South East Asian Trips

Brunei Darussalam is one of the oldest kingdoms of the region, and Islam has a great influence on the culture, customs and manners in Brunei (very similar to those of Peninsular Malaysia). The Ministry of Religious Affairs fosters and promotes Islam. Nevertheless, the constitution does allow for other religions to be practiced.

Gentleness, politeness, decorum and hospitality are important elements in Malay culture. In normal day-to-day social interactions, a Bruneian is expected to be polite, trustworthy, tolerant, kind and understanding. Normally, Bruneians shake hands lightly and bring their hand that shakes the other person's hand to the chest to show their greetings are from their hearts. It is not customary to shake hands with a member of the opposite sex. One should not point with the index finger, as it is considered rude; instead one should use the thumb.

To beckon someone with repeated downward wave of the hand, as in the western way, can be considered disrespectful. The proper thing to do is to call politely by name or title or by appropriate questions or requests.

In Brunei, it is customary to pass gifts, food, or any article with the right hand, although the left hand can be used to support by placing it under the right hand. When visiting a person's house or mosques, one should remove one's shoes and leave them outside at the steps. Especially in the mosques one should not pass in front of a person at prayer, or touch the Qur'an while women should cover themselves from head (with a veil), arms, body and knees.

The traditions are highly valued in the Bruneian society, and they are still very much a part of every Bruneian's life. One should see the colorful and friendly ceremonies of engagements, weddings, investitures or other traditional occasions. The people believe in working together to accomplish a certain feat. As such, it is normal to see big groups of people at these celebrations, doing their bits to help the host. Dances are a form of traditional amusement and recreation in the old days. They normally tell the society a story of the Malay legends and mythos, always accompanied by graceful and fluid movements in harmony with traditional music.