The alarm went off at 6:00 am and we were at the bus station by 7:20 for the 8:00 am bus. Not long after arriving at the station, I heard, “Caren, what are you doing?” I turned around, it’s my BFF and her son with breakfast in hand! It was a very wonderful surprise although they probably couldn’t tell from my sick face. I’ve been feeling quite miserable. Soon, the driver said it was time to go and we hugged one more time and waved again and again.
Dim sum, steamed buns and warm soy milk. What a delicious breakfast! Thanks again, Ah Moi!
Bye, my BFF and BFF son! Thanks for coming to say goodbye and for breakfast. I miss you already! Hugs.
The bus drove away at 8:00 am and we got into Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital city of Brunei only at 5:15 pm. We should have flown – flight time is 40 minutes. We were at eight immigration points (got off and back on the bus eight times). For some reason, going from Sabah to Sarawak (both are states of Malaysia) also required going through passport control. The eight points were:
Out Sabah (Malaysia)
In Sarawak (Malaysia)
Out Sarawak (Malaysia)
In Brunei
Out Brunei
In Sarawak (Malaysia)
Out Sarawak (Malaysia)
In Brunei
Why? Brunei has two parts completely separated by the Malaysian state of Sarawak. Check out the map.
Brunei has two parts (light yellow) completely separated by the Malaysian state of Sarawak (green).
So beautiful. Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque.
I found out shortly after arriving that no alcohol is sold anywhere in Brunei. I read a tip that people can buy duty-free alcohol from Labuan (a nearby Malaysian Federal Territory) and legally bring it into Brunei. However, it cannot be consumed in public. It’s just as well because the hotel has a sign that says “No Alcohol in the Hotel”. Besides, the Brunei Dollar is pegged to the Singapore Dollar so the exchange rate is not really favorable. Thank goodness I still have my drugs! Sniffles
Brunei bills are interchangeable with Singapore bills. We gave a cashier a S$100 and got back Bruneian bills as change. Thank goodness I still have my drugs from Malaysia.
So beautiful. Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque.
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