Brunei

Brunei is the 22nd country we’ve visited on this adventure, a little country (400,000 people) with a big name (officially it’s “Nation of Brunei, Abode of Peace). It’s also a rich country, thanks to abundant oil and natural gas reserves; the International Monetary Fund ranks Brunei the fifth richest country in the world based on per capita GDP, and considers it a developed country.

Street signs are in both Arabic and Latin script. We were amused to note that they used Arabic instead of Roman numerals for Elizabeth II Street, even though Arabic doesn't use Arabic numerals....

Street signs are in both Arabic and Latin script. We were amused to note that they used Arabic instead of Roman numerals for Elizabeth II Street, even though Arabic doesn’t use Arabic numerals….

For us the most distinctive feature, though, is the fact that alcohol sales are banned under law. Egads! Fortunately you can bring a limited amount into the country, and the restaurant in our hotel allowed us to bring wine into the restaurant. (Interestingly they wouldn’t open the bottle themselves, nor did they charge a corkage fee, but they did bring us a a corkscrew.) As you might imagine, the absence of alcohol is probably related to an almost total lack of any nightlife or excitement in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital and only city of consequence in the country. Oh yeah, one other notable feature: male homosexuality is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. There are, however, no restrictions on female homosexuality. Strange place.

The highlight of our brief two-day stop was a trip to Ulu Temburong National Park. Of the 210 square miles of the park, less than one square mile is open to tourists; the rest is reserved for scientific research. That tiny sliver, though, was pretty cool. In this case the journey is a big part of the joy – most of the trip is on a couple different boats up rivers in the middle of gorgeous rain forest. Then the main activity inside the park is an aluminum walkway through the jungle canopy. The views were amazing but I can assure you it’s not for those with a fear of heights. You’re way up there – nearly 200 feet above the forest floor – and you can feel the towers and walkway swaying. Lots and lots of steps to get there, but totally worth it.

We don't usually eat at hawker stalls, but since we weren't going to get wine with our first dinner anywhere, we ate here. For the two of us the chicken and gado gado came to $12. And it was good!

We don’t usually eat at hawker stalls, but since we weren’t going to get wine with our first dinner anywhere, we ate here. For the two of us the chicken and gado gado came to $12. And it was good!

The final boat trip to Ulu Temburong National Park. In front of Mark is Ki, a Portland, OR, native teaching English in Korea. In front of her is a Frenchman for whom personal hygiene was distinctly not a priority. Yuck!

The final boat trip to Ulu Temburong National Park. In front of Mark is Ki, a Portland, OR, native teaching English in Korea. In front of her is a Frenchman for whom personal hygiene was distinctly not a priority. Yuck!

Jim on part of the aluminum walkway. Mark took this from atop one of the towers.

Jim on part of the aluminum walkway. Mark took this from atop one of the towers.

Jim atop one of the towers. Definitely feeling on top of the world.

Jim atop one of the towers. Definitely feeling on top of the world.

Our selfie from the top of the highest tower

Our selfie from the top of the highest tower