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Food & Drink :
European food is served in hotel restaurants,
along with Malaysian, Chinese and Indian dishes. Local food is similar
to Malay cuisine with fresh fish and rice, often quite spicy. Alcohol
is prohibited.
Shopping :
Special purchases include handworked
silverware, brassware and bronzeware such as jugs, trays, gongs,
boxes, napkin rings, spoons and bracelets; and fine handwoven sarongs,
baskets and mats of pandan leaves. Shopping centres at Bandar Seri
Begawan, Seria and Kuala Belait offer local products and imported
items. The ‘Tamu’ Night Market in Bandar Seri Begawan is open from
early morning to late at night and sells many fruits, spices, poultry
and vegetables, as well as antiques. Food is available there at the
lowest prices in town. Shopping hours : Mon-Sat 0800-2100.
Special Events :
Most festivals are religious celebrations or
mark the anniversaries of important historical events. For a complete
list of special events, contact Brunei Tourism (see Contact Addresses
section). The following is a selection of special events celebrated
annually in Brunei: Jan 22-24 Chinese New Year. Feb 23
National Day Celebrations. Nov 14-16 Hari Raya Haji (End of
Ramadan).
Social Conventions :
Shoes should be removed
when entering Muslim homes and institutions and visitors should not
pass in front of a person at prayer or touch the Koran, the Muslim
holy book. Traditionally, a Bruneian shakes hands lightly, bringing
his hands to his chest. However, any physical contact between members
of opposite sexes is avoided. Non-Muslims should not be found in the
company of a Muslim member of the opposite sex in private: sexual
contact, or even compromising behaviour, between non-Muslims and
Muslims is punishable by deportation. There are many honorific titles
in Brunei: Awang (abbreviated to Awg), for instance, is generally used
in the same way as the English ‘Mr’; Dayang (Dyg) is equivalent to
‘Ms’ or ‘Mrs’. Food may be served without cutlery: eat using the right
hand only. Avoid giving or receiving with the left hand or pointing
the soles of one’s feet towards companions. Gifts (particularly food)
should only be passed with the right hand, although it is acceptable
to use the left hand under the right wrist for support. It is also
considered impolite to point with the index finger (the right thumb
should be used instead) or to beckon someone with your fingers (the
whole hand should be waved instead, with the palm facing downwards).
The right fist should never be smacked into the left palm, and
children (or adults) should not be patted on the head. It is widely
regarded as discourteous to refuse refreshment when it is offered by a
host, or to eat or drink in public places, especially during Ramadan
when Muslims are fasting. Dress is informal except for special
occasions. Women should ensure that their head, knees and arms are
covered. Tipping : Most hotels and restaurants add
10 per cent to the bill. |
