Brunei Darussalam – “A kingdom of unexpected treasures”

Located in the northwest corner of the island of Borneo, along with the shores of the South China Sea, lies the Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam. The earliest recorded mention of Brunei was chronicled in Chinese history circa the ninth or tenth century, known then as Puni or Poli. During the 14th to the 16th Centuries, Brunei ruled an empire stretching from the Philippines through the entire island of Borneo. Today, its borders stretch only 5,765 square kilometres.

Bandar Seri Begawan (or Bandar to the locals) is the countries capital and home to arguably two of the world’s most beautiful mosques, one of the richest men (who lives in the world’s largest palace), the worlds’ largest water village, golf courses galore, Jerudong theme park, and the exquisite Empire Hotel and Country Club.

Brunei held power and wealth in trading spices and Islam was firmly established in Brunei by 1371. Today Brunei is a fascinating mix of tradition and the modern. It is a land of contrasts, balancing the old and the new from pristine rainforests to golden-domed mosques.