South East Asian Trips

The majority of Brunei's people are Malays, but there are other minorities - Chinese, Indians and some indigenous tribes. Of these, the most prominent minority is that of the Chinese, who comprise about 18% of the population. However, Malay culture is the dominant one in the country and a certain amount of discrimination is also practised in the country, especially by the government, when it comes to communities- Malays are generally favoured.

The population of Brunei has one of the most enviable lifestyles in Asia, and perhaps even in the world - there are no personal taxes; education and healthcare are free; houses and cars are subsidised. The country's a rich one, fairly peaceful and quite a haven for anyone who's a Muslim.

Brunei's is a staunchly Muslim society, and not amongst the most liberal in South Asia. Although most people are very friendly and tend to regard foreign tourists with an indulgent eye, it's best to observe certain norms of social conduct. Even fairly innocuous things may be a `no-no' in Brunei, and some may even be actually forbidden by law- you could end up being tried in an Islamic court. Public displays of affection are considered rude, and if it's with someone of the opposite sex who's a Muslim you could even be prosecuted. You will be offending public and social sentiments by wearing skimpy clothing, so consider it taboo.

It's considered polite to always accept a little bit (at least) of any food or drink offered to you; to eat or to give (and receive) only with the right hand; and to show due respect to the elderly. Never eat while walking about, or sit with your legs stretched out in front of you; don't lean on a table while visiting an office, and never ever commit the faux pas of resting your feet on a table or chair. Don't pat or touch anyone on the head it's considered highly disrespectful; and don't beckon anyone by using a forefinger - you're supposed to use all four fingers of the right hand, palm facing downwards. Don't get too worried, though - just mind your step, be polite and discreet, and you should get by without stepping on too many toes!

Religion

Although the country's laws permit the practice of all faiths, the predominant religion in Brunei is Islam, and the Sultanate is an Islamic state. Up to 65% of the population profess Islam (there are Buddhist and Christian minorities, but in small numbers), and Islamic Shariat (law) governs lifestyle, customs, and social codes of conduct. In 1991, the government banned the sale of alcohol in the country, and a strict dress code was enforced. The Ministry of Religious Affairs main job is to promote Islam in the country.

Language

If you remember that 65% of Brunei's population is of Malay origin, then it's easy to guess what is the main language in the country- Malay. It's also the official language, and is popularly used in two scripts: Roman and Arabic. Malay written in the Arabic script is called Jawi, and it's the script taught in most schools. English is widely used, particularly in trade and commerce and Chinese is spoken by people of Chinese origin.

Food

Brunei's cuisine is essentially Malay food- based on rice, and an interesting mix of flavours, wide-ranging enough to encompass everything from shrimp paste and lemon grass to coconut and turmeric. It's basically a result of the intermixing of Indian and Chinese flavours, and the result is quite delectable. A very wide variety of vegetables, meats, spices, herbs and flavourings are used in cooking (except, of course, pork- which is taboo for the predominantly Muslim Bruneians). Tea, coffee, fruit juices and other soft drinks are widely available, but alcohol has been banned since 1991. One of the favourites of most people in Brunei and a particular specialty of the country is beef satay- grilled chunks of meat served with a spicy peanut sauce.

Culture & Crafts

Brunei's culture is similar to Malay culture - the language is Malay, the lifestyle, the customs and traditions, the beliefs- even the food is Malay in origin. Islam has been a powerful influence in moulding Brunei's culture - in fact, dress codes, social conduct and cultural traditions are all governed by Islamic tenets. Brunei's government even has a separate department responsible for preserving traditions and rituals (all Islamic) and for setting down rules on what's right and what's not in behaviour and protocol. Although there are Chinese and other minorities in Brunei, they tend to follow their own traditions and customs only in very isolated pockets; the overwhelming predominance remains that of Malay culture.

Brasswork was at one time one of the best known of Brunei's traditional crafts; artisans would produce some of the region's most intricately worked cannons, household items and the like, in both brass and silver. Both forms of metalwork were largely patronised by the Sultans of Brunei, but with the collapse of the Sultanate these art forms declined. Silverwork, however, escaped obscurity - you'll find lots of fine examples in art and antique shops. Other than that, Brunei is famed is weaving fabrics in traditional designs, both in silk and cotton.

Education

Brunei's educational system is pretty efficient; and thanks to the country's wealth - education is free. There are lots of schools all over the country, but higher education is restricted to the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. Those who go in for higher education go to universities and colleges abroad. Literacy is fairly high- the overall literacy rate is 88.2%. Male literacy is 92.6%, while female literacy is 83.4%.