Brunei is 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 tiny sultanate of Brunei is just a remnant of a naval empire that once ruled all of Borneo and part of the present-day Philippines. Nevertheless, this quiet Darussalam (Arabic for 'abode of peace') has the largest oilfields in Southeast Asia (though they're due to run dry in 30 years).
Look beneath the surface of this tightly regulated sultanate and you'll see the wisely conserved wildness of its natural environment. Thanks to the money generated by the oilfields, Brunei hasn't turned its rainforests into palm-oil plantations. Old-growth, primary forest abounds, especially in verdant Ulu Temburong National Park.
A Brunei Darussalam tourist visa will be given to people who wish to travel the country for tourism purposes. The single entry visa will be valid only for 30 days from the day of issue for the sole purpose of tourism