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This enchanting kingdom is presided overby a beloved and benevolent Sultan, HisMajesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, considered the world’s wealthiest monarch,and descended from an unbroken royal lineage dating back to the early 15th century.It provides generously for the welfare of its383,000 inhabitants, exempting them fromincome tax and providing universal education and medical care virtually free.

With over two-thirds of the population professing the Islamic faith, Brunei is governed according to the national philosophy of the Malay Islamic Monarchy,which encompasses respect and attachmentfor age-old Malay traditions and culture,reverence for the monarchy and its members,and the pious but tolerant practice of Islam.

Romantic history

Its vast stretches of virgin tropical rainforest,rich Malay culture and traditions, and a history reading like the pages of an adventureepic, replete with tales of sultans, princesses,pirates, headhunters and swashbucklingEuropean adventurers, are some of thecountry’s most charming traits.

This slice of paradise is packed with a varietyof easy-to-reach attractions, such as tinyBandar Seri Begawan, probably South EastAsia’s loveliest capital, a green, airy and wellmaintained garden city free of the crowds,

traffic jams, pollution, noise and trepidationfound in the region’s other main centres.

Bandar Seri Begawan, often referred to simply as Bandar or BSB, has the world’slargest water village, Kampong Ayer, wheresome 30,000 people still live in woodenhouses on stilts. Linked by water taxis tothe mainland, they combine an age-oldlifestyle with the modern amenities provided by the wealth of the country.

Overlooking Kampong Ayer is one of theregion’s architectural wonders, the majesticSultan Omar Ali Saifuddien mosque, withits beautiful gilded minarets. Further downby the river sits the impressive Istana NurulImam – the Sultan’s home, the world’sbiggest residential palace, with 1,788 rooms.It opens to citizens and visitors alike onlyonce a year, during the celebrations markingthe end of the fasting month of Ramadan.

Pomp and circumstance

Bandar and its surroundings have a number of fascinating museums, includingthe opulent Royal Regalia Museum, whichgives an insight into the decorum and

Brunei –Royal experience in the Abode of Peace

Soas mosque

Iban girl

The oil-rich Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam (Brunei, the Abode of Peace) is an aptly named gem of a

destination, nestled on the northern shores of the huge island of Borneo, which it once ruled, along with

parts of the southern Philippines.

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pomp of the Brunei royalty. In addition,there are lively day and night markets,many parks and nature reserves, and aseemingly endless supply of restaurants,coffee houses and shopping areas. Theseinclude many modern complexes anddepartment stores, such as the impressiveYayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah indowntown Bandar, and the new Mall in the commercial area of Gadong.

Bandar is located in the Brunei-Muara district, the smallest but most populated of the four in Brunei. Outside Bandar, in theTutong and Belait districts, but never too fardue to the country’s small size, a number ofnatural and cultural attractions can be easily visited on day trips, among them thehauntingly beautiful Merinbun lake, blackwater surrounded by jungle, a haven oftranquillity recognised as an ASEAN nationalheritage site. Visitors will also find nativelonghouses near Labi, as well as the oil-producing areas of Kuala Belait and Seria,plus the numerous forest and naturereserves dotting the country.

Eco-tourism and adventure

Serious nature lovers will head across theBrunei bay to the district of Temburong,separated from the rest of Brunei by theLimbang Division in Malaysia’s state ofSarawak. Temburong is the least populated,

hilliest and most jungle covered district inBrunei, home to many native longhousesand to some of Asia’s best nature reservesand field study centres. These include UluTemburong National Park and the KualaBelalong Field Study Centre. Together, theyoffer an array of eco-tourism and adventureactivities.

So much pristine nature means Brunei canboast some of the freshest and purest airand one of the least polluted environmentsanywhere.

But it is not just about rainforests. There are a number of good business and touristhotels allowing for comfortable stays,beaches and islands in the South China Sea, watersports and white-water activities,wreck and reef diving, sport fishing, rockclimbing, mountain biking, world class golf,polo and horse riding.

Such pastimes are complemented by invigorating health spas, outdoor andindoor playgrounds to keep the kids entertained, surprisingly good shopping,delicious local and international fare, andseveral state-of-the-art meeting, conference,convention and exhibition venues. Themedical and educational facilities are firstclass, the scenic road network is almosttraffic free, and there are interesting business and investment opportunities.

The jewels in the crown of Brunei’s man-made attractions are the enormousJerudong Park, a fairyland playground builtby the royal family for the enjoyment oflocals and visitors, and the nearby EmpireHotel. An exquisite 7-star property, it comescomplete with private beach, golf course,children’s playground, theatre, Cineplex,bowling alley, some 10 food and beverageoutlets, and a number of suites at astro-nomical rates - affordable only to royalty or the rich and famous.

Value for money

With all this, Brunei is not exactly a budgetdestination. But it still offers good value formoney, with a range of accommodation andfood outlets, while most tourist attractionsare free or charge nominal fees, and organised tours are reasonably priced.

Brunei, some 5 degrees north of the equator, enjoys a warm and humid tropicalclimate year round, and has no markedrainy season. There is no risk of typhoons,earthquakes or volcanic activity. Brunei isalso free of malaria and most other tropicaldiseases, has a stable government, and isone of the safest places on earth, with alow crime rate, and stiff anti-gun and anti-drug laws that include a ban on alcoholsales and consumption, except in private bynon-Muslims. There is no internal strife, andborder and immigration controls are tight.

Whether for its golden Royal heritage, itsmany treasures or its warm and friendlypeople, Brunei is a new and fresh destinationfor the discerning traveller.

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The Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III Mosque, Located on the Bandar Seri Begawan

Waterfall

Water taxis at Yayasan Jetty



According to preliminary estimates, AsiaPacific was the best performing destinationin the world in the first four months of2007, with international tourist arrivals upalmost 9% overall, compared with +8% forthe whole of 2006.

Only one of the four subregions, Oceania(+2%), bucked the strong growth trend fromJanuary through April. The highest increasein arrivals was recorded by South Asia(+12%), while South East Asia (+9%) andNorth East Asia (+9%) sustained the healthygrowth trends seen in 2006.

A main contributor to the latter’s sustainedgrowth was a 10% increase in internationalarrivals for the region’s leading destination,China. This was accompanied by a 12% rise

in international tourism receipts. Accordingto inbound tour operators, long-haul bookings have been better than in 2006.There are also signs that because of the2008 Olympic Games, some decided to visit China this year.

Double-digit growth

Other destinations in the sub region recording double-digit growth were Japan(+11%) and Macau (+21%). The depreciationof the yen has favoured Japan’s inboundand domestic tourism at the expense ofoutbound travel, but the growth in demandfrom neighbouring countries, such as China,Taiwan and the Republic of Korea, is alsoattributed to strong local currencies and to successful marketing.

Gaming continues to be an important drawfor visitors to Macau, but a long list of otherevents, new low-cost airline services, and anew ‘express link’ check-in for travellersfrom Hong Kong, have also boosted demand.

Hong Kong’s more modest 3% increase isattributed in part to a slowdown in growthfrom mainland Chinese tour groups. TheRepublic of Korea managed to attract only1% growth, despite visitor receipts rising by12% over the period, while Taiwan recordeda 4% rise.

Like North East Asia, South East Asia’s growthis also estimated at 9% over the first four

Asia PacificSeeking to sustain a great start to the year

Wet and wild: dragon boat racing in Singapore

With regional superstars China and India leading the way, Asia Pacific was the star performer for

international tourism in the first quarter of this year. Its diverse cultures, beautiful scenery and mega

cities underpinned by promotional expertise, it shows every sign of continuing to out-perform its rivals

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Asia PacificInternational Tourism Receipts 2006 Top Ten Countries (US$ Billion). Source: UNWTO

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months of 2007. Strong performers includedCambodia (+19%) – attributed to the government’s e-visa scheme, improvedinfrastructure and services, and new openskies policies. In addition, there have beenagreements covering overland and waterroutes; there is, for example, now a goodroad connection from Vietnam.

Continued optimism in the Greater Mekongsub region has also helped Vietnam (+13%)and Lao PDR to blossom as tourism destinations. Lao PDR, with its recentlyreopened Vieng Xai caves, has receivedmuch international media attention, andVietnam’s tourism has been given a muchhigher profile in a new Five-Year Plan.

Thailand stays steady

Thailand’s results – +6% through March –are satisfactory, in spite of challenging conditions, such as the uncertain politicalsituation, the New Year bombings in the

capital, and the unrest in the south of thecountry, as well as problems with Bangkok’snew Suvarnabhumi Airport. Arrivals fromChina appear to be down and demand fromsome other parts of Asia has also been slow,although European business is doing well.

Indonesia recorded a 14% increase inarrivals – thanks in no small part to the factthat Bali had its best first quarter on recordin terms of direct foreign arrivals, anddespite floods in Jakarta. Malaysia (+10%)and the Philippines (+7%) also performedwell, but Singapore’s 4% growth was wellbelow average. Nevertheless, improvementsin the Clark Quay entertainment district,with upmarket restaurants and clubs, areshowing positive results.

South Asia’s excellent performance (+12%)can be attributed largely to India’s 12%arrivals increase for the first five months

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Bells of Borobodur: monuments in Java, Indonesia

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Asia PacificInternational Tourist Arrivals 2006 Top Ten Countries (Million). Source: UNWTO

Did you know?

� Three of the world’s five longesttunnels are in Japan, with a combinedlength of over 100km.

� The 345 km Taiwan High Speed Raillink between Taipei and Kaohsiung hasan operational speed of 300km/hr(186mph).

� Australia is more than 30 times the size of the UK but has less than one-third of its population.

� A tortoise given to the King of Tongaby Captain Cook in the 1770s lived to be172 years old.

� More than 150 locations around NewZealand were used in the filming of theLord of the Rings.

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WELCOME TO THE WORLD’S BEST TOURISM ANDVALUE-FOR-MONEY DESTINATIONLast year, Malaysia was voted as the World’s Best Tourism and Value-For-Money Destination by Global Travelermagazine and the Swiss bank UBS, respectively. Malaysia was also voted the “Best Eco-Tourism Destination”in the Travel Weekly Asia Industry Awards 2007. These are world-acclaimed accolades that we’re veryproud of and endeavour to live up to every day, especially in Visit Malaysia Year, as we celebrate our 50th year of independence in One Golden Celebration. The time is indeed now. The place is definitelyMalaysia. We invite all delegates and members of the tourism and travel industry to celebrate with usin Malaysia and discover all the wonders of Asia in one exciting destination.

www.tourismmalaysia.gov.mywww.malaysiatravelmarket.com

For more information, contact Tourism Malaysia London 020-7930 7932, email [email protected] contact your travel agent for travel booking to Malaysia.

Visit us at Booth Number AS6400at the World Travel Mart 2007

The Official Destination Partner for Manchester United

HOME TO


of the year. Industrial, commercial and ITservices development is keeping hotelspacked with business travellers and thecountry has successfully promoted itsIncredible India! campaign to the leisuremarket. A peaceful image, linked to theteaching of tantric Buddhism, also seems to have been a continuing draw for Bhutan(+14%), together with the country’s colourfulculture, and protected natural environment.

Indian Ocean on a roll

In the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles performed strongly, with a 16% increase,and Mauritius was up 18% – largely due to the liberalisation of air transport andaggressive marketing. Reunion Island isdeveloping as a leisure, shopping and conference destination. Sri Lanka’s tourism(-20%), however, has once again sufferedfrom unrest in the country.

Demand from new emerging markets isexpected to boost tourist numbers in SouthAsia, India still expects demand to outstripcapacity in key centres, and Nepal recordedan impressive 42% increase in the first fewmonths of this year.

Increased commitment to tourism by governments in South East and North East Asia, as well as greater sub regionalcooperation, should result in better marketing and improved product develop-ment. Malaysia, for example, could benefitthrough government promotion of VisitMalaysia Year 2007.

Positive factors contributing to projectedgrowth in China’s tourist arrivals includeincreased international flights, more convenient online sales, low-cost airlines

in Asia Pacific opening up routes to thecountry, and the continued growth of international trade.

China is expected to continue posting double-digit growth for Japan, helped by amultitude of special events to commemorate35 years of China-Japan relations, as well asby the depreciating yen. Macau has againbeen organising a whole host of events toattract those not interesting in gambling,including the Macau Golf Open, theInternational Dragon Boat Races, and the Macau Grand Prix. The Crown Macaoopened in May, the Venetian Macao ResortHotel in August, giving the Chinese SpecialAdministrative Region a strong foothold inthe meetings sector. The Macau

Government Tourist Office and VisaInternational also launched a jointpromotional programme, ‘ExperienceMacau with Visa’, to encourage visitorspending.

Moderate growth in Australasia

While inbound tourism to Australia (+4%)and New Zealand (+3%) continues to growat a moderate pace, some Pacific Islandshave shown good increases, the CookIslands (+7%), French Polynesia (+9%),Samoa (+10%) and Palau (+4%).Australian experts from the UNWTO Panel cite new airlines and services withcompetitive pricing as a big draw for foreignand domestic tourists alike, as well as stable interest rates and more moderatefuel prices.

Most markets are up for New Zealand,although Japan continues to be weak. Alonger finish than usual to the high season,and a marginal increase in average lengthof stay in March, have also improved yieldper visitor. However, the stronger NewZealand dollar has had a definite impacton inbound demand.

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Regal roof: Royal Palace of the Minangkabau in Sumatra

Swagman’s sunset: Olgas day ends in Australia’s Northern TerritoryFine China: sugar loaf mountains on the Li River in Yangshuo

Caution, cart: typical sign in Asia Pacific

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Did you know?

� All police officers in Beijing will haveto be conversant in Russian, Japanese,Arabic and English in time for the 2008Olympic Games.

� India has 67,550 miles of railway track.

� Average annual GDP growth in Chinabetween 1997 and 2006 was 8%.

� Hong Kong had spent US$2.3 billionby the beginning of this year on upgrad-ing tourist attractions and facilities.

� Visitors to the temples of Angkor,Cambodia’s greatest treasure, grew by80% between 2001 and 2004.

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Who’s who in Asia Pacific

Tourism AustraliaGeneral Manager, Europe: Rodney HarrexT: 020 7438 4601E: [email protected]: www.tourism.australia.com

Tourism New ZealandT: 020 7930 1662E: [email protected]: www.newzealand.com

China National Tourist OfficeDirector: Xiang ShiT: 020 7373 0888E: [email protected]: www.cnta.gov.cn

Fiji Visitors bureauSales and Marketing Manager: Sarah BrooksT: 020 7202 6378W: www.bulafiji.com

Hong Kong Tourism BoardDirector: Sue WhiteheadT: 020 7533 7100E: [email protected]: www.discoverhongkong.com

Government of India Tourist OfficeDirector: Manas PattanaikT: 020 7437 3677E: [email protected]: www.incredibleindia.org

Japan National tourist OrganisationDirector: Tetuya OkueaT: 020 7734 9638E: [email protected]: www.seejapan.co.uk

Korea National Tourist OrganisationDirector: Mr K KimT: 020 7321 2535E: [email protected]: www.tour2korea.com

Tourism MalaysiaDirector: Razip HasanT: 020 7930 7932E: [email protected]: www.malaysiamydestination.com

Philippines Department of TourismT: 020 7835 1100; E: [email protected]: www.dotpcvc.gov.ph

Singapore Tourism BoardT: 020 7484 2710; E: [email protected]: www.stb.com.sg; visitsingapore.com

Sri Lanka Tourism Board Director: Jean-Marc FlambertT: 0845 880 6333E: [email protected]: www.srilankatourism.org.uk

Tahiti TourismeT: 020 7367 0933E: [email protected]: www.tahiti-tourisme.co.uk

Taiwan tourism bureauEurope Marketing Manager: Josephine HuangT: 49 69 610 743E: [email protected]: www.taiwan.net.tw

Tourism Authority of ThailandT: 020 7935 2511E: [email protected]: www.tourismthailand.org

Crown jewel: floodlit Mysore Palace in India

Bedecked bus: frequent sight in Pakistan

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