Brunei, an authentic escape in Southeast Asia

Nestled like a diamond between the states of Sabah and Sarawak, the small sultanate of Brunei Darussalam is a peaceful and prosperous nation that has benefited for centuries from an abundance of natural resources ensuring the well-being of its inhabitants. Densely covered with tropical rainforests rich in exotic wildlife and flora (the sultanate has never encouraged the timber trade, unlike the rest of Borneo, which explains why 75% of its territory is covered with dense forests), Brunei, small as it is, is a true paradise for nature-loving travelers. However, it is necessary to accommodate certain rules that can be quite burdensome for visitors. In recent years, laws have indeed become stricter with the implementation of Sharia law in May 2014, without apparent reason (an apparently unilateral decision by the sultan), and there are numerous prohibitions, to the point that Malaysians living in Sarawak or Sabah will tell you that the sultanate of Brunei is moving backward. To be monitored over time. Facing the increasing deforestation of Sabah and Sarawak on the Malaysian side, but also of Kalimantan on the Indonesian side, Brunei appears as the good student of Borneo. Its small size and good road and tourist infrastructure allow for enjoying a pristine nature that is still relatively unexplored compared to tourists preferring its Malaysian neighbor. Easily accessible from Malaysia and Singapore, it offers fairly comfortable conditions for a stay. Some cultural sites are also worth a visit, and the museums of Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital, offer a fascinating dive into the history and customs of this sultanate, which long held Borneo's prestige before giving way to the White Rajahs and finally gaining independence in 1984. In short, a small two or three-day getaway is fully justified if you are staying in the region, if only to say that you have set foot in a little-visited country.