Header image courtesy of Bernard Spragg (via Creative Commons)
Brunei is a small nation on the island of Borneo. Its territory consists of just a sliver of the island, while the rest belongs to Malaysia. Situated in the “heart of Borneo,” Brunei prides themselves in their rainforest conservation efforts and diverse wildlife. The capital city is Bandar Seri Begawan, with a predominantly Muslim population. When you’re there, you’ll mainly hear the local people speak Malay. However, the majority of them can also communicate in English.
Don’t let their small geographic size fool you; Brunei is actually the fifth-richest country in the world. Not only do they have their own currency (the Brunei dollar) and airline (Royal Brunei Airways), Brunei also has one of the highest gross domestic product (GDP) per capita globally, which is probably why most of their infrastructure is in great condition. So wait no more and travel to Bandar Seri Begawan on Royal Brunei Airways—their food and service are impeccable. Fun fact: The airline released some brand-new commercial aeroplanes in 2019!