Dense tropical jungle meets Middle-Eastern oil money

Selamat Pagi, welcome to Brunei. This strange nation is in fact a sultanate, and the last remnant of an imperial power which once ruled Borneo. Now, Brunei runs on oil money, which as you can imagine keeps it very well greased. In fact, the Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah mosque, situated in the capital of Bandar Seri Begawan, has an incredible 29 golden domes. Rainforests in Brunei have been spared the clearing and replanting as palm oil plantations that has occurred nearby because Brunei simply doesn’t need the money, and so are a wonder to behold. Unfortunately, strict sharia law was implemented in 2019, so conditions are dire for women and LGBTQ inhabitants of the sultinate, amongst others. But, if you want to see opulent Islamic architecture in a tropical habitat, while eating mouthwatering Malaysian-influenced food, then why not VISIT BRUNEI!