Brunei Country in Borneo Cultures

About Brunei Darussalam Culture, The Southeast Asian island of Borneo (Kalimantan) — third largest island in the world — has captivated the imagination of explorers and travellers for centuries with its alluring mix of indigenous culture and untamed rainforest.
Approximately 16 million people live on the island of Borneo, which is shared by Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam.

The island's population is comparatively low for the region, owing largely to the fact that up until a few decades ago, Borneo was completely covered by dense rainforest with poor soil for agriculture.
This, combined with rugged terrain, unnavigable rivers and the fierce head-hunter reputation of its inhabitants, ensured that the island remained underdeveloped for many years, giving Borneo a legendary mystique as one of the most mysterious and exotic places on Earth.
For thousands of years, this image was fairly close to the truth. Borneo has been inhabited for at least 35,000 years, and life for many Borneans has changed little over the centuries.
Most people lived in harmony with nature, leading nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyles, travelling over vast areas in search of wild boar and other products of the forest.

Around three thousand years ago, traders from other lands began to frequent Borneo, connecting the island to a larger trading network extending to China, India, and beyond.
Locals collected exotic products like bird's nests and sandalwood for trade abroad but otherwise, life went on as before.
Approximately 500 years ago, Islam arrived to the island, and a number of Muslim kingdoms were established, the largest of which was Brunei, which once controlled most of the northern coast.
The name Borneo is in fact derived from the name Brunei.

Today, Borneo is still home to thousands of indigenous ethnic minorities which add to the island’s diversity and local colour.
While Borneo is rapidly modernising, indigenous culture still thrives, evident in the many traditional longhouse communities that dot the landscape of Brunei and in the native handiworks and crafts they continue to produce.
Headhunting, however, is a pastime which thankfully has retreated into legend!

Source :
http://www.bruneitourism.com/

Brunei Darussalam Administration

Share About Brunei Darussalam is an independent sovereign Sultanate governed on the basis of a written constitution. His Majesty, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the 29th monarch in succession to the throne, is the prime Minister as well as the Defence and Finance Minister and Head of Religion of Brunei Darussalam.


As Sultan, His Majesty is advised and assisted by 5 constitutional bodies, namely, the Council of Succession, the Privy Council, the Council of Cabinet Ministers, Religious Council and the State Legislative Council. The State Legislative Council which was reconvened in September 2004, consists of Cabinet Ministers, local dignitaries, people who achieved distinctions in business, religion and society as well as district representatives.

Government Ministries

Prime Minister's Office

Ministry of Defence

Ministry of Finance

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Ministry of Education

Ministry of Religious Affairs

Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources

Ministry of Communications

Ministry of Health

Ministry of Home Affairs

Ministry of Development

Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports

Source: Business Guide Brunei Darussalam, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Brunei Darussalam

Teaching Style In Brunei Darussalam

Just Share, In spite of many similarities between schools in Brunei Darussalam and those in western countries, teachers taking up any contract in a foreign country must be prepared for considerable differences as well. Although it has maintained a long association with Britain which makes it more familiar than some foreign countries. Brunei is an independent, sovereign state with its own culture and perspectives.
Teachers (and their families) must be prepared for varying degrees of culture shock, particularly if they have not undertaken overseas postings before. Flexibility, patience, tolerance and a sense of humour are all qualities of inestimable value to the newcomer. Initially, frustration levels in a new schools in a new country can be very high, and there can be a natural a tendency to make comparisons between the way things are done in Brunei and at home. Voicing these thoughts will not endear the newcomer to his local colleagues and will bore the more experienced expatriates who have heard it all before. It is far better to adopt a pragmatic approach and try to work within the system as effectively as possible. All teachers are expected to engage in extracurricular activities and to undertake occasional duties such as attending parades on national holidays which would be outside the normal realm of a teacher’s work elsewhere. That said, the vast majority of teachers find that they have far more free time to spend on hobbies or with family than they did in their home countries.

The education system in Brunei Darussalam, like that of many countries, is in a state of development as the government endeavours to establish a curriculum that best fits the needs of its citizens in a rapidly changing world.

Schools in the country vary widely in terms of size, age, location and state of repair, from the very modern to those in real need of extensive renovation. The Professional Department does its best to marry individual circumstances and preferences to schools and location, but the prime consideration has to be the needs of the client, the Ministry of Education.

No matter which district teachers are posted to, however, they are all assured of similar standards of housing, and access to welfare and professional support.

The students in Brunei’s schools are generally polite and well behaved and used to being firmly and clearly directed. They are familiar with being taught by non-Bruneian teachers, especially in secondary schools, and are tolerant of them and their lack of knowledge of the country, its language and its customs. Naturally, however, it is greatly appreciated when teachers take steps to learn about these areas. The students have a heavy academic load, which many do not find easy to cope with. Like children anywhere, they respond positively to teachers who demonstrate a concern for their welfare and a determination to help them as much as possible. As with any school in any country, discipline and motivation problems can and do occur. However, there is usually a refreshing lack of the antagonistic stance that students often adopt towards teachers in some other countries.

Brunei Schools, like government offices, are closed on Fridays and Sundays, under normal circumstances, with Saturday being a working day. Brunei operates a four term year, each of 10/11 weeks, with a 10 day or 2 week holiday between each term and then 4 or 5 weeks in December. The school year comprises a total of about 200 days. There is also ‘Hari Raya’, a holiday to celebrate the completion of the Muslim fasting month. This falls 10 days earlier each year. There is also generous amount of public holidays. In the normal course of events, teachers are free to take leave during school holidays with the approval of the Ministry of Education. As in most schools around the world, teachers are not permitted to take leave during term time and occasionally may be expected to attend INSET workshops or national events during part of the pupils’ holidays.

With one or two exceptions, primary schools operate a morning session only from 07.15 to 12.30 hours. Of the 30 secondary schools, half a dozen run morning and afternoon shifts (1230 to 1730 hours) with three running all day. The rest conduct morning lessons during the same hours as the primary schools. Secondary school extra curricular sessions are mounted in addition to normal teaching hours, and all teachers are expected to take part in these activities to varying degrees, even when these take place outside normal school hours. In most schools this involves teachers on three afternoons a week. Occasionally, teachers are asked to attend local celebrations even when these fall on Fridays, Sundays or declared national holidays.

A couple of schools require teachers to be on duty in the evening once or twice a month to supervise students in the hostels.

source :
http://www.cfbt.org/bn/page.asp?page=Teaching_In_Brunei&section=Teacher_Recruitment

More About Brunei Darussalam Country

About Brunei Darussalam

Population - Latest statistics put Brunei Darussalam’s population at 406,000 and growing at an average rate of 1.8% per annum. Brunei Darussalam has a multi-racial society, comprising of 67% Malays and 15% Chinese. Other races such as Indians, indigenous ethnic groups and expatriates make up the rest of the country’s population. Brunei Darussalam has a young population: 54% are in the 20-54 working age group, another 39% are below the age of 19 while only 7% are 55 and above.

 Climate - Brunei Darussalam has an warm, equatorial climate, with a mean average temperature of around  28⁰C, with March and April being the warmest, humidity is high throughout the year about 79%. Temperature range from 23-32 Degree Celsius, while rainfall varies from 2,500mm, annually on the coast to 7,500mm in the interior. There is no distinct wet season. Brunei is not the direct path of cyclones and typhoons that plague the surrounding regions, while earthquakes and severe flooding are non-existent.

Capital - The capital city of Brunei Darussalam is Bandar Seri Begawan with busy business areas that are filled with new building, offices and shop lots and Government department , has seen even more development in recent times.

Language - Bahasa Melayu is Brunei official language but English is widely spoken and understand by the greater part of Brunei Darussalam's  population. Although an important minority speak Chinese dialects and English is widely used in commerce, education and government. the local variety of Malay (Kedayan or Bukit Malay) is quite different to Standard Malay.

Brunei Currency rate  - The currency is the Brunei Darussalam Dollar ( Br$ = 100 cent ). Notes are in the denominations Br$10,000, 1000, 500, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 and coins are in the denominations 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 cents. The Brunei Darussalam Dollar is officially on a par with the Singapore Dollar.

Passports and Visas - Passports are required from all visitors along with visas as follows; Australia, Britain, Germany, Greece, Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and other EU countries, Canada, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Liechtenstein, Maldives, Norway, the Philippines, Switzerland, Thailand, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, the United States, U.S, and other EU visitors. All Visitors are required to have a return ticket and must possess sufficient funds to support themselves while in country. Nationaks of Cuba, Israel and Korea (DPR) may not be granted entry to Brunei Darussalam.

Shopping and Business Hours In Brunei Darussalam - Part of any travel agenda is shopping for local items of interest. Special purchase here might include hand worked silverware, brassware and bronze ware as jugs, trays, gongs, boxes, napkin rings, spoons and bracelets, hand woven sarongs, basket and mats of pandan leaves. Shopping centers at Bandar Seri Begawan, Seria and Kuala Belait offer local product and imported items. Not to be missed would the 'Tamu' Night Market in Bandar Seri Begawan which is open from early morning to late at night and sells many fruits, spices, poultry and vegetables, as well as antiques. Food is available there at the lowest prices in town. Normal shopping hours are Mon-Sat 08:00-21:00.

People and Religion In Brunei Darussalam - Islam is the official religion of Brunei Dareussalam as started in the Brunei Constitution, with His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan as the head of the Islamic faith in the country. Thus, Islam plays a control role in the life of every Muslim in Brunei Darussalam. Other faiths practiced in the State include Christianity and Buddhism. Malay, which also included Brunei ethnic/indigenous communities of Malay, Kedayan, Tutong, Belait, Bisaya, Dusun and Murut. 

Judiciary - Brunei Darussalam’s judiciary system is based on English Common Law. The Supreme Court comprises the High Court and the Court of Appeals, while the Subordinate Court consists of the Magistrate's Courts. A Syariah Court also co-exists with the Supreme Court and deals with Islamic laws. For Muslims, Islamic Syariah Law supersedes civil law in a number of areas. In 1991 the Intermediate Court was established with extensive civil and criminal jurisdiction; although it does not deal with capital offences.

Education - His Majesty’s Government provides free education to all Brunei Darussalam citizens and permanent residents who attend government schools. While the current education policy priorities the Malay Language as the official national language, English is most commonly used as the medium of instruction. Arabic is also used in religious schools.

The literacy rate in Brunei Darussalam is about 94.9%, which is among the highest in the world. The United Nations Development Programme has ranked Brunei Darussalam 30th in the “High Human Development” category.

Healthcare -  Healthcare is a priority to His Majesty’s Government by demonstrated in the provision of a comprehensive health care system for the people of Brunei Darussalam. The main health policy is to provide high quality yet cost effective health care in order to maintain a high standard of living in a clean and healthy environment. Among the objectives are to reduce the infant mortality rate, diseases and disability, promote a healthy way of life and improve the environment.

Brunei Darussalam’s health services are ranked among the best in Asia. Citizens of Brunei Darussalam are charged a nominal fee at public hospitals and health clinics. Apart from public health care there are also private clinics and a private medical centre for those who seeking alternatives.

Source :
http://www.bedb.com.bn/

4 District in Brunei Darussalam

 

About Brunei Darussalam Districs

Brunei-Muara, with an area of just 570 sq km is the smallest but the most populous district of Brunei Darussalam. The capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, is approximately 16 sq km in size and has a population of about 247 200 people (2004 consensus).

 Tutong, the third largest district in Brunei Darussalam with a total land area 1,166 sq km, is the home of many Bruneian's ethnic tribes such as the Dusun, Murut, Kedayan and so on. Its population is around 41,600 people.

 Belait, is the largest district of Brunei Darussalam. With a land area 2,727 sq km housing 59,600 people, it is the production base of the nation's main export commodities -oil and gas. The eight territorial subdivisions/mukims in Belait are Seria - the oil town as it is called, Kuala Belait, Sungsi Liang - the site earmarked for oil and gas downstream industries in the near future, Bukit Sawat, Kuala Balai and Melilas.

 Temburong, located at the eastermmost part of Brunei Darussalam, is the country's second largerst district but the least populated. Heavily forested and largely undevelop, this 1,306 sq km district has a population of just 9,400 people.

Around 60,000 people live in this capital, which remains remarkably quiet even at the height of rush hour, save for the occasional minor traffic clog around schools at times.

The excellent Brunei museums, resplendent mosques and scenic spots in the country will awe the visitor.

About Tourist Tips in Brunei

Share the About Tourist Tips from The Brunei Darussalam travel Banks
Banks in Brunei Darussalam are open Mondays - Fridays 9:00am - 4:00pm, Saturdays 9:00am - 11:00am. Islamic banks follow the same operation times except on Fridays when they are closed for prayers between 11:00am - 2:30pm. Some banks have started operations within shopping complexes and are opened till late.
Credit Cards
They are accepted widely in hotels, restaurants and major shopping complexes. Most widely accepted cards are VISA and Mastercard. Some establishments accept American Express too.
Money Changer
The service is available at the airport, at banks, hotels and some licensed money changers. To cash or exchange travelers cheques denominated in legal major currencies, visit major international banks in the capital.
Money Remittance/Transfer
All major banks in Brunei are able to transfer money overseas or other options include remittance agencies. Tipping Tipping is not widely practiced in Brunei. However, if the service is exceptional, you can do so. Lost/Stolen Passports & Credit Cards If you ever do find your passport missing, go to the nearest Police Station to lodge a police report and inform your embassy to seek further assistance. If your credit cards get stolen, make sure you call your bank to cancel the cards immediately. Telecommunications Most public phones operate on calling cards such as Hello card, Netkad and Payless. These cards can be purchased at any stores and comes in $5, $10, $20 and $50 denominations. Prepaid calling cards for the two mobile telephone operators; DST and BMobile can be purchased from their respective authorized dealers in all major shopping areas. Smoking Smoking is accepted in Brunei. However, as a sign of the times, many air-conditioned restaurants and cafes practice a non-smoking policy. A true and tried method to check: if there are ashtrays provided on the tables, it's ok to light up. Alcohol Travellers who enjoy a beer or a wine while on holiday can still indulge during their stay in Brunei. It is certainly not illegal for non-Muslim visitors to drink. The country has one of the most generous duty-free allowances in the world. Visitors can bring in two litres of spirits or wine plus 12 cans of beer. Buses Land Transport Brunei. There are six bus routes servicing the BSB area: the Central Line, Circle Line, Eastern Line, Southern Line, Western Line and Northern Line. They operate from 6:30am - 6:00pm. Central Line - runs every 15 minutes.

Brunei Darussalam Post Office Buildings

Brunei Postal Services Department, Postal Services Department of Brunei was established in 1984 and maintained by Ministry of Communications of Brunei.

http://www.post.gov.bn/

Share some pictures of tourist attractions in Brunei Darussalam Post office building.

Brunei Post Office Bangar Baru Temburong

Brunei Post Office Panaga Seria

Brunei Post Office Jalan Tutong Sengkurong

Brunei Post Office Kampong Anggerek Berakas

Brunei Post Office Kp Lamunin Tutong

Brunei Post Office Sg Bakong Lumut Seria

Brunei Post Office Kp Telisai Tutong

Brunei Post Office Kp Labi

Brunei Post Office Kuala Belait

Brunei Post Office Limau Manis

Brunei Post Office Muara

Brunei Post Office Bandar Sri Begawan

Brunei Post Office Bandar Sri Begawan

Brunei Post Office Seria

Brunei Post Office Bunut

Brunei Post Office Tutong

Brunei Post Office Muara Salam Bigar

Brunei Post Office Lapangan Terbang Antar Bangsa

Brunei Post Office Lumapas

Brunei Post Office Gadong Matamata

Museum and Landmark In Brunei Darussalam

Tourist attractions in Brunei, A glittering example of Brunei’s majestic royal heritage, Istana Nurul Iman is the Sultan’s lavish home in the capital and is the largest residential palace in the world. Situated on the top of a hill overlooking the city, the palace is an enigmatic symbol of Brunei’s enduring monarchy and seat of the nation's government.

Mausoleum of Sultan Bolkiah Nearby, the pays tribute to one of Brunei’s greatest Sultans, who reigned at the height of Brunei’s sovereignty in the region. It is a peaceful area in a quiet alcove of greenery and exudes the deep respect of the Bruneian people for their rich heritage.

The capital also houses a number of royal museums highlighting the nation’s 600-year old monarchy and century-spanning history. Perhaps the most well-known is the Brunei Royal Regalia Museum, where visitors can glimpse the Sultan’s full royal regalia, including the crown and royal chariot, along with a vast collection of opulent treasures. A visit to the Brunei Museum is also a must, with its elaborate displays of antique cannons and intricate daggers, a large private collection of gilded Holy Korans, Borneo ethnographic displays and treasures unearthed from shipwrecks off Brunei’s coasts. Meanwhile, the Brunei brief History Centre contains genealogical records detailing the origins of the Royal Family and other historical documents significant to the nation.

Though Brunei has embraced Islam and its art, architecture and culture, relics of the colonial days are also integrated seamlessly into the nation’s landscape. The unique Bubungan Dua Belas is a good example. This quaint piece of British architecture, once home to the British Resident, has since been transformed into a museum and venue for entertaining foreign dignitaries. 

Kampong Ayer Cultural & Tourism Gallery is our latest Gallery that lies in "Kampong Ayer" or Water Village. It started in August 2007 and was complete in June 2009 and opened in August 2009. This unique Gallery was established to provide visitors and locals alike a glimpse of Kampong Ayer's celebrated past and revive the cottage industries from days of old, integrating them into our modern economy.

Source
http://www.bruneitourism.travel/

Welcome to Brunei Darussalam

A Sun Blessed Tropical Oasis

share About Brunei Darussalam, Brunei Darussalam is a small, peaceful, prosperous, oil-rich Kingdom located on the northern shore of the ecologically rich island of Borneo. Per Capita, it's one of the world's wealthiest countries and its people enjoy a high standard of living. Modern and distinctly Asian, Brunei Maintains a quiet, contemplative respect for tradition, reflected in its noble Islamic architecture, hospitable people and reverence for its six centuries old monarchy.

With some 70% of its land area covered in luxuriant and pristine tropical rainforests rich in exotic flora and fauna, Brunei is a paradise for nature lovers and for ecotourism in general.

In addition, the unique appeal is its rich Malay culture, blended with all the respectful traditions of Islam, and its legendary 600-year royal heritage, continuing today under the rule of His Majesty The Sultan of Brunei.

Brunei offers tourists a modern, safe, English-speaking environment where the population of 350,00 lives comfortably thanks to the bounty of the "black gold". It sums up everything that's good about Borneo; the colourful cultures, gentle, warm people, easily accessed nature experiences and of course, 
all sorts of adventure.

Negara Brunei Darussalam

Brunei Darussalam location in the world

About Brunei Darussalam, Brunei (pronounced /bruːˈnaɪ/ in English), officially the State of Brunei Darussalam or the Nation of Brunei, the Abode of Peace(Malay: Negara Brunei Darussalam, Jawi: بروني دارالسلام), is a sovereign state location on the north coast of the island of Borneo, in Southeast Asia. Apart from its coastline with the South China Sea, it is completely surrounded by the state of Sarawak, Malaysia, and in fact it is separated into two parts by Limbang, which is part of Sarawak. It is the only sovereign state completely on the island of Borneo, with the remainder of the island belonging to Malaysia and Indonesia.

 

Mosque in Brunei

Brunei can trace its beginnings to the 7th century, when it was a subject state of the Srivijayan empire under the name Po-ni. It later became a vassal state of Majapahit before embracing Islam in the 15th century. At the peak of its empire, the sultanate had control that extended over the coastal regions of modern-day Sarawak and Sabah, the Sulu archipelago, and the islands off the northwest tip of Borneo. 

The thalassocracy was visited by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521 and fought the Castille War in 1578 against Spain. Its empire began to decline with the forced ceding of Sarawak to James Brooke and the ceding of Sabah to the British North Borneo Chartered Company. After the loss of Limbang, Brunei finally became a British protectorate in 1888, receiving a resident in 1906. In the post-occupation years, it formalised a constitution and fought an armed rebellion. Brunei regained its independence from the United Kingdom on 1 January 1984. Economic growth during the 1970s and 1990s, averaging 56% from 1999 to 2008, has transformed Brunei Darussalam into a newly industrialised country.

Brunei has the second highest Human Development Index among the South East Asia nations, after Singapore and is classified as a Developed Country. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Brunei is ranked 4th in the world by gross domestic product per capita at purchasing power parity.

According to legend and the Brunei brief history, Brunei was founded by Awang Alak Betatar. His move from Garang to the Brunei river estuary led to the discovery of Brunei. His first exclamation upon landing on the shore, as the legend goes, was “Baru nah!” (Which in English loosely-translates as "that's it!" or "there") and thus, the name “Brunei” was derived from his words.

It was renamed "Barunai" in the 14th Century, possibly influenced by the Sanskrit word varunai (वरुण), meaning "seafarers", later to become "Brunei".The word "Borneo" is of the same origin. In the country's full name "Negara Brunei Darussalam"(بروني دارالسلام), "Darussalam" means "Abode of Peace" in Arabic, while "Negara" means "Country" in Malay. "Negara" derives from the Sanskrit Nagara (नगर), meaning "city".