Brunei

Bruneihttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/southeast-asia/bruneiBruneihttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/southeast-asia/brunei/hiking-walking-in-bruneiFind out why you need to stay on the marked trails and always check the conditions before you set off on foot in Brunei.2019-08-01T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/southeast-asia/brunei/hiking-walking-in-bruneihttps://www.worldnomads.comLying on the northwestern coast of the island of Borneo and sharing a border with Malaysia, Brunei is not on many travelers' radars, but it is a great place for nature, hiking and culture. Here are a few tips to stay safe while hiking in Brunei's tropical rainforest. <h2>What to wear while hiking in Brunei</h2> While it's tempting to wear as little as possible in the tropical heat, there are a few key reasons to wear appropriate clothing while hiking here. The first reason is cultural: most locals would find this offensive if you were to wear short shorts or a revealing singlet. But the second set of reasons is about safety. You risk getting sunburnt, scratched by twigs and branches, or bitten by insects. Here are a few packing tips for hikers in Brunei. <ul> <li>Wear light, breathable materials such as wool to wick the moisture away from your skin. Pack a broad-spectrum sunscreen, hat and sunglasses</li> <li>When hiking in rainforest areas it's a good idea to wear long pants, wool socks and appropriate hiking footwear</li> <li>Wearing polyester clothing in tropical locations is not a good idea</li> <li>Pack a poncho or a waterproof rain jacket, as tropical downpours can happen suddenly without warning, and can be very heavy in Brunei</li> <li>When selecting the best footwear, look for waterproof hiking boots that can dry quickly, and try to wear them in before you go on a long hike. Look for a shoe that has a great grip to avoid slipping on rocks or loose gravel.</li> </ul> <h2>Stay on the path</h2> It goes without saying you should never leave marked trails anywhere you are in the world, and you should always let someone know where you are going, when you expect to return and when you have returned safely. Carry enough food and water for the expected trip, plus extra – you never know if you might get a bit lost, or if there's a hold-up. Also, allow for extra time in the tropical heat, take it easy, and conserve your energy. <h2>Wildlife and insects in Brunei</h2> Tropical rainforests attract visitors and poisonous creatures in equal numbers. Insects often don't leave a good impression on travelers. To avoid nasty bites and stings wear long trousers when hiking and sturdy footwear. Also, watch out for macaques (a type of monkey) who live in rainforests – you must never leave leftover food in your unattended backpack or lying around, as macaques are cheeky animals, and will steal any leftover food and water from you. The National Parks offices in East Malaysia and Borneo can provide detailed information of what to expect. If you are going to do any treks in the wilderness, do not set out without checking the current conditions with a local ranger first. Bring a compass and a map and listen to any instructions or warnings rangers give you. They are looking out for your safety.Getty Images/raisbeckfoto 1185311917 Getty Images Canopy Walkway in Ulu Temburong National Park, Brunei

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/southeast-asia/brunei/health-in-bruneiBrunei might have great medical facilities, but here are a few ways you can prevent a trip to a local doctor.2019-08-02T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/southeast-asia/brunei/health-in-bruneihttps://www.worldnomads.comIn Brunei, as in all tropical areas, mosquitoes are prevalent and can transmit disease. Dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis both occur in Brunei and it's recommended that you use mosquito repellant at all times as well as considering the following vaccinations before traveling. <ul> <li>Hepatitis A & B</li> <li>Typhoid (a good option if you plan to eat from street stalls)</li> <li>Japanese Encephalitis & Rabies (if you are planning a long stay or substantial time outdoors or in the rainforest)</li> <li>Tetanus-diphtheria shots are recommended every 10 years</li> </ul> Generally, it is safe to drink tap water and swim at local beaches. However, when red algae reach certain levels, Bruneian authorities may issue Red Tide warnings which may advise against swimming in certain areas and eating certain types of seafood. The warnings, which vary from time to time depending on climatic conditions, are published in the local English language and other newspapers. If you are asthmatic or have breathing difficulties, be advised that there is smoke haze across some parts of Brunei usually during the July to October period. This haze can cause health problems for some people. Keep up-to-date with the advice of local authorities and seek medical advice on appropriate precautions Brunei's healthcare system ranks among the best in Asia. The Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital in the capital is equipped with highly modern medical facilities, and a number of private clinics operate within other districts. iStock/raisbeckfoto 0185080306 iStock Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Brunei

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/southeast-asia/brunei/crime-and-local-customs-in-brunei-darussalamFind out how to stay on the good side of the local people and the law in Brunei with these tips on customs and etiquette.2015-06-24T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/southeast-asia/brunei/crime-and-local-customs-in-brunei-darussalamhttps://www.worldnomads.comThis small and very wealthy nation has a relatively low incidence of serious crimes, and is one of the safest countries in the world for a traveler. While it's not unheard of for a stolen car to make local news, visitors should not be too care-free with safety, petty crimes such as theft can take place. Take care of your personal possessions, particularly important documents like your passport. Keep in mind the punishment for most criminal activity is fairly extreme here, so you shouldn't ever test the law in Brunei. <h2>Local Laws and Customs</h2> One of the reasons that crime is so low in Brunei is the severe punishments for criminal activity. Brunei is an Islamic country, and the legal system is based partly on Sharia Law, which in some circumstances also applies to visitors. So, while it is a far less restrictive Muslim state than many there are still social norms (including conservative standards of dress and behaviour) that should be respected by visitors. Corporal punishment and a mandatory death penalty apply for many serious crimes like murder, kidnapping and drug offences. Robbery and visa offences are generally punished by caning. To avoid the cane don‘t overstay your visa. There are a few things that are illegal in Brunei that some foreigners may enjoy for example: consensual homosexual acts (of either sex), carrying guns or ammunition, pornography of any kind and convincing a mate to skip church – or in this case a Muslim person to neglect their religious duties. A few other things to be aware of: smoking is banned in specific places, including government buildings, hospitals, recreational and educational centres, public transport and restaurants. Smoking in these areas can attract a fine. It is also an offence to photograph prohibited places, including government and military infrastructure and equipment, places used by security forces and communications and civil infrastructure, and areas in the vicinity of such places. Best not to test this one as I suspect a fine will be the least of your problems if caught. Can‘t get by without a drink? Don‘t worry, while Brunei is a ‘dry‘ country, private consumption of alcohol by non-Muslims is allowed. Tourists are permitted a duty-free allowance of two bottles of alcohol and 12 cans of beer per entry. Alcohol can be consumed with discretion at hotels and some restaurants and ‘by discretion‘ I mean that the bottle is kept under the table or out of sight as it is technically illegal for the restaurant to serve it to patrons. Some cheaper restaurants may serve alcohol illegally using euphemisms like ‘special tea‘. Just use your common sense and discretion to avoid offending locals and drawing attention to your self. Likewise, when visiting a mosque, use your common sense and respect local customs. All visitors should remove their shoes. Women should cover their heads and not have their knees or arms exposed and you should not pass in front of a person in prayer or touch the Koran. Ramadan is a very special time for Muslims and showing some respect during this time will go a long way. During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking between sunrise and sunset is forbidden for Muslims. Though not illegal for non-Muslims, you should avoid these activities in public to avoid causing offence. Finally, the Royal family retains a venerated status in Brunei. You should take care to not insult, make fun of or in any way denigrate them.Getty Images/Afzan Rosli / EyeEm 11134724833 Getty Images A woman in front of a mosque in Brunei