What's with Brunei?

I recently had my out of the country two weekends ago. Destination? Brunei! Yes, I know the current facial expression of my readers - with a raised eyebrow, confused face, and readily questioning remark on why of all places, we chose Brunei. Well, for one, the airfare was something that pushed us to go, Barely five thousand bucks roundtrip is sweet, and so we wanted to dilute ourselves with that great promo. I was practically on the mood to go on a not-so-tourist-spot country, thus my excitement was ignited when Levy told me about the plan to go to the oil-rich country.

Brunei has beautiful and warm people. Contrary to what we assumed, they are very much welcoming when it comes to foreigners and they go the extra mile to help out tourists like us. It might be a Muslim country whose our initial reaction is a dangerous place but I tell you, it is one of the safest places I've gone to.  Our trip gave us a better and sweeter view of Brunei and I would like to share to you what we have learned from the country and from her people.

Brunei is an English speaking country. Not that they are well-versed to the language, but they know the basics enough for you to have a decent communication. Levy and I were surprised to know about it as we pre-maturely thought that communication will be so hard within the country. But see the importance of not judging a thing or a situation without even putting your feet on that specific event? If we refused to push through with our trip because of this wrong assumption, then it would have been a double loss for us.

Our water taxi driver speaks English well! It made the tour more enjoyable and a leaning activity!

Brunei has a no gun and no alcohol policy. Discipline is one of the best attibutes of the country and her people. Just imagine your social life without the alcohol - nigth outs would be so much boring! But Bruneians managed to let go of it, and they are happy and settled with a cup of coffee on a night out.

Brunei is one of the safest place in Asia. This is more of a subjective observation as when we hopped from one place to another, we do not fear that we might be snatched or nabbed or something. It was totally a worry-free trip when it comes to safety! I love the idea of how trusting they are as you could vividly see these in their actions. I guess this is one of the delicious fruits of having citizens that are well provided with the basics in life. 

Luggages scattered all over the area!

Bruneians enjoy a pampering government. No tax and absolutely free education, hospitalization, and sometimes housing, Bruneians can be classfied as one of the happiest people in the world. Who would not love this type of set up? You income is yours and yours alone and you don't have a government to feed on. Government is a blessing, not a curse, to its citizens.

 They respect their king so much. Why not? Bruneians enjoy the riches of their government!

Bruneians respect the Filipinos. Again, this is a subjective observation as I have reached this conclusion based on the treatment that they showed to us. Bruneians do not look down to us. This is maybe because Filipinos in Brunei show a superb job performance in their chosen field there.

Jollibee!!! :D

Bruneians value respect to fellowmen. A pointing finger does not exist on their vocabulary as they prefer to "point" things or places or people using their thumb. It is a simple yet very respectful gesture to do. They also don't use their car horns. Yes, they are that disciplined and they are fully aware of what the word
"respect" means. I just admire them so much!

Ah, I love how this country improved my open-mindedness when it comes to dubious things and situations. I love Brunei and her people!