Brunei Darussalam, the Abode of Peace, is a small but wealthy sultanate on the island of Borneo. This pristine nation offers a unique blend of opulent Islamic architecture, pristine rainforests, and traditional water villages alongside modern luxury.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
Brunei operates under Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB) — Malay Islamic Monarchy ideology — which shapes all aspects of public life. Show respect for the Sultan and royal family.
Dress modestly everywhere in public. Cover shoulders and knees at minimum; long-sleeved clothing is appreciated at religious sites.
Friday is a holy day when mosques close to tourists and government offices operate reduced hours. Plan accordingly.
Public displays of affection are frowned upon regardless of religion — even hand-holding between unmarried couples may attract attention.
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Remove shoes before entering mosques, private homes, and some traditional establishments.
- Dress modestly — cover shoulders and knees in public; carry a scarf for visiting mosques.
- Greet elders and officials with the proper Malay greeting 'Assalamu'alaikum' if appropriate.
- Use your right hand or both hands when giving and receiving items — the left hand is considered unclean.
- Accept hospitality graciously if offered tea or food by local hosts.
- Ask permission before photographing people, especially at mosques and markets.
- Speak softly and behave calmly in public spaces — Brunei values a peaceful, orderly atmosphere.
Don't
- Do not consume alcohol in public — it is illegal. Alcohol can only be consumed in private by non-Muslims.
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke in public during Ramadan daylight hours — this is illegal and deeply disrespectful.
- Do not point with your index finger — use your thumb or an open hand gesture instead.
- Do not make disrespectful comments about the Sultan, royal family, or Islam — serious legal consequences apply.
- Do not photograph the Istana Nurul Iman palace from restricted angles or enter palace grounds without invitation.
- Do not use your left hand for handshakes, handing over money, or giving gifts.
- Do not wear revealing clothing (shorts above knee, sleeveless tops) when visiting mosques or government buildings.
- Do not carry or attempt to import drugs of any kind — penalties include the death penalty.
Local customs
Traditions and practices you'll encounter.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri Open House
At the end of Ramadan, Bruneians host open houses where anyone — regardless of religion — is invited to visit, eat, and celebrate. The Sultan opens the Istana Nurul Iman palace for three days, allowing ordinary people to visit and receive royal greetings — a uniquely Brunei tradition.
Betrothal and Wedding Traditions
Traditional Bruneian Malay weddings span multiple days with elaborate ceremonies including the berinai (henna night), berbedak (flower bath), and bersanding (enthroning ceremony). Gold and ornate traditional clothing reflect the family's status and Brunei's wealth.
Salutation with Hands
The traditional Malay greeting involves extending both hands, lightly touching the other person's hands, and then touching your own chest — signifying 'I greet you from my heart.' This is used instead of handshakes between different genders in formal settings.
Makan Beramai-ramai (Communal Eating)
Communal dining is a cornerstone of Bruneian culture. Guests eat together from shared dishes, and it is considered generous and welcoming to offer more food than can possibly be consumed. Refusing food is polite only if done gently with thanks.
Respect for the Mosque
Mosques in Brunei are pristine, well-maintained spaces that are deeply sacred. Visitors are welcome outside prayer times but must wear appropriate dress (robes are often provided), remove shoes, speak quietly, and never enter restricted areas or disturb worshippers.
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
- Greetings
- Malay greeting 'Assalamu'alaikum' ('Peace be upon you') with the response 'Wa'alaikum salam'. Handshakes common between same genders; men and women who are not family may not shake hands. Bowing slightly shows respect to elders.
- Dining
- Wait for the eldest or host to begin eating before starting. The right hand is used for eating. Take modest portions initially and accept second helpings when offered.
- Dress
- Smart casual is appropriate for most settings. Conservative modest dress required at mosques, government offices, and formal venues. Shorts and singlets acceptable at beaches but not in town.
- Gifts
- When visiting a Bruneian home, bring a gift — cakes, fruit, or quality confectionery is appropriate. Do not bring alcohol. Gifts are typically not opened immediately in front of the giver.
- Business
- Exchange business cards with both hands or right hand only. Brunei's business culture values relationship-building before transactions — don't rush to business talk.
- Tipping
- Tipping is not a strong local culture in Brunei. Service charge is sometimes included (10%). Small tips at upscale restaurants are appreciated but not expected at casual eateries.
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
Assalamu'alaikum
Hello / Greetings
as-sa-la-mu-a-LAI-kum
Terima kasih
Thank you
teh-REE-mah KAH-seh
Sama-sama
You're welcome
sa-MA sa-MA
Tolong
Please
TO-long
Maaf
Sorry / Excuse me
MA-af
Berapa harga?
How much?
beh-RA-pa HAR-ga
Sedap
Delicious
seh-DAP
Selamat pagi
Good morning
seh-LA-mat PA-gee
Selamat petang
Good evening
seh-LA-mat PEH-tang
Di mana...?
Where is...?
dee MA-na
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Brunei.
Main: Islam (Sunni, Shafi'i school) is the official state religion followed by approximately 78% of the population. Buddhism is practised by the Chinese community (~8%), and Christianity by a smaller number.
Sites: Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque are the most significant religious sites. Both welcome non-Muslim visitors outside prayer times with appropriate dress.
Holy Days: Hari Raya Aidilfitri (end of Ramadan), Hari Raya Aidiladha (feast of sacrifice), Maulidur Rasul (Prophet's Birthday), Israk Mikraj, and Nuzul Al-Quran are major Islamic holidays.
Conversations: Avoid questioning Islamic practices or suggesting criticism of Sharia law. Topics including the Syariah Penal Code, LGBTQ+ rights, and political criticism of the Sultan are highly sensitive and best avoided entirely.