In the 15th century, Islamic Sultanate of Brunei nominally in control of Borneo, including Sabah and Sarawak state of Malaysia, and some parts of the Sulu Islands in the Philippines.
In 1888, Brunei became a British protectorate and was assigned a British Resident as colonial manager in 1906. After the Japanese occupation during the world war 2, in 1959 a new constitution was written. In 1962, a small armed rebellion against the monarchy was ended with the help of the British. Brunei was the only Malay state in 1963 chose to remain so, rather than join the federation that became Malaysia.
Full independence came relatively late in 1984.
Members of the royal family, led by the head of state Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, possess huge private fortunes. Bruneians pay no income tax. The Sultan regularly allocates land lots and housing to deserving residents under various government schemes.
The Sultan of Brunei is one of the world’s longest reigning and few remaining absolute monarchs. He was crowned in August 1968 following the abdication of his father, Sir Haji Omar Ali Saifuddin.
Upon Brunei’s independence in 1984, he appointed himself Prime Minister in 1991, introduced an ideology called Malay Muslim Monarchy, which presented the monarch as the defender of the faith.
He is one of the world’s richest individual and in the country where the standard of living is high, appears to enjoy genuine popularity amongst his subjects. More recently however, he has faced criticism over the introduction of Islamic Sharia law in the country. In the wake of international condemnation, the sultan said that a moratorium on carrying out the death penalty would be applied as it had been for more than two decades in common law cases.
Brunei is now a tiny nation on the island of Borneo, in 2 distinct sections surrounded by Malaysia and the South China Sea. It’s known for its beaches and biodiverse rainforest, much of it protected within reserves. The capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, is home to the opulent Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque and its 29 golden domes. The capital’s massive Istana Nurul Iman Palace is the residence of Brunei’s ruling Sultan who is one of the richest men in the world.
Depending on season, we will source for the best available 4-star city hotel at the quoted price.