Brunei Holidays :Venice of East-Kampong Ayer Brunei

Although not as unique as some people would have you think, it is still very interesting. Its location in the heart of the city makes for some interesting contrasts with the extravagant mosques and commercial buildings. The residents are really friendly and outgoing and welcome you into their homes.


Kampong Ayer Brunei is the largest water village in the world. It is also one of the main Tourist Attractions in Brunei. To explore the water village you can choose for a guided tour in a tourist boat with explanation of a guide, or you can opt for exploring Kampong Ayer yourself on foot. Both options start at the jetty next to...

I find this living option an interesting way to live. People living at Kampong Ayer enjoy the same amenities as that of those Bruneians who opted to live on land. Houses are equipped with appliances (air-conditiong, TV, computers, ref etc), making daily living convenient for water village dwellers. And if they want to set foot on land to do some...

I find this living option an interesting way to live. People living at Kampong Ayer enjoy the same amenities as that of those Bruneians who opted to live on land. Houses are equipped with appliances (air-conditiong, TV, computers, ref etc), making daily living convenient for water village dwellers. And if they want to set foot on land to do some...

It was really cool to see the water village but it is a little overrated I think. I negotiated a price which I thought included the crocodile and monkey viewing down the river but found out otherwise when offered to bring me for an extra $10-15. So just be sure you know what you are getting when you finalize your...

Hire a boat operator to take you on a tour of the village. This 'water village' is very unique, as it comprises almost 30,000 people living on houses on stilts. Get off the boat and walk along the gangplanks to get a feel of the village life.

Probably the biggest watervillage on the wolrd. Absolutely nust see. Walking on hundreds bridges free but motorboat ride about 25-30 BR$/hour. Motorboat driver will your gide also and show all interesting places.

We took a tour of the water village and were impressed to find out that there are schools, a police and fire station, stores and everything else that a community may need.

This a vast village on the water with traditional and modern building, it was lovely to be on the water to visit all this, we stopped off to have tea and biscuit at a traditional house during the tour and was very interesting as to how they all live, there are schools and all normal public buildings there.

This was a favourite trip of ours and over our 3 years in Brunei we must have caught a water taxi down the river a dozen times. More exciting to us than the water village itself was the crocodile and proboscis monkey viewing opportunities afforded by a trip further down the river. Best ever trip we saw countless macaques, proboscis...

To explore this place, be careful of getting taken by schemes, for it only costs .50 cents per passenger to get a water taxi across to the village. Some tourists get ripped off or talked into doing a tour instead, which is fine, but a lot more expensive. Jump on a taxi boat, pa your .50 cents and then go...

Well worth visiting, do it independently, arrive by water taxi and just head off along the walkways and see where they take you - there's always a water taxi to take you back to base, no matter where you end up. People we met were friendly, some even wanting to have a chat. Modern units all look identical, older ones have real character. Hope they don't do any more updating....

A really interesting look at how some Bruneians live. It is a village built on stilts in the water and is virtually run as a small city in its own right housing some 20,000 residents. Definitely worth a visit. This was included in our half day tour and we were taken into a local house which was interesting. You can take a water taxi on your own around the village also. Definitely recommend seeing this.

long before it just lame Venice for me.. sorry but this year, the new housing look so cool!!! even have a lot of activity started 6th January!!! thanks god i visit it for 2 weeks! gonna enjoy my Soto and Nasi Katok!!

A boat trip around the Kampong Ayer Water Village in Brunei's capital is a very nice experience. We hired a boat (after some bargaining - 30-40 Brunei dollars seem to be a fair price) for an hour or so. Boat had shade and they offered life saving west as well (after we asked!). First we went up the Brunei river and had a nice look towards a mosque and the big castle of the Sultan, which was hiding between the trees. The guide took us further up the river to show us some wild animals. We were very lucky and saw a crocodile as well as a snake!!! 
Then we went back and came after 10-15 min. to the Water village, which is home to some 30-40.000 people (15% of the city's population and almost 10% of the countries population!). The friendly guide told us enthusiastic of the village, where he grow up himself. The buildings are constructed on stilts above the Brunei River and have dozen of schools. The trip gave a good impression of what it would mean living there. A must do visiting the capital I would say!

Plenty of houses on stilts but your river taxi guide (who probably lives in the village) can show you old and new buildings, schools, fire and police stations, mosques and restaurants. It's also good to see the modern capital from the water. For value for money get it included with a trip up the river to see the proboscis monkeys (around $50 for the two tours and about 2 hours).

Biggest water village in the world.. need I say more? Its easy to get a boat for a relaxing river cruise, a visit to a local residence and maybe if you are lucky, you may even see the proboscis monkey up close! The experience is truly unique and can only be experienced in brunei.

The sultan have tried to build free houses for the people living on the houses in the river, but people wants to stay. There are still approximately 10.000 citizens living on the river. It would be great if there was a small boutique hotel here but unfortunately there is not.
You can just take one of the long tail boats a go for a one hour ride. Remember to agree on the price before you step into the boats.

This is really an attempt to make a tourist attraction out of nothing. It is moderately interesting to see the houses on stilts, and, yes, it is the biggest “Water Village” in the world, but there is very little of interest. Having said that Brunei is such a boring place that this ranks as one of the top spots. We paid a guy BN$15:00 to take us around the village, and up the river to see the Proboscis Monkeys (which was good).
The “Visitor Centre” is quite revolting since it proclaims the “Social Development” of the villagers, proudly boasting about female circumcision. 
The whole place left me feeling sick.
This place should be avoided, not celebrated.

I paid B$1 to across the waterfront to visit Kampung Ayer (starting from the Cultural and Tourism Gallery) ---- the spelling varies between Kampung or Kampong. I walked around myself there. There were old houses but they built many new ones especially in the front facing the river. Probably they look nicer than the old houses.

ey houses on water. its amazing. you wont believe it when you are invited to one of the houses there. they have Cables, BIG plasma TV's etc.....and the history of this water village is dated way back since the 15th century. Ferdinand Magellan once said "this is just like Venice"

Take a water taxi tour. The driver actually took us to his house. Beautiful "town" of between 30-40,000 residents including schools, police stations, etc. all on raised water locations.

you may thought that this is slum areas, but in fact people here are with aircons, electricity and most houses are huge with a lot of rooms.

While it is quite fascinating that nearly 30,000 people live in BSB's water villages, the conditions are quite appalling considering that Brunei is one of the wealthiest nations on earth. Interesting to see that the water villages have their own mosques, fire and police stations, and schools, and supply of fresh water. But I'm guessing from the smell that there's no sewage treatment plant! And despite the "garbage boats" trying to pluck all the trash from the water, there's a truly impressive amount of garbage lining the banks, especially at low tide. Interesting to tour through for 15 or 20 minutes by boat, but not worth walking through on the boardwalks

After negotiating the price and the length of the tour, the trip by motorboat through the canal-like thoroughfares of the water village was quite interesting. The newly built culture and tourism gallery offers valuable explanations of the history and background of the people who live there. It's also worth the time to explore on foot the walkways connecting the various parts of the village -- but it's more extensive than it first appears. The people there were quite tolerant of a camera-toting tourist wandering around their neighborhood.

I paid my boat driver $25 after a bit of haggling for an hour's hire. I probably could have got it cheaper - he wanted $30. Interesting part of the city, petrol stations on piles! Good if you're up one end of the area and wanted to get dumped at your hotel on the way back.

We ( a party of three) went on a trip organized by Borneo Tours and were taken by one of the typical "speed" boats around the Kampung (village on stilts), and also into the boat owner's house to see how people live in this village. The boat trip included a tour around the area, with good explanations on both the culture and the geography. The height of the tour was probably the part in the mangrove area - seeing both the nose-monkeys and a baby crocodile, as well as quite large lizards. A tour not to be missed while in Brunei.

I cant see any comparision with Venice. I believe this is the largest floating Village but there are many places exactly like this all over SE Asia although on a smaller scale .
I guess if you have never seen before this would be a good excursion to do in Brunei as there are limited things to do for Tourists in Brunei. 
There are many boats all along the river offering there services and prices can be hangled. About $20 -$30 seems the norm for an hour. 
The water Village seems to be on both sides of the River and you can walk onto one side without taking a River Taxi but getting the river Taxi in my view is all part of the fun.
Various other reviewers have commented on the cleanliness of the river which seems to be awash with floating containers of all sizes and shapes which is shame, and lets the experience down somewhat.

This place has been around for more than 800 years. We can see most part has been developed by the authority. Beautiful scenic but serious action needed to maintain cleanliness. Take the boat for the tour and if you are lucky they will invite you into their water houses for tea. Spread a few kilometers from Seri Begawan towards Muara. Please bargain for the boat ride as sometimes they take advantage on tourist. Normal fare should be around 15 to 20. Tips are discretionary.


View of the Waterfront as seen from Kampong Ayer.

Water taxi cruise around the sprawling water village known as Kampung Ayer is a must especially for tourists visiting Brunei for the first time..! Typical tour should ideally include a visit to the Kampung Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery, a brief visit to enjoy local light refreshment featuring Brunei's traditional delicacies at one of the houses on stilts, enroute view of the Istana Nurul Iman where His Majesty the Sultan resides, and a leisurely cruise towards the new water village resettlement area.

This photo of Kampong Ayer - Venice of East is courtesy of TripAdvisor

source :
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g293938-d541841-Reviews-or20-Kampong_Ayer_Venice_of_East-Bandar_Seri_Begawan_Brunei_Muara_District.html#REVIEWS

Vacations in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Capital

Visiting Bandar Seri Begawan Brunei capital, is a city of two terrains: the stilted water villages that make up some of the city's historic aquatic districts stretch out into the sea, while drier districts spread out over the flatter areas of land. The beaches around the area offer vibrant undersea life, drawing scuba enthusiasts and snorkelers from around the world. Above ground the gold-domed Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque dazzles with its intricate marble design and museums provide ample cultural stimulation.
Bandar Seri Begawan Brunei sightseeing, 

 

Brunei Holidays : Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque in Reviews

Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque is Ranked #1 of 19 Brunei Holidays - tourist attractions in Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei.

“Very impressive”, The mosque is open to the non muslim public at certain times throughout the day and night. A long black over coat will be supplied at ladies and men if they do not have long pants on. You can only access the main pray room used by the men, the ladies pray room is off limits, however from what we saw through the windows it has nothing on the mens area.The building is spectacular both inside and out, the marble floors, crystal chandeliers, stained glass doom roof and the mosaic tiles that cover the entire exterior of the building. 

You are not permitted to take photos when inside the building, however outside go for it. 

The is an impressive building that stands out in it's surrounds and well worth a visit day or night.

Sightseeing in Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque Brunei :

“Interesting”, It is beautifull - unfortunately it is only open for non muslims very few hours a day. We happened to be there just when it was open

“Quite and nice”, You have'nt a lot of places to visit. This mosque is really beautiful. I only know outside (forbidden for tourist thursday, during services, etc).

“A must see”, A very beautiful mosque, both inside and outside. Make sure you visit before it closes on Sundays at 12. Women will be given clothes to wear inside the mosque.

“Beautiful architecture”, This mosque is the most beautiful and it is even more spectacular at night. Driving alongside it in the evenings, I will not get tired looking and admiring the beauty amidst the lightings. Just awesome!

"Spectacular", This is a spectacular Mosque, the wife and other ladies with us just put on the coverall for entry to the Mosque, lovely marble everywhere and absolutely clean, they were cleaning as we walked around, we were allowed entry to the Mosque, info an enclosed area it is all airconditioned, our guide explained all the meanings of the inscriptions and all our questions very satisfactorily as he was of the Muslim Faith, there is a very complete Library downstairs on the Islamic studies in various languages, in all a very awe inspiring building.

 “A must see in Brunei”, We visited this mosque on a tour and being a non-Muslim was amazed by the grandeur of the building both inside and out. We were allowed into the male prayer room which has to be seen to be believed - just amazing and well worth the trip.

 “Always the great!”, i didnt believe all this Mosque are made in gold but when i was outside at the lamp post (Lamp post with black pole and gold decoration) are also REAL GOLD!!! trying to scrub it a bit.. hehe but cant get any of the gold dust...pheww~

 “A majestic, beautiful mosque”, The design is simply beautiful with an equally beautiful garden. If timing is right, you may be allowed to have a look inside of the prayer hall. The mosque is off limit to visitor on Thursday and Friday or during special festival time.

 “Beautiful Mosque”, This is a must see in Brunei. Try to go there with a local to get introduced to the mosque. The sultan goes here almost weekly to pray.

 “simply stunning”, Considered as one of the grandest monuments to Islam in the whole region, the magnificent Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque is the brainchild of His Majesty the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah and Yang Dipertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam.

Known locally as the Kiarong Mosque as it is situated in Kampong Kiarong, a few kilometres from the capital, it was built to commemorate the 25th anniversary of His Majesty's accession to the throne. The Mosque was officially opened on a Thursday, 14 July,1994.

The fine artistry of the structure's basic design as well as the interiors shows the meticulous attention to details and reveals the depth of the love that inspired the vision to build this splendid symbol of devotion to Islam . The stunning edifice with its artfully landscaped gardens and fountains that add to the serene ambience, is a memorable place to visit and certainly a must for visitors

Visitors may enter the mosque but are asked to remove their shoes before entering and to exercise due consideration for people praying. Women are should cover their heads and dress conservatively.
Visiting Hours:
Sunday to Wednesday: 8am to 12noon, 2pm to 3pm & 5pm to 6pm

The mosque is closed to non-Muslims on Thursdays. It is open on Saturday provided that there is no official function the following day

 “Amazing Mosque”, One of the greatest monuments in the country. Visited for the Islamic New Year. The Sultan celebrated at this mosque.

 “Beautiful!”, This mosque is beautiful, definitely a must see and worth a visit even if you're on a quick transit. You can get great pictures. Unfortunately we weren't allowed to enter at the time due to prayers.

 “Huge, intricate design. Relaxing.”, Picturesque view. With garden, fountains, trees. A very relaxing place. Go tour inside the mosque. Much more to discover inside about their love & respect to the sultan. A must to see. :-)

 “See the mosque twice”, 6 years ago, my wife and me visited the place, today my wife, my daughter and me visited the place again. It was a little pity the mosque was closed since king's birthday in the next day. Because it is also called King's mosque. Non-muslim even could not neither stand on the founded floor, nor getting inside. But tourist still can walk round in the garden.

“Landmark of Bandar Seri Begawan”, This magnificent masjid is very unique as the dome is gold plated with real pieces of gold. A must see for visitor to Brunei. Easily accessible from town or airport. Nice place to perform solat. We really enjoy visiting this masjid as and when we go to town.

source :
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g293938-d455628-r137496189-Jame_Asr_Hassanil_Bolkiah_Mosque-Bandar_Seri_Begawan_Brunei_Muara_District.html#REVIEWS

Negara Brunei Darussalam : A Nation At Peace

Negara Brunei Darussalam is unique amongst the Southeast Asian states. Aside from  being the smallest country in the region, Brunei has a novel, albeit neo-traditional form of government that is sometimes seen as anachronistic on account of  the absence of elected representative institutions present in the other ASEAN member countries. Despite this, Brunei has emerged as a significant player in the region, and has attained a status well beyond its size in important international organizations, but especially so within the ASEAN group. 

Brunei Darussalam  is an Islamic Sultanate ruled by a monarch who is both the Head of State and Head of Government. The Sultan embodies the executive, the legislative and the judicial branches of government. He both reigns and rules, with assistance from a Privy Council, on matters concerning the royal household and customs and by a cabinet and bureaucracy, on most other matters.  Under the Sultan’s benevolent leadership, Brunei has remained a socially, politically and economically stable country in the region. Moreover,  his popularity as a paragon of justice buttresses the State’s ability to elicit a high degree of compliance from its citizens, desirous of amicable resolutions of  differences and conflicts.

Most of the Sultan’s subjects attribute the economic and social stability to the country's unique political institutions being seen as having provided the necessary protection against the recent economic and political upheavals that occurred in Malaysia and Indonesia – particularly the social unrest.  Thus true to its name, Darussalam: the Abode of Peace, Brunei has remained an inordinately peaceful country having avoided serious strife and conflicts both internally, and externally with neighboring countries for the past forty years or so. What explains this success?  This article is an attempt to provide insights into the harmonious development of the Bruneian society and Brunei citizenship benefits, .

Brunei Darussalam is a tiny state of 5,765 square kilometers situated in the northwest corner of Borneo and sharing a common border with the East Malaysian State of Sarawak. The country’s population is around 350,000.  Malay Muslims comprise 67 percent of the total population. The religious composition of the rest of the population is as follows: Buddhists constitute 13  percent, Christians are 10  percent,  and others (Hindus, Sikhs, free thinkers, and undeclared) are 10 percent of the total population. Ethnically, Brunei’s indigenous population comprises of seven groups namely, the Bruneis, Kedayans, Tutongs, Dusuns, Bisayas, Belaits and Muruts (as defined under the Brunei Nationality Enactment of 1961).

Thus despite being a multi-ethnic country, there has been little evidence of religious or communal strife, although muted rumblings have been heard among the more recent immigrants who feel excluded from the benefits of  the State's largesse.  The Chinese population in particular may harbor some grievances against the unequal treatment at the hands of the state, especially as regards the naturalization process for citizenship of Brunei.  Nonetheless the Chinese community appears to be reluctant to overturn the apple cart by politicizing their concerns.  Attempts to form a Chinese political party during the turbulent 1950's were shelved for fear of losing the economic clout the community has traditionally enjoyed.  Except for a minor skirmish between the Chinese and the Malays, which took place in the aftermath of the Second World War, the relations between the two communities have remained appreciably cordial.  The government on its part has been very careful in maintaining harmony among the ethnic groups whose members remain  satisfied, for the most part, with the status quo.  Gentle persuasion by the government has  also contributed to the reluctance of the Chinese community to express dissent more openly.  

Brunei is a new nation, but an old state which attained full independence in 1984.  The reigning monarch, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, is the 29^th  ruler in an unbroken line of succession established in the mid-14^th century.   A vast kingdom in the 16^th century, the Sultanate’s hegemony was over large parts of coastal Borneo, and extended to the Sulu islands and  the Southern Philippines.  However,  by the 18^th and 19^th centuries, due to internal squabbles and external threats exacerbated by the arrival of Europeans in the region, Brunei had become an impoverished state coveted by its neighbours, namely Raja Brooke’s Sarawak and the British North Borneo Company. Although Brunei became a British Protectorate in 1888, moves were afoot in the British Foreign Office to obliterate it from the map of Borneo at the turn of the 19^th century. However, in the end the British intervened to safeguard Brunei’s sovereignty by introducing a Residency system in 1906.  It stipulated that the British Resident’s advice must be accepted by the country’s ruler in all matters, except on matters relating to religion.  Brunei’s fortunes changed for the better with the discovery of oil in 1929, thus making it one of the largest oil producing countries of the British Commonwealth.  Present day Brunei is a long way from the appalling poverty and misery that hounded the country prior to the second half of the 20^th century.

Although contemporary Brunei is blessed with a malleable citizenry, it does not mean that the society has not experienced violence in resolving serious political and social conflicts.  Historically, there have been instances of strife and fighting in the settlement of issues pertaining to royal succession.  Public dissatisfaction with governance of  a rapacious ruling class had lead to the Tutong rebellion of 1901.  The last of the major disturbances in Brunei’s public peace occurred in December 1962, when a rebellion was staged by the military wing of Partai Rakyat Brunei, the country's sole political party. The revolt was effectively crushed within a week by the military might of the British, who were committed to defending the Sultan of Brunei. Various reasons for the causes for the rebellion have been given, but the main aim of the revolt was the uprooting of  British colonial influence in the State, and defeating efforts towards the proposed merger of Brunei with the proposed Malayan Federation.

Since December 1962, Brunei has been governed under emergency regulations provided in the 1959 Constitution. Under the emergency provisions, the country’s  legislature remains suspended.  Presence of threats to stability and security lapses is cited as reasons for the Government’s reluctance to lifting emergency rule, and hence have continued to be renewed every two years.  There are many who believe that the regulations serve as a strong deterrent to internal instability resulting from the actions entities seeking to exploit feelings of deprivation and/or perceived inequalities.  Open political disagreements with the authorities are frowned upon in the society. Despite the fact that the state has at its disposal a formidable array of instruments of coercion, such as the Internal Security Act and a very effective security establishment to ensure acquiescence, it is common knowledge that the public compliance is out of respect for the government rather than fear of government.

As regards political activism, the public apathy is reflected in the lack of support for  political parties.  Government regulations forbid public servants from becoming members of political parties even if the parties recognize the supremacy of the institution of monarchy.  The situation in Brunei is in contrast to that of the now defunct Baathist Party in Iraq whose members controlled virtually all sectors of government service and yet, they were unable to prevent the downfall of Saddam Hussein’s regime.

Brunei’s apparent tranquility is in large part attributable to the wealth of the State.  A burgeoning oil and gas income allows the subjects of the Brunei Sultan to enjoy a higher per capita income (of nearly 24,000 US dollars annually, besides comprehensive welfare benefits) than most of their Asian neighbors.  In contrast to many developing countries, most of Brunei’s challenges stem from its affluence and not from poverty.  Government servants, who form almost 70% of the working population, and state-supported students tend to shun social leadership resulting in the absence of any overt criticism of the ruling class; hence, the absence of conspicuous militant student activities especially at tertiary level including the only university in the country.  Voluntary and non-government organizations are strictly monitored by the government.  Even on such benign issues as human rights, little discussions take place in Brunei unless they are within the terms set by the government in mass media including Television ‘Forums ‘.

Active promotion of a national ideology, known as the MIB (Melayu Islam Beraja or Malay Islamic Monarchy), by the State in Brunei has helped in no small measure to bring about conformity in the thinking of the Sultan’s subjects.  By invoking age-old traditions of respect for one’s parents, the State, religion, and the Monarch --- which have been incorporated as a mandatory component of the school and university curriculum ---  Bruneians are being imbued with Calak Brunei or Cara Brunei , that is roughly speaking, the ‘Bruneian way’ of conflict resolution through dialogue and compromise. Consequently, at best open conflicts are avoided, and at worse one observes a penchant for Surat Layang (‘flying letters’) among Bruneians as an avenue for airing their grievances or the injustices of  authorities, a fellow citizen or a state agency.  For instance, in response to recent exchanges on the Internet maligning high level Brunei public servants and ministers, a permanent secretary at the Prime Minister’s department reminded the public that participating in such activities was deemed unpatriotic for Bruneians.  It must be added that Cara Brunei also stands in the way of legal action being brought against offending parties.  For instance, in the aftermath of the abortive 1962 rebellion which resulted in the loss of lives, hardly anyone was brought before courts to answer their actions.  In the recent Amedeo fiasco, court cases were instituted not so much to punish the perpetrators of the financial scandal, which depleted the government treasury by several billions of dollars, but to recover any remaining assets.  The Amedeo Corporation, now defunct, was headed by the country’s finance minister, who is the youngest brother of the Sultan.  

   

In a State where the news media is under constant vigilance, globalization has begun to erode some of the inherited values of compliance especially among the younger generations, faced with diminishing prospects of employment, and a gradual erosion of the once generous welfare system.  Mass media, especially access to the Internet has caused a loosening of state control of information, and has resulted raising the expectations of the younger generations, thus demanding more and better facilities, more accountability, and the right to voice their concerns.  Brunei-specific chat rooms on the Internet, such as Brunei talk.com and Bruclass.com, allow dissenters, albeit anonymously, to discuss serious government issues and lapses which otherwise would not have been discussed openly.  Interestingly, the state has permitted such Internet exchanges, though there have been expressions of displeasure regarding character assassinations of leading Brunei personalities.  There are indications that the Brunei establishment is slowly coming around to accommodate expressions of political and social discontent.  Moreover, it is understood, that there are preparation underfoot to introduce a new revised Constitution incorporating certain freedoms of elections and representations.    

Recourse to the ‘Bruneian way’ as an accepted means of resolving conflicts ought not be seen as a substitute to improving opportunities for the younger generations to participate actively and effectively in State affairs through education, employment, promotions on meritocracy and continuous welfare facilities to shield the aggrieved from latent economic downturn in times of global turmoil.  Also it is hard to predict the outcome of liberalization of politics, society, and economy as envisaged to a level far higher than what is enjoyed at present in the micro-State of Brunei.  One should wait and see if the natural forces of conflict would emerge among an otherwise docile population. Meanwhile Brunei’s opulence should underwrite the stability of the State for sometime to come.  As a modern day Brunei watcher comments on the strength of Brunei economy as a counterbalance to social upheavals-- “if its economy remains intact, the mould of Brunei’s recent past may well define its future.”

by :

B. A. Hussainmiya, Associate Professor in History,Universiti Brunei Darussalam

B. A. Hussainmiya is an Associate Professor in History at the Universiti Brunei Darussalam.  His research interests include the History of Brunei; the History of South Asia; Malay Manuscripts Studies; Classical Malay Literature; Malay Diaspora;  and Comparative Education in South and Southeast Asia.  Professor Hussainmiya is a fluent speaker of English, Tamil, Singhalese and Malay and also reads Arabic and Dutch.

source :
https://www.bsp.com.bn/panagaclub/pnhs_old/history/BRUNEI%20DARUSSALAM.htm