Sultanate surprise! Brunei tiny wealthy nation oil-rich Southeast Asia surprises visitors Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah world wealthiest monarch gold-domed mosques pristine rainforests Islamic culture authentic. Bandar Seri Begawan capital Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque magnificent golden dome Italian marble lagoon boats replica 16th century royal barge stunning architecture, Jame Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque 29 golden domes largest national mosque architectural grandeur, Royal Regalia Museum Sultan gifts coronation artifacts golden chariot, Kampong Ayer Venice of East water village 30000 residents stilt houses interconnected walkways schools mosques historical cultural traditional lifestyle fascinating centuries-old settlement. Ulu Temburong National Park pristine rainforest canoe jungle trek canopy walkway 50m high breathtaking rainforest views wildlife hornbills gibbons possibly, untouched Borneo wilderness adventure, longboat rides Temburong River rapids exhilarating. Optional Malaysian Borneo extension Sabah Kinabalu Park Mount Kinabalu 4095m highest Southeast Asia flora endemic orchids pitcher plants, Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary rehabilitation orphaned apes feeding platforms close encounters conservation education, Kinabatangan River wildlife cruise proboscis monkeys endemic Borneo long noses pot-bellied endangered, pygmy elephants smallest Asia, saltwater crocodiles monitor lizards rich biodiversity. Wealthy nation affordable travel Southeast Asia hidden gem cultural Islamic experience.
Day 1:
Arrive Bandar Seri Begawan airport, transfer city hotel, afternoon Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque tour golden dome lagoon stunning architecture evening golden hour photography, walk waterfront promenade, evening Kampong Ayer water village sunset boat ride stilt houses|
Day 2:
Morning Jame Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque 29 golden domes largest Brunei, Royal Regalia Museum Sultan coronation chariot gifts artifacts, afternoon Kampong Ayer walking tour schools mosque homes traditional water village lifestyle 600 years history cultural immersion, evening local restaurant ambuyat traditional Bruneian sticky sago dish|
Day 3:
Full day Ulu Temburong National Park adventure (speedboat longboat 45min Temburong River rapids exhilarating, jungle trek boardwalks pristine rainforest, canopy walkway climb 50m high tower breathtaking views treetops wildlife watching hornbills gibbons possibly, river swimming lunch jungle resort, return evening tired fulfilled)|
Day 4:
Morning leisure shopping malls Brunei tax-free electronics gold, afternoon optional Tasek Lama reservoir park waterfall hike nature urban jungle, evening night market Gadong local food satay grilled seafood|
Day 5:
Optional day trip Bangar market local Brunei culture or leisure|
Day 6:
Morning optional activities or Borneo extension departure (fly Kota Kinabalu Malaysian Sabah for orangutan sanctuary Sepilok Kinabatangan River safari Mount Kinabalu park add 3-5 days), otherwise Brunei departure afternoon