South East Asian Trips

During the 15th and 16th centuries, Brunei was considered as one of the regional great powers, controlling Borneo and substantial parts of the Philippines as well.

The Spanish and the Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive, but it was the British, who arrived in the region in the 17th and 18th centuries, who began to erode Brunei's influence. Sarawak was ceded to the British in the 19th century and a series of 'treaties' were forced on the Sultan as James Brooke, the first White Rajah of Sarawak, consolidated his power base. In 1888, the sultanate became a British protectorate.

Brunei was gradually whittled away until, with a final dash of absurdity, Limbang was ceded to Sarawak in 1890, thus dividing the country in half. In 1929, just as Brunei was about to be swallowed up entirely, oil was discovered. British plans to make Brunei a part of the Malaysian Federation were upset by a revolt in 1962.

The Sultan suspended the constitution and opted for independence. The country has been under emergency laws ever since and mooted elections have never eventuated. In 1984, Brunei became completely independent, and underlined its new independence from Britain by joining ASEAN. Since then, it has moved towards Islamic fundamentalism. In 1991, the sale of alcohol was banned and stricter dress codes have been introduced.

Brunei Cities

Bandar Seri Begawan Bangar Kuala Belait Muara Seria City Sukang Temburong Tutong