112BruneiUlu TemburongNational ParkTrek through the lush rainforest of Ulu TemburongNational Park and cool offunder a waterfall.Meet the Royal familyDuring Eid (after Ramadan) thepalace doors open for threedays and female visitors havethe chance to meet the Queen,while men can have anaudience with the King. 21Kampung AyerKampung Ayer is the largeststilted village in the world, hometo over 39,000 people. You canexplore the area in water taxis.Empire Hotel &Country ClubBuilt at a cost of over onebillion dollars, there is no otherhotel like this in Southeast Asia,so it is worth a visit even if youdon't stay here. You may spotthe Crown Prince who is aregular guest. 34The Sultanate of Brunei is famedfor its wealth, oil havingbrought unrivalled affluence. BandarSeri Begawan, the capital, is home toseveral impressive museums, splendidmosques, and the lavish Istana NurulIman Palace where the Sultan resides.The city's most spectacular sight isKampong Ayer, or 'water village',where 39,000 people live in homesbuilt on stilts above the Brunei River.People have lived here for over 1,300years, and the government is keen topreserve its heritage. You can explorethe area in water taxis, which ply the waterways travelling underfootbridges, past schools, homes andchicken coops. 70% of the country iscovered with pristine rainforestcontaining waterfalls and crystal-clear rivers. A visit to UluTemburong National Park gives you the chance to explore this junglehabitat from canopy walkways.Local boy, Kampung Ayer stilt village1234Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin mosque

Audley in BruneiBrunei is most commonly visited as a two or three day stopover en route to Borneo, or overland from Miri. Royal Brunei is thenational airline and they have a good serviceinto Brunei and then on to other destinationswithin Southeast Asia. In Brunei, we canarrange for private or shared touring to allthe sites of interest including the nationalparks and Bandar Seri Begawan. For more adventurous travellers, Brunei tiesin well with the Headhunters Trail in Sarawak(see page 101) and we recommend that you end the trail in Brunei for a few days to rest weary legs.AccommodationWhile in Brunei, you are likely to be based in the capital of Bandar Seri Begawan. Mostof the hotels here are international chainproperties that provide good quality serviceand facilities. There are also some basicaccommodation options in the national park.Alcohol is not legally on sale in Brunei,however all visitors to the country areallowed to bring in a duty free allowance andthere are a number of restaurants and hotelswhere you are allowed to take alcoholicdrinks to have with your meals.When to goOver 70% of Brunei is covered with pristinerainforest, a reflection of its year-round hotand humid climate. The wet season is typicallybetween November and February, althoughtropical showers are possible at any time.Find out more For suggested itineraries and practicalinformation about travel in Brunei, please see our website.www.audleytravel.comInteractive maps and features, further suggested itineraries,accommodation, climate informationand articles written by our specialists.Discuss your plans with our Bruneispecialists 01993 838 120?THEEMPIREHOTEL& COUNTRYCLUB, BANDARSERIBEGAWANA 20 minute drive from the capital, The Empire is Brunei's only quality beach hotel. The 518beautifully appointed and spacious guest rooms,suites and villas overlook the tropical gardens orthe South China Sea. An impressive range offacilities include several fine restaurants, threelarge pools, watersports, a golf course, cinema,theatre and a spa.Ulu Temburong National ParkTemburong District is the place to exploreBrunei's virgin rainforest. Separated from the restof the nation by the Brunei Bay and a sliver ofSarawak, Temburong is best accessed by fastriver-boat and traditional local long tail boats.Steep forest paths wind through the nationalpark's lush jungle and the canopy walkway affordssuperb views over the diverse treetop ecosystem.While here, you will almost certainly spotproboscis monkeys. Cool waterfalls and shadyrock pools provide welcome opportunities to rest or swim while enjoying the jungle chorus.Brunei113The Empire Hotel & Country ClubMan at prayer, Omar Ali mosqueLongboat, Ulu Temburong National ParkCanopy walkway, Ulu Temburong National ParkSchool boys in Brunei