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ASIAN TOURISM GUIDE 2012/2013 9BruneiGeneral overviewOfficial name Brunei DarussalamCapital B<strong>and</strong>ar Seri BegawanPopulation 408,786Total area 5,765km 2Currency Brunei dollarOfficial language Malay, though Englishis widely spokenBrunei is expected to welcome 269,989 tourists by the end of 2012, <strong>and</strong>grow that figure to 300,936 in 2013.According to Brunei Tourism, eight out of 10 top source markets forthe destination in the first four months of 2012 are in Asia.Malaysia topped the chart with 18,843 tourist arrivals between January<strong>and</strong> April. While an exact year-on-year comparison with 2011 is notavailable, NTO data revealed that arrivals from Malaysia in 1Q2011 hadnumbered 22,044.For the same period in 2012, China claimed second spot, contributing10,909 footfalls to Brunei’s total arrivals. In 1Q2011, there were 12,238Chinese travellers to Brunei.Meanwhile, in terms of <strong>tourism</strong> infrastructure, no new hotels are slatedto open in Brunei in 2013.ClimateAverage temperatureAverage rainfallAverage humidity23˚C to 34˚C3,200mm98 per centBest time to visitBrunei is open to international visitors all year round.There is no seasonality in room rates <strong>and</strong> rooms areeasy to secure at any time of the year, except during ChineseNew Year. During this festive period, travellers areadvised to book accommodation in advance.Visitor arrival <strong>statistics</strong>While half of Brunei’s top 10 <strong>tourism</strong> source marketsare ASEAN nations, overall arrivals from this region haddipped 9.5 per cent in 1Q2012 over the same period in2011. Nonetheless, the ASEAN bloc still accounts for thelion’s share of tourist arrivals to Brunei.Total tourist arrivals2010 214,290, +36.1 per cent2011 242,061, +13 per cent2012 (Target) 269,989, +11.5 per centAverage length of stay for top 10 marketsThree daysBRUNEIB<strong>and</strong>ar Seri Begaan •MALAYSIAINDONESIAContinued from previous columnTop 10 source markets in 2012 (January to April)Countries 2012China 10,909Indonesia 6,703Philippines 6,495Singapore 4,961UK/ Irel<strong>and</strong> 4,377Australia 4,308North America 2,128Thail<strong>and</strong> 1,393Hong Kong 759Source: Brunei TourismB<strong>and</strong>ar SeriBegawanSarawak,MalaysiaSabah,MalaysiaNTO targetBrunei Tourism is targeting 300,936 arrivals in 2013.Hotel <strong>statistics</strong>Most hotels in Brunei had maintained their contractualrates in 2012, <strong>and</strong> a majority did not impose peak seasonsurcharges. Published rates are also consistent in mosthotels throughout the year.hotels in Brunei. It opened in March 2011. The BruneiHotel in B<strong>and</strong>ar Seri Begawan reopened a month earlier,after closing its doors for a massive renovation.There were no new hotel openings in 2012, <strong>and</strong> nonehave been sceduled for 2013.Average occupancy rate2011 2012Hotels across B<strong>and</strong>ar Seri Begawan 55% 55%Four-star hotels in B<strong>and</strong>ar Seri Begawan 50% 50%Five-star hotels in B<strong>and</strong>ar Seri Begawan 45% 50%Source: Various trade sourcesAverage room rate (ARR)2011 2012Five-star hotels B$195 B$250Four-star hotels B$120 B$160Source: Various trade sourcesNew attractions/<strong>tourism</strong> infrastructureTaman Kulimambang Butterfly Garden, located withinTasek Merimbun Heritage Park in Tutong district,opened in July 2012. The attraction is managed by theBrunei Museums Department <strong>and</strong> houses around 100butterflies of different species.Diving is a new attraction that is being promoted by BruneiTourism. There are more than 10 dive sites in Brunei.There are good, shallow coral dives perfect for inexperienceddivers, as well as more challenging reef <strong>and</strong> wreckdives. Shipwrecks scattered between Brunei <strong>and</strong> the Malaysianisl<strong>and</strong> of Labuan are mostly in pristine conditiondue to little dive activity.www.ponidivers.comwww.oceanic-quest.comwww.thebananahutbrunei.comKey events <strong>and</strong> festivals 2013Hari Raya at Istana Nurul Iman (2 nd to 4 th day of HariRaya Aidilfitri, in August 2013)Visitors are offered the rare opportunity to stepinto Istana Nurul Iman, the largest residentialpalace in the world, during the Hari Raya Aidilfitrifestive period. The Sultan <strong>and</strong> members ofthe Royal Family will personally greet <strong>and</strong> welcome allguests.Brunei Open (July 25-28)The sporting event began in 2005 as part of the AsianTour golf tournament, <strong>and</strong> is held annually at The EmpireHotel & Country Club’s Jack Nicklaus-designed golfcourse. To date, the Brunei Open has attracted many ofAsia’s top players to the destination.www.brunei<strong>tourism</strong>.travelEssentials in the cityFood Brunei’s traditional ambuyat is made from sago<strong>and</strong> eaten with a bamboo fork called a ch<strong>and</strong>as. Ambuyathas no flavour on its own <strong>and</strong> so it is usually servedalongside a variety of dips, condiments, meats, soups<strong>and</strong> greens.Quirky Visit a tamu for an authentic Bruneian social experience<strong>and</strong> a full-on feast for the senses. These al frescomarkets have a long history in Brunei <strong>and</strong> are a kaleidoscopeof colours, smells <strong>and</strong> sounds.Tipping policy Tipping is usually not expected in Brunei.Some establishments include a service tax, otherwise, themarket rate is 10 per cent of the total bill if service warrantsit.Shopping Brunei is famous for its high quality Bruneibrocade (kain tenunan) such as the jong saratbrocade. Options are plenty at Arts <strong>and</strong> H<strong>and</strong>icraftCentre at Jalan Residency, B<strong>and</strong>ar Seri Begawan.Top 10 source markets in 2012 (January to April)Countries 2012Malaysia 18,843Continued next columnEstimated room count in BruneiOverall number of rooms 3,000Number of four-star rooms 1,000Number of five-star rooms 650New hotels in 2012, 2013The 112-room Times Hotel Brunei is one of the newestHow to maximise two hours of free time Make a photostop at Istana Nurul Iman, <strong>and</strong> conclude the brief excursionwith a visit to picturesque Kampong Ayer, where traditionalhouses with wooden walkways are built on stilts<strong>and</strong> st<strong>and</strong> over water.Insider’s tip for a half-day off Start with some retail