Brunei
From CruisersWiki
BRUNEI CRUISING GUIDE
An online cruising guide for yachts sailing to Brunei.
| Brunei | |
 Brunei | |
 Flag | |
| Capital: | Bandar Seri Begawan 4°53.417′N, 114°56.533′E
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|---|---|
| Language: | Malay |
| Currency: | Brunei Dollar (BND) |
| Timezone: | UTC+8 |
| More notes about the country | |
Overview
The Sultanate of Brunei (Full name: Negara Brunei Darussalam) is a small but - thanks to natural gas and petroleum resources - very rich country located in Southeast Asia. It is surrounded by Malaysia and has two parts physically separated by Malaysia, almost being an enclave. Strategically located on the South China Sea, close to vital sea lanes linking Indian and Pacific Oceans, it has an exclusive economic fishing zone that extends as far as Louisa Reef in the southern Spratly Islands although it makes no public territorial claim to the offshore reefs.
A constitutional sultanate, with a hereditary monarch, it is a modern example of how this form of government has stood the test of time.
NOTE: Drug trafficking and illegally importing controlled substances into Brunei are serious offenses and carry a mandatory death sentence.
Brunei Climate & Weather
Brunei's climate is tropical and very humid averaging 77-95°F (25-35°C). Sudden and heavy rain falls all year round, especially from November to February (during the NW monsoon).
Sources of weather forecasting:
Charts
Submit details of the charts required for safe navigation of the area.
Warning: Many offshore oil and gas installations make navigation difficult, especially at night. An official exclusion zone exists around all the offshore installations and vessels are advised to keep well away from these areas. Vent pipes and other unmanned installations are often unlit. Approach Brunei with extreme care.
Local Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets
Submit details of Cruiser's Nets and VHF operating/calling channels here.
Arrival/Departure procedures
Submit any details about advance notification of arrival, etc.
Immigration
Nationals from Israel are not granted a Visa for Brunei.
No visas required by nationals of the following countries: USA (for 90 days), ; and for a stay of 30 days; U.K., Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Malaysia, New Zealand, Oman, Singapore and The United Arab Emirates: For a 14 day stay; Belgium, Denmark, France, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden, Canada, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Liechtenstein, Maldives, Norway, Peru, The Philippines, Switzerland, Thailand and Vietnam.
Citizens of other EU countries require a visa.
Nationals of Australia are advised to obtain prior visas although it is possible to obtain one at the Brunei International Airport for a stay of 14 days. A full visa is necessary for longer stays.
All other nationalities require a visa in advance, which can be obtained from Brunei or British consulates.
- Proof of sufficient funds may be required.
- Passports must have a validity of at least 6 months.
Citizens from those countries requiring a visa and arriving without one, will receive a (72 hour) Transit Pass. This Transit Pass requires that you are in fact in transit, via Brunei.
See the Official Website for current details.
Fees (Aug.'08)
- Single entry Visa = B$15.00
- Multi-entry Visa = B$20.00
Customs
- Firearms and ammunition MUST be declared on arrival.
- Alcohol must be declared to customs on arrival. A non Muslim over 17 years of age may bring in not more than two bottles of liquor (about 2 litres) and twelve cans of beer for personal consumption.
- There are no restrictions on pets.
Health
Submit any health warnings/information.
Security
Details?
Ports & Popular Stops
- Bandar Seri Bagawan (Port of entry)
- Kuala Belait (Port of entry)
- Muara (Port of entry)
Offshore Islands
Details?
Cruiser's Friends
Allan Riches of Brunei Bay Radio is always willing to assist cruisers.
Brunei Bay Radio
PO Box 2234, Bandar Seri Begawan BS8674
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
Phn: 673 2 262676 Fax: 673 2 262675
Unit 105, 1st Floor, PGGMB Building
Jalan Sungai Kianggeh
Bandar Seri Begawan BS8111
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
References & Publications
Books, Guides, etc.
General
Brunei Bay Radio
1) Brunei Bay Radio now operates an extended version of SailMail - see the Email at sea section.
2) Brunei now has a small-craft shipyard for haul-out and repairs of recreational vessels; yachts, motor yachts etc. It has been operating for 18 months working on tugs, ferries, pilot boats, fishing trawlers and oil and gas support vessels. A long-term goal of myself and the local owners, my Intrepid Yachting operation has now taken on the responsibility to schedule, manage and supervise recreational vessel work. My aim in doing this is to help make the NW coast of Borneo and southern Philippines more attractive as cruising destinations, and to support the rapidly growing number of international yachts that are discovering the great anchorages, shore attractions, culture, activities and low-cost of exploring SE Asia's less commercialised areas. The shipyard is manned by experienced and qualified staff - mostly from overseas - and can therefore provide a standard of service not previously available in this region.
Duty free import of boat parts, no income tax on salaries, no sales tax or GST to add to goods or services, diesel for Bn/Sg$0.31 cents per litre (approx US$0.20 cents per litre), a great range of imported foods, embassies from around the world (Brunei is the only nation with it's capital city on the island of Borneo), and a network of flights to local, regional and international destinations, makes Brunei an attractive venue for re-supply, haul-out, on-water repairs, and a secure anchorage to leave boats while exploring ashore or travelling home for Christmas and New Year.
For enquiries about both of these services, please email Allan
Links to Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
External Links
Submit useful website links for the region
Personal Notes
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| | HOMEPAGE | Wiki Contents | SE Asia | Brunei | |
