| J Tan |
03 June 2005 |
Stayed at Traders Inn - Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei.
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You don't see taxis or motorbikes on the road as most people have their own cars. So don't expect to haul a cab on the roadside. Was told the whole country have only about 40 taxis operating.
The city is very clean and people are generally friendly. Pace of life very relax (it seems).
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| R Mirafuente |
26 April 2005 |
Stayed at Traders Inn - Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei.
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For the urbanites, Brunei is extremely quiet country even in the major city. Most locals in Brunei have their own means of transpo, so we are quite amused that even in the downtown area we saw few people walking in the sidewalk. The tourists that we saw in the morning were the same people we saw in the afternoon. Just to show how small the country or city is.
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| M Kehrer |
05 March 2005 |
Stayed at Traders Inn - Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei.
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I was only on a stopover from China but absolutley wrapped with Brunei. Went on a 1 day tour with Intrepid Tours (Brunei-NOT Intrepid Travel Int.) Alan Riches is an Aussie with 12 years on-ground experience in tour management/guiding in Brunei.
Culture/location environment fantastic. Went on the water village tour (a must-see)/water taxi/Mosque visits-highly recommended. 4WD adventure tours into Sabah in the pipeline with this operator & highly anticipated. Will include caving/trekking/rafting/accomodation in village longhouse & basic homestays. Many eco-adventure/local cultural but low impact things to do & see for the discerning traveller who wants too immerse themselves in the riches of this beautiful kingdom. See the real untouched magic of Brunei & surrounds. I had a fantastic time in only a 1 full day visit & was so captivated that I am already planning another longer visit at the end of this year. Only a short flight from Australia & en-route from London/Frankfurt/Bangkok to Brisbane/Syd with Royal Brunei Airlines. RBA awarded the Best Asia Airline '04. They were great to travel with only dont go if you are a hard core drinker-no alcohol on board which is a great thing. No hangovers/derelicts or empty wallets at the end of the flight!
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| J Marsden |
23 October 2004 |
Stayed at Traders Inn - Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei.
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Four weeks before my stay at the Traders Inn, Bandar Seri Begawan, I stayed at the Brunei Hotel as part of the Royal Brunei overnight stay package. The following morning I signed up for the 3 hour tourist trip around Bandar Seri Begawan to see the sites. This was fascinating as it provided me with an insight into the Muslim way of life in Brunei. Coach stops on the visit included the Brunei Museum which contained many ancient artifacts, art and books of exquisite detail such as the ancient hand written Korans. The trip also took in the latest mosque built by the current Sultan of Brunei. Again, the craftmanship and construction of this amazing mosque is awe inspiring with Italian marble, Austrian Crystal, English stained glass and gold and gold-plating almost everywhere on the roof and ceilings.
To all travellers to Brunei, I recommend this trip as an introduction to the independant state of Brunei and to absorb the many cultural and geographic aspects of this small nation located on the Northern part of Borneo Island.
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| J Yeow |
09 September 2004 |
Stayed at Traders Inn - Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei.
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I found Bruneians very friendly and approachable. While there isn't much for entertainment in this strictly Muslim nation, I enjoyed myself shopping for chocolates and biscuits imported from the U.K. I've found that the cheapest place to get imported chocolates is at local supermarkets. Do not buy chocolates at the airport, because even though it's duty-free, they were more expensive than those sold outside.
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| S Carter |
04 June 2004 |
Stayed at Sheraton Utama Hotel - Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei.
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If you are going out to a restaurant go out early. If you go out after 8pm you are likely to find most restaurants nearly deserted. Negotiate taxi charges when you get in. Sometimes the fixed rates appear a little flexible if you question them.
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| S Mulcahy |
29 March 2004 |
Stayed at Sheraton Utama Hotel - Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei.
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Although Brunei is not a usual holiday destination, we found it an interesting place to visit: friendly locals, fantastic architecture and the water village of Kampong Ayer is definitely worth a look (although don't go on the boat after eating!) We didn't even feel the need to rent a car: the shopping mall, local night market and the river were all easily accessible. As long as you don't mind the humidity, Brunei really makes for an impressive visit. We intend to come back to see the palace in the month the Sultan opens his doors!
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| S Johnston |
15 June 2003 |
Stayed at Sheraton Utama Hotel - Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei.
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Brunei reminds me of a cross between KL & Singapore. It is very clean, but nothing much to do.
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| C Chia luen |
03 June 2003 |
Stayed at Traders Inn - Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei.
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Rent a car!!! That's the best advice I can give for Brunei. And don't miss visiting the water village.
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| B Barnett |
21 March 2003 |
Stayed at Traders Inn - Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei.
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I could only find one reasonable restaurant within walking distance of the Traders Inn (very good) in the nearby supermarket (not what you might expect - excellent food).
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Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei travel tales 
