are boats between Labuan and Sabah.
Singaporeans, Malaysians, and British nationals do not need visas for visits up to 30 days.
Nationals of Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Belgium, Canada, Germany, France, Japan, South Korea, Liechienstein, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, The Republic of Maldives, New Zealand, and Norway do not need visas for visits up to 14 days.
Residents of the United States of America are also exempted for a period of 90 days.
Nationals of all other countries require a visa, which may be obtained through Brunei embassies before entering Brunei.
The transport network in Brunei is excellent with roads in good conditions. The telecommunications network is also excellent.
The international time zone is GMT +8. The international dialing code is +673.
The state of health, the current immunisation status, location and the local disease situation lead to risk of contraction of Cholera, Polio and Typhoid vaccinations are recommended.
