Brunei is a world unto its own. I’ve not been down the streets of Dubai or Kuwait City but I understand it’d be something like what I’m seeing here: a very, very well organized society of opulence and methodical progress.
It’s simple: stuff just works here. It’s a sheer pleasure to be here, I tell you. Sure, it’s deadly expensive but I’m prepared to suffer a little for the opportunity to experience Brunei. My first journey was to the Indonesian Embassy to get a visa. I hold the same opinion as much of the public: it’s a fantastic waste of time and money applying for a visa, and it’s so boring I can’t even think of how to describe it. But the walk, car journey and bus ride to the embassy and back was cool – I saw this lovely city.
Having come from the Indonesian part of Borneo, Brunei feels a world apart. Same island – but different in almost every other way visible to me. I won’t be here for long, however. In the morning I’ve got to collect my visa and then head eastwards in the direction of the Philippines, before turning south once more. I’ve not been to where I’m headed next, but I dare say it won’t be as modern as the Sultanate of Brunei, will it?
I’ve heard there are 7 border crossings between Bandar Seri Begawan and the far east of Borneo island, just north of the Indonesian border. If that’s true I’ll be doing a lot of chaste country-changing. And you know what? None of the officers at any of those borders may ever know I have a lock on my privates.
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