Brunei

Mosques That Demand a Double Take

The Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque sits at the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan surrounded by an artificial lagoon, its Italian marble exterior and 24-carat gold domes catching every angle of the tropical sun. Equally dazzling is the Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque in Gadong, which holds up to 5,000 worshippers beneath four towering minarets. Both are open to respectful non-Muslim visitors outside prayer times and are among the finest examples of contemporary Islamic architecture in the Asia-Pacific region.

Borneo's Rainforest at Your Doorstep

Over 70 percent of Brunei remains under forest cover, a remarkable statistic that gives the country some of the most accessible primary rainforest in Southeast Asia. Ulu Temburong National Park, reachable by speedboat through the mangroves, shelters proboscis monkeys, hornbills and firefly colonies. Guided canopy walks through the forest provide views across an unbroken sea of green stretching into the heart of Borneo. For wildlife encounters without the crowds that plague larger regional parks, Brunei punches well above its weight.

Royal Feasts and Riverine Rituals

Bruneian cuisine reflects the country's Malay and Islamic heritage with an aromatic intensity all its own. Ambuyat, a starchy tapioca dish eaten with dipping sauces and bamboo skewers, is the national staple and a memorable introduction to local eating customs. The waterfront night markets in Kianggeh fill each evening with grilled meats, fresh river fish and coconut sweets. For those who time their visit to the Sultan's Birthday celebrations in July, the streets of the capital come alive with processions, polo matches and the legendary charity buffet open to all comers.