BusinessTravel Guide
Brunei
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The Abode of Peace
B R U N E I
Brunei Despite being renowned for its tranquil atmosphere, there is an abundance of exciting and somewhat surprising discoveries to be made in Brunei, one of Asia's wealthiest countries Writer: Phoebe Calver Project Manager: Joe Palliser
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runei is famous for some of the largest oilfields spreading across Southeast Asia and thanks to the money those fields have created, the country has been able to retain its resplendent rainforests. The tranquil nation is widely recognised for its abundance of magnificent mosques, contrasted against the slightly haphazard water villages. The aforementioned mosques are in part with thanks to the vast natural gas and petroleum resources found there, making Brunei an incredibly rich country in a multitude of areas.
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Brunei could almost be described as pint sized in comparison to the surrounding Malaysia. Despite its size, the significant wealth found there has enabled the country to go from strength to strength. It is important to remember on a trip here that the sale of alcohol is banned, however, the country has become renowned for its incredible array of culinary delights that will more than make up for it. It is also helpful to note that during the fasting month of Ramadan - usually around May or June - although many restaurants and cafĂŠs will still be open, it is considered rude to eat, drink or smoke in front of those who are fasting, and asking permission is appropriate. Brunei enjoys a consistently pleasant climate, generally averaging around 24 degrees celsius throughout the year. There are no typhoons, earthquakes, severe flooding or any other form of natural disaster to worry about during your travels, making for a very relaxing trip.
ASIA FACTS & FIGURES
Languages: Capital: Area: Population (2016): GDP (2016): Currency: Time zone: Dialling code: Internet TLD: Climate:
Malay, English Bandar Seri Begawan 5,765 km2 423,196 $33.376 billion Brunei dollar (BDN) UTC+8 +673 .bn Tropical equatorial
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The Business End I N 1 9 8 4 B R U N E I gained its independence from the United Kingdom, from which point its economic growth expanded exponentially and in particular throughout the 90s and into the 2000s. Brunei became a heavily industrialised country, developing its wealth predominantly through extensive work in petroleum and natural gas fields. The bulk of its wealth and business development can be found in the country’s capital city, Bandar Seri Begawan. In the present day Brunei holds the second highest Human Development Index among Southeast Asian nations - closely behind Singapore - and is now classed as a developed country. Adding to its stature as a developed country, Forbes also currently ranks Brunei as the fifth richest
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nation out of 182 with thanks to its petroleum and natural gas fields. Petroleum was originally discovered in the country after several failed attempts in 1929, and by 1940 oil
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production was at more than six million barrels and has only continued to increase since. All sectors of business are heavily regulated by the Government and governmental policies, following a mixture of protectionism, subsidies and encouragement of entrepreneurship. The leading figures in charge of the creation of the aforementioned policies have been attempting a steady integration into the world economy. There is a wide array of business plans in place for the economic development of Brunei, including workforce upgrades, reducing unemployment, strengthening banking and tourism sectors while widening the overall economic base beyond the original oil & gas sectors.
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Out and About P E R H A P S O N E O F the most striking things that you will notice on a trip to Brunei is the sheer volume of large and equally beautiful mosques that will surround you. However, here you will find something for everyone, with the ability to explore bustling mosques, tranquil towns as well as vast expanses of untouched forest. Depending on the amount of time you have to spare in the country, there are various day and half day trips in place for you to explore wonders such as Ulu Temburong National Park. Or if you are interested in discovering more about the splendours on offer in the various ornate mosques, there are also a wide array of tours on offer. With alcohol banned in the country, restaurants have taken a precedent in providing culinary treats for the
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Ulu Temburong National Park
country’s residents and guests. Bandar Seri Begawan in particular has become a hub for a plethora of different restaurant styels, including Kaizen Sushi which will provide you with an
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experience not to be forgotten. It will provide you with a relaxed atmosphere at the end of a long day, also providing the option of take-out if you would rather spend the evening relaxing in your hotel. Depending on where you will be based during your trip, Brunei provides an excellent selection of hotels in each of the country’s heavily populated business areas. One of the most popular is the Radisson Hotel - located centrally in the capital - which provides exceptional service, especially when on a business trip where you can make the most of the hotel's business centre. The vast majority of hotels are located just a short drive from Brunei International Airport, enabling you to make the most of your time in the country.
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B R U N E I
Outlook Recommends “Look beneath the surface of this well-ordered and tightly regulated sultanate and you'll see the underlying warmth of Brunei's people and the wildness of its natural environment.” - Lonely Planet
MUSEUMS
HOSPITALITY
Brunei Museum
ARH Group of Hotels
Royal Regalia Museum NATURE AZ BACK 2 NATURE
Brunei Darussalam Maritime Museum PICTURE: ZULFADLI51
Pulau Selirong Recreational Park
NSEY Hotel & Apartments
Ulu Temburong National Park RESTAURANTS
CULTURE
Kaizen Sushi
Thien Thien Restaurant Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque Istana Nurul Iman Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM
The NSEY Hotel and Apartments are widely recognisable in Brunei, standing proudly as the tallest building in the Belait district. It is perfectly located for those with a busy schedule, centrally placed in Kuala Belait and with easy access to the local sights.
Radisson Hotel Brunei Darussalam
It’s a Grind Coffee House
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Located a short drive from Brunei International Airport and the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, the ARH Group of Hotels provides the perfect balance of business and leisure. Just outside your door you will find Gadong, Brunei’s retail and entertainment district which will give you a wide range of experiences during your free time.
The Radisson Hotel provides the perfect accommodation for a business traveller, centrally located in Brunei’s capital Bandar Seri Begawan and only 15 minutes from Brunei International Airport. During your visit you can stay productive outside working hours with the hotel's complimentary Wi-Fi and business centre, while also finding plenty of opportunities to relax close by thanks to the free shuttle service to nearby destinations.
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experience brunei
Enjoy 15% off* Best Available Rates while you explore the exciting sights of Brunei Darussalam. Our proximity to popular attractions offers a taste of local culture and our complimentary shuttle service provides stress-free transportation to nearby shopping destinations. In addition, get 15% off* when you dine at our all day dining restaurant, Tasek Brasserie. And, enjoy the Radisson experience for longer with check-outs available as late as 6pm* radisson.com/bruneitravel
*Terms & Conditions apply. Booking period from 13 October 2017 - 14 January 2018
Radisson Hotel Brunei Darussalam Jalan Tasek Bandar Seri Begawan, BS8211 +673 224 4272 radisson.com/brunei
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Transport Links
ROYAL BRUNEI AIRLINES, the national air carrier in Brunei is in the process of turning Brunei into the new hub of international travel between Europe, Australia and New Zealand. A central facet to this strategy is the position that the airline currently holds at London Heathrow Airport, where it currently holds a daily slot serving Bandar Seri Begawan via Dubai. There is currently only one motorway
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in Brunei that runs from Bandar Seri Begawan and runs along the coast. It then splits into a series of dual and single carriageways which are relatively easy to navigate if you chose to find your way around the country by car. Car ownership and usage in the country is very high, and subsequently there are very few taxis running in the country. If that is how you are planning to make your way to meetings, ensure you book ahead to avoid any delays.
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Buses are perhaps the best possible way to travel around, especially when working in the capital city. There is a sizable network of minibuses, with a large variety of routes to suit most travel requirements. Alternatively depending on the size of the party you are travelling with, you can also hire a van to drive you around Brunei. This is an extremely flexible way to travel; hiring the bus for either a whole day or a few hours depending on your needs.
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ASIA
AZ BACK TO NATURE TOUR SERVICES is a locally owned Brunei Company specialising in small group nature, adventure and culture based tour for the active travelers and adventurers. An extensive range of tours are available exploring the highlights and hidden delights Brunei’s four districts namely: Brunei-Muara, Tutong, Belait and Temburong. The Tours have an emphasis on the unique scenery, wildlife and culture of each area. Tour range from 1 to 14 days and are tailored based on the traveler’s requirements and standards- from camping to pension houses to private charters and deluxe hotels. Many tours have been conveniently combined into tour packages for those wanting an extended value for money travel option.
Ulu Temburong National Park is a well preserved rainforest for scientific research, wildlife and visitors. Truly gives you time to experience and enjoy uniquely preserved wilderness.
Contact: Tel. No.: +673 2240529 / +6738818530 / +6738137159 / +6738845695 E-mail: b2nbrunei@gmail.com Website: www.b2nbrunei.com FB: Discover Brunei
Outlook Creative Services
Brunei Step is a program developed by AZ B2N Tour Services (B2N) consultants as a way of showing support and promotion of sustainable tourism in Brunei. Through this program, clients and guests of B2N will follow sustainable travel practices and will have the opportunity to set an example both to the locals and to the future guests. So that Brunei, located in the heart of Borneo, will be kept protected and maintain its balance and will allow the future generation to see and enjoy its unexpected treasures.
Outlook Publishing’s awardwinning in-house team is now utilising its extensive production skills to offer a full and bespoke range of editorial, design and marketing services via its new Outlook Creative Services division.
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F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N V I S I T: www.outlookpublishing.com/creative-services
CENTREPOINT, GADONG | THE MALL, GADONG | MAYAPURI, BANDAR | BRUNEI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT DEPARTURE & TRANSIT HALL | TIMES SQUARE, BERAKAS | SUPA SAVE, MATA-MATA | MINISTRY OF FINANCE | RIPAS HOSPITAL, MAIN LOBBY | SUPA SAVE, SERIA | SEAVIEW HOTEL, KB | BSP HQ | BLNG
thecoffeebeanbrunei
coffeebean_brunei
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Landmark Attractions Ulu Temburong National Park
PICTURE: JERRYE AND ROY KLOTZ MD
“It's odd that a small, regulated country such as Brunei should contain a sizable chunk of true untamed wilderness. Therein lies the appeal of Ulu Temburong National Park, located in the heart of a 500-sq-km area of pristine rainforest covering most of southern Temburong. It's so untouched that only about 1 sq km of the park is accessible to tourists, who are only admitted as part of guided tour packages.” - Lonely Planet
Brunei Museum
PICTURE: SOMEBAL
“Exhibits of artifacts and specimens demonstrate the research interest of Museum staff in such diverse areas as Archaeology, Ethnography, History and Natural History. As a cultural and educational showcase for Brunei Darussalam, the Brunei Museum attracts both local and foreign visitors.” - Aseumus
Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
“Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque is an exclamation point above the Brunei River, and the so-called village in the water, Kampong Ayer. Built on an artificial lagoon on the banks of the river, the mosque initially seems more attraction than place of worship.” Atlas Obscura
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ASIA Istana Nurul Iman
PICTURE: DE:BENUTZER:CHTREDE
“The Palace is the house of Brunei’s sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. The palace stands on the banks of the Brunei River, several kilometers south of Brunei’s capital. Istana Nurul Iman is a massive white construction with golden domes and minarets… Breathtaking views of the palace open from the nearby Persiaran Damuan Park.” - istananuruliman.org
Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
PICTURE: HAJOTTHU
“Built in 1992 to celebrate the 25th year of the current sultan's reign, Brunei's largest mosque and its four terrazzo-tiled minarets dominate their surroundings. It's impossible to miss as you head towards Gadong, about 3km from the city centre. The number 1 bus goes here… It's certainly an impressive building; because the sultan is his dynasty's 29th ruler, the complex is adorned with 29 golden domes. At night the mosque is lit up like a gold flame.” - Lonely Planet
Royal Regalia Museum
PICTURE: BALOU46
“When called upon to present a gift to the sultan of Brunei, you must inevitably confront the question: what do you give a man who has everything? At this entertaining museum you'll see how heads of state have solved this conundrum (hint: you'll never go wrong with gold and jewels). Family photos and explanatory texts offer a good overview of the life of the sultan, who is himself depicted in myriad forms (including a hologram) in a series of portraits.” - Lonely Planet
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BusinessTravel Guide joe.palliser@outlookpublishing.com
+44 (0)1603 959 676
ryan.gray@outlookpublishing.com
+44 (0)1603 959 672
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