biG essentials
biG essentials
BRUNEI useful Malay words
Image - David Kirkland Banks Banks in Brunei Darussalam are usually open Mondays to Fridays, 9am - 4pm and on Saturdays, 9am - 11am. Some banks have branches with later closing times. Islamic banks follow the same operation hours except on Fridays when they are closed for prayers between 11am - 2.30pm. Cash withdrawals and deposits can be made from Automated Teller Machines (ATM) that can be found in various shopping complexes and bank branches all over the country. ATM cards affiliated with the international Plus or Cirrus systems are accepted at most ATMs. Friday Prayer Time All retail, food and beverage outlets and business offices are closed between 12 noon and 2pm on Fridays to observe the Friday prayer time for Muslims. Credit cards They are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and major shopping complexes. Most widely accepted cards are VISA and Mastercard. Some establishments accept American Express. Money changer This service is available at the airport, banks, hotels and some licensed money changers. To cash or exchange travelers cheques, visit major international banks in the capital. Money remittance / Transfer Transferring money overseas can be done at all major banks or remittance agencies in Brunei. Telecommunications Most public phones operate on calling cards such as Hello card, Netkad and Payless. These cards can be purchased at any store and comes in $5, $10, $20 and $50 denominations. Prepaid calling cards for the two mobile telephone operators, DST and Progresif Cellular, can be purchased from their respective authorised dealers in all major shopping areas.
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Lost/stolen Passports and Credit Cards If you ever do find your passport missing, go to the nearest Police Station to lodge a police report and inform your embassy to seek further assistance. If your credit cards get lost, make sure you call your bank to cancel the cards immediately. Islamic Etiquette Although Islam is the state religion of Brunei Darussalam, it is also a country that prides itself on the diversity of its people – including their religions. Visitors are welcome to mosques, provided some etiquette is followed. In general, proper attire is required; women are required to cover their head, shoulders, and knees. Some mosques will provide simple robes and shawls to meet these standards. Shoes are to be removed before entering a mosque. Please do not pass in front of people in prayer, and do not touch the Al-Quran. Please ask for permission before taking photographs – particularly inside! Mosques are usually closed on Thursday and Friday, and during prayer times – your hotel, tour guide, or even friendly muslim locals can help you determine a good time to visit. Smoking Smoking is prohibited in both airconditioned and non air-conditioned areas in Brunei Darussalam. Smoking is banned in specific places, including government buildings, hospitals, recreational and educational centres, public transport and restaurants. Offenders could be fined. Tourist Information Centre Located at 2 places around Brunei - the arrival hall of the Brunei International Airport (opening hours 9am - 5pm) and Kg. Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery (9am - 2pm). Visitors can obtain information about Brunei and related pamphlets and maps free from here. All centres are closed between 12 noon and 2pm on Fridays to observe the Friday prayer time for Muslims.
Buses There are six bus routes servicing the BSB area: the Central Line, Circle Line, Eastern Line, Southern Line, Western Line and Northern Line. Normal operating hours are from 6.30am - 6pm. Bus fares start from B$1.00. Buses heading to other towns in Brunei such as Tutong, Kuala Belait and Seria depart from the bus terminal located at the multistorey carpark on Jalan Cator in BSB. Taxis Taxis can be found at the airport, hotels, shopping centres, and the central bus station in Bandar Seri Begawan. There are no metered taxis in Brunei, therefore it is advisable to negotiate your fare before getting into one. For your convenience it is also recommended to take you preferred taxi driver’s number to organize prearranged trips. Water Taxis Unique to Brunei, the water taxi is the most common means of transportation in Kampong Ayer. You can hail a water taxi from the numerous jetties along the banks of Brunei River. The water taxi is an ideal way to view the water village up close. Fares are negotiable but usually a standard ride costs about B$1.00. Regular boat services to Temburong operate between 7.45am to 4pm daily and a round trip costs B$15.00. Ferry Services Passenger ferry services to the Malaysian island of Labuan operate from 7am to 4pm and departs from the Serasa Terminal in Muara town. The journey takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
Good morning Good afternoon Goodnight Thank you You’re welcome What is your name? My name is … Excuse me Yes No How much? Where is the toilet? I want to go to … Turn right Turn left
Selamat pagi Selamat petang Selamat malam Terima kasih Sama-sama Siapa nama awda? Nama saya … Maafkan saya Ya Tidak Berapa? Di mana tandas? Saya mahu pergi ke... Belok ke kanan Belok ke kiri
Go straight Airport Town Home Shops Eat Drink Walk Chicken Beef Seafood Vegetables Rice 1, 2, 3...
Jalan terus Lapangan Terbang Bandar Rumah Kedai Makan Minum Jalan-jalan Ayam Daging Makanan laut Sayur-sayuran Nasi Satu, Dua, Tiga...
NUMBERS TO NOTE
FOREIGN MISSIONS
EMERGENCY
Australia | 222 9436/426
Police : 993
Bangladesh | 223 8420
Fire : 995 Ambulance : 991 Directory enquiries : 113 Darussalam Hotline : 123 FLIGHT INFORMATION General : 2331747
Cambodia | 242 6450 Canada | 222 0043 China | 233 9609
Royal Brunei Airlines 2212222, 2240500 Air Asia 2333045 Malaysian Airlines 2224141/2, 2223074 Singapore Airlines 2244901/2/3/4 Cebu Pacific Air 2222666, 2227965, 2239888 MEDICAL SERVICES RIPAS Hospital 2242424 Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC) 2611433 Gleneagles JPMC 2611212 Tutong Hospital 4221336 Ext 991
Tel: (673) 245 7700
France | 222 0969/961 Germany | 222 5574 India | 233 9685
AIRLINES
Unit 1.45B, First Floor The Mall, Abdul Razak Complex Gadong, Brunei, BE3519
Indonesia | 233 0180 Japan | 222 9265/6867
Opening Hours: 10am - 10pm www.missha.net
Korea | 233 0248 Laos | 238 4382 Malaysia | 238 1095/1097 Myanmar | 245 1960/1965
ADVERT SPACE
Pakistan | 242 4600 Philippines | 224 1465/1466 Russia | 261 2142 Saudi Arabia | 279 2822/2823 Singapore | 226 2714/2742 Thailand | 265 3108 United Kingdom | 222 2231 USA | 238 4616 Vietnam | 265 1580/1587
Kuala Belait Hospital 3332366 Ext 991 Temburong Hospital 5221526 Ext 127 Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
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