In Reply to: OMG posted by Wharfie on Saturday, 19. January 2008 at 18:55 Bali Time:
We have flown Royal Brunei twice in the past 18 months, from Perth on route to Sabah, Borneo. The last time (16 of us) we only had a 1 hour transit inbound and 3 hours outbound so stayed at the airport which is boring but bearable. When my hobby and I went on our own, we had a 12 hour transit so decided to join the 2 hour city tour, visiting the Regalia Museum, where the Sultan keeps his treasures (interesting) and stopped off to look at the mosque (impressive) and the water village (from the mainland - don't like little boats), ending at the main shopping \/ city area of Brunei. The tour was a bit disorganised and was late starting / getting back to the airport, but we asked if they could leave us in the city and pick us up at 5pm - cost an extra B$5 pp I think, and I was a bit worried they might forget us but they didn't, only about 20 mins late.
We were there during Ramadan so a bit quiet on the streets, but we wandered around, had another close up look at the main Mosque which really is impressive,(could have gone in but I a bit apprehensive) walked around the town and spent a bit of time in the main shopping area which has a few good dept stores, smaller shops, internet cafes, fast food shops and a supermarket. There were a few bargains to be found there as there are always sales during Ramadan (like our Christmas sales), not as cheap as Bali but good quality products and much cheaper than Oz.
You will need to pay for a Transit visa so take some Brunei or Singapore money for this and remember you will need to delare any alcohol you take into Brunei (in your hand luggage, not in your packed luggage - but given the Liquid rules you will not be able to take it back on the plane to Bali anyway so don't bother - and they are quite strict on this at Brunei airport)
On the whole, as a stopover it was great to see a glimpse of a country I probably wouldn't have visited otherwise, the people we met were friendly, but shy as I guess they wouldn't get too many western visitors) and it was much better than spending the whole time at the airport, which really doesn't have a lot to offer.
Royal Brunei were great, and we have had 8 different flights with them over the 18 months, staff were friendly, food good (remember it is only airline food) and we arrived safely at our destinations, which is the most important thing (I am a nervous flyer). No alcohol is served, you can take the little 50 ml bottles on board if you wish) but really you don't need them, and it was great to have no alcohol affected passengers on board, which we have often experienced on the Perth to Bali route in the past - and just keep the thought that you are on the way to Bali, with an interesting side trip on the way.
Have a great time,
Carol.