What are some cultural differences in brunei i should be aware of?

Question

i am going to brunei mid feb and i dont want to seem rude or ignorant to the locals. what are some cultural differences i should note that would differ from my own (australian)

Answer 1

Oil rich Multi racial Islamic country (moderate).  No nightlife.  Very few or no taxis... you hire a limo, or one with driver...Mind your language...

Answer 2

The people are quite an introvert and since the country is ruled by the Sultan, you might want to refrain from saying anything sensitive as the people are quite protective about their monarch.  And do mind your choice of clothing.  Revealing clothes are a big no-no especially on Fridays.

Answer 3

u should refrain from drinking alcohol and taking or talking about pork or pig in the public same like a malay country

Answer 4

Brunei is not in Malaysia. It's a different country.

Answer 5

The culture of Brunei is predominantly Malay, with heavy influences from Hinduism and Islam, but is seen as more conservative than Malaysia

Transport around Brunei is by bus, hire car or taxi. The public bus system is cheap and reliable but only in and around the capital. If you want to explore the hinterland you'll probably need to hire a car, though there is a fast, regular boat service from BSB to Bangar.

Brunei is officially an Islamic state, with many large beautiful mosques around the country. Sale of alcohol is banned. Bringing in meat, (other than seafood), which has not been certified "halal", (slaughtered according to Islamic law), is also banned. During the fasting month of Ramadan, many shops and restaurants will be open however, eating, drinking or smoking in front of people who are fasting is considered rude and asking permission is appropriate.

Brunei is a dry country: alcohol is not sold anywhere in the country and consumption of alcohol in public is prohibited by law. That said, non-Muslim visitors are allowed to bring in up to two litres of alcohol (wine or spirits) plus up to twelve cans of beer every 48 hours, and there's a wide array of duty-free shops just across the border in Malaysia to cater to this demand. However, alcohol permits must be obtained upon arrival in Brunei while going through customs.

Many higher-end restaurants allow guests to bring in their own alcohol and corkage is not charged, though this is technically illegal and it's best to keep a low profile if you choose to consume in a public establishment. At the lower end (particularly Chinese restaurants), many restaurants supply illicit booze under euphemisms like "special tea".