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The Sultanate of Brunei (Full name: Negara Brunei Darussalam) is a small but - thanks to natural gas and petroleum resources - very rich country located in Southeast Asia. It is surrounded by Malaysia and has two parts physically separated by Malaysia, almost being an enclave. Strategically located on the South China Sea, close to vital sea lanes linking Indian and Pacific Oceans, it has an exclusive economic fishing zone that extends as far as Louisa Reef in the southern Spratly Islands although it makes no public territorial claim to the offshore reefs.
A constitutional sultanate, with a hereditary monarch, it is a modern example of how this form of government has stood the test of time.
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SEE DO EAT
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 SEE
For things to do in and immediately around Bandar Seri Begawan, see Bandar Seri Begawan.
There are many ecological tours which typically go to the Temburong district by boat, to a native "longhouse", then to catch a native powered boat up the river to the Belalong National Park, a reserve of Borneo rain forest. There is a canopy walk and research centre at the park headquarters.
Jerudong Park was once a decent theme park with a multitude of rides. Sadly, a downward circle of neglect, declining admissions and unaffordable maintenance costs led to the closure and sale of most of the big-ticket rides, including the three roller-coasters. This has given the park a sad "circus left town last week" air about it. Most people who visit only go at night to avoid the heat during the day. Outside the park but very close is a small complex of restaurants which is open at night, though only a few of the stalls are still operational. The local papers have reported plans to renovate the park with a new selection of attractions, but as of March 07 it remains to be seen what these attractions will be and when they will be operational.
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For things to do in and immediately around Bandar Seri Begawan, see Bandar Seri Begawan.
There are many ecological tours which typically go to the Temburong district by boat, to a native "longhouse", then to catch a native powered boat up the river to the Belalong National Park, a reserve of Borneo rain forest. There is a canopy walk and research centre at the park headquarters.
Jerudong Park was once a decent theme park with a multitude of rides. Sadly, a downward circle of neglect, declining admissions and unaffordable maintenance costs led to the closure and sale of most of the big-ticket rides, including the three roller-coasters. This has given the park a sad "circus left town last week" air about it. Most people who visit only go at night to avoid the heat during the day. Outside the park but very close is a small complex of restaurants which is open at night, though only a few of the stalls are still operational. The local papers have reported plans to renovate the park with a new selection of attractions, but as of March 07 it remains to be seen what these attractions will be and when they will be operational.
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EAT
Knock knock, who's there? Nasi Katok
Katok is actually "ketuk" in the Malay language, and it means knock. There is a story behind the name Nasi Katok. It was begun by a couple of teenagers who were feeling very hungry after a midnight practice. They went to a place where they normally bought their food. This place was actually a residential house, which offered Nasi bungkus (a pack of rice with chicken and egg) even in the middle of the night. At any time you could just Katok (knock) on their door, and the owner will come up with fresh hot Nasi Katok. And that's how it became Nasi Katok.
Bruneians love to eat out and there are many excellent restaurants in Brunei serving a wide variety of cuisines, thanks to the large number of foreign workers in the country.
There is also the local nasi katok, a simple combination of rice and curried beef or chicken, which can be quite spicy. It's relatively inexpensive when compared to other food that you can buy, for example local food such as chicken rice. However, it is not a healthy option, with insufficient vegetables and too much fat.
Another option is ambuyat, a culinary experience unique to Borneo. It is a starchy and gooey paste made from sago that can be dipped into a savoury sauce.
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